TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of instrumentation engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to switch devices. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a switch device employed in vehicles for detection of actuation of lever.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[002] Most vehicles include levers (also referred to as lever arm and hand levers) configured to facilitate actuation of mechanisms included the vehicle. Vehicles include a variety of mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, clutch actuation mechanism, brake actuation mechanism, hand brake/parking brake actuation mechanism, and door lock mechanisms, that are configured to be operated by levers. The levers employed in actuation of such mechanisms are generally customized to facilitate easy operation of the corresponding mechanism and to suit ergonomic requirements. Further, operation of such lever operated mechanisms depends upon degree of actuation (manipulation) and/or release of the lever by user. Accordingly, by detecting actuation/release of the lever and by measuring degree of actuation/release of the lever, operation of the corresponding mechanism can be determined. Hence, most vehicles include a switch and/or a sensor configured to detect operation of the lever, whereby enabling detection of operation of the corresponding mechanism.

[003] For instance, in a clutch actuation mechanism, the clutch is actuated by a clutch lever. The clutch lever arm may be coupled to a handlebar of the vehicle such that the clutch lever arm is configured to be operated by hand of the user. Alternatively, the clutch lever arm may be positioned on the floor of the vehicle and may be configured to be operated by leg of the user. In both conditions described above, it is a natural tendency for the user to rest her hand/fingers and leg on the clutch lever arm. Resting of fingers/hand on the lever arm by the user, during operation of the vehicle, may lead to unintended actuation of the lever arm (although by a minor degree), whereby leading to generation of false signal by the switch. In addition, prolonged usage of the lever arm leads to loosening of clutch cable (slack) and increase in free play of the lever arm. Such increase in free play of the lever arm may also lead to generation of false signal by the switch. Also, increase in size/length of the switch to accommodate such increase in free play of the lever arm may not be feasible, owing to space constraints and operational constraints associated therewith.

[004] Further, the signal generated by the switch corresponding to actuation/release of the lever arm is transmitted to at least one of an electronic control unit (ECU), an engine management system (EMS), and an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system of the vehicle. Accordingly, generation of false signal by the switch (such as, as described in above paragraph), leads to incorrect detection/diagnosis, and may further lead to inappropriate measures/actions by at least one of the ECU, EMS and OBD.

[005] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional configuration of switches as described above. Further, the present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations of the conventional configuration of switches interfaced with levers adapted to facilitate actuation of mechanisms included the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[006] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a switch device and a lever device including said switch device as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the switch device and the lever device as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure. [007] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch device is disclosed. The switch device (referred to as ‘the device’ hereinafter) includes a housing defining a cavity. A plunger is movably received in the cavity, and the plunger includes an elongate section. The device further includes a base coupled to a first end of the housing. The base is configured to support a pair contact strips. The device further includes a first resilient member configured to bias the plunger in a first direction away from the base. Further, a carrier is slidably mounted onto the elongate section of the plunger. The carrier is configured to contact the pair of contact strips in an actuated position of the plunger. The device further includes a second resilient member configured to bias the plunger in an opposite direction relative to the first direction.

[008] In an embodiment, the plunger includes an engaging section. The first resilient member is configured to engage with the engaging section of the plunger.

[009] In an embodiment, the second resilient member is disposed in the cavity, between the housing and the carrier. The second resilient member is positioned coaxial with the plunger. The second resilient member is configured to bias the plunger in a second direction opposite to the first direction and towards the base.

[010] In an embodiment, the carrier is away from the pair of contact strips in a release position, an intermediate position of the plunger.

[Oil] In an embodiment, the base is defined with at least one slot. At least a portion of the engaging section of the plunger is configured to reciprocate in the at least one slot, upon actuation of a lever interfaced with the switch device. Further, the base is defined with an annular groove to accommodate at least a portion of the first resilient member. The first resilient member being disposed coaxial to the plunger and the housing. [012] In an embodiment, the device includes a collar coupled to the carrier. The collar is configured to contact the pair of contact strips in the actuated position of the plunger.

[013] In an embodiment, the housing is a hollow circular member defined with a first opening at the first end and a second opening at a second end opposite the first end. The plunger is positioned coaxial relative to a central axis of the housing.

