TITLE OF THE INVENTION
An Ignition Lock for Vehicles
5 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of two-wheeled vehicles.
Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an ignition lock for two-wheeled
vehicles. Further, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an assembly
10 and mechanism of an ignition lock for swift locking/unlocking of the handlebar of
two-wheeled vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
15 [002] Generally, most two-wheeled vehicles such as bikes, scooters, etc. are
provided with ignition locks for locking the handlebar of the vehicle while parking to
prevent theft. Such locks generally comprise a slide plate and lock bar. The slide
plate is provided to transform the rotary motion to linear motion. This causes linear
movements of the lock bar for engaging/disengaging with a locking means to
20 lock/unlock the handlebar of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 1(a)-(c), a through
hole is provided on the slide plate. A head portion of the lock bar is inserted in the
hole on the slide plate. During assembly, the head portion of the lock bar above the
surface of the slide plate is required to be flared to prevent the lock bar from getting
disengaged. However, a major drawback associated with the conventional ignition
25 locks that it requires an additional flaring process to assemble the lock bar and plate
slide. This process provides a permanent assembly of the lock bar and slide plate.
Consequently, in case of failure of any one of the elements, the whole assembly has
to be replaced. Another major disadvantage is that the flaring process requires more
effort as the rotating tool requires to be precise contact with the surface lock bar only.
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This is a time-consuming process and leads to inferior production. This process also
increases the production cost. Further, a cover plate is required to enclose the
assembly of the lock bar and plate slide. This requires more space for mounting in
the two-wheeled vehicles.
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[003] Accordingly, there exists a need to develop an ignition lock for automobiles.
Specifically, an ignition lock that overcomes the one or more limitations associated
with existing locks.
10 SUMMARY
[004] The present disclosure relates to an ignition lock. Specifically, the present
disclosure is directed towards the ignition lock comprising a housing; a rotor
comprising a distal end, rotatably mounted in the housing, the rotor comprising a cam
15 leg formed at the distal end; a slide plate comprising a primary and a secondary slot,
the cam leg extending axially towards a slide plate, the slide plate is movably
engaged with the cam leg of the rotor at the primary slot, the slide plate being
configured to move laterally upon rotation of the rotor; and a lock bar defining a
groove, the groove configured to removably engage an edge of the slide plate
20 defining the secondary slot. The ignition lock allows easy and adjustable manual
assembly of slide plate and lock bar. This leads to easy dismantling of the
components if required.
[005] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any
25 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 DRAWINGS
4
[006] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily
understood from the following detailed description with reference to the
accompanying figure(s). The figure(s) together with a detailed description below, are
incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the
5 embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the
present invention wherein:
Figure 1a-1c illustrates an isometric view of the existing ignition lock.
10 Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of an ignition lock in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3a-3c illustrates an exploded view of an assembly of slide plate and lock bar
in accordance with the present disclosure.
15
Figure 4 illustrates a section view of ignition lock in an unlocked position according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[007] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for
20 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
25
[008] 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,
5
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within
the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[009] Before describing in detail embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty
5 and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in an
ignition lock. 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 vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification should be construed
within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing(s) are showing
10 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 benefit of the description herein.
[010] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are
15 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
20 elements in the system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present
disclosure. The disclosure in respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
[011] Accordingly, it is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an ignition lock.
25 [012] Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an ignition lock with an
adjustable assembly of the lock bar and slide plate, which is more serviceable by
replacement of damaged components.
6
[013] Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide a compact sized ignition
lock which eliminates the use of cover plate.
[014] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an ignition lock for vehicles. The
5 ignition lock comprises a housing having a generally cylindrical shape. A rotor is
rotatably mounted in the housing. The rotor comprises a proximal end and a distal
end. A cam leg is formed at the distal end. The cam leg extending axially towards a
slide plate. The 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.
