FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] The present invention relates to a double pole switch. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a double pole switch for automobiles that may be operated in either
direction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] In the past few decades there has been a tremendous advancement in automation
industry. This advancement cannot be limited to any specific area such as building high speed
engines, or building fuel efficient vehicles etc., but has been an around growth. Despite of the
tremendous growth, it has been a challenge for the automation engineers to come up with new,
efficient, robust, stylish and compact design/technologies for the vehicles. Specifically, in case
of two wheelers where a rider must have all the controls like lights, brake, brake light, and other
important functions operative through a design that is not only compact but easily operative so as
to provide a safe and steady ride. As a result, automation engineers always come up with new
design/technologies comprising maximum numbers of functions/controls mounted on limited
number of panels and switches of the vehicle.
[0003] In conventional technology automation switches are based on single circuit
principle i.e. one circuit per switch that allows one function to be operative at a time in a vehicle.
Even though, if the switch in a vehicle is configured to operate two circuits, only one of the
circuits can be operated at given time as these switches can function only in one position. This
leads to an option of either using separate switches for different functions that may lead the rider
to operate different functions via different switches. The second option is to use a switch with
two circuits, where only one circuit at a time is operative that makes no sense. The solution to
above problem lies in a switch that functions in both positions and can operate two circuits i.e.
one in normally closed position and the other in normally open position.
[0004] Thus, there exist a need, for a switch that can operate plurality of circuits i.e. one
in normally open position and the other in normally closed position.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0005] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a double pole switch for automobiles.
The switch comprising housing, a retractable plunger placed at top surface of the housing such
that the plunger includes a distal end placed inside the housing and a proximal end placed outside
the housing. The switch further includes a first micro-switch and a second micro-switch
mounted at bottom surface of the housing and a cam unit mounted above the first and the second
micro-switch, using a torsion spring. The cam unit comprising a first flange located between the
first micro-switch and the distal end of the retractable plunger, wherein downward movement of
the first flange activates the first micro-switch and a second flange located above the second
micro-switch, wherein downward movement of the second flange activates the second microswitch.
[0006] In another aspect, the cam unit further comprise a ring structure that allows the
torsion spring to mount the cam unit to the housing. Further, the first flange and the second
flange are attached to the ring structure on opposite sides and separated by an angular distance.
[0007] In yet another aspect, the cam unit is mounted inside the housing using the torsion
spring such that, downward movement of first flange results in upward movement of the second
flange and downward movement of second flange results in upward movement of the first flange
[0008] In still another aspect, the downward movement of the first flange is actuated by
pressing the proximal end of the retractable plunger that causes the distal end of the retractable
plunger to move in downward direction which in turn actuates the downward movement of the
first flange leading to the activation of the first micro-switch.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the downward movement of the second flange is actuated
by release of proximal end of the retractable plunger that causes the first flange to move in
upward direction and the second flange to move in downward direction leading to the activation
of the second micro-switch.
[0010] In still another aspect, the first micro-switch is connected to a first circuit and the
second micro-switch is connected to a second circuit of the automobile.
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[0011] In yet another aspect, the first micro-switch and the second micro-switch are
placed at a predefined distance.
[0012] In still another aspect, the retractable plunger comprises a stopper attached above
the distal end, wherein said stopper controls the movement of retractable plunger.
[0013] In yet another aspect, downward movement of the retractable plunger is restricted
by the first flange and upward movement of the retractable plunger is restricted by the stopper.
[0014] In still another aspect, the proximal end of the retractable plunger is sealed to the
top surface of the housing using a rubber cap.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0015] The main object, of the present invention is to provide a switch configured to
operate two circuits in a vehicles, such that one circuit is operative in normally open position and
the other circuit being operative in normally closed position.
[0016] Another main object, of the present invention is to design a switch for vehicles
with a life cycle as long as 50000 cycles.
[0017] Yet another object, of the present invention is to design a switch configured to
operative two circuits, wherein both the circuits may have different current load.
[0018] Still another object, of the present invention is to design a low ampere double
pole/ double circuit switch for vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0019] The features of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the
appended claims. The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages,
will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present
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invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanied
drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0020] Fig. 1a illustrates front view of a double pole switch, according to various
embodiments.
[0021] Fig. 1b illustrates front view of a double pole switch with first micro-switch
activated, according to various embodiments.
[0022] Fig 1c illustrates front view of a double pole switch with second micro-switch
activated, according to various embodiments.
[0023] Fig. 1d illustrates front view of a double pole switch, showing mounting member
for cam unit, according to various embodiments.