[014] In an embodiment, the elongate section of the plunger reciprocates through the second opening defined at the second end of the housing. The base is coupled to the first opening defined at the first end of the housing.

[015] In an embodiment, the first resilient member and the second resilient member is a coil spring positioned at the first end and the second end of the housing.

[016] In an embodiment, the plunger is configured to reciprocate along the central axis of the housing, through the second opening, relative to actuation and release of a lever interfaced with the plunger.

[017] In an embodiment, the plunger moves away from the base and towards the base, relative to actuation and release of the lever, respectively.

[018] In an embodiment, the plunger is positioned closer to the base in the release position of the switch device, before the actuation of the lever. Further, the plunger is configured to be moved to the intermediate position upon actuation of the lever. The plunger is positioned intermediate of the first end and the second end of the housing in the intermediate position. Furthermore, the plunger is configured to be moved to the actuated position closer to the second end of the housing, upon additional actuation of the lever relative to the intermediate position. The carrier is configured to contact the pair of contact strips upon said additional actuation of the lever. [019] In an embodiment, the pair of contact strips extend bidirectionally relative to the base. A first end of the pair of contact strips extends into the cavity towards the first end of the housing. Further, a second end opposite the first end of the pair of contact strips is configured to be coupled to an electric circuit.

[020] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a lever device for a vehicle is disclosed. The lever device includes a lever pivotally coupled to a handlebar of the vehicle and operable between an actuated position and a release position. The lever is operatively connectable to at least one of a brake and a clutch mechanism of the vehicle. Further, a switch device is interfaced with the lever. The switch device (referred to as ‘the device’ hereinafter) includes a housing defining a cavity. A plunger is movably received in the cavity, and the plunger includes an elongate section. The device further includes a base coupled to a first end of the housing. The base is configured to support pair of contact strips. The device further includes a first resilient member configured to bias the plunger in a first direction away from the base. Further, a carrier is slidably mounted onto the elongate section of the plunger. The carrier is configured to contact the pair of contact strips in an actuated position of the plunger. The device further includes a second resilient member disposed in the cavity, between the housing and the carrier. The second resilient member is positioned coaxial with the plunger and is configured to bias the plunger in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[021] In an embodiment, the base is defined with at least one slot. The engaging section of the plunger is configured to reciprocate in the at least one slot.

[022] In an embodiment, the engaging section of the plunger is defined with a pocket. At least a portion of the base reciprocates in the pocket.

[023] In an embodiment, the plunger is configured to reciprocate along a central axis of the housing, through the second opening, relative to actuation and release of the lever. [024] In an embodiment, the plunger reciprocates in the first direction and the second direction opposite to the first direction, upon actuation and release of the lever.

[025] In an embodiment, the switch device is configured to generate signal upon reciprocation of the plunger in the first direction and the second direction.

[026] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[027] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[028] Figures la, lb and 1c illustrate perspective views of a switch device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[029] Figure 2a illustrates an exploded view of the device of Figure 1;

[030] Figure 2b illustrates different views of a plunger component of the switch device of the Figure 1 ;

[031] Figure 3 illustrates different views of a base component of the switch device of the Figure 1 ; [032] Figure 4 illustrates a different views of a carrier component of the switch device of Figure 1 ;

[033] Figure 5 illustrates sectional view of the switch device in its OFF condition;

[034] Figure 6 illustrates sectional views of the switch device in its intermediate position (borderline/boundary condition of the intermediate position);

[035] Figure 7 illustrate sectional views of the switch device in its actuated position [also referred to as ON position];

[036] Figure 8 illustrates a lever interfaced with the switch device of the present disclosure.

[037] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the device illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[038] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[039] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a switch device and a lever device including said switch device. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the switch device, and the lever device. However, such modification 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.

[040] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[041] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that an apparatus, device, assembly, mechanism, system, and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such apparatus, system, assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises. . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus or method.

[042] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.

