LOW AMPERAGE PUSH MODULE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a mechanism of switching operation in two wheelers
and three wheelers. More particularly, the present invention relates to the construction
and mechanism of switching operation of the Engine Kill switch (Push Type) to
enhance reliability of the switch and reduce the number of parts, assembly time and
decrease the cost of the switch.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provide background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally 2-Wheeler/3-Wheeler are provided with various control functions for
smooth operation, safe driving and for giving indication to other riders. Such
functions are governed by control buttons mounted on a control switch via battery in
series or through ECU. Engine Kill Switch is an important and commonly used
control switch.
The Engine Kill Switch is mounted on the control switch housing by screws/snaps
and is electrically connected by soldering the switch unit to the wiring with a plug in
connector. The Engine Kill Switch gives signal to an Electronic Control Unit or
Electromechanical Relay, which Stops or Runs the Engine, depending on the position
of the knob which is connected to a carrier that moves in linear direction to the
specified length.
Some of the major problems associated with the existing engine kill switches are
contact contamination, moving contact tilting, contact wear and tear, entry of
contaminants like dust and water, etc.
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In other words, the researchers have developed a user friendly and technically
advanced engine kill switch. More specifically, a switch whereby the contact
making/breaking is discrete and problems of contact wear and tear are less existent.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a mechanism of switching operation in two wheelers
and three wheelers. More particularly, the present invention relates to the construction
and mechanism of switching operation of the low amperage push module for Engine
Kill switch comprising a housing having a hollow internal region; a knob sub
assembly comprising; a knob and a plunger loaded by means of third spring. A carrier
sub assembly comprising a CAM comprising a plurality of guiding faces; the CAM
being disposed in the hollow internal region of the housing a carrier comprising a pin
being guided in the CAM; wherein the carrier is coupled with the knob; a switch sub
assembly being mounted above the housing; the said switch sub assembly comprising;
a casing having a slot for receiving a switch unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood
from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying
figures. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in
and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments
and explain various principles and advantages, but not limiting the scope of the
invention. In the accompanying drawings;
Figure 1 shows an existing Engine Kill switch used in two/three wheeled vehicles.
Figure 2 shows isometric view of the present switch according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
Figure 3 depicts the exploded view of the various sub-parts and sub-assemblies of the
push module according to one other embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 depicts a 3-dimensional view of the CAM of the push module according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
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Figure 5 depicts a 3-dimensional view of the carrier sub-assembly of the push module
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 shows a 3-dimensional view of the knob sub-assembly of the push module
according to one more embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates a 3-dimensional view of the switch sub-assembly of the low
amperage push module according an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 8(a) and (b) show an isometric view of the push module whereby the knob is
in non-actuated condition according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8(c) depicts a sectional view of the CAM whereby the pin is in Position 1 in
the CAM according to one more embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 9(a) and (b) show an isometric view of the push module whereby the knob is
in actuated condition according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9(c) depicts a sectional view of the CAM whereby the pin is in Position 2 in
the CAM according to one more embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 10(a) and (b) show an isometric view of the push module whereby the knob
is in actuated condition according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10(c) depicts a sectional view of the CAM whereby the pin is in Position 3 in
the CAM according to one more embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 11(a) and (b) show an isometric view of the push module whereby the knob
is in actuated condition according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11(c) depicts a sectional view of the CAM whereby the pin is in Position 4 in
the CAM according to one more embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 12(a) and (b) show an isometric view of the push module whereby the knob
is in non-actuated condition according to a further embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figure 12(c) depicts a sectional view of the CAM whereby the pin is in Position 1 in
the CAM according to one more embodiment of the present disclosure.
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Figure 13 illustrates an isometric view of the push according to an alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for
simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions
of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements
to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention 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
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 scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may
be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present
disclosure resides in the mechanism of switching operation of a low amperage push
module in two wheelers and three wheelers. 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 invention.
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.
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
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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 invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly it is an aim of the present disclosure to provide a push module for
vehicles, whereby discrete contact making/breaking between the moving parts and
switch unit is enabled.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide a push module for Engine Kill
Switch in vehicles that can be used in low current or low amperage applications.