10 The slide plate comprises a primary and a secondary slot. The slide plate is movably
engaged with the cam leg of the rotor at primary slot. The slide plate is configured to
move laterally upon rotation of the rotor. A lock bar is engaged with slide plate. The
lock bar defining a groove, the groove configured to removably engage an edge of
the slide plate defining the secondary slot. Further, the cam leg is configured to pass
15 through the guide channel of the slide plate and engage with a carrier assembly. The
carrier assembly is further engaged with base assembly with the help of a contact
plate. The contact between the carrier assembly and the base assembly provides an
electrical signal to the battery to start the vehicle.
20 [015] 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.
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[016] Figure 1 shows an ignition lock (100) in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure. The ignition lock (100) comprises a housing (1). The housing (1) is
having a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, the housing comprising
a cover (8) at proximal end, having indications about the different conditions/modes
7
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 handlebar of the vehicle is immovable. Accordingly,
5 in the ‘OFF’ condition of the ignition lock, the handlebar of the vehicle is unlocked
but the engine cannot be started. In the ‘ON/START’ condition, the engine can be
started.
[017] The ignition lock as shown in figure 2 comprises a housing (1) having a
10 generally cylindrical shape. The housing encloses a rotor (2), a body switch (3), a
lock bar (4), a slide plate (5), a carrier assembly (6), a switch cover (7), a cover body
(8), a plate push (9), a spring plate push (10), a base assembly (11), fastening means
(12) and locking means. The rotor (2) is rotated by a key (not shown) for
locking/unlocking handlebar of the vehicle.
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[018] The rotor (2) is disposed in the housing (1). The rotor (3) comprises a
proximal end and a distal end. Formed at the distal end of the rotor (2) is a cam leg
(15). The cam leg (15) extends axially away from the rotor (3) in a towards a slide
plate (5). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cam leg (15) of the rotor
20 extended through the slide plate in order to further engage with a carrier assembly
(6).
[019] In an embodiment, the slide plate (5) is mounted in the housing (1) so as to be
movable in a lateral direction. As shown in figure 3, the slide plate (5) comprises a
25 primary slot (5a) and a secondary slot (5b). The primary slot (5a) configured as a
guide channel having a generally linear configuration. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the primary slot can be rectangular or elliptical in shape. In
another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cam leg (15) is received in the
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guide channel (5a) so as to movably configure the slide plate (5) with the rotor (2).
The slide plate (5) is thereby configured to move laterally upon rotation of the rotor
due to CAM action.
5 [020] The lock bar (4) is disposed inside the housing (1). The lock bar (4) comprises
a top end and a bottom end. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lock bar
comprises at least one groove (4a) defined by the lock bar. In another embodiment of
the present disclosure, the groove (4a) can be circular or rectangular in shape. In
another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 3, the lock bar (4)
10 is configured to engage with the slide plate (5). In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the groove (4a) is configured to removably engage an edge of the slide
plate defining the secondary slot (5b). In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the dimension of the groove (4a) is corresponding to a thickness of the
edge of the slide plate (5) defining the secondary slot (5b). It is understood by a
15 person skilled in the art, that the lock bar (4) may be configured with a locking means
to lock/unlock a handlebar of the vehicle.
[021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cam leg (15) of the rotor (2) is
configured to pass through the primary slot (5a) of the slide plate (5) for being
20 received in a cavity of the carrier assembly (6). The carrier assembly (6) is thereby
rotatably coupled with the rotor (2). The carrier assembly (6) is mounted coaxially
with cam leg (15) of the rotor, inside the switch body (3). The carrier assembly (6)
comprises a contact plate (13). The carrier assembly is configured to movably engage
with the base assembly with help of the contact plate (13). The contact plate (13) is
25 movably configured with electrical terminals connected to a base assembly (11). The
contact between the carrier assembly and the base assembly (11) provides an
electrical signal to the battery to start the vehicle.
