TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of an ignition lock for two-wheeler vehicles. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an ignition lock for two-wheeler vehicles for keyless locking/unlocking and ignition start/stop.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, two-wheeler vehicles such as, but not limited to, bikes, scooters and the like are provided with cylinder/ignition locks for locking the handle bar of the vehicle while parking to prevent theft. Such locks generally comprise a casing having a locking means disposed in the interior. A user has to use a mechanical key to lock/unlock the ignition lock of the vehicle. However, one major drawback of such ignition locks is that the manual operation of the mechanical key results in wear and tear of the locking means. During rotation of the mechanical key in the key insertion slot, the various components (for example tumblers etc.), sub-assemblies of the ignition lock are subjected to undesired mechanical force resulting in decrease in work life of these components. Additionally, excessive usage results in deformation of the key, resulting in wearing of the key profile, thereby reducing the work life cycle of the key.
In other words, the researchers are constantly working to develop an alternative mechanism that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and therefore the inventors of the present invention propose an improved ignition lock for vehicles (two wheelers, three wheelers and the like) whereby keyless locking/unlocking and ignition start/stop of the lock is provided.

SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of conventional ignition locks as described in the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through an ignition lock for vehicles as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an ignition lock for vehicles. The ignition lock comprises a knob assembly disposed in a housing. A rotor is rotatably coupled with the knob assembly. The rotor comprises at least a cam leg extending longitudinally. A slide plate is movably engaged with the cam leg of the rotor. The slide plate is configured to move laterally upon rotation of the rotor by CAM action. The slide plate comprises a plurality of primary slots being selectively engageable with a locking lever. The locking lever is configured to operatively restrict the lateral movement of the slide plate. The locking lever is actuated rotatably by means of a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to be activated by a primary plunger coupled with the knob assembly. The ignition lock further comprises a connector rotatably configured with the rotor. The connector comprises a moving contact for selectively establishing electrical connection between a plurality of fixed contacts upon rotation of the knob assembly.
In an embodiment, the knob assembly comprises a knob disposed external to the housing and being operable by a user.
In an embodiment, the rotor comprises a proximal end and a distal end. An arm is formed at the proximal end. The arm extends longitudinally upwards, towards the knob assembly. The cam leg is formed at the distal end. The cam leg extends downwards, towards the slide plate.
In an embodiment, a plurality of spring loaded secondary plungers are disposed in troughs along a peripheral surface of the rotor. The secondary plungers are energized laterally towards the housing.

In one embodiment, the secondary plungers are operationally receivable in corresponding recesses in the housing for discrete movement of the rotor from one position to another.
In an embodiment, the slide plate comprises guide channel for being movably configured with the cam leg of the rotor.
In one embodiment, the slide plate comprises a secondary slot for receiving an end of a locking rod of the ignition lock.
In an embodiment, the cam leg is configured to pass through the guide channel of the slide plate and engage with a cavity of the connector.
In an embodiment, the locking lever is rotatable about first pivot.
In one embodiment, the drive mechanism comprises a motor being actuable by a control unit of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, activation of the drive mechanism is triggered by a microswitch.
In an embodiment, the microswitch is actuated by the primary plunger, upon downward movement of the knob.
In an embodiment, the connector is rotatable about second pivot.
In an embodiment, the fixed contacts are disposed on a ECU housing of the housing.
In an embodiment, the fixed contacts are connected a starter relay of the vehicle.
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 with reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. 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:
Figure 1 illustrates a top view of the ignition lock depicting the different modes/functions of a knob of the ignition lock in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the improved ignition lock, in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 3 depicts an exploded view of the knob assembly of the ignition lock of Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 4 (a) and (b) illustrate perspective views of a rotor of the ignition lock of Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a slide plate of the ignition lock of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a moving connector illustrates an exploded view of the improved ignition lock.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an ECU housing comprising fixed contacts ,motor, locking lever and microswitch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the ignition lock of Figure 1, in an unactuated condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the ignition lock of Figure 1, in an unactuated condition and shows the locked condition of slide plate with the locking lever according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 depicts a sectional view of the ignition lock of Figure 1 in an actuated condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 depicts a sectional view of the ignition lock of Figure 1 wherein the slide plate is unlocked by the locking lever according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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 assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail, the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with an ignition lock for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various modifications. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, it is an aim of the present disclosure to provide a keyless ignition lock for vehicles.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an ignition lock for vehicles providing discrete locking/unlocking and is user friendly.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an ignition lock for vehicles. The ignition lock comprises a knob assembly disposed in a housing. A rotor is rotatably coupled with the knob assembly. The rotor comprises at least a cam leg extending longitudinally. A slide plate is movably engaged with the cam leg of the rotor. The slide plate is configured to move laterally upon rotation of the rotor by CAM action. The slide plate comprises a plurality of primary slots being selectively engageable with a locking lever. The locking lever is configured to operatively restrict the lateral movement of the slide plate. The locking lever is actuated rotatably by means of a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to be activated by a primary plunger coupled with the knob assembly. The ignition lock further comprises a connector rotatably configured with the rotor. The connector comprises a moving contact for selectively establishing electrical connection between a plurality of fixed contacts upon rotation of the knob assembly. The knob assembly comprises a knob

