Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
IGNITION SWITCH CUM STEERING LOCK

2. APPLICANT:
PAVNA INDUSTRIES LIMITED, an Indian Company, of the address Vill Bhankari, Koil, 9th Km Delhi Road, GT Road, Aligarh - 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India

3. The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to an ignition switch cum steering lock to activate and deactivate an ignition and associated electronic elements of an automobile.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] A key-based rotatory-type ignition switch cum steering lock (or ignition switch) of an automobile (or vehicle) helps to alternate between different configuration, like the ignition configuration, off configuration, lock configuration, etc. The ignition switch generally includes a lock cylinder and a ignition switch body. A user inserts a key inside the lock cylinder and rotates the key to turn on/off the ignition and/or other associated electronics of the automobile. A movement within the ignition switch body is complemented by the rotation of the key within the lock cylinder. This movement within the ignition switch body either completes or breaks the electrical circuitry of the automobile based on a position of the key and the lock cylinder.
[003] The ignition switch body includes various components that coordinate with each other. The principal components of the ignition switch body include a moving contact and a stationary base plate. The base plate is usually provided with electrical terminals that need to be shorted to complete the circuit. Selective interaction, due to the rotation of the lock cylinder, between the moving contact and the electrical terminals provided on the stationary base plate completes the electrical circuitry of the automobile. For example, the moving contact shorts the terminals of the stationary base plate in an ‘ON’ configuration and vice versa in an ‘OFF’ configuration.
[004] Conventionally, a large number of components, manpower, and time is required to assemble an ignition switch. Additionally, due to such large number of components, the size of the ignition switch increases. In the race of miniaturization, such large conventional ignition switches are a roadblock for compact automobiles.
[005] Therefore, there arises a need for an ignition switch that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the conventionally available ignition switches.
SUMMARY
[006] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[007] The present disclosure relates to an ignition switch (or switch) including a first housing, a lock cylinder, and a switch sub-assembly. The first housing includes a lumen extending at least along a length of the first housing. An inner surface of the lumen defines a plurality of axially extending grooves. The lock cylinder is disposed rotatably at least partially within the lumen of the first housing. The lock cylinder defines at least one lateral cavity including a resilient member and a ball. The resilient member is biased to push the ball towards the inner surface of the lumen of the first housing. The ball is configured to at least partially interact with the inner surface of the lumen of the first housing, thereby preventing the lock cylinder to slip out of the lumen of the first housing. The switch sub-assembly is operationally coupled to the lock cylinder via a camshaft. The ball is configured to be momentarily arrested in at least one of the plurality of axially extending grooves of the first housing, thereby providing a tactile and auditory feedback.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] Fig. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an ignition switch 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[009] Fig. 1a depicts a lateral cross-sectional view of a first housing 101 of the ignition switch 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] Fig. 2 depicts a plurality of components of the ignition switch 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] Fig. 2a depicts a contact carrier 171 coupled to a contact plate 173 of the ignition switch 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] Figs. 2b and 2c depict a top and bottom views of a base plate 175, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[0014] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0015] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[0016] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[0017] The present disclosure discloses an ignition switch cum steering lock (or switch). The switch is operated via a key having groove-like patterns or the like that mate with a complementing pattern of a lock cylinder of the switch. The key is rotated by a pre-defined angle ranging from 0o to 35o to turn on/off the ignition of a vehicle including, but not limited to a car, a motorbike, a commercial vehicle, etc. Additionally or optionally, the switch helps to turn on/off other associated electronics of the automobile (or vehicle) along with the ignition.
[0018] The the switch of the present disclosure is made with relatively less components and thereby significantly reducing the size of the switch to be used with compact vehicles or the like. Due to its small size, the time and manpower required to assemble the switch is significantly reduced. Due to the switch being made with relatively less number of components, the expense to manufacture the switch is significantly reduced. The reduced size of the switch facilitates reduced electric energy being required to operate the switch.