[043] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In FIGS. 1 to 8, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[044] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a switch device. The switch device (referred to as ‘the device’ hereinafter) includes a housing defining a cavity. A plunger is movably received in the cavity, and the plunger includes an elongate section. The device further includes a base coupled to a first end of the housing. The base is configured to support a pair of contact strips. The device further includes a first resilient member configured to bias the plunger in a first direction away from the base. Further, a carrier is slidably mounted onto the elongate section of the plunger. The carrier is configured to contact the pair of contact strips in an actuated position of the plunger. The device further includes a second resilient member configured to bias the carrier, which in turn biases the plunger in an opposite direction relative to the first direction. In an embodiment, the first resilient member and the second resilient member are coil springs. In the embodiment, a spring constant (also called as installed force) of the first resilient member is higher than a spring constant of the second resilient member.

[045] In an embodiment, the term switch device as used hereinafter refers to a device configured to make and break connection in an electric circuit. The switch device may include elements such as, but not limited to, terminals for electrical connection.

[046] Although the switch device of the present disclosure is described in the context of a clutch lever of a two-wheeler vehicle, such description is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is to be understood by a person skilled in the art that the switch device of the present disclosure may be employed in any other applications, such as, but not limited to, in brake lever pedal or in any other actuators of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four wheelers, with similar operational and configurational requirements and that which requires similar switch characteristics.

[047] The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the entire set up of the switch device and the lever device including said switch device including various features such as, but not limited to, wiring, connections, control system, protection, and cooling arrangements, that are required for efficient operation of the switch device is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the switch device as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in multiple numbers in a system/vehicle.

[048] Figures la, lb and 1c illustrate different views of a switch device (100) (referred to as ‘the device’ hereinafter) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted in Figures la, lb and 1c, the device (100) includes a housing (1) defining a cavity (2). The cavity (2) may be defined as the space within the housing (1) for accommodating the components of the device (100). The housing (1) is structured to accommodate components of the device (100). In an embodiment, at least a portion of the components may be accommodated in the cavity (2) defined in the housing (1). In an embodiment, entire component may be accommodated within the housing (1). In another embodiment, the components may be coupled to the housing (1) and may extend out of the cavity (2).

[049] Further, as depicted in the illustrative embodiment of Figures 1 (also shown in Figures 5 to 7), the housing (1) may be a hollow cylindrical member. The cylindrical member may have a circular profile. The housing (1) may be a hollow cylindrical member structured to define the cavity (2) for accommodating the components of the device (100). However, in an embodiment, alternative geometrical and structural configurations of the housing (1) may be adapted to suit the operational and configurational requirements of the device (100). As shown in the Figure 2a, while one end of the housing (1) may be an open end without any cover (lid or cap), the other end opposite the one end may be provisioned with a cover, where such cover may be defined with an aperture. Further, as depicted in Figures la to 1c, the housing (1) may be defined with one or more fins (24) for providing structural rigidity to the housing (1). The housing (1) may be further defined with one or more pockets (25) and perforation (26) for structural/functional requirements, and for facilitating coupling of the device (100) to an external element/system. The housing (1) may be defined with a pair of pockets (25) on opposite sides of the housing (1) as shown in Figure lb, where such pockets (25) facilitate coupling of a base (6) to the housing (1). The housing (1) may also be defined with a protrusion (27) for enabling coupling of the device (100) to the external element/system.

[050] Figure 2a illustrates exploded view of the device (100). Figure 2a provides a horizontal perspective of the exploded view of the device (100). As shown in Figures 2a, the housing (1) includes a first end (7) and a second end (19) opposite the first end (7). The housing (1) is defined with a first opening (17) at the first end (7). The second end (19) may be provided with a cap/cover [that is integral to the housing (1)] such that a second opening (18), in the form of an aperture or a hole, is defined at the second end (19) of the housing (1). The second opening (18) may be defined at a central portion of the second end (19) of the housing (1). The second opening (18) may be structured to movable receive a plunger (3) (shown in Figure 2a), where such plunger (3) is positioned coaxial relative to a central axis X-X (20) (shown in Figure lb) of the housing (1).

