CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a patent of addition to Indian Application number
3833/DEL/2013 filed on December 3 1,201 3.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to locking systems for two wheelers.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved combined locking
system in two wheelers for a fuel tank lock and a seat cover functioning with an
ignition switch and/or an immobilizer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The statements in this section merely provide background information related
to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Two wheelers are enjoying resurgences in popularity in recent years. These
resurgences are due, at least in part, to the open air feeling associated with riding the
two-wheelers. Of course, this feeling is directly a result of the lack of an operator
compartment. Along with the enjoyment of the wind whisking by, operators are
confronted with a number of problems that are exasperated by the lack of secured and
compact lock systems.
Conventionally, a lock system in two wheelers is provided with a lock bar
protruding a lock bar body part including a key cylinder and a lock plate. The lock
pin functions to operate the lock when an ignition key is inserted into an ignition
switch and then turned therein. However, this technology emphasizes the application
of a plurality of lock systems, each for respective lock. Recent developments in this
domain consolidated the existing plurality of lock systems into an integrated lock
system. The integrated lock system is structured with the ignition switch wherein the
integrated locking system is uniquely provided with a fuel tank opening function and
a seat lock opening function. In particular, the movement in the integrated lock
system is governed by a rotor that rotates in any required rotational direction with
respect to ON and OFF position of the ignition switch. Further, the ignition switch in
such integrated lock systems are covered by a shutter. Hence, the said integrated lock system gets enabled only on opening the shutters (after inserting the ignition key into
the ignition switch) by a push button or a magnet key. Additionally, the presence of
elements such as rotor, shutter, and the like, result in a robust and complicated
integrated lock system. Moreover, such integrated lock systems are less comfortable
to handle and are costly too.
In the previous patent application 3833lDELl2013, the applicant had
demonstrated an ignition switch operated combined lock mechanism in two-wheelers
that includes an ignition key inserted in the ignition switch for actuating the
combined lock mechanism provided with an immobilizer system. The two wheelers
are provided with an ignition body receiving a movable ignition lock cylinder
attached to the ignition switch. Further, the combined lock mechanism is provided
with a cam rotatably positioned in the ignition body in a manner that an anticlockwise
rotation of the ignition key transfers the movement of the cam to a switch case
assembly via a slider case assembly. The present subject matter discloses that the
slider case assembly includes a seat opening slider and a fuel tank opening slider
disposed in respective parallel case slots devised in the slider case assembly. The seat
opening slider and the fbel tank opening slider are selectively pushed by respective
movable carrier elements provided with the cam. Further, the movements of the seat
opening slider and the fuel tank opening slider pull the cables connected to a seat
cover and a fuel tank lock respectively. The combined lock mechanism also discloses
that a terminal base assembly is attached to the slider case assembly. However, the
aforesaid combined lock mechanism demands the push of the ignition key while
locking and unlocking the two wheeler (from ON and LOCK position) at each time of
its operation, thus inviting a more tedious operation. Additionally, the presence of
both opening sliders on each side of the cam may attracts the complexity in
functioning of each opening slider individually, especially in terms of the balance in
strength across both sides is concerned.
Hence, there is an urgent need of a simple, compact and affordable integrated
lock system to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks available with the present
integrated lock system of the two wheelers. BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The present subject matter relates to an ignition switch operated combined
lock mechanism in two-wheelers that includes an ignition key for actuating the
ignition switch and the combined lock mechanism provided with an immobilizer
system. The two wheelers are provided with an ignition body receiving a movable
ignition lock cylinder attached to the ignition switch. Further, the combined lock
mechanism is provided with a cam rotatably positioned in the ignition body in a
manner that an anticlockwise rotation of the ignition key transfers the movement of
the cam to a switch case assembly via a slider case assembly. The present subject
matter discloses that the slider case assembly includes a seat opening slider and a fuel
tank opening slider disposed in respective parallel case slots devised on the opposite
side of the cam in the slider case assembly. The seat opening slider and the fuel tank
opening slider are selectively pushed by respective movable carrier elements
provided with the cam. Further, the movements of the seat opening slider and the fuel
tank opening slider pull the respective cables connected to a seat cover and a fuel
tank lock. The combined lock mechanism also discloses that a terminal base
assembly is attached to the slider case assembly.