[0019] Now referring to figures, Fig. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an ignition switch cum steering lock (or switch) 100 used to turn on/off ignition (and/or other associated electronics) of a vehicle (not shown). The switch 100 extends between a top end 100a and a bottom end 100b. The top end 100a of the switch 100 faces the end-user and the bottom end 100b of the switch 100 is embedded within a vehicle (or a dashboard thereof). The switch 100 includes a plurality of housing, for example, a first housing 101 disposed at the top end 100a and a second housing 103 disposed at the bottom end 100b. The first housing 101 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, Zamak, Aluminum, Plastic, etc. The second housing 103 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, EN-9 steel, EN-1A steel, Carbon steel, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the first housing 101 is made of Aluminum. In an exemplary embodiment, the second housing 103 is made of Carbon steel.
[0020] The second housing 103 is removably or fixedly coupled to the first housing 101. In an exemplary embodiment, the first housing 101 and the second housing 103 are coupled to each other via fasteners 105. Other functionally equivalent technique to couple the first housing 101 and the second housing 103 are within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure. In an alternative embodiment, the first housing 101 and the second housing 103 are integrally made as a unibody housing (not shown).
[0021] The first housing 101 and the second housing 103 houses a plurality of components of the switch 100. The first housing 101 and the second housing 103 provides structural integrity to the switch 100 and protects the components disposed therein from environmental elements.
[0022] The components of the switch 100 includes a lock cylinder 110, a cam shaft 130, a locking sub-assembly 150, a switch sub-assembly 170, etc. Although the switch 100 is described with both the locking sub-assembly 150 and the switch sub-assembly 170, a switch 100 may be made without the locking sub-assembly (150) and the same is within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0023] The second housing 103 includes an opening at the bottom end 100b to enable electrical connection(s) to be made between the switch sub-assembly 170 and the vehicle (and electrical components thereof). The opening of the second housing 103 may be provided with a protective cover 107 or the like. The protective cover 107 at least partially seals the opening of the second housing 103, thereby safeguarding the components therein.
[0024] The first housing 101 defines a lumen 101a extending from the top end 100a and at least partially towards the second housing 103. The lumen 101a, as viewed from the bottom end 100b of the switch 100, is depicted in Fig. 1a. The lock cylinder 110 is at least partially disposed within the lumen 101a of the first housing 101. The shape and size of the lumen 101a are based upon the shape and size of the lock cylinder 110. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1a, the lumen 101a is substantially cylindrical in shape.
[0025] At least a portion of an inner surface of the lumen 101a defines a plurality of axially extending grooves 101b and at least one projection 101c. The length of the grooves 101b ranges from 6.0 mm to 15.0 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the grooves 101b is 13.7 mm.
[0026] The grooves 101b are disposed at a pre-defined distance away from the top end 100a, thereby facilitating the grooves 101b to couple the lock cylinder 110 to the first housing 101. In other words, the grooves 101b, at least partially, prevents the lock cylinder to slip out of the first housing 101. The pre-defined distance ranges from 5.0 mm to 10.0 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the pre-defined distance is 7.5 mm.
[0027] Each groove 101b may correspond to a pre-defined function/configuration of the switch 100. The projection 101c may prevent the lock cylinder 110 to rotate beyond a pre-defined threshold amount. The grooves 101b and the projections 101c may be disposed equidistant or randomly distanced from each other. The radial distance between two adjacent grooves 101b is the radial distance by which a key is to be rotated to alternate between one function/configuration of the switch to the other.
[0028] Although the switch 100 of the present disclosure is described to be operated with the help of a key, a functionally equivalent keyless operation of the switch 100 is within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the lumen 101a includes three grooves 101b and one projection 101c. The three grooves 101b may correspond to a ‘ON’ configuration, a ‘OFF’ configuration and a ‘LOCK’ configuration of the switch 100, respectively.