disposed external to the housing and being operable by a user. The rotor comprises a proximal end and a distal end. An arm is formed at the proximal end. The arm extends longitudinally upwards, towards the knob assembly. The cam leg is formed at the distal end. The cam leg extends downwards, towards the slide plate. A plurality of spring loaded secondary plungers are disposed in troughs along a peripheral surface of the rotor. The secondary plungers are energized laterally towards the housing. The secondary plungers are operationally receivable in corresponding recesses in the housing for discrete movement of the rotor from one position to another. The slide plate comprises guide channel for being movably configured with the cam leg of the rotor. The slide plate comprises a secondary slot for receiving an end of a locking rod of the ignition lock. The cam leg is configured to pass through the guide channel of the slide plate and engage with a cavity of the connector. The locking lever is rotatable about first pivot. The drive mechanism comprises a motor being actuable by a control unit of the vehicle. Activation of the drive mechanism is triggered by a microswitch. The microswitch is actuated by the primary plunger, upon downward movement of the knob. The connector is rotatable about second pivot. The fixed contacts are disposed on an ECU housing of the housing. The fixed contacts are connected a starter relay of the vehicle.
Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of an ignition lock for two-wheeler vehicles. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an improved ignition lock for keyless ignition. It is understood by a person skilled in the art that communication between an actuator and a receiver may be facilitated by means of wireless communication so as to authenticate a correct user before activation of the ignition lock. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an RFID antenna and receiver on the lock and/or the key. Radio waves transmitted by the antenna are received by the receiver when the key is in the vicinity of the ignition lock. Thereby, a correct user is detected, and the ignition lock may be operated by the correct user.
Reference will now be made to an ignition lock for vehicles which is explained with the help of figures. The figures are for the purpose of illustration only and should not

be construed as limitations on the assembly and mechanism of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.
Figure 1 depicts an ignition lock (100) for vehicles in accordance with the present disclosure. The ignition lock (100) comprises a housing (1). In one embodiment, the housing may be provided with a cover (la) having indications about the different conditions/modes of the vehicle, during operation of the said ignition lock, the user/rider has to manually perform discrete operations, i.e. from handle 'LOCK' to 'OFF' position and 'OFF' to 'ON/START' position. It is understood by a person skilled in the art that in the 'LOCK' position, the handle bar of the vehicle is immovable. Accordingly, in the 'OFF' condition of the ignition lock, the handle bar of the vehicle is unlocked but the engine cannot be started. In the 'ON/START' condition, the engine can be started.
Referring to Figures 2 to 7, the knob assembly (2) is disposed movably in the housing (1). The knob assembly (2) may be energized longitudinally along axis YY by means of spring. The knob assembly comprises a knob (2a) disposed external to the housing (1). The knob (2a) is configured to be operable by a user. In a non-limiting embodiment, the knob assembly (2) may be disposed in the housing (1) with pins and engaged with a rotor (3) by means of a spring to rotatably configure the knob assembly (2). However, many different configurations of securing the knob assembly (2) in the housing (1) are possible. Further, the knob assembly (2) may be provided with one or more torque limiting mechanisms. All such configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The ignition lock (100) further comprises a rotor (3) being disposed in the housing (1). The rotor (3) comprises a proximal end (3a) and a distal end (3b). Formed at the proximal end (3a) of the rotor (3) is an arm (4). The arm (4) extends perpendicularly away from the rotor (3) in an upward direction. The arm (3) is adapted to be coupled with the knob assembly (2) so as to rotatably configure the rotor (3) with the knob (2a). Formed at the distal end (3b) of the rotor (3) is a cam leg (5). The cam leg (5) extends perpendicularly away from the rotor (3) in a downward direction towards a slide plate (6). The slide plate (6) is disposed below the rotor (3) along axis YY in an assembled condition of the ignition lock (100). In an embodiment, the slide plate (6)