[051] Figure 2b illustrates the plunger (3) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The plunger (3) is movably received in the cavity (2). The plunger (3) includes an elongate section (4) and an engaging section (5). In the illustrative embodiment, the engaging section (5) is entirely accommodated within the housing (1). The elongate section (4) is partially accommodated in the housing (1), with at least a portion of the elongate section (4) extending out of the housing (1). The plunger (3) is configured to reciprocate along the central axis X-X (20) of the housing (1). The plunger (3) reciprocates through the second opening (18), relative to actuation and release of a lever (44) (shown in Figure 8) interfaced with the plunger (3), as illustrated in Figure 8. The elongate section (4) of the plunger (3) reciprocates through the second opening (18) defined at the second end (19) of the housing (1). As depicted in Figure 8, the lever (44) may be configured to abut with a tip portion (28) (as shown in Figure 1c) of the plunger (3) such that the plunger (3) reciprocates relative to actuation of the lever (44).

[052] Referring again to Figure 2b, the engaging section (5) includes a pair of arms (32a and 32b) defined on opposite sides of the engaging section (5). The pair of arms (32a, 32b) may be L-shaped as depicted in the Figure 2b. In an embodiment, the pair of arms (32a, 32b) may be I-shaped based on configurational requirements of the plunger (3).

[053] In an embodiment, the elongate section (4) of the plunger (3) is configured to extend out of the cavity (2) upon actuation/operation of the lever (44) by user. The elongate section (4) of the plunger (3) is configured to retract into the cavity (2), upon release of the lever (44) by the user. The plunger (3) moves away from the base (6) and towards the base (6), upon actuation and release of the lever (44), respectively. Upon actuation of the lever (44) by the user, the plunger (3) is configured to move away from the base (6), while the elongate section (4) extends out of the cavity (2). Upon release of the lever (44) by the user, the plunger (3) is configured to move towards the base (6), while the elongate section (4) retracts into the cavity (2).

[054] Figure 3 illustrates the base (6) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates different views of the base (6). The base (6) includes an upper portion (30) and a lower portion (31). The upper portion (30) of the base is accommodated in the cavity (2) of the housing (1). The base (6) is coupled to housing (1) such that lower portion (31) juts out of the cavity (2) of the housing (1) (as depicted in Figure 1). The base (6) is coupled to the first opening (17) defined at the first end (7) of the housing (1). As can be seen in Figure 3, diameter of the upper portion (30) of the base (6) is lower in comparison with the diameter of the lower portion (31) of the base (6). In an embodiment, an external diameter of the lower portion (31) is substantially equal to an external diameter of the housing (1), for enabling flush engagement therebetween. The upper portion (30) of the base (6) is defined with protrusions (29) on opposite faces. The protrusions (29) enable removable coupling of the base (6) to the housing (1). The protrusions (29) engage with the pockets (25) of the housing (1) to facilitate removable coupling of the base (6) to the housing (1).

[055] Referring again to Figure 3, the upper portion (30) of the base (6) may be defined with one or more grooves/slots for movably accommodating at least a portion of the plunger (3) and a first resilient member (9) (as shown in Figure 2a). A top face (33) of the upper portion (30) is defined with the one or more grooves/slots. The base (6) is defined with a slot (15). At least a portion of the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3) is configured to reciprocate in the slot (15). The top face (33) is defined with the slot (15). The slot (15) is defined at a central portion of the top face (33). In an embodiment, the shape and profile of the slot (15) is substantially rectangular with semi-circular portions defined at the center. However, the slot (15) may be configured to have a different shape and profile that is suitable for operational requirements of the device (100). The shape and profile of the slot (15) is configured to match with the external shape and profile of the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3), for movably accommodating the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3). That is, in the embodiment, while the substantially rectangular portions accommodate the pair of L-shaped arms (32a, 32b), the substantially circular portion at the central region accommodates circular shaped portions of the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3).

