TITLE: A LOCK MECHANISM WITH FEEDBACK SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the construction and assembly of a lock mechanism with an integrated feedback system.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
Generally, vehicles such as two-wheelers or three-wheelers are provided with a lock mechanism for locking and unlocking the peripheral components of the vehicle. The peripheral component maybe a seat, fuel tank cap, case, etc. A storage compartment is provided below the seat. It is known that the seat is configured to be open to access the storage compartment. The lock mechanisms may be mechanically actuated or electronically actuated.
The mechanical actuation mechanism may include an actuation cable that is required to be pulled manually for opening the seat or other peripheral components. The electronic actuation system may include actuation using a button that actuates the lock mechanism to open the seat or other peripheral components. However, in conventional systems, the locking actuation mechanism are either mechanical or electronic. Mechanically actuated locks cannot be locked or unlocked unless the user pulls the cable. Similarly, electronically actuated locking mechanisms cannot be actuated if any electronic component such as button, wiring, or solenoid malfunctions. Therefore, if the actuation mechanism of these systems malfunction, a user does not have any immediate recourse other than breaking the lock. Hence, a lot of inconveniences are involved with existing locking mechanisms. The conventional systems do not have a provision for the feedback of the opening and closing of the peripheral components.

In view of the above circumstances, there is an immense need to develop a lock mechanism that overcomes one or more problems associated with the existing lock mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages through the system 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.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking mechanism for a peripheral component of a vehicle is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises a lock configured for locking a peripheral component of a vehicle, one or more actuation mechanisms configured to actuate the lock between a locked state and an unlocked state of the peripheral component, a switch configured to detachably couple with the lock. The switch is connected with a controller to send the feedback of the locked state and the unlocked state of the peripheral component.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lock comprises a first lever configured for locking the peripheral component of the vehicle, a second lever coupled with the first lever, a resilient means connecting the first lever and the second lever, the resilient means is adapted to energize the first lever between the locked state and the unlocked state.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch is coupled with the first lever of the lock in the locked state and sends feedback of the locked state of the peripheral component.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch is disconnected with the first lever of the lock in the unlocked state and sends feedback of the unlocked state of the peripheral component.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the peripheral component comprising a locking pin configured to be engaged with the first lever in the locked state of the peripheral component.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking mechanism comprises a first flange configured to support the lock, a second flange connected with the first flange. A gap is provided between the first flange and the second flange for accommodating the lock.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more actuation mechanisms comprising a first actuation mechanism and a second actuation mechanism. The first actuation mechanism is operatively independent of the second actuation mechanism.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first actuation mechanism is a mechanical actuation mechanism. The mechanical actuation mechanism comprising a first cable configured to be manually triggered for actuating the lock.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second actuation mechanism is an electronic actuation mechanism. The electronic actuation mechanism comprising a second cable and an actuator. The second cable is connected with the actuator and the lock for actuating the lock.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking mechanism for a peripheral component of a vehicle is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises a lock pin, a seat lock lever configured to be engaged with the lock pin in a locked state of the peripheral component. A push pin is detachably connected with the

seat lock lever, and a switch is connected with the push pin. The seat lock lever is adapted to move the push pin for actuating the switch in the locked state. The switch is connected with a controller to transmit the feedback of the locked state and an unlocked state of the peripheral component.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more actuation mechanisms are configured to actuate the lock pin and the seat lock lever between a locked state and an unlocked state of the peripheral component.
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 FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, but not limiting the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings,
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a lock mechanism with an integrated feedback system and manual override in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of a lock mechanism with an integrated feedback system and manual override in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3: illustrates a perspective view of a lock mechanism in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4: illustrates a perspective view of a lock mechanism in an unlocked condition, in accordance with the present disclosure.
FIG. 5: illustrates a front view of a lock mechanism in a locked condition, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6: illustrates a front view of a lock mechanism in an unlocked condition, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a lock mechanism. 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 assembly, which

are varying from product to product. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
The terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
The present disclosure relates to a lock mechanism with an integrated feedback system and manual override for a peripheral lock of a vehicle. The peripheral component may be a seat lock, fuel tank cap, trunk, or like. The lock mechanism is configured to be actuated mechanically as well as electronically. The lock mechanism comprises a first locking lever, an actuator and, a second locking lever. The first locking lever is configured to hold a locking pin of the peripheral component for locking the peripheral component. The second locking lever is configured to be actuated by pulling the manually actuated cable and, by pressing the electronically controlled switch of the actuator. The lock mechanism comprises a micro switch for the feedback of the opening and closing of the peripheral lock. The manually actuated cable and an actuator cable of the actuator are operatively independent of each other. In an embodiment, the lock mechanism may be a latch mechanism or a latch.
In one embodiment, the lock mechanism is located below the seat of the two-wheeler or three-wheeler vehicle. The lock mechanism can be operated by either