An object of the present invention is to provide the combined lock mechanism
including locks for a he1 tank lock and a seat cover.
An object of the present invention is to provide the ignition switch with the
ignition key that operates to turn ON and OFF the ignition switch.
An object of the present invention is to encompass the ignition lock cylinder
by the ignition body.
An object of the present invention is to provide the ignition lock cylinder with
a lock plate and a coil spring to allow the engagement of correct ignition key into the
ignition lock cylinder.
An object of the present invention is to provide a shutter assembly with the
ignition switch. Another object of the present invention is to provide the combined lock
mechanism with a cam located subsequent to the ignition body.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the lower end of the cam
with a cam spring and a cam washer.
Another object of the present invention is to attach the slider case assembly to
the switch case assembly via an o-ring, a contact holder, a contact plate and a
terminal base assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to devise the slider case assembly
with two parallel case slots devised on the opposite sides of the cam for disposing the
seat opening slider and the he1 tank opening slider.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the seat opening
slider and the fuel tank opening slider with a seat sliding spring and a fuel tank
sliding spring to retain their respective positions.
Yet another object of the present invention is to get the sliders pushed by
respective carrier elements designed integral to the cam.
Yet another object of the present invention is to snap fit the switch case
assembly to the slider case assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the switch case
assembly with the click mechanism including a plurality of balls and springs.
Yet another object of the present invention is to longitudinally space the
carrier elements by atleast a distance of 0.7 rnm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary narrated above and the following detailed description of the
invention can be understood with the drawings appended to this claim. The
illustrations provide the details of the invention. However, it should be understood
that the invention is not limited to the arrangements shown. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 shows perspective views of the two wheelers in an embodiment of the present
subject matter. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a combined lock mechanism
in the two-wheelers in different embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a combined lock mechanism in the two-
wheelers in different embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the slider case assembly of the combined lock
mechanism in an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the switch case assembly of the combined lock
mechanism in the two-wheelers in different embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of the combined lock mechanism in an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 9 illustrates an immobilizer system provided with an ignition switch in an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments of the present subject matter are. described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is not
limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the
present subject matter to the ordinarily skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In
the accompanying drawings, like reference alphabets and numerals are used to
indicate like components.
The present invention relates to an improved combined lock mechanism in
two wheelers for a fuel tank lock and a seat cover functioning with an ignition switch
andlor an immobilizer. The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. Although the
present invention is effectively applicable to various types of two-wheelers in this
embodiment, a description will be given of an example of what is called a two
wheeler scooters, scooty, and the like (hereinafter may be referred as a two wheeler),
as shown in FIG. 1, for example. First, the general construction of the two wheeler
related to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the two-wheelers 100 necessarily
provided with a vehicle body (not shown) including a rear body (not shown) on
which a seat 102 is disposed (or hinged) to be capable of being opened and closed.
An article accommodation box or chamber (not shown) for especially
accommodating a helmet or the like may be disposed below the seat 102, and an oil
tank and a &el tank 104 are arranged behind the article accommodation box. The
vehicle body also includes an ignition switch (not shown) located and mounted in the
vehicle's steering wheel cover and is operable by an ignition key (not shown). The
term ignition switch is quite generally understood means, connected across the two-
wheeler 100 to a working condition or can be switched from one operational state to a
passive state 1 park state. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the ignition
switch combines .with the combined lock system for two-wheelers wherein the
combined lock mechanism includes locks for a fuel tank lock 142 and a seat cover
178, as discussed later.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of the combined lock mechanism
110 in the two wheelers 100 provided with the ignition switch 106 connected by a
battery circuit (not shown) for actuating the driving mechanism of the two wheelers
100. The ignition switch 106 is operated by the aforesaid ignition key 108 that
operates to turn ON and OFF the ignition switch 106. In an embodiment of the
present subject matter, the combined lock mechanism 110 includes an ignition lock
cylinder 112 encompassed into an ignition body 114. The ignition lock cylinder 112
is actually a movable positioning block provided with a lock plate 116 and a coil
spring 118 to allow the engagement of correct ignition key 108 into the ignition lock
cylinder 112. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the ignition lock
cylinder is covered by a cylinder cap 192 located below a coil antenna 198 (shown in
FIG. 3). In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the ignition lock cylinder
112 is received in the ignition body 114.
FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the combined lock mechanism 110 that
further shows the ignition switch 106 covered by a dummy cap 196 wherein the
ignition switch comprises a shutter assembly 120 in an embodiment of the present subject matter. The shutter assembly 120 may include an apertured shutter member
194 movable between a first position wherein it blocks access to a key slot 122 (as
shown in FIG. 6) of the said combined lock mechanism 110 and a second position
wherein it permits access to the key slot 122 of the said combined lock mechanism
110 through the aperture therein. FIG. 3 further illustrates that the combined lock
mechanism 110 includes a cam 124 located subsequent to the ignition body 114 with
a push spring 126 provided in between them in an embodiment of the present subject
matter. The ignition body provided with a bar lock 204, alongwith plate 200 and
screw 202, to slide and lock the sliders (as discussed later). The cam 124 is provided
with a slider 128 having a through hole for allowing the cam 124 to pass through
therein. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the lower end (subsequent to
the slider) is equipped with a cam spring 130 and a cam washer 132 to releasably
engage a slider case assembly 134 to the ignition body (discussed later) during the
operation. The slider case assembly 134 is subsequently attached to a switch case
assembly 136 via an o-ring 148, a contact holder 150, a contact plate 152 and a
terminal base assembly 154, as discussed later also.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the slider case assembly 134 in an
embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment of the present subject
matter, the slider case assembly 134 is uniquely formed with two case slots aligned
on the opposite sides of the cam, and supported rotationally to the ignition body while
being permitted for axial sliding operation (with the cam) within a restricted range.
The two case slots dispose a seat opening slider 138 and a fuel tank opening slider
140 (hereinafter may be commonly referred as opening sliders) so as to be selectively
slidable within the plane perpendicular to the axis of the combined lock mechanism
110, in an embodiment of the present subject matter. The seat opening slider 138
operates the opening and closing of the vehicular seat 102 on actuating the ignition
switch 106. Similarly, the actuation of the ignition switch 106 hctions the operation
of the opening and closing of the fuel tank lock 142 also providing the preferred
embodiment that the ignition key 108 need not to be taken out of the ignition switch
106, as explained later. The seat opening slider 138 and the fuel tank opening slider
140 are respectively provided with a seat sliding spring 144 and a fuel tank sliding spring 146 to retain their respective positions as shown in FIG. 4. The combined lock
mechanism, wherein the opening sliders are on the opposite side of the cam,
according to the present subject matter facilitate a more easy and compact
arrangement for the respective fimctioning of the seat opening slider and the fuel
opening slider. Additionally, such arrangement provides a required balance in the
strength of each slider on both sides of the cam so that the push along the cam
remains undisturbed.