[056] Further, the base (6) is defined with an annular groove (23) to accommodate at least a portion of the first resilient member (9). In the illustrative embodiment, the first resilient member (9) is a coil spring positioned at the first end (7) of the housing (1) and is disposed in the annular groove (23). The top face (33) is defined with the annular groove (23) that is substantially circular. In the illustrative embodiment, the annular groove (23) is defined in the base (6). The annular groove (23) may be defined in the top face (33) (as illustrated in the Figure 3), where some portions of the annular groove (23) intersect with the slot (15). The shape and profile of the annular groove (23) is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first resilient member (9). The shape and profile of the annular groove (23) is configured to match with the external shape and profile of the first resilient member (9), to accommodate at least a portion of the first resilient member (9). The configuration of the slot (15) and the annular groove (23) enables positioning of the first resilient member (9) in an encircling manner around the plunger (3), relative to the central axis X-X of the housing (l)/base (6) [the base (6) is coaxial with the housing (1)]. The first resilient member (9) is disposed coaxial to the plunger (3) and the housing (1). That is, in an assembled condition of the device (100), the first resilient member (9) is configured to engage (is in contact) with the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3). The first resilient member (9) configured to bias the carrier, which in turn biases the plunger (3) in a first direction (10) (shown in Figure 5) away from the base (6).

[057] Furthermore, a portion of the walls (36a and 36b, collectively referred to as 36), defining and delimiting the slot (15) and the annular groove (23) are configured to slightly extend above the top face (33) of the base (6). Such extending portion of the walls (36) prevents downward motion of a carrier (11), upon the carrier (11) contacting the walls (36) of the base (6), during operation of the device (100).

[058] Referring again to Figure 3, the base (6) is configured to support a pair of contact strips (8a and 8b, collectively referred to as 8). The pair of contact strips (8) is made of a metallic material and is formed integrally with the base (6). In an embodiment, the base (6) may be an injection moulded part made of polymeric material. The pair of contact strips (8) may be formed integrally with the base (6), during injection moulding of the base (6). The pair of contact strips (8) extend bidirectionally relative to the base (6). A first end (21) of the pair of contact strips (8) extends into the cavity (2) towards the first end (7) of the housing (1). A second end (22) opposite the first end (21) of the pair of contact strips (8) is configured to function as electrical terminals such that the pair of contact strips (8) can be coupled to an electric circuit.

[059] Figure 4 illustrates a carrier (11) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates different views of the carrier (11), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The carrier

(11) is a hollow cylindrical member including a first portion (34) and a second portion (35) contiguous with the first portion (34). An external diameter (37) of the first portion (34) is larger than an external diameter (38) of the second portion (35). Further, an internal diameter (39) of the first portion (34) is larger than an internal diameter (40) of the second portion (35). The internal diameter (40) may be substantially equal or slightly larger than an external diameter of the elongate section (4) of the plunger (3), such that the carrier (11) is mountable on to the elongate section (4) of the plunger (3). The carrier (11) is slidably mounted onto the elongate section (4) of the plunger (3). The device (100) further includes a collar (16) (shown in Figure 2a) coupled to the carrier (11). The collar (16) is a hollow cylindrical member and is mounted on to the second portion (35) of the carrier (11). An internal diameter of the collar (16) is substantially equal to the external diameter (38) of the second portion (35) to removably couple the collar (16) to the carrier (11).

[060] The carrier (11) along with the collar (16) mounted on to the carrier (11) is configured to contact the pair of contact strips (8), during sliding of the carrier (11) on the elongate section of the plunger (3). The carrier (11) may be made of a non- conductive material such as a polymeric material. The collar (16) may be made of any conductive material such as a metallic material. Accordingly, the collar (16) upon coming in contact with the pair of contact strips (8) [during sliding motion of the carrier (11) along with the collar (16)], completes a circuit.

[061] The device (100) further includes a second resilient member (12) (shown in Figure 2a). As can be seen in sectional views depicted in Figure 5, the second resilient member (12) is disposed around the elongate section (4) of the plunger (3). The second resilient member (12) is disposed in the space between the housing (1) and the carrier (11). The second resilient member (12) may be a coil spring positioned at the second end (19) of the housing (1). The second resilient member

(12) is positioned coaxial with the plunger (3). The second resilient member (12) is configured to bias the carrier (11), which in turn biases the plunger (3) in a second direction (13) opposite to the first direction (10) and towards the base (6). Further, in the illustrative embodiment, at least a portion of the second resilient member (12) is housed within the carrier (11), in an expanded condition of the second resilient member (12). On the other hand, in an embodiment, the whole of the second resilient member (12) may be accommodated in the carrier (11), in a compressed condition of the second resilient member (12).