is mounted in the housing (1) so as to be movable in a lateral direction. The slide plate (6) comprises a guide channel (6a) having a generally linear configuration. In one embodiment, the guide channel extends along length 'L' along a direction perpendicular to the axis XX in the same plane. In one embodiment, the cam leg (5) is received in the guide channel (6a) so as to movably configure the slide plate (6) with the rotor (3). The slide plate (6) is thereby configures to move laterally upon rotation of the rotor due to CAM action.
The slide plate (6) further comprises a plurality of primary slots (6b) being selectively engageable with a locking lever (7) such that in an engaged condition, the locking lever (7) is configured to operatively restrict the lateral movement of the slide plate (6). In an embodiment, the locking lever (7) is the actuated rotatably by means of a drive mechanism about first pivot (PI). The slide plate (6) comprises at least one secondary slot (6c) for receiving an end (8a) of a locking rod (8) of the ignition lock (100). It is understood by a person skilled in the art, that the locking rod (8) may be configured with a locking means to lock/unlock a handle bar of the vehicle.
Disposed below the slide plate (6) is a connector (9). The cam leg (5) of the rotor (3) is configured to pass through the guide channel (6a) of the slide plate (6) for being received in a cavity (9a) of the connector (9). The moving connector (9) is thereby rotatably coupled with the rotor (3). The moving connector (9) is rotatable about second pivot (P2). The moving connector (9) is pivotably mounted on the ECU housing (lb) by means of pin (17). The moving connector (9) comprises a protrusion (9b) for accommodating a spring loaded moving contact (14). In the mounted condition, a ECU housing (lb) is used to secure the housing (1) from a lower sider. A plurality of fixed contacts (15, 16) may be disposed on the ECU housing (lb) of the housing (1). The plurality of fixed contacts (15, 16) may be coupled with a starter relay of the vehicle for controlling the START/IGNITION condition of the vehicle.
Referring to Figures 8 to 11, in an embodiment, the drive mechanism comprises a gear mechanism. The motor (11) is actuable by a control unit (not shown) of the vehicle. Further, there is provided a microswitch (12) being actuable by a plunger (13) coupled with the knob shaft (2b) of knob assembly (2). During operation of the ignition lock (100), when the user presses the knob (2a) in the downward direction

along axis YY, the spring-loaded plunger (13) actuates the microswitch (12). The microswitch (12) in turn activates the ECU to start authentication process. ECU send RFID signal to receiver and to receive the signals from receiver. The authentication process completed only when the signals are matched with correct key of the ignition lock (100). Upon authentication of the correct key, the control unit of the vehicle, activates the motor (11) for actuating movement of the locking lever (7) about first pivot (PI). In an embodiment, the locking lever (7) is provided with a plurality of teeth being engaged with a gear (11a) coupled with the motor (11). Thereby, rotation of the gear (11a) causes the locking lever (7) to rotate and disengage with the primary slots (6b) of the slide plate (6). Thus, the slide plate (6) is movable and the user may operate the knob (2a) to achieve a desired function of the ignition lock (100). The ECU activates the motor for a particular time and de-activate after that time period. The locking lever is engaged with a torsion spring which auto-return the locking lever (7) as the motor de-activated.
When the ignition lock (100) is rotated from the 'LOCK' to 'OFF' position with push movement of the knob, the movement of the slide plate (6) causes the locking rod (8) to be retrieved towards the housing (1) and the handle bar of the vehicle is unlocked. When the user, further rotates the knob (2a) towards the 'ON/START' condition, the connector (9) is rotated by the rotary movement of the rotor (3) about second pivot (P2). In this condition, the moving contact (14) is rotated and contacts the fixed contacts (15, 16) together. Thereby electrical connection between plurality of fixed contacts (15, 16) and engine of the vehicle may be achieved by means of a self-start button of the vehicle or any other way to start the engine.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the ignition lock (100) further comprises a plurality of spring loaded secondary plungers (not shown) disposed in troughs (3c) along a peripheral surface (3d) of the rotor (3). The steel balls are energized laterally towards the housing (1). In an embodiment, the steel balls are configured to support the rotor laterally in the housing (1). During operation of the knob (2a), the spring-loaded steel balls are operationally receivable in corresponding recesses in the housing (1). In one embodiment, each recess in the housing (1) corresponds to a 'LOCK', 'OFF' and 'ON/START' position of the knob (2a), thereby facilitating discrete movement of the