[0030] Additionally or optionally, the first housing 101 is provided with a top cover 101d and a damper rubber 101e. The top cover 101d is either removably or fixedly coupled at the top end 100a of the switch 100 to the lock cylinder 110 (as shown in Fig. 1). The top cover 101d may be printed/embossed with the position of the key/lock cylinder 110 that corresponds to the different function/configuration of the switch 100. The damper rubber 101e is provided around the top cover 101d to provide a leak-proof coupling of the switch 100 to the vehicle (or a dashboard thereof).
[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the lock cylinder 110 includes an axial cavity 110a configured to receive an external key (not shown) or the like to actuate the cam shaft 130. The axial cavity 110a extends from the top end 100a and at least partially towards the bottom end 100b, along the length of the lock cylinder 110. The axial cavity 110a of the lock cylinder 110 is provided with a pre-defined pattern of groove (not shown) that complements a pre-defined pattern of grooves on a key. The complementing pattern of grooves on the key and within the axial cavity 110a of the lock cylinder 110 ensures that only the key is capable of being inserted and rotated within the lock cylinder 110. If the grooves on the key and within the axial cavity 110a of the lock cylinder 110 does not complement each other, then the key may not fully insert in the axial cavity 110a and/or the key may not be able to rotate the lock cylinder 110.
[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, an outer surface of the lock cylinder 110 is provided with at least one projection 111. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the lock cylinder 110 is provided with one projection 111. The projection 111 selectively interacts with the projection 101c disposed at the internal surface of the lumen 101a of the first housing 101. The said mating between the projections 111, 101c prevents the lock cylinder 110 to rotate beyond a pre-defined amount of threshold within the lumen 101a of the first housing 101.
[0033] As shown in Fig. 1, the lock cylinder 110 is provided with a lateral cavity 113 that extend at least along a portion of the diameter of the lock cylinder 110. The diameter of the lateral cavity 113 ranges from 3.5 mm to 7.0 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the lateral cavity 113 is 4.05 mm.
[0034] The lateral cavity 113 is configured to receive a resilient member 115 and a ball 117. The diameter of the ball 117 ranges from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the ball 117 is 4.0 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the ball 117 is made of stainless steel.
[0035] The resilient member 115 is disposed completely inside the lateral cavity 113. The resilient member 115 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, spring steel, stainless steel, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient member 115 is made of spring steel.
[0036] The ball 117 is disposed at least partially within the lateral cavity 113 such that the resilient member 115 is biased to push the ball 117 out of the lateral cavity 113. The resilient member 115 is configured to constantly apply a biased force to keep the ball 117 in contact with the inner surface of the first housing 101. The resilient member 115 ensures smooth and rattle-free rotation of the lock cylinder 110 within the first housing 101.
[0037] The ball 117 is at least partially configured to interact with the inner surface of the lumen 101a of the first housing 101. While the lock cylinder 110 is rotated relative to the first housing 101, the ball 117 is configured to roll on the inner surface of the lumen 101a of the first housing 101. The ball 117 reduces the friction between the inner surface of the lumen 101a of the first housing 101 and an outer surface of the lock cylinder 110 (similar to a ball bearing) when the lock cylinder 110 is rotated within the lumen 101a of the first housing 101.
[0038] The ball 117 is configured to momentarily arrest the rotation of the lock cylinder 110 as the ball 117 is selectively received within one of the grooves 101b of lumen 101a of the first housing 101. The selective interaction of the ball 117 with the grooves 101b prevents inadvertent autonomous rotation of the lock cylinder 110 within the first housing 101. While the lock cylinder 110 is rotated within the lumen 101a of the first housing 101, the moment when the ball 117 is received in one of the grooves 101b provides a tactile and auditory feedback to an end-user of the switch indicating that the switch 100 has been changed from one function/configuration to the other.
[0039] Since the grooves 101b are at a pre-defined distance away from the top end 100a, the mating between the ball 117 and one of the grooves 101b prevent the lock cylinder 110 to slide out of the first housing 101. In other words, the resilient member 115, the ball 117, and the grooves 101b together helps to rotatably couple the lock cylinder 110 within the first housing 101 without letting the lock cylinder 110 slip out of the first housing 101.