[0024] Fig. 1e illustrates plunger of the switch sealed using a protective jacket, according
to various embodiments.
[0025] Fig. 2a illustrates perspective view of cam unit, according to various
embodiments.
[0026] Fig. 2b illustrates top view of cam unit, according to various embodiments.
[0027] Fig. 3 discloses back view of a double pole switch, according to various
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0028] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be
described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
[0029] Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and
inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention reside in the double pole switch
for automobiles accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are
pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
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disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having
benefit of the description herein.
[0030] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of
components does not include only those components but may include other components not
expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a
system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0031] Fig 1A illustrates front view of double pole switch 100 for automobiles, with top
cover removed. The switch 100 comprising a housing 102, wherein the housing 102 may be
composed of durable plastic or other such material. A retractable plunger 104 placed at top
surface of the housing 102 such that distal end 106 of the plunger 104 is placed inside the
housing 102 and proximal end 108 of the plunger 104 is placed outside the housing 102. In an
embodiment, the retractable plunger 104 may be configured to move in downward direction on
application of pressure and in upward direction on release of pressure. Specifically in an
embodiment, the plunger 104 may be configured to move partly inside the housing 102 on
application of pressure at the proximal end 108 and partly outside the housing 102 on release of
such pressure. In particular, said plunger 104 may be mounted at the top surface of the housing
102 via a socket 110, wherein the socket 110 may be engaged at the top surface of the housing
102. The socket 110 includes a hollow passage (not shown) for the engagement of the plunger
104 such that, the plunger 104 remains partially outside the housing 102 and partially inside the
housing 102.
[0032] Switch 100 further comprises a first micro-switch 112 and a second microswitch
114 mounted at bottom surface of the housing 102 and a cam unit 116 mounted above the
first micro-switch 112 and the second micro-switch 114 via a torsion spring 118. Said cam unit
116 further comprising a first flange 120 located between the first micro-switch 112 and the
distal end 106 of the retractable plunger 104 and a second flange 122 located above the second
micro-switch 114. Both these flanges are attached to a ring structure 124 of the cam unit 116,
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which allows the torsion spring 118 to mount the cam unit 116 to the housing 102. In an
embodiment, the torsion spring 118 may be used to mount the cam unit 116 to the housing 102
such that the cam unit 116 is free to rotate around its axis in either direction. Specifically, the
first flange 120 and the second flange 122 are located at the opposite sides of the ring structure
124 separated by an angle α, wherein the angle α defined between the first flange 120 and the
second flange 122 be such that it allows the first flange 120 and the second flange 122 to move
freely over the first and the second micro-switch (112, 114) respectively.
[0033] The downward movement of the first flange 120 and the second flange 122 inside
the cam unit 116 allows the first micro-switch 112 and the second micro-switch 114 to be
activated respectively. In particular, for activation the first micro-switch 112 and the second
micro-switch 114 include a first push button 126 and a second push button 128 at their top
surfaces respectively. In an embodiment, the first micro-switch 112 may be activated by
downward movement of the first flange 120. The downward movement of the first flange 120 is
triggered by pressing the proximal end 108 of the plunger 104, which causes the plunger 104 to
move inside the housing 102 and thus leading the distal end 106 of the retractable plunger 104 to
move in downward direction. As the distal end 106 of the plunger 104 moves downward it leads
the first flange 120 to move in downward direction and thus activating the first micro-switch
112. Specifically in an embodiment, the downward movement of first flange 120 triggers the
first push button 126 of the first micro-switch 112 and thus leading to the activation of first
micro-switch 112.
[0034] In another embodiment, the second micro-switch 114 may be activated by
downward movement of the second flange 122. The downward movement of the second flange
122 is actuated by releasing the proximal end 108 of the plunger 104, which causes the plunger
104 to move outside the housing 102 and thus leading the distal end 106 of the retractable
plunger 104 to move in upward direction. As the distal end 106 of the plunger 104 moves
upward, it leads the first flange 120 to move in upward direction and the second flange 122 to
move in downward direction. In particular, the cam unit 116 is mounted inside the housing 102
such that, the downward movement of the first flange 120 leads to the upward movement of the
second flange 122 and downward movement of the second flange 122 leads to the upward
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movement of the first flange 120. Once, the second flange 122 moves downward the second
micro-switch 114 is activated. Specifically in an embodiment, the downward movement of
second flange 122 triggers the second push button 128 of the second micro-switch 114 and thus
leading to the activation of second micro-switch 114.