Yet another aim of the present disclosure is to provide a push module for vehicles
wherein ample operating feel is experienced by the user/driver for better control of the
switching operation.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides low amperage push module comprising;
a housing having a hollow internal region;
a knob sub assembly comprising;
a knob; and
a plunger loaded by means of third spring;
a carrier sub assembly comprising;
a CAM comprising a plurality of guiding faces; the CAM being
disposed in the hollow internal region of the housing
a carrier comprising a pin being guided in the CAM;
wherein the carrier is coupled with the knob;
a switch sub assembly being mounted above the housing; the said
switch sub assembly comprising;
a casing having a slot for receiving a switch unit.
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In an embodiment of the present disclosure, base of the CAM comprises a plurality of
contours for guiding movement of the pin in the CAM.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier is movable in the
longitudinal direction by means of a first spring.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier comprises a bore for
mounting the pin.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pin comprises a proximal end
and a distal end.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal end of the pin is
mounted the bore by means of a second spring supported on a cap secured with the
bore.
In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob sub assembly is
attached with the carrier by means of a locking slot for receiving the snaps on the
carrier.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the plunger is movable in the
linear direction under spring force of the third spring.
In one further embodiment of the present disclosure, button of the switch unit
protrudes outwards from the slot under normal condition.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the slot comprises stopper face.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, first gap is maintained between the
said knob sub assembly and the housing sub assembly in the normal/unactuated
condition.
With respect to the mounting of the said push module for engine kill switch in
vehicles as disclosed in the present disclosure, it is to be noted that the push module
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can be mounted onto the front panel of a vehicle in the horizontal or vertical position
or any other position as per the suitability of the manufacturer/user.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 2
to 13 according to an embodiment of the present description.
Referring to figures 2-6, the push module (100) comprises a housing (1); the housing
(1) being a rigid structure having a hollow internal region (1a) being defined by a
plurality of side walls (1b). Formed oppositely on the side walls (1b) of the housing
(1) are guiding channels (1c). Accommodated in the hollow internal region (1a) a
carrier sub assembly comprising a CAM (2) being operatively coupled with a carrier
(3) by means of a pin (6). As shown in figures 3 and 4, the CAM (2) is a rigid
structure comprising base (2a) and having a guiding slot (2b) being defined by a
plurality of guiding faces (A-E). The guiding slot (2b) of the CAM (2) is adapted to
receive the pin (6) such that it is movable in the guiding slot (2b) during operation of
the said push module. Provided on the base (2a) of the CAM (2) is a plurality of
contours such that during operation of the said push module, the pin (6) moves along
the guiding faces (A-E) without retracting backwards. The movement of the pin in the
CAM, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is from face A towards
face E. However, the direction of movement of the pin (6) in the guiding slot (2b)
may be different in multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in
figure 5, placed above CAM (2) in the internal region (1a) of the housing (1) is the
carrier (3). The carrier (3) is a solid structure having a generally cubical shape
comprising faces (G-L). The carrier (3) comprises an arm (3a) extending along
direction (XX) from face (G) towards knob (9) (shown in figure 3). The carrier (3)
comprises a first spring (4) on face (H) so as to be loaded resiliently in the
longitudinal direction in the mounted condition in the said push module (100). The
term longitudinal direction hereinafter refers to a direction along axis (XX) as shown
in figure 3. Provided on opposite faces (I, J) of the carrier are projections (3b). The
projections (3b) are received in the guiding channels (1c) of the housing in the
mounted condition; the guiding channels (1c) being adapted to support the movement
of the carrier (3) in the longitudinal direction. The carrier (3) comprises a bore (5)
extending from face (K) to face (L) in the direction (YY) for mounting pin (6); the pin
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(6) having a proximal end (6a) and a distal end (6b). The pin (6) is mounted resiliently
in the bore (5) such that the proximal end (6a) is received in the bore (5) by means of
a second spring (7) being supported on a cap (8). The cap (8) is being disposed at face
(K) of the carrier (3) so as to energize the spring downwards in the direction (YY).
The carrier (3) is mounted in such a way in the housing (1) that the CAM (2) is below
the carrier (3) and the distal end (6b) of the pin (6) is received in the guiding slot (2b)
of the CAM (2) under the action of second spring (7). In the mounted condition of the
carrier (3), kink portion (1d) of the housing (1) supports arm (3a) of the carrier such
that movement of the carrier (3) in the direction (ZZ) is restricted. The carrier (3) is
therefore locked in the housing (1) in such a way that the said carrier (3) is movable
only in the longitudinal direction.