[0040] The camshaft 130 is disposed beneath the lock cylinder 110 and coupled thereto. The camshaft 130 is at least partially disposed within the first housing 101 and at least partially within the second housing 103. The coupling between the lock cylinder 110 and the camshaft 130 helps to transfer any rotational motion of the lock cylinder 110 to the camshaft 130. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the camshaft 130 is coupled to the lock cylinder 110 via a dovetail joint. Other functionally equivalent technique to couple the lock cylinder 110 to the camshaft 130 is within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure. The camshaft 130 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, Aluminum and Zamak, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the camshaft 130 is made of Zamak.
[0041] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the camshaft 130, towards the lock cylinder 110, is provided with a plate 131. A resilient member 133 is disposed between the lock cylinder 110 and the plate 131, at least partially enclosing the camshaft 130. The resilient member 133 is configured to have a bias to push the lock cylinder 110 away from the camshaft 130. The resilient member 133 helps to maintain structural integrity of the switch 100.
[0042] The camshaft 130 operationally couples the locking sub-assembly 150 and the switch sub-assembly 170 to the locking cylinder 110 such that actuation of the locking cylinder 110 selectively actuates the locking sub-assembly 150 and the switch sub-assembly 170.
[0043] The camshaft 130 defines a first cam 135 and a second cam 137 operationally coupled to the locking sub-assembly 150. The first cam 135 and the second cam 137 may either be distinct projections of the camshaft 130 or a single projection of the camshaft 130 having a pre-defined shape. The locking sub-assembly 150 is disposed within the second housing 103.
[0044] The locking sub-assembly 150 is disposed between the lock cylinder 110 and the switch sub-assembly 170. The locking sub-assembly 150 includes a locking plate 151, a locking bolt 153, a locking slider 155, etc. The locking sub-assembly 150 is used to lock either a handlebar of a two-wheeler vehicle, a steering wheel of a four-wheeler vehicle or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking plate 151 is made of Cold Rolled Close Annealed (CRCA) steel. The locking plate 151 defines an opening 151a with a pre-defined shape. The opening 151a is configured to allow the camshaft 130 extend across the locking plate 151. In other words, the locking plate 151 is operationally coupled to the camshaft 130 via the opening 151a. The opening 151a at least partially interacts with the first cam 135 of the camshaft 130. The first cam 135 (along with the opening 151a) actuates the locking plate 151 when the camshaft 130 is rotated by the lock cylinder 110 (and the key).
[0045] The locking bolt 153 is coupled to the locking plate 151. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking bolt 153 is coupled to the locking plate 151 via a dovetail joint. Other functionally equivalent technique to couple the locking plate 151 to the locking bolt 153 is within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking bolt 153 is made of free cutting steel.
[0046] The locking bolt 153 is configured to move (pulled) in or (pushed) out of an opening (not shown) of the second housing 103 depending upon the position of the locking plate 151. When the locking plate 151 is actuated to move towards the periphery of the switch 100 by the first cam 135, the locking bolt 153 is pushed out of the second housing 103 thereby locking the vehicle. When the locking plate 151 is actuated to move away from the periphery of the switch 100 by the first cam 135, the locking bolt 153 is pulled within the second housing 103 thereby unlocking the vehicle.
[0047] The locking slider 155 may be disposed underneath the locking plate 151. The locking slider 155 is made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, Aluminum, Zamak, Plastic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking slider 155 is made of Plastic. The locking slider 155 may extend between an inner surface of the second housing 103 and the second cam 137 of the camshaft 130. A resilient member (not shown) may be disposed at least partially around the locking slider 155. The resilient member is biased to push the locking slider 155 away from the second housing 103 and towards the second cam 137. The second cam 137 is configured to actuate the locking slider 155 basis the rotation of the locking cylinder 110 (and the key). The locking slider 155 helps in cable actuation.