[0035] Fig. 1b illustrates front view of the switch 100 in a normally close position. As
shown in figure 1 b, in normally close position, the plunger 104 may be pressed externally by
applying force at the proximal end 108. On pressing the proximal end 108, the plunger 104
moves in downward direction. Specifically, on application of pressure over the proximal end
108 the plunger 104 moves partially inside the housing 102. As the plunger 104 moves
partially inside the housing 102, the distal end 106 of the plunger 104 is moved in downward
direction. As a result, the first flange 120 placed between the distal end 106 of the plunger 104
and first micro-switch 112, comes in contact of the distal end 106. The distal end 106 further
pushes the first flange 120 in the downward direction, which leads to the triggering of first push
button 126 and thus actuating the first micro-switch 112. The first micro-switch 112 is
connected to a first circuit (not shown), wherein the first circuit may be configured to control
the indications for at least one of side stand, fuel tank and like functions in the automobile. For
this the first micro-switch 112 may remain connected to the first circuit (not shown) via a set of
wires, wherein the wires are soldered to the first micro-switch 112 at the bottom surface. In an
embodiment, the switch 100 may be applied to hand break assembly of a two wheeler (not
shown), wherein the switch 100 remains in close position for maximum time. Specifically in
an embodiment, when brakes are not applied in a two wheeler the plunger 104 may remain
pressed as shown in figure 1 b and thus allowing the first micro-switch 112 to be operative.
The term plunger and retractable plunger may be used interchangeably. Further, the first flange
120 also controls the downward movement of the plunger 104.
[0036] Fig. 1c illustrates front view of the switch 100 in a normally open position. As
shown in figure 1 c, in normally open position the proximal end 108 of the plunger 104 is
released from the external pressure. On release of such pressure the proximal end 108, moves
in upward direction. Specifically, on release of pressure from the proximal end 108, the
plunger 104 moves partially outside the housing 102. In an embodiment, the upward movement
of the plunger 104 is actuated by the first flange 120 of the cam unit 116. Specifically in an
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embodiment, the cam unit 116 is mounted inside the housing 102 such that the torsion spring
118 is configured to move the first flange 120 in upward direction on release of pressure from
the proximal end 108 of the plunger 104. Moreover, the cam unit 116 is mounted inside the
housing 102 such that the switch 100 may remain in normally open position in absence of
external pressure at the proximal end 108. Further, the outward movement of the plunger 104
may be controlled by a stopper 130 mounted at the top of the distal end 106.
[0037] Once, the first flange 120 moves in upward direction the second flange 122
moves in downward direction , which leads to the activation of the second push button 128 and
thus triggering the second micro-switch 114. The second micro-switch 114 may remain
connected to a second circuit (not shown), wherein the second circuit may be configured to
control indications for at least one of brake light and like functions in the automobile. For this
the second micro-switch 114 may remain connected to the second circuit (not shown) via a set
of wires, wherein the wires are soldered to the second micro-switch 114 at the bottom surface.
In an embodiment, the switch 100 may be applied to hand break assembly of a two wheeler (not
shown), wherein the switch 100 remains in close position for maximum time. Specifically in
an embodiment, when brakes are applied in a two wheeler the plunger 104 is released as shown
in figure 1 c and thus allowing the second micro-switch 114 to be operative. In an aspect, the
movements of the first flange 120 and the second flange 122 are inversely relative to each other.
Thus, the movement of the first flange 120 in downward direction leads to the movement of the
second flange 122 in the upward direction and vice versa.
[0038] Fig. 1d illustrates switch 100, along with mounting member 136 for mounting
the cam unit 116 to the housing 102. In an embodiment, the mounting member 136 may be a
pin like structure protruding from the housing 102. Specifically, said member 136 is fixed
horizontally to the surface of the housing 102 from one end and the other end is kept free for the
engagement of cam unit 116 explained in detail in figure 2. In particular, the mounting member
136 may be placed in between and above the first micro-switch 112 and the second microswitch
114, wherein the first micro-switch 112 and the second micro-switch 114 are placed at a
predefined distance.
[0039] Fig. 1e represents yet another embodiment of the switch 100. As shown in fig.
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1e the switch 100 may include a protective jacket 138 sealed around the proximal end 108 of
the plunger 104. In particular, the protective jacket 138 may be a rubber seal used to cover the
proximal end 108 of the plunger 104. Further, said rubber seal 138 may be tied to the top
surface of the housing 102 using plurality of winding wires 140. Said winding ensures that no
dust or water enters the housing 102, through the plunger 104. Specifically, the rubber seal 138
ensures that the switch 100 remains unaffected from dust and water and other environment
factors.
