FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to locking systems for two wheelers.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a combined locking system in two
wheelers for a fuel tank cover 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 pin
protruding a lock pin 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 1
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
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integrated lock system. Moreover, such integrated lock systems are less comfortable
to handle and are costly too.
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 in the slider case I
assembly. The seat opening slider and the fuel tank opening slider are selectively 8
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 cover. 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 fuel tank cover and a seat cover.
An object of the present invention is to provide the ignition switch with the
unique 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.
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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 for disposing the seat opening slider and the fuel 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 sliding bars 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 mm.
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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 front view of a combined lock mechanism in the two- 1
wheelers in different embodiment of the present subject matter.
| FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a combined lock mechanism in the twowheelers
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. I
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 subj ect 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.
5
The present invention relates to a combined lock mechanism in two wheelers
for a fuel tank cover and a seat cover functioning with an ignition switch and/or 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 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
i
accommodating a helmet or the like may be disposed below the seat 102, and an oil
tank and a fuel 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 twowheeler
100 to a working condition or can be switched from one operational state to a
passive state / 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 cover 142 and a seat cover
178, as discussed later.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of a 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 unique 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
6
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. 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 comprising a shutter assembly 120 in an
embodiment of the present subject matter. The shutter assembly 120 may include an
apertured shutter member (not shown) 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
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subsequent to the ignition body 114 with a push spring 126 provided in between them
in an embodiment of the present subject matter. 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 parallel case slots,
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
7
the present subject matter. The seat opening slider 138 operates the opening and
closing of the rider's seat 102 on actuating the ignition switch 106. Similarly, the
actuation of the ignition switch 106 functions the operation of the opening and
closing of the fuel tank cover 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 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 8
| present subject matter, each of the sliding members is provided with slider bars (156, 8
158) which get pushed by respective carrier elements (160, 162) (precisely designed I
integral to the cam) with the rotation of the cam 124. The carrier elements (160,162) 8
subsequently govern the alternate movement of the opening sliders. 1
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 fl
I 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
8
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 four-pin connector 174. The
four-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
is rotated anticlockwise from LOCK position (without being pushed) to open the seat
cover 178.
In particular, the anticlockwise rotation (as shown in FIG. 7) actuate a first
carrier element 160 (integral to the cam 124) to further 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 anticlockwise 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 opening of the seat cover 178 is achieved.
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 further rotating (anticlockwise from OFF position) the ignition key
108 without being 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 cover 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 cover lock and seat cover lock,
9
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. Additionally, the ignition key 108 is
required to push only 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:
LOCK POSITION z^- OFF POSITION -Baa- ON POSITION
ON POSITION BJSH^ OFF POSITION PUSH. LOCK POSITION
FOR OPENING FUEL LOCK:- OFF POSITION—- LOCK POSITION (Rotate anti clock wise without push)
FOR OPENING SEAT COVER:- AT LOCK POSITION (Rotate anti clock wise without push)
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the carrier elements j
(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).
i
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
I
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 j
the slot 186 and a hollow interior for accommodating the transponder 190. The head, j
slot 186 and the holder 188 are encapsulated under a molded sheath. I
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The combined lock mechanism 110 in accordance with the present subject
matter facilitates a combination of the fuel tank cover lock and the seat cover lock
provided with the operation of the ignition key 108 in the ignition switch 106. 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
I
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all variations, j
substitutions and changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency jj
of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. I
i
11

ORIGIN .
WE CLAIM: ll O " V
• 3 1 OEC 2013
1. An ignition switch 106 operated combined lock mechanism 110 in twowheelers
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 an
anticlockwise 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 parallel case slots devised in 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 cover 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.
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;3833^13
• ORIGINAL
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 v£"»
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 1
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.
13
_ ORIGINAL- , :3fi33»w
10. The ignition switch 106 operated cornbirfSa 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.