[0048] The switch sub-assembly 170 is disposed within the second housing 103, and beneath the locking sub-assembly 150. The switch sub-assembly 170 is operationally coupled to the lock cylinder 110 via the camshaft 130. The switch sub-assembly 170 includes a contact carrier 171, a contact plate 173, a base plate 175, etc. The base plate 175 is disposed at the bottom end 100b of the switch 100. The contact plate 173 is disposed between the contact carrier 171 and the base plate 175. The base plate 175 is disposed beneath the contact plate 173.
[0049] Fig. 2a depicts a bottom-view of the contact carrier 171. The contact carrier 171 is made of one or more electrically non-conducting materials including, but not limited to, Nylon 66, Polyamide 6 (PA6), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact carrier 171 is made of POM. The contact carrier 171 defines an opening 171a having a pre-defined shape. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2a, the opening 171a is disposed at a center of the contact carrier 171. The pre-defined shape of the opening 171a is based upon the shape of the camshaft 130. The camshaft 130, towards the bottom end 100b, is operationally coupled to opening 171a of the contact carrier 171 such that the rotational motion of the camshaft 130 (and the lock cylinder 110) is transferred to the contact carrier 171. In an exemplary embodiment, the camshaft 130 is coupled to the opening 171a of the contact carrier 171 via a dovetail joint. Other functionally equivalent technique to couple the camshaft 130 to the contact carrier 171 is within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0050] A resilient member 170a is disposed between the second cam 137 of the camshaft 130 and the contact carrier 171. The resilient member 170a is bias to push the contact carrier 171 towards the base plate 175 and away from the camshaft 130. The resilient member 170a prevents any loose electrical connection between the contact carrier 171 (and the contact plate 173) and the base plate 175.
[0051] Towards the bottom end 100b, the contact carrier 171 includes at least one axially extending projections 171b. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact carrier 171 is provided with four projections 171b disposed around the opening 171a.
[0052] The contact plate 173 is operationally coupled underneath the contact carrier 171. The contact plate 173 is made of one or more electrically conductive materials including but not limited to phosphor bronze (PB), copper, brass, Electrolytic Tough Pitch (GR ETP) copper and so forth. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact plate 173 is made of copper. The contact carrier 171 is provided with at least one notch 173a corresponding to the at least one projection 171b of the contact carrier 171. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2a, contact plate 173 is provided with four notches 173a corresponding to the four projections 171b of the contact carrier 171. The projections 171b and the notches 173a helps to transfer the rotational motion of the contact carrier 171 to the contact plate 173.
[0053] Additionally or optionally, a resilient member (not shown) is disposed between the contact carrier 171 and the contact plate 173. The resilient member is biased to push the contact plate 173 away from the contact carrier 171 and towards the base plate 175. The resilient member prevents any electrical loose connection between the contact plate 173 and the base plate 175.
[0054] The contact plate 173 includes at least two contact points 173b. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2a, the contact plate 173 is provided with two contact points 173b disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The contact points 173b may at least partially protrude towards the base plate 175. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2a, the contact points 173b are convex shaped. Other functionally equivalent shapes of the contact points 173b are within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure. The contact points 173b helps to selectively short the electrical connection and complete the electrical circuit when the lock cylinder 110 (and the key) as at the ‘ON’ function/configuration.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, a clockwise movement of the key in the lock cylinder 110, generates a rotational force to rotate the contact carrier 171 (and the contact plate 173) in the clockwise direction via the camshaft 130. Similarly, an anti-clockwise movement of the key rotates in the lock cylinder 110, generates a rotational force to rotate the contact carrier 171 (and the contact plate 173) in the anti-clockwise direction via the camshaft 130.