[0040] Fig. 2 represent cam unit 200 of the switch 100. As shown in figure 2a and 2b,
the cam unit comprises a ring structure having a first ring 202 and a second ring 204, wherein
the placement of the rings are such that the second ring 204 is placed behind the first ring 202
separated by a gap 206. Specifically, the first ring 202 and the second ring 204 are placed
coaxially parallel to each other. The cam unit 200 further includes a first flange 208 and a
second flange 210 attached at the opposite sides of the rings, separated by an angular distance α.
In particular, the first flange 208 is connected to bottom of the first ring 202 and the second ring
204 from one side, such that the anti-clockwise rotation of cam unit 200 around its axis results
in downward movement of the first flange 208. The second flange 210 is connected to bottom
of the first ring 202 and second ring 204 from the opposite side, such that clockwise rotation of
cam unit 200 around its axis results in downward movement of the second flange 210.
[0041] Further, as shown in fig. 2(b) the gap 206 between the first ring 202 and the
second ring 204 assists the torsion spring 118 to mount the cam unit 200 to the mounting
member 136 inside the housing 102. In an embodiment, the torsion spring 118 may be
configured to fit within the gap 206 such that the cam unit 200 when mounted on the mounting
member 136 allows the cam unit 200 to move freely around its axis. In order to move the cam
unit 200 in either direction a first end 132 of the torsion spring 118 is fixed to the housing 102,
wherein second end 134 of the torsion spring 118 is kept free between the first flange 208 and
the second flange 210. Further, the first flange 208 and the second flange 210 are configured to
be asymmetrical, wherein this asymmetrical structure of the first flange 208 and the second
flange 210 allows them to individually operate the first micro-switch 112 and the second microswitch
114 respectively.
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[0042] Fig. 3 illustrates back side of the switch 100. As shown in fig. 3 the switch 100
may be protected using a cover (not shown). Further the back side of the switch 100 may
include a plurality of holes 302 for water drainage. These holes 302 may provide passage for
the the drainage of water from the switch 100. The switch 100 may further comprise a hole
304 for mounting the switch 100 over the vehicle. Further, in order to secure the switch 100
from dust and water and other environmental factors, the base 206 including wires may be
sealed using the epoxy glue.
[0043] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with
reference to figures and certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are possible.
Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should not be limited to the description of
the preferred versions contained herein.

We claim:
1. A double pole switch for automobiles, the switch comprising:
a housing;
a retractable plunger placed at top surface of the housing, said retractable plunger
comprising a distal end placed inside the housing and a proximal end placed
outside the housing;
a first micro-switch and a second micro-switch mounted at bottom surface of the
housing; and
a cam unit mounted above the first and the second micro-switch, using a torsion
spring, said cam unit comprising:
a first flange located between the first micro-switch and the distal end of
the retractable plunger, wherein downward movement of the first flange activates
the first micro-switch; and
a second flange located above the second micro-switch, wherein
downward movement of the second flange activates the second micro-switch.
2. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cam unit further comprise:
a ring structure that allows the torsion spring to mount the cam unit to the
housing; and
the first and the second flange attached to the ring structure on opposite sides and
separated by an angular distance.
3. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cam unit is mounted inside the housing
using the torsion spring such that, downward movement of first flange results in upward
movement of the second flange and downward movement of second flange results in
upward movement of the first flange .
4. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the downward movement of the first flange is
actuated by pressing the proximal end of the retractable plunger that causes the distal end
of the retractable plunger to move in downward direction and in turn actuating the
downward movement of the first flange leading to activation of the first micro-switch.
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5. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the downward movement of the second flange
is actuated by release of proximal end of the retractable plunger that causes the first
flange to move in upward direction and the second flange to move in downward direction
leading to activation of the second micro-switch.
6. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first micro-switch is connected to a first
circuit and the second micro-switch is connected to a second circuit of the automobile.
7. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first micro-switch and the second microswitch
are placed at a predefined distance.
8. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retractable plunger comprises a stopper
attached above the distal end, wherein the stopper controls the movement of the
retractable plunger.
9. The switch as claimed in claim 1 and 8, wherein downward movement of the retractable
plunger is restricted by the first flange and upward movement of the retractable plunger is
restricted by the stopper
10. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the retractable plunger is
sealed to the top surface of the housing using a rubber cap.