As illustrated in figures 3 and 6, the push module (100) comprises a knob sub
assembly. The knob sub assembly comprises a knob (9) being adapted to be attached
with the arm (3a) of the carrier (3) by means of a locking slot (10) for receiving snaps
(S) on the arm (3a) of the carrier (3). Disposed above the said locking slot (10) is a
plunger (11) by means of a third spring (12); the said third spring (12) being disposed
in a groove (13) in the knob (9). The plunger (11) is mounted in the knob (9) such that
it is movable in the longitudinal direction under spring force (F) of the third spring
(12).
As shown in figures 3 and 7, the push module comprises a switch sub assembly being
mounted above the carrier sub assembly. The switch sub assembly (14) comprises a
casing (16) having an internal space (16a) being defined by a bottom wall (16b), a
plurality of side walls (16c) and a cover (21) so as to form an encapsulation; the cover
being adapted to be secured with the casing (16) by means of locking grooves (22).
Formed on the bottom wall (16b) of the casing (16) is primary snaps (15) for
mounting the switch sub assembly (14) above the carrier sub assembly. The opposite
side walls (16c) of the casing (16) comprise secondary snaps (17) being adapted to be
received in the locking grooves (22) of the cover (21). Disposed in the internal space
(16a) of the casing is switch unit (18); comprising a switch button (18a). A primary
slot (19) supports the switch unit (18) in the internal space (16a) such that the switch
button (18 a) of the switch unit (18) protrudes outwardly from the slot (19). A stopper
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face (20) is formed at the slot (19); the stopper face (20) being adapted to abut with
the plunger (11) of the knob sub assembly during operation of the said push module
(100).
Figures 8 to 12 depict the sequence of operation of the push module (100) from OFF
condition of the switch unit (18) to ON condition and back to OFF condition. As
shown in figures 8(a) and (b), a first gap (t1) is maintained between the said knob (9)
and the housing (1) in the normal/unactuated condition of the push module (100). In
this position of the knob assembly, a second gap (d1) is maintained between plunger
(11) and stopping face (20). The switch button (18a) of the switch unit (18) protrudes
out of the stopping face (20) of the casing (16) by a distance (p1). As shown in figure
8(c), in the non-actuated condition, the distal end (6b) of the pin (6) rests at Position 1
in the guiding slot (2a) of the CAM (2).
When the user actuates the knob in the longitudinal direction, as shown in figures 9(a)
and (b), the resiliently loaded plunger (11) presses the switch button (18a) of the
switch unit (18). The switch button (18a) gets pressed by the distance (p1) and the
plunger (11) abuts with the stopping face (20) of the casing (16). When the user
further presses the knob (9) in the longitudinal direction, the third spring (12) gets
compressed to accommodate the additional/over travel of the knob (9) in the
longitudinal direction. At this position, a gap (t2) is maintained between the knob (9)
and housing (1). In this condition, the third spring (12) is said to have been
compressed by a travel distance {(t1-t2)-d1}. As shown in figure 9(c), the pin (6) is at
Position 2 in the guiding slot of the CAM (2).
As shown in figures 10(a) and (b), when the user releases the external force on the
knob (9), the knob (9) experiences a return force by the carrier (3) due expansion of
first spring (4). The knob (9) in this condition, under the force of the first spring (4)
moves by a travel distance (t3) to stabilize at Position 3. The travel distance (t3) is due
to the movement of the pin (106) from face B to face C in the guiding slot (2b) of the
CAM (2) as shown in figure 10 (c). In this condition, switch button (18a) the switch
unit (18) is still pressed due to the spring force (F) of the third spring (12) on the
plunger (11). The push module, in this position, is said to have reached the actuated
condition.
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As shown in figures 11(a) and (b), when the user, in order to de-actuate the push
module, presses the knob (9), the knob (9) travels by a distance (t1-t2); the switch
button (18a) of the switch unit (18) still being pressed. At this unstable condition the
plunger (11) abuts with the stopping face (20) of the casing (16) and the pin (6) is in
Position 4 in the guiding slot of the CAM (2) near face D as shown in figure 11(c).