key or keyless operation. The lock mechanism can be locked by pressing the seat downwards and, the lock mechanism can be unlocked either by a key or keyless operation. The keyless operation may include a button, sensor, or any other similar provision.
A "locked condition" is herein referred to as a state in which the lock does not allow the opening of the peripheral components. An "unlocked condition" is herein referred to as a state in which the lock allows the opening and closing of the peripheral components
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a lock mechanism (100) described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be constructed in a limiting sense. Various alternative embodiments from part of the present invention.
Referring to the FIG.s 1 to 4, the lock mechanism (100) for a peripheral component of a vehicle. The locking mechanism comprises a lock configured for locking a peripheral component of a vehicle, one or more actuation mechanisms configured to actuate the lock between a locked state and an unlocked state of the peripheral component, and a switch (4) configured to detachably couple with the lock. The lock comprises a first lever (2) configured for locking the peripheral component of the vehicle, a second locking lever (3) coupled with the first locking lever (2), and a resilient means (8) connecting the first locking lever (2) and the second locking lever (3), the resilient means (8) is adapted to energize the first locking lever (2) between the locked state and the unlocked state. The lock mechanism (100) further comprises an actuator (5), a manually actuated cable (7), an actuator cable (6), a first flange (9), and a second flange (10). The first and second flanges (9, 10) are configured to support the first and second locking levers (2, 3). The first and second locking levers (2, 3) may be disposed of in the gap defined between the first and second flanges (9, 10).

The first locking lever (2) is configured to hold a locking pin (1) of the peripheral component of the vehicle. The peripheral component may be a seat of the vehicle. The first locking lever (2) is adapted to move pivotally about a first fastening pin (11).
The second locking lever (3) is coupled with the first locking lever (2) by a resilient means (8). The resilient means (8) may be a spring. Further, the second locking lever (3) is attached with the manually actuated cable (7) and the actuator cable (6) that connects the second locking lever (3) with the actuator (5). The actuator (5) is connected with a switch. In an embodiment, the manually actuated cable (7) and the actuator cable (6) are attached with the second locking lever (3) parallelly. The second locking lever (3) may be configured to be actuated by pulling the manually actuated cable and, also by pressing the electronically controlled switch of the actuator. The second locking lever (3) is adapted to move pivotably about a second fastening pin (12).
The lock mechanism (100) further comprises a microswitch (4) configured for the feedback of the opening and closing of the peripheral lock. In an embodiment, the microswitch (4) may be mounted on the first flange (9). The microswitch (4) may be connected with a controller to send the feedback opening and closing the peripheral lock. The microswitch (4) comprises a plunger configured to be pressed by the first locking lever (2).
The manually actuated cable (7) is configured to be actuated by applying a manually pulling force. The actuator cable (6) may be actuated by pressing the switch that actuates the actuator (5) to further actuate the actuator cable (6). The manually actuated cable(7) is operatively independent of the actuator cable (6).
As shown in FIG. 3, when the locking pin (1) of the seat or other peripheral component may strike on the first locking lever (2), the second locking lever (3) is pulled automatically due to the tension of the spring (8) and, lock the position of

first locking lever (2), at the same time the plunger of the microswitch (4), is pressed automatically and give feedback to the controller.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the seat switch is pressed to open the seat, the actuator (5) actuates the actuator cable (6) to pull the second locking lever (3). Due to the tension of spring (8), the first locking lever (2) is also rotated and, releases the locking pin (1) of the seat and, at the same time, the plunger of the microswitch is also released and send feedback to the controller. In other conditions (not shown), when the manually actuated cable is pulled, then the second locking lever (3) is rotated. Due to the tension of spring (8), the first locking lever (2) is also rotated and, releases the locking pin (1) of the seat and, at the same time, the plunger of the microswitch is also released and send feedback to the controller.
Referring further to FIGs. 5 and 6 a pin-type lock mechanism (200) is provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The pin-type lock mechanism (200) indicates a generalized lock mechanism design which is considered for explaining the working principle of the feedback mechanism using a micro-switch in the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism (200) in this embodiment comprises a seat lock lever (21), a lock pin (25), a push pin (24), a resilient means (23), and a micro-switch (22). The seat lock lever (21) is U-shaped and is configured to be in an engaged position with the lock pin (25) in a locked condition. The resilient means (23) is provided to energize the pushpin (24) at the time of locking/unlocking the seat lock lever (21). The resilient means (23) may be disposed in between the pushpin (24) and the micro-switch (22). In an embodiment, the resilient means (23) may be a spring or any other similar provision.
The push pin (24) is used to movably connect with the seat lock lever (21) when in a locked condition. The push pin (24) is configured for transferring the linear motion from the seat lock lever (21) to the micro-switch (22). The seat lock lever (21) is adapted to actuate the pushpin (24) in the backward direction which is