[0056] The base plate 175 (and the contact plate 173), as viewed from the top end 100a is depicted in Fig. 2b. The base plate 175 is made of one or more electrically non-conducting materials including, but not limited to, Melamine, Bakelite, Polyamide 66 (PA66), Polyamide 6 (PA6), Polyamide 6 with 15% glass fiber (PA6-15%GF), Polyamide 6 with 30% glass fiber (PA6-30% GF), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyamide 66 Mineral Filled (PA66 M), Nylon66, and so forth. In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate 175 is made of Nylon66. The base plate 175 may be fixedly or removably coupled to the second housing 103 via at least one of a nut bolt, screw, fasteners or the like. The coupling of the base plate 175 with the second housing 103 holds the base plate 175 in a stationary state relative to the (rotational) movement of the contact carrier 171 and/or the contact plate 173.
[0057] The base plate 175 includes at least two terminals 175a extending across the width of the base plate 175. The terminals 175a are configured to selectively mate with the contact points 173b when the lock cylinder 110 (and the key) as at the ‘ON’ function/configuration.
[0058] The terminals 175a are made of one or more electrically conductive material such as copper, aluminum, or silver. These materials are selected based on their high electrical conductivity, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Additionally or optionally, the terminals 175a is coated or treated with protective layers, such as nickel plating or anodizing, to enhance performance and longevity in environments where exposure to moisture or chemicals may degrade the conductive properties. The specific choice of material will depend on the operational requirements, including current-carrying capacity, thermal management, and mechanical strength of the terminals 175a.
[0059] Fig. 2c depicts the base plate 175, as viewed from the bottom end 100b. As shown in Fig. 2c, each of the terminals 175a are connected to at least one electrically conductive wire 10.
[0060] When the switch 100 is in the ‘LOCK’ configuration the contact plate 173 (and the contact carrier 171) is in a position where the contact points 173b do not make any physical contact with the terminals 175a of the base plate 175 thereby breaking the electrical circuit. In other words, the contact points 173b of the contact plate 173 is physically disconnected from at least one of the terminals 175a of the base plate 175 when the switch 100 is in the ‘LOCK’ configuration.
[0061] When the switch 100 is in the ‘LOCK’ configuration, the locking bolt 153 is disposed at least partially outside second housing 103, thereby locking the handlebar and/or steering of a vehicle.
[0062] The key is inserted within the locking cylinder 110 and rotated in the clockwise direction until a tactile and auditory feedback is received from the switch 100. The tactile and auditory feedback is provided by momentary arrest of the ball 117 within a groove 101b of the first housing 101. The tactile and the auditory feedback confirms that the switch has been changed from its ‘LOCK’ configuration to its ‘OFF’ configuration.
[0063] When the switch is in the ‘OFF’ configuration, the contact plate 173 (and the contact carrier 171) continues to remain in a position where the contact points 173b do not make any physical contact with the terminals 175a of the base plate 175 thereby breaking the electrical circuit. In other words, the contact points 173b of the contact plate 173 is physically disconnected from at least one of the terminals 175a of the base plate 175 when the switch 100 is in the ‘OFF’ configuration.
[0064] When the switch 100 in in the ‘OFF’ configuration, the locking bolt 153 (along with the locking plate 151) is pulled inside the second housing 103, thereby unlocking the handlebar and/or steering of the vehicle. The locking bolt 153 (and the locking plate 151) is pulled within the second housing 103 at least by the first cam 135 of the camshaft 130 in response to the clockwise rotation of the key within the lock cylinder 110.
[0065] The key present within the locking cylinder 110 is further rotated in the clockwise direction until a tactile and auditory feedback is received from the switch 100. The tactile and auditory feedback is provided by momentary arrest of the ball 117 within a groove 101b of the first housing 101. The tactile and the auditory feedback confirms that the switch has been changed from its ‘OFF’ configuration to its ‘ON’ configuration.
[0066] When the switch 100 is in the ‘ON’ configuration, the contact plate 173 (and the contact carrier 171) is in a position where the contact points 173b makes physical contact with the terminals 175a of the base plate 175 thereby completing the electrical circuit. The position of the contact plate 173 (and the contact carrier 171) is actuated by the camshaft 130 in response to the clockwise rotation of the key within the lock cylinder 110. Completing the electrical circuit leads to initiate ignition of the vehicle and/or turn on the associated electronics of the vehicle.