rotor (3) from one position to another and providing feedback to the user during rotation of the knob (2a).
In one non-limiting embodiment, the rotor (3) comprises tertiary slots (3e, 3f) corresponding to the 'LOCK' and 'OFF' positions of the knob (2a). The tertiary slots (3e) are adapted to accommodate the plunger (13) during downward movement of the knob (2a). The tertiary slots (3e, 3f) thereby restrict downward movement of the knob (2a) in an on position and an intermediate position, i.e. when the knob (2a) is in between the 'LOCK' and 'OFF' position. Thus, the knob (2a) is movably in the downward direction only when the primary plunger (13) is received in one of the tertiary slots (3e, 3f).
List of reference numerals:

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be

interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. An ignition lock (100) for vehicles comprising;
a knob assembly (2) disposed in a housing (1);
a rotor (3) being rotatably coupled with the knob assembly (2); the rotor (3) comprising at least a cam leg (5) extending along axis YY and an extruded pin extended axially;
a slide plate (6) being movably engaged with the cam leg (5) of the rotor (3); the slide plate (6) being configured to move laterally upon rotation of the rotor (3); and the slide plate (6) comprising atleast one primary slot (6b) being selectively engageable with a locking lever (7); wherein the locking lever (7) is configured to operatively restrict the lateral movement of the slide plate (6);
a plunger (13) being operationally connected with the rotor (3) and being movable in a downward direction against a resilient force; the plunger (13) being configured to press a microswitch (12) to start authentication process for a correct user of the vehicle;
the locking lever (7) being actuated rotatably by means of a rotary actuator (11); wherein the rotary actuator (11) is configured to be activated only after the authentication process by an ECU (17) mounted on the ECU housing (lb); and
a moving connector (9) being rotatably configured with the rotor (3); wherein the moving connector (9) comprises a moving contact (14) for selectively establishing electrical connection between a plurality of fixed contacts (15, 16) upon rotation of the knob assembly (2).
2. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microswitch (12) is
actuated by a user to start authentication and the authentication comprises:
the ECU being configured to receive ID codes transmitted by an electronic key; and compare the received ID codes with ID codes stored in it,

wherein the authentication is said to be completed if the ID codes received by the ECU matches with the ID codes stored in it.
3. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob assembly (2) comprises a knob (2a) disposed external to the housing (1) and being operable by a user.
4. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotor (3) comprises a proximal end (3a) and a distal end (3b); wherein
an arm (4) is formed at the proximal end (3a); the arm (4) extending longitudinally upwards, towards the knob assembly (2); and
the cam leg (5) is formed at the distal end (3b); the cam leg (5) extending downwards, towards the slide plate (6).
5. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein a plurality of spring loaded balls are disposed in troughs (3c) along a peripheral surface (3d) of the rotor (3); the steel balls being energized laterally towards the housing (1).
6. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the steel balls are operationally receivable in corresponding recesses in the housing (1) for discrete movement of the rotor (3) from one position to another.
7. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slide plate (6) comprises a guide channel (6a) for being movably configured with the cam leg (5)oftherotor(3).
8. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slide plate (6) comprises a secondary slot (6c) for receiving an end (8a) of a locking rod (8) of the ignition lock (100).
9. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 6, wherein the cam leg (5) is configured to pass through the guide channel (6a) of the slide plate (6) and engage with a cavity (9a) of the connector (9).

10. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking lever (7) is rotatable about first pivot (PI).
11. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary actuator (10) comprises a motor (11) being actuable by a control unit of the ignition lock
12. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein activation of the rotary actuator (10) is by a microswitch (12).
13. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving connector (9) is rotatable about second pivot (P2).
14. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed contacts (15, 16) are disposed on a ECU housing (lb) of the housing (1).
15. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein fixed contacts (15, 16) are in contact with moving connector at ignition on position only to allow the user of the vehicle to start ignition of the vehicle.
16. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking lever (7) is pivotly mounted on the ECU housing at PI and operationally rotated by the rotary actuator (11)
17. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locking lever (7) is connected with the shaft of the motor through a gear mechanism.
18. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locking lever (7) is connected resiliency with a torsion spring to auto-return the locking lever when the rotary actuator is deactivated.
19. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary actuator remains actuated for a pre-defined time period.