attached to the micro-switch (22) in the closed condition of the lock mechanism (200) as illustrated in FIG. 5. The micro-switch (22) is configured to detect the position of the seat lock lever (21) and transmit a feedback signal to a control unit for identifying the position of the seat lock lever (21) in the locked condition. If the micro-switch (22) is not pressed properly the lock mechanism (200) generates a beep sound to indicate to the user that the seat is in the unlocked condition.
In an unlocked condition, as the user moves/pushes the seat lock lever (21) in a longitudinal direction such that the seat lock lever (21) is in a disengaged position with the lock pin (25) as shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, the seat lock lever (21) is unlocked. In this unlocked position, due to the resilient action of the resilient means (23), the pushpin (24) reaches its forward position and the micro-switch (22) gets de-actuated. The micro-switch (22) transmits the feedback signal to the control unit to identify the position of the seat lock lever (21) in the unlocked condition.
The lock mechanism of the present disclosure is capable to be operated manually as well as automatically with the sharing of the feedback of the instant lock mechanism conditions to the controller.
The inventors have been working to develop the invention, so that advantage can be achieved in an economical, practical, and facile manner. While preferred aspects and example configurations have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various further modifications and additional configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations herein disclosed are illustrative of the preferred nature of the invention and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention.
EQUIVALENTS

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions, or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
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.
List of reference numerals

Sr. No. Description
100 Lock mechanism -1
1 Locking pin
2 First locking lever
3 Second locking lever
4 Micro switch

5 Actuator
6 Actuator cable
7 Manually actuated cable
8 Resilient means
9 First flange
10 Second flange
11 First fastening pin
12 Second fastening pin
200 Lock mechanism -2
21 Seat lock lever
22 Micro switch
23 Resilient means
24 Push pin
25 Lock pin

We Claim:

1. A locking mechanism (100) for a peripheral component of a vehicle, the
locking mechanism comprising:
a lock configured for locking a peripheral component of a vehicle;
one or more actuation mechanisms configured to actuate the lock between
a locked state and an unlocked state of the peripheral component;
a switch (4) configured to detachably couple with the lock, wherein the
switch (4) is connected with a controller to send the feedback of the locked
state and the unlocked state of the peripheral component.
2. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock
comprising:
a first locking lever (2) configured for locking the peripheral component of
the vehicle;
a second locking lever (3) coupled with the first locking lever (2);
a resilient means (8) connected the first locking lever (2) and the second
locking lever (3), the resilient means (8) is adapted to energize the first
locking lever (2) between the locked state and the unlocked state.
3. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the switch (4) is coupled with the first locking lever (2) of the lock in the locked state and sends feedback of the locked state of the peripheral component.
4. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the switch (4) is disconnected with the first locking lever (2) of the lock in the unlocked state and sends feedback of the unlocked state of the peripheral component.

5. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the
peripheral component comprising a locking pin (1) configured to be engaged
with the first locking lever (2) in the locked state of the peripheral component.
6. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a first flange (9) configured to support the lock;
a second flange (10) connected with the first flange (9);
wherein a gap is provided between the first flange (9) and the second
flange (10) for accommodating the lock.
7. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more actuation mechanisms comprising a first actuation mechanism and a second actuation mechanism, wherein the first actuation mechanism is operatively independent of the second actuation mechanism.
8. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first actuation mechanism is a mechanical actuation mechanism, the mechanical actuation mechanism comprising a first cable (7) configured to be manually triggered for actuating the lock.
9. The locking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second actuation mechanism is an electronic actuation mechanism, the electronic actuation mechanism comprising a second cable (6) and an actuator (5), wherein the second cable (6) is connected with the actuator (5) and the lock for actuating the lock.
10. A locking mechanism (200) for a peripheral component of a vehicle, the locking mechanism comprising: a lock pin (25);
a seat lock lever (21) configured to be engaged with the lock pin (25) in a locked state of the peripheral component;

a push pin (24) detachably connected with the seat lock lever (21);
a switch (22) connected with the pushpin (24),
wherein the seat lock lever (21) is adapted to move the pushpin (24) for
actuating the switch (22) in the locked state, the switch (4) is connected
with a controller to transmit the feedback of the locked state and an
unlocked state of the peripheral component.
11. The locking mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 10, comprising one or more actuation mechanisms configured to actuate the lock pin (25) and the seat lock lever (21) between a locked state and an unlocked state of the peripheral component.