Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a switch and more specifically to a clutch switch with vertical base mounting for automotive applications. The invention also provides effective guiding to the carrier movement to eliminate guiding related problems encountered in the switches existing in the prior art.
Description of the Related Art
Many of the newer vehicles incorporate a clutch swich into the start
circuit of vehicle starting system. The clutch switch prevents the engine from cranking
unless the clutch pedal is depressed fully. This serves as a safety device that keeps the
engine from possibly starting while in gear. The clutch switch is mounted on the clutch
pedal or Lever assembly. Wires from the ignition switch feeds current to starter solenoid
through the clutch switch. Unless the switch is closed (clutch pedal or Lever
depressed), the switch prevents current from reaching the starter solenoid. With the
transmission in neutral, the clutch start switch is bypassed so the engine will
crank and start. Furthermore, in the internal construction, the base is mounted in a
horizontal direction and the moving contact slides horizontally on the fixed contacts
which are insert moulded in the base. No guides are provided for carrier movement in the
existing switches.
The prior art has the following disadvantages. The foreign particles form a layer

on the contact area, as a result of which, discontinuity occurs. The drainage is not much effective in the existing switches. Furthermore, no guides are provided for carrier movement, hence defined line of contact is not happening. This all resulting in less life (Only 5000-8000 cycles in ACE test).
Advantages over the Prior art
The main advantages of the present invention are that in a vertical base design, the foreign particles are not collected at contact surfaces. They fall down due to gravity. The drain-hole size is increased, as a result of which, there is effective drainage. Guiding ribs are provided for carrier movement which makes defined line of contact. Consequentially, the life of the switch has been observed to increase drastically (Passed 50,000 cycles successfully in ACE test).
Objects of the invention
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention, to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
It is another object of the present invention, to provide a vertical base design, so that the foreign particles are not collected at the contact surfaces, due to gravity.
It is another object of the present invention, to provide an increased drain hole size, so that there is effective drainage.

It is another object of the present invention, to provide guiding ribs for free carrier movement.
It is another object of the present invention, to provide a clutch switch that is long lasting.
It is another object of the present invention, to provide a clutch switch that can be easily and efficiently manufactured and is of durable and solid construction.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a clutch switch that can be operated by a person of ordinary skill.
Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention may be realized and attained by the device particularly pointed out in the written description and the accompanying drawings.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a clutch switch in which the fixed and moving contact surfaces are in vertical direction, which substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. The base

material has been consructed with the help of Melamine formaldehyde.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
Figure 1, illustrates the prior art switch with base mounting in the horizontal position;
Figure 2, illustrates the clutch switch with base mounted in the vertical direction, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3, illustrates the three dimensional view of the vertical base clutch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4A to 4C, illustrate the various locations of the clutch switch in the handle bar, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5, illustrates the second embodiment of the vertical base clutch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6, illustrates the third embodiment of the vertical base clutch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred embodiments
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to the drawings, there is shown an illustrative embodiment of the clutch switch. It should be understood that the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms; specific embodiments thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below.
In this vertical base clutch switch design, bracket (1) comprises of carrier sub assembly (2, 3 & 7), base sub assembly (4 & 5) and cover (6). Carrier sub assembly (2) has Moving contact (7) and spring (3). This reciprocates as per the Clutch-Lever
movement (not shown). Due to this movement, moving contact shifts over Fixed contacts, and resulting in a momentary continuity between fixed contacts (Rivet type) (4). This way circuit is caused to be closed and open, which is the purpose of this clutch switch.
In another embodiment of the invention the vertical base clutch switch design, bracket (1) comprises of carrier sub assembly (3, 4, & spring), base sub assembly

(6 and 7), main spring (2), plunger (8), seal (5) and cover (7). Carrier sub assembly (3) has Moving contact (4) and spring (not shown). Plunger with o-ring (not shown) moves up and down with the cam surface of lever movement (not shown). Due to this movement, moving contact shifted over Fixed contacts (small and large rivet), resulting in a momentary continuity between fixed contacts (Rivet type) (6). This way circuit is caused to be closed and open, which is the purpose of this clutch switch.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bracket (1) comprises of carrier sub assembly (4, 5 & 6), base sub assembly (2 & 3) and cover (7). Carrier sub assembly (6) comprises of a moving contact (4) and spring (5). This reciprocates as per the Clutch-Lever movement (not shown). Due to this movement, the moving contacts shift over the fixed contacts resulting in a momentary continuity between the fixed contacts which is of a Rivet type (3). This way the circuit is caused to be closed and open, which is the purpose of the said clutch switch.
It will be understood from the forgoing that the present invention provides an efficient clutch switch. More important, this feature of the invention has been achieved in a relatively simple and in a cost effective manner.
As those skilled in the art will understand, there are many variations or alterations of the device that can be made using the principles and devices discovered by the inventor. Therefore, the above description is not intended to be limiting but, instead, illustrative. Accordingly, it is the intention of the inventor to embrace all such variations and alterations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.

WE CLAIM:
1. A clutch switch with vertical base mounting for automotive applications
having a fixed and moving contact surfaces in vertical direction, said clutch switch
comprising:
a bracket (1); carrier sub assembly (2, 3 & 7) having moving contact (7) and spring (3) which reciprocates as per the clutch lever movement resulting in the moving contact shifting over the fixed contact and resulting in a momentary continuity between fixed contacts (4);
wherein the circuit is caused to be closed and open for the operation of the said switch.
2. A clutch switch with vertical base mounting for automotive applications
having a fixed and moving contact surfaces in vertical direction, said clutch switch
comprising:
a bracket (1); carrier sub assembly (3, 4 & spring) having moving contact (4) and spring; base sub assembly (6 & 7); main spring (2); plunger (8); seal (5); cover (7);
wherein a plunger with O-ring moves up and down with the cam surface of lever movement due to which the moving contact shifts over fixed contacts (small and large rivet), resulting in a momentary continuity between fixed contacts (6) due to which the circuit is caused to be closed and open, for the operation of the said switch.

3. A clutch switch with vertical base mounting for automotive applications
having a fixed and moving contact surfaces in vertical direction, said clutch switch
comprising:
a bracket (1); carrier sub assembly (4, 5 & 6), base sub assembly (2 & 3) and cover (7), said carrier sub assembly comprising of a moving contact (4) and spring (5) which reciprocates as per the clutch-lever movement,
wherein due to the said movement, the moving contacts shift over the fixed contacts resulting in a momentary continuity between the fixed contacts which is of a rivet type (3) and thus the circuit is caused to be closed and open, for the operation of the said switch.
4. A clutch switch with vertical base mounting for automotive applications having a fixed and moving contact surfaces in vertical direction, substantially as herein described, particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.