[0067] In an embodiment, the selective contact between the contact plate 173 and the base plate 175 (only in the ‘ON’ configuration of the switch 100) reduces the amount of friction between the contact plate 173 and the base plate 175 thereby increasing the longevity of the contact plate 173 and base plate 175. Accordingly, the life of the switch 100 is also increased.
[0068] Conversely, the user rotates the inserted key in the anti-clockwise direction to change the switch 100 from the ‘ON’ configuration to the ‘OFF’ configuration to deactivate ignition (and associated electronics of the vehicle) by breaking the electrical circuit between the contact points 173b and the terminals 175a. Thereafter, the key is further rotated in the anti-clockwise direction from the ‘OFF’ configuration to the ‘LOCK’ configuration to lock the handlebar and/or steering of the vehicle by pushing the locking bolt 153 at least partially outside of the second housing 103.In an embodiment, the key may be rotated by an angle ranging from 0o to 35o between the ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ configuration, and between ‘OFF’ and ‘LOCK’ configuration of the switch 100 to change the configuration of the switch 100.
[0069] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.
, Claims:WE CLAIM,
1. A switch (100) comprising:
a. a first housing (101) including a lumen (101a) extending at least along a length of the first housing (101), an inner surface of the lumen (101a) defining a plurality of axially extending grooves (101b);
b. a lock cylinder (110) disposed rotatably at least partially within the lumen (101a) of the first housing (101), the lock cylinder (110) defining at least one lateral cavity (113) including a resilient member (115) and a ball (117), the resilient member (115) biased to push the ball (117) towards the inner surface of the lumen (101a) of the first housing (101), the ball (117) is configured to at least partially interact with the inner surface of the lumen (101a) of the first housing (101), thereby preventing the lock cylinder (110) to slip out of the lumen (101) of the first housing (101); and
c. a switch sub-assembly (170) operationally coupled to the lock cylinder (110) via a camshaft (130);
wherein, the ball (117) is configured to be momentarily arrested in at least one of the plurality of axially extending grooves (101b) of the first housing (101), thereby providing a tactile and auditory feedback.
2. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the lumen (101a) is provided with at least one projection (101c) corresponding to at least one projection (111) provided on an outer surface of the lock cylinder (110).
3. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock cylinder (110) is provided with an axial cavity (110a) configured to receive a key.
4. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of axially extending grooves (101b) include three grooves (101b) corresponding to a ‘ON’ configuration, a ‘OFF’ configuration, and a ‘LOCK’ configuration.
5. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch sub-assembly (170) includes:
a. a contact carrier (171) operationally coupled to the camshaft (130) via an opening (171a), the contact carrier (171) configured to mimic the rotational motion of the lock cylinder (110);
b. a contact plate (173) disposed beneath the contact carrier (171) and coupled thereto, the contact plate (173) including at least two contact points (173b); and
c. a base plate (175) disposed beneath the contact plate (173), the base plate (175) including at least two terminals (175a), the terminals (175a) configured to selectively interact with the contact points (173b).
6. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch (100) is provided with a locking sub-assembly (150) operationally coupled to the camshaft (130) and disposed between the lock cylinder (110) and the switch sub-assembly (170).
7. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking sub-assembly (150) includes:
a. a locking plate (151) operationally coupled to the camshaft (130) via an opening (151a); and
b. a locking bolt (153) operationally coupled to the locking plate (151) and configured to either be pushed out or pulled in a second housing (103).
8. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of axially extending grooves (101b) is disposed at a distance away from a top end (100a) of the switch (100).
9. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diameter of the ball (117) ranges from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm.
10. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball (117) is configured to roll on the inner surface of the lumen (101a) of the first housing (101) corresponding to rotation of the lock cylinder (110) within the lumen (101a) of the first housing (101).