In this condition, the force from the knob (9) is released by the user. As shown in
figures 12(a), (b) and (c), the removal of force from the knob (9) results in the
movement of the distal end (6b) of the pin (6) along face (E) in the guiding slot (2b)
of the CAM (2) to return to Position 1, as shown in figure 12(c). Subsequently the
knob (9) due to expansion of first spring (4) comes back to its non-actuated condition
and the gap (d1) is established between the plunger (11) and stopping face (20) of the
casing (16). The first gap (t1) is also established between the said knob (9) and the
housing (1). In this position, the push module (100) is said to have reached the nonactuated
condition.
Figure 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the
carrier (203) is magnetised in nature and the switch unit (218) is a Hall IC. The said
Engine Kill Switch (200) may be applicable to low ampere switching.
ADVANTAGES
The primary advantage of the present disclosure is that there is discrete contact
making/breaking between the moving parts and switch unit by means of a resiliently
loaded plunger. Thus the over-travel of the knob is accommodated enhancing the
efficiency of the push module.
Another advantage of the present push module is that it can be used in low current or
low amperage applications.
Yet another advantage of the present push module is an enhanced life cycle of the
push module due to a robust structure that is water and dust resistant.
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One more advantage of the present push module is that the user/operator gets
operating feeling of the knob due to no contact friction in the module, thereby
enhancing ease to the user.
List of reference numerals:
100 Push Module
1 Housing
1a Internal region of the housing
1b Side walls of the housing
1c Guiding channels of the housing
2 CAM
2a Base of the CAM
2b Guiding slot of the CAM
3 Carrier
3a Arm of the carrier
3b Projections of the carrier
4 First spring
5 Bore
6 Pin
6a Proximal end of pin
6b Distal end of pin
7 Second spring
8 Cap
9 Knob
10 Locking slot
13
11 Plunger
12 Third spring
13 Groove
14 Switch sub assembly
15 Primary snaps
16 Casing
16a Internal space of the casing
16b Bottom wall of the casing
16c Side walls of the casing
17 Secondary snaps
18 Switch unit
18a Switch button
19 Slot
20 Stopper face
21 Cover
22 Locking grooves
A-E Guiding faces in the guiding slot of CAM
G-L Sides of the carrier
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those
having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the
singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
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It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally
intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at
least,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For
example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that
the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing
only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases
“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a”
and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”);
the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two
recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two
or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually
any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether
in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For
example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or
“B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to
be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. A low amperage push module (100) comprising;
a housing (1) having a hollow internal region (1a);
a knob sub assembly comprising;
a knob (9); and
a plunger (11) loaded by means of third spring (12);
a carrier sub assembly comprising;
a CAM (2) comprising a plurality of guiding faces; the CAM
being disposed in the hollow internal region (1a) of the housing (1)
a carrier (3) comprising a pin (6) being guided in the CAM
(102);
wherein the carrier is coupled with the knob;
a switch sub assembly being mounted above the housing; the said
switch sub assembly comprising;
a casing (16) having a primary slot (19) for supporting a switch
unit (18).
2. The low amperage push module as claimed in claim 1, wherein base (2a) of
the CAM (2) comprises a plurality of contours for guiding movement of the
pin (6) in the CAM (2).
3. The low amperage push module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier (3)
is movable in the longitudinal direction by means of a first spring (4).
4. The low amperage push module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier (3)
comprises a bore (5) for mounting the pin (6).
5. The low amperage push module as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the pin
(6) comprises a proximal end (6a) and a distal end (6b).
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6. The low amperage push module as claimed in claims 1 and 4, wherein the
proximal end (6a) of the pin (6) is received in the bore (5) by means of a
second spring (7) supported on a cap (8) secured with the bore (5).
7. The low amperage push module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob sub
assembly is attached with the carrier (103) by means of a locking slot (110) for
receiving the snaps on the carrier (103).
8. The low amperage push module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger
(11) is movable in the longitudinal direction under spring force (F) of the third
spring (12).
9. The low amperage push module as claimed in claim 1, wherein button (18a) of
the switch unit (18) protrudes outwards from the slot (19) under normal
condition.
10. The low amperage push module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot (19)
comprises stopper face (20).
11. The low amperage push module as claimed in claim 1, wherein first gap (t1) is
maintained between the said knob (9) and the housing (1) in the
normal/unactuated condition.