[062] The second resilient member (12) gets compressed during upward travel of the plunger (3). When the plunger (3) is moving down i.e., towards the base (6), the carrier (11) will also move down until a certain distance. After such certain distance, the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3) disengages from the carrier (11) and moves further down into the slot (15) defined in the base (6). At that point [i.e., when plunger (3) disengages from the carrier (11)], in the absence of the second resilient member (12), the carrier (11) will pop-up (move up), carrying the collar (16) along with it. Hence, to keep the carrier (11) downwards, the second resilient member (12) is provided. The second resilient member (12) is configured to apply downward force on the carrier (11), such that the carrier (11) is held down (without popping up).

[063] Operation of the device (100) is described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 of the present disclosure (Figures 5, 6 and 7 depict sectional views of the device (100) taken along sections B-B, B-B, and A- A, respectively). For the purposes of description, let us consider that the plunger (3) is interfaced with a clutch lever (44) (also referred to as the lever (44) in the description) of a two-wheeled vehicle. The lever (44) may be pivotally coupled to a handlebar of the vehicle and may be operable between an actuated position and a release position (also referred to as unactuated position or released position). The lever (44) is operatively connectable to at least one of a brake and a clutch mechanism of the vehicle.

[064] Figure 5 illustrates sectional views of the device (100) in its OFF condition (41). Figure 5 depicts sectional views of the device (100) along A-A. In such OFF condition (41) [also referred to as zero position of the lever (44)], the clutch lever (44) that is abutting the plunger (3), is in the released position [OFF condition (41)]. As can be seen in the Figure 5, entire length of the plunger (3) is accommodated in the housing (1) in the OFF condition (41) of the device (100). In the OFF condition

(41) (i.e., before the actuation of the clutch lever (44)) of the device (100), the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3) is positioned closer to the base (6), and the first portion (34) of the carrier is configured to contact the pair of contact strips. Further, the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3) is configured to be moved to an intermediate position (42) due to free play and/or unintended actuation of the lever (44), by the user. In the intermediate position (42), point of contact between the first portion (34) of the carrier (11) and the pair of contact strips (8) could be at any point between the positions depicted in the Figures 5 and 6. In the intermediate position

(42) [caused due to free play and/or unintended actuation of the lever (44), by the user], the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3) is positioned intermediate (slightly away from the base) of the first end (7) and the second end (19) of the housing (1), and the first portion (34) of carrier (1) is configured to remain in contact with the pair of contact strips (8). In intermediate position (42), point of contact between the first portion (34) of the carrier (11) and the pair of contact strips (8) could be at any point between the positions as shown in Figures 5 and Figure 6. Figure 6 depicts the borderline/boundary condition of intermediate position (42). Furthermore, the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3) is configured to be moved to the actuated position (43) (shown in Figure 7) [also referred to as the ON condition or the fully actuated position] closer to the second end (19) of the housing (1), upon additional actuation of the lever (44) relative to the intermediate position (42). The collar (16) mounted upon the carrier (11) is configured to contact the pair of contact strips (8) upon said additional actuation of the clutch lever (44).

[065] Further, Figure 6 illustrates sectional view of the device (100) in the intermediate position (42) [that is, in borderline/boundary condition of the intermediate position (42)]. Figure 6 depicts sectional views of the device (100) in the intermediate position (42) [(that is, in borderline/boundary condition of the intermediate position (42)], along B-B. Such partial actuation of the device (100) may happen in the following situations. There may exist some free play of the lever (44) arm to loosening of clutch cable (slack), resulting in actuation of lever (44) by a minimum degree. Also, the user may have a tendency to rest her hand/fingers on the clutch lever (44), which may result in unintended actuation of the clutch lever (44), during riding of the vehicle. However, it is also a requirement that such free play and unintended actuation should not result in generation of signal by switch device (100) that clutch lever (44) has been actuated. Accordingly, during such partial actuation of the clutch lever (44), the pair of contact strips (8) is configured to contact only with the first portion (34) (i.e., which is non-conductive) of the carrier (11). The length of the first portion (34) of the carrier (11) may be configured such that the pair of contact strips (8) only contact/slide along the first portion (34) of the carrier (11), during travel of the plunger from the OFF condition (41) to the intermediate position (42). As the first portion (34) of the carrier (11) is made of non-conductive polymeric material, there is no completion of circuit. Accordingly, there is no generation of signal (relating to actuation of lever (44)) by the device (100), during such partial actuation.