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[022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base assembly comprises a
plurality of fixed contacts may be coupled with a starter relay of the vehicle for
controlling the START/IGNITION condition of the vehicle.
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[023] The housing (1) is covered at the distal end by means of a switch cover (7),
the said switch cover being secured to the distal end of the housing (1) by a fastening
means (12).
10 [024] During operation of the ignition lock (100), when a key (not shown) is rotated
by the user, the rotor (2) rotates about axis XX in the housing (1). During this
rotation of the rotor (2), the primary slot (5a) of the slide plate receives the cam leg
(3a) between the LOCK, OFF and ON conditions of the ignition lock.
15 [025] When the ignition lock (100) is rotated from the ‘LOCK’ to ‘OFF’ position
with help of the key, the movement of the slide plate (6) causes the lock bar (4) to be
retrieved towards the housing (1) and the handle bar of the vehicle is unlocked. When
the user, further rotates the key towards the ‘ON/START’ condition, the contact plate
(13) of the carrier assembly (6) is rotated by the rotary movement of the rotor (2)
20 with help of the cam leg of rotor (15). In this condition, the contact plate is rotated
and contacts the fixed contacts together. Thereby electrical connection between
plurality of fixed contacts and engine of the vehicle may be achieved to start the
engine.
25 [026] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 4, the plate
push (9) is located adjacent to the carrier assembly (6). The plate push (9) configured
with the cam leg (15) of the rotor, is provided to limit the movement of the lock bar
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from “OFF” to “Lock” position unless the plate push (9) is pushed to certain distance
by the user.
[027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 4, the spring
5 plate push (10) is disposed in the housing (1). In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the spring plate push (10) is configured as bring back mechanism to
achieve the neutral/original position.
[028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening means can be a
10 plurality of screws, sealing means or a group of fasteners and the like.
[029] Accordingly, the ignition lock of the present disclosure provides a compact
and adjustable assembly of the lock bar (4) and slide plate (5) and eliminates an
additional process required to flare the head of the lock bar.
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List of Reference Numerals
Sr. No. Description
100 Ignition Lock
1 Housing
2 Rotor
3 Switch body
4 Lock bar
5 Slide Plate
11
5
10
Equivalents:
15 [030] 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
20 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.
[031] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the
25 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
6 Carrier Assembly
7 Cover switch
8 Cover body
9 Plate push
10 Spring plate push
11 Base assembly
12 Fastening means
13 Contact plate
15 Cam Leg of the Rotor
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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
5 scope of the embodiments as described herein.
[032] 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
10 of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
[033] 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.
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[034] 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
20 relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this
application.
[035] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters,
dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values
25 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.
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[036] 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
5 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.

We Claim:
1. An ignition lock (100) for vehicles, comprising:
a housing (1);
5 a rotor (2) comprising a distal end, rotatably mounted in the housing (1), the
rotor comprising a cam leg (15) formed at the distal end;
a slide plate (5) comprising a primary (5a) and a secondary slot (5b), the cam
leg extending axially towards a slide plate, the slide plate is movably engaged
with the cam leg (15) of the rotor at the primary slot (5a), the slide plate being
10 configured to move laterally upon rotation of the rotor (2); and
a lock bar (4) defining a groove (4a), the groove configured to removably
engage an edge of the slide plate (5) defining the secondary slot (5b).
2. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein dimension of the groove (4a)
15 is corresponding to a thickness of the edge of the slide plate (5) defining the
secondary slot (5b).
3. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein cross-section of the
groove (4a) formed at the lock bar (4) is circular or rectangular in shape.
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4. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein cross-section of the
primary slot (5a) of the slide plate (5) is rectangular or elliptical in shape.
5. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cam leg (15) is
25 configured to pass through the primary slot (5a) of the slide plate (5) to
movably engage with a carrier assembly (6).
15
6. The ignition lock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary slot of the
slide plate (5) configured as a guide channel having a generally linear
configuration.