The rear end of the slider case assembly 134 is connected to the switch case
assembly 136 via the contact holder 150, and the contact plate 152 wherein the switch
case assembly 136 being relatively movable in the axial direction but inhibited from
relative rotation around the axis. As discussed later, in a preferred embodiment of the
present subject matter, each of the sliding members is provided with slider bars (156,
158) which get pushed by respective carrier elements (160, 162) (precisely designed
integral to the cam) with the rotation of the cam 124. The carrier elements (160, 162)
subsequently govern the alternate movement of the opening sliders.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the switch case assembly 136 in an
embodiment of the present subject matter. As explained earlier, the switch case
assembly 136 is located rear to the slider case assembly 134. In a preferred
embodiment of the present subject matter, the switch case assembly 136 is secured to
the slider case assembly 134 by a snap fit securement element provided near the
outskirt of the switch case 166, as shown in FIG. 5. The snap fit securement element
may include ribs 164 which engage with the slider case assembly 134 as a snap fit
cartridge holder with greater resilience. The rear end of the switch case 166 of the
slider case assembly 134 is connected to the contact holder 150 via the O-ring 148
wherein the contact holder 150 is being relatively movable in the axial direction but
inhibited from relative rotation around the axis. In an embodiment of the present
subject matter, the switch case assembly 136 is provided with a click mechanism
having a plurality of balls 168 and springs 170 for resiliently biasing the balls 168 is
disposed within the contact holder 150 and the terminal base assembly 154 so as to
provide a detent feeling in the rotational operation of the key components that passes the LOCK position, the OFF position, the ON position, and the like. The said click
mechanism is recessed in the terminal base assembly 154 which includes a wire
harness 172 comprising, however not restricted to, a two-pin connector 174. The two-
pin connector 174 may include male terminals housed in a coupler 176, in an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 6 shows the operation of the ignition switch 106 in the combined lock
mechanism 110 in an embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 6 illustrates the
key slot 122 in the ignition switch 106 where into when the ignition key 108 is
inserted and rotated for achieving a required operation of the combined lock
mechanism 110. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the ignition key 108
when pushed and rotated clockwise (from LOCK position) opens the seat cover 178.
In particular, the clockwise rotation (as shown in FIG. 7) actuate a first carrier
element 160 (integral to the cam 124) to push the seat slider bar 156 present in the
slider case assembly 134. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the seat
slider bar 156 is pivotally connected to an end portion of a cable (not shown) and thus
the movement of the seat slider bar 156 pulls the cable connected to the lock of the
seat cover 178. Therefore, the clockwise rotation of the cam 124 governs the opening
of the seat cover 178 via the movement in the seat slider bar 156. The seat slider bar
156 is further provided with springs (not shown) to retain their original position once
the seat cover 178 is opened.
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the operation of the present subject matter in
continuation to the embodiment as described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 8
explains that on rotating (anticlockwise from OFF position) the ignition key 108
when pushed, the cam 124 pushes a second carrier element 162 to subsequently push
the fuel tank slider bar 158 which consequently pulls the cable connected to the fuel
tank 104 to get the fuel tank lock 142 opened. In a preferred embodiment of the
present subject matter, the combined lock mechanism 110 facilitates the operation of
both locks, i.e. fuel tank lock and seat cover lock, only by the movement of the
ignition key 108 in the ignition switch 106. However, the present subject matter
exemplifies an alternate operation of the fuel tank lock and the seat lock depending on the requirements. In a unique embodiment of the present subject matter, the
ignition key 108 (and thus the cam) does not need to be pushed while shifting from
the LOCK position to OFF position and the vice-versa. The operation of the
combined lock mechanism is also summarized as below:
WITHOUT WITHOUT
RISn
LOCK POSITION ---> OFF POSITION =\ ON POSITION
WrnOVr WlTKHlt
ON POSITION PUSH> OFF POSITION -=> LOCK POSITION
WrrH PUSH
FOR OPENING FUEL LOCK :- AT OFF POSITION -> LOCK POSITION ( Rotating anticlockwise )
WlTH WSn
FOR OPENING SEAT COVER :-AT OFF POSITION ,-> ON POSITION ( Rotating cWse )
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the carrier elements
(160, 162) are longitudinally spaced apart from each other by atleast a distance of 0.7
mm in order to provide significant surface area for the movement of carrier elements
(160, 162) and also to avoid any stress failure between the carrier elements (160,
162).
In a unique embodiment of the present subject matter, the ignition switch of
the two-wheelers 100 is also provided with an immobilizer system 182. Generally,
the system requires a vehicle operator to insert a mechanical key, utilize a
transponder device or enter a code on a digital pad in order to enable a vehicle to be
started by the regular ignition of the vehicle. Other systems require a coded proximity
sensor to be placed near a sensor so as to prevent deactivation of a vehicle. In an
embodiment of the present subject matter, FIG. 9 shows the immobilizer system 182
provided with the ignition switch (not shown) that facilitates a secured combination
of the appropriate ignition key for the respective two wheelers 100. The immobilizer
system 182 is integral to the ignition key 108 wherein the combination of the
immobilizer system 182 includes the ignition key 108 provided with a key blank 184
with a head. The head further comprises a slot 186. The slot 186 accommodates a
holder 188 which, in turn, comprises an outer periphery that is matably locked with
the slot 186 and a hollow interior for accommodating the transponder 190. The head,
slot 186 and the holder 188 are encapsulated under a molded sheath.