[066] In the illustrative embodiment depicted in Figure 5, the length of the first portion (34) of the carrier (11) may be configured to sufficiently accommodate the free play and the unintended actuation of the lever (44). As depicted in the illustrative embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, travel of the plunger from OFF condition (41) to the intermediate position (42) accommodates free play and/or unintended actuation of the clutch lever (44). Accordingly, the first portion (34) of the carrier (11) may be configured to have a length suitable for above-described operational stroke length (travel of plunger in upward and downward directions).

[067] Figure 7 illustrates sectional views of the device (100) in fully actuated position, which is the ON condition (43) of the lever (44). Figure 7 depicts sectional views of the device (100) in fully actuated position, along A-A. Travel of the plunger beyond intermediate position (42) [specifically, beyond the borderline/boundary condition of the intermediate position (42)], will result in contact between the collar (16) and the pair of contact strips (8). Accordingly, the collar (16) upon coming in contact with the pair of contact strips (8) [during sliding motion of the carrier (11) along with the collar (16)], completes a circuit. In the illustrative embodiment, the collar (16) may have a suitable length to facilitate travel of the plunger (3), to result in contact between the collar (16) and the pair of contact strips (8). Particularly, the current flows through the pair of contact strips (8), the metallic collar (16) and back to the source, upon completion of the circuit. With such completion of circuit, facilitated by contact between the collar (16) and the pair of contact strips (8), a signal is generated by the device (100). The signal generated by the device (100), during completion of circuit, corresponds to actuation of the lever (44), beyond the zone of free play and unintended actuation of lever (44) by user. Thus, the configuration of the device (100) ensures that a signal is generated only upon intentional actuation of the lever (44) by the user, and not in the zone of free play and unintended actuation of the lever by user.

[068] Further, for travel of the plunger (3) in the reverse direction [i.e., in the second direction (13)], that is from the ON condition (43) to the fully released position [(OFF condition (41)] of the lever (44), the travel of the plunger (3) is in the sequence as shown in Figure 7 [fully actuated position (43)], followed by position as shown in Figure 6 [breakage of circuit, beginning of the intermediate position (42), and finally to the fully released position [(OFF condition (41)] as shown in Figure 5 [(with the plunger (3) being fully accommodated in the housing (1)].

[069] In an embodiment, the engaging section (5) of the plunger (3) may be defined with a pocket. In such embodiment, at least a portion of the base (6) may be configured to reciprocate in the pocket, corresponding to reciprocation of the lever (44) interfaced with the plunger (3).

[070] The configuration of the device (100) as described above results in an increase in stroke length (in comparison with a conventional configuration of the device (100)) of the plunger (3) of the device (100) (i.e., increase in OFF range of the switch device), without increase in size of the switch device (100). Particularly, the aspect of slidably mounting the carrier (11) on the plunger (3), and the plunger (3) structured to reciprocate in the slot (15) defined in the base (6), results in an increase in stroke length of the plunger (3), without increase in size of the device (100). With such increase in stroke length of the plunger (3), compensating/accommodating the increase in free play of the lever (44) is easier [(because of corresponding increase in OFF range of the device (100)]. Further, generation of false signal by the device (100), upon unintended actuation of the lever (44) (or by free play) is prevented. Additionally, the device (100) is maintained in compact size, addressing the space constraints associated therewith. The configuration of the device (100) as described above prevents incorrect/erroneous detection of actuation of a brake lever or a clutch lever (44) of the vehicle (with which the device (100) is interfaced), that may be caused either by means of free play or by means of unintended actuation of the brake lever or the clutch lever (44).

[071] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[072] Herein, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “interconnected”, “contacting”, “mounted”, “coupled” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.

[073] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. [074] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[075] 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.

EQUIVALENTS

[076] 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.

[077] 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 “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” 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). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). 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.”

[078] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[079] 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.