The improved combined lock mechanism 110 in accordance with the present
subject matter facilitates a combination of the fuel tank lock and the seat cover lock
provided with the operation of the ignition key 108 in the ignition switch 106.
Further, the combined lock mechanism according to the present subject matter,
wherein the opening sliders are on the opposite side of the cam, facilitate a more easy
and compact arrangement for the respective functioning of the seat opening slider and
the fuel opening slider. Additionally, such arrangement provides a required balance in
the strength of each slider on both sides of the cam so that the push along the cam
remains undisturbed. Additionally, this combined lock mechanism 110 further unites
with the immobilizer system 182 provided in the ignition switch 106. The present
subject matter explains the whole operation including the ignition, the lock
mechanism, and the immobilizer system without removing the ignition key 108 from
the ignition switch 106. This advantageously decreases the tediousness in repeatedly
removing the ignition key 108 from one key slot to multiple key slots (such as seat
lock, fuel lock, and the like). Additionally, the presence of the combined lock
mechanism 110 decreases the robustness and complicacies in the integrated lock
system. Therefore, such combined lock mechanisms are less costly and easy to handle
too.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to
the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all variations,
substitutions and changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency
of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

WE CLAIM:
1. An improved ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 in
two-wheelers 100 comprising:
an ignition key 108 inserted in the ignition switch 106 for actuating the
combined lock mechanism 110 provided with an immobilizer system 182;
an ignition body 114 receiving a movable ignition lock cylinder 112 attached
to the ignition switch 106;
a cam 124 rotatably positioned in the ignition body 114 in a manner that a
restricted rotation of the inserted ignition key 108 transfers the movement of
the cam 124 to a switch case assembly 136 via a slider case assembly 134; the
slider case assembly 134 comprising:
a seat opening slider 138 and a fuel tank opening slider 140 disposed
in respective case slots devised on the opposite side of the cam within
the slider case assembly 134;
the seat opening slider 138 and the fuel tank opening slider 140 are
selectively pushed by respective movable carrier elements (160, 162)
provided with the cam 124;
the movements of the seat opening slider 138 and the fuel tank
opening slider 140 pull the cables connected to a seat cover 178 and a
fuel tank lock 142 respectively;
a terminal base assembly 154 attached to the slider case assembly 134.
2. The ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the ignition lock cylinder 110 is provided with a lock plate
116 and a coil spring 118 to allow the engagement of the correct ignition key
108 into the ignition lock cylinder 112.
3. The ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein a push spring 126 is provided between the ignition body
114 and the cam 124.
4. The ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the lower end of the cam 124 is provided with a cam
spring 130 and a cam washer 132 to releasably engage the slider case
assembly 134 to the ignition body 114.
5. The ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the seat opening slider 138 and the fuel tank opening
slider 140 are respectively provided with a seat sliding spring 144 and a fuel
tank sliding spring 146 to retain their respective positions.
6. The ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the rear end of the slider case assembly 134 is connected
to the switch case assembly 136 via a contact holder 150, a contact plate 152,
and a click mechanism.
7. The ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the click mechanism comprises of a plurality of balls 168
and springs 170.
8. The ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the switch case assembly 136 is secured to the slider case
assembly 134 by a snap fit securement element provided near the outskirt of a
switch case 166.
9. The ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the carrier elements (160, 162) are longitudinally spaced
apart from each other by atleast a distance of 0.7 mm.
10. The ignition switch 106 operated combineh lock mechanism 110 as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the immobilizer system 182 is provided with a
transponder 190 accommodated in a hollow interior on a head of the ignition
key 108.