FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of keyless ignition lock units for two wheeled/three wheeled vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to an illumination feature in the keyless ignition lock units.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] Automobile industry is one of the most important economic sectors of the society in terms of revenue. Therefore, growth of this sector plays a crucial role in the development of any nation. In past few decades there has been a tremendous growth in this industry globally. This growth is not limited to any one zone, but has been an all-round growth, be it tremendous improvements in engine technology or development of lightweight materials for manufacturing automobile parts or new designing technology for automobiles such as vehicles, etc. However, one thing that has always posted a challenge for the automobile industry is to differentiate the design of vehicles. In today's world, illumination effect provided for different sections of vehicles whether interior or exterior has become a differentiating factor.
[0003] Specifically, as a differentiating factor in vehicles having keyless ignition locks usually an aesthetic ring is provided around the knob which illuminates the area around the knob. In addition to providing an aesthetic appearance, the illumination from the ring is very useful at night time to locate the knob. This helps in changing the position of the knob. Also, the illumination from the ring helps in locating nearby switches in dark.
[0004] To utilize the above advantages, a ring (101) made up of optical material is provided as a part of the keyless ignition lock and is positioned around the knob of the lock. In such a system, one or more light sources are mounted at the bottom of the ring (101) as shown in figure 1(a). These light sources are connected through wires (102) to an electronic circuit which in turn is connected to the battery of the vehicle through wires. The electronic circuit is used to provide appropriate voltage & current to the light sources and is formed on a PCB located at an appropriate location in the vehicle. The PCB is connected to a main electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle through wires. The main ECU of the vehicle controls the main functions of the vehicle such as ignition ON/OFF, steering LOCK/UNLOCK etc. The light sources receive power from the electronic circuit and provide illumination across the ring.

[0005] In another system, a single PCB (103) containing light sources and electronic circuit is mounted at the bottom of the ring (104). Such a system is shown in figure 1(b). The PCB (103) is connected to the main ECU of the vehicle through wires. Further, power supply is provided to the electronic circuit from the battery through wires.
[0006] The above systems suffer from one or more disadvantages such as accumulation of dust in the light sources or PCB, wire breaking, dislocation of light sources or PCB, or contact with water as it is in open environment, increased cost to seal the electronic circuit, etc., which results in low illumination or sometimes no illumination.
[0007] Thus, there exists a need in the art to provide a system which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and at the same time provides required illumination to the ring. In other words, there exists a need to provide a system that is cost effective, robust, secure, dust free and that can provide proper illumination under varying environmental conditions and conditions of roads.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a lock unit with illumination feature for two wheeled/three wheeled vehicles.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock unit with illumination feature which is dust free, robust, compact and cost effective.
[0010] Yet another object of present invention is to provide uniform illumination over a specified region of the lock unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0011] The present invention relates to a lock unit for a vehicle comprising: a rotor having top and bottom ends; a knob rigidly fixed to the top end of the rotor for facilitating steering LOCK/UNLOCK and ignition ON/OFF of the vehicle; a ring allowing the rotor to pass through such that the ring surrounds the knob, said ring being separated into optical and non-optical sections, wherein the optical section of the ring is provided with corrugations on its inner surface and at least one light receiving section on its bottom surface; a main housing having a cylindrical portion on its top surface and at least one opening on its side, said cylindrical portion providing a passage for the rotor to pass through such that the ring rests over the main housing; an electronic unit casing having at least one slot on its side, said

electronic unit casing comprising one or more light sources positioned beneath the at least one slot; and at least one optical waveguide having first and second ends, the at least one optical waveguide being secured in the at least one slot of the electronic unit casing such that the first end of the at least one waveguide is aligned with said one or more light sources; wherein the electronic unit casing is secured inside the main housing to allow the at least one optical waveguide to pass through the at least one opening in the main housing such that the second end of the at least one optical waveguide is positioned in close proximity to the at least one light receiving section of the ring for allowing light from said one or more light sources to travel through the at least one optical waveguide to the at least one light receiving section and wherein the light is distributed in the optical section of the ring by the corrugations provided in said optical section.
[0012] In the above paragraphs, the most important features of the invention have been outlined, in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of the invention. It is important therefore that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0013] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the aspects and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
[0014] Figure 1 illustrates different light illumination systems in keyless ignition lock units according to the prior art.

[0015] Figure 2a illustrates the exploded view of the lock unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 2b illustrates the exploded view of the lock unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 3 a and 3b illustrates the waveguide according an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 4 illustrates the sectional view of the ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 5 represents an optical section of the ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figures 6a-6d illustrates the lock unit with the illumination feature according to different embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 7 illustrates the slot in the electronic unit casing of the lock unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 8 illustrates electronic unit casing of the lock unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 9 illustrates the cam unit of the lock unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0025] The present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
[0026] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving

as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0027] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, arrangement, unit, system or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or arrangement or unit or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus or unit or arrangement proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus or unit or arrangement.
[0029] Accordingly, in a non-limiting embodiment, the present invention relates to a lock unit for a vehicle comprising: a rotor having top and bottom ends; a knob rigidly fixed to the top end of the rotor for facilitating steering LOCK/UNLOCK and ignition ON/OFF of the vehicle; a ring allowing the rotor to pass through such that the ring surrounds the knob, said ring being separated into optical and non-optical sections, wherein the optical section of the ring is provided with corrugations on its inner surface and at least one light receiving section on its bottom surface; a main housing having a cylindrical portion on its top surface and at least one opening on its side, said cylindrical portion providing a passage for the rotor to pass through such that the ring rests over the main housing; an electronic unit casing having at least one slot on its side, said electronic unit casing comprising one or more light sources positioned beneath the at least one slot; and at least one optical waveguide having first and second ends, the at least one optical waveguide being secured in the at least one slot of the electronic unit casing such that the first end of the at least one waveguide is aligned with said one or more light sources; wherein the electronic unit casing is secured inside the main
6

housing to allow the at least one optical waveguide to pass through the at least one opening in the main housing such that the second end of the at least one optical waveguide is positioned in close proximity to the at least one light receiving section of the ring for allowing light from said one or more light sources to travel through the at least one optical waveguide to the at least one light receiving section and wherein the light is distributed in the optical section of the ring by the corrugations provided in said optical section.
[0030] In another non-limiting embodiment the present invention relates a lock unit comprising at least one waveguide housing fixed in the at least one slot of the electronic unit casing and passes through the at least one opening in the main housing for covering the at least one optical waveguide
[0031] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the at least one optical waveguide and the at least one waveguide housing are of same length.
[0032] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the at least one optical waveguide and the at least one waveguide housing are of different length.
[0033] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the at least one optical waveguide and the at least one light receiving section is of cylindrical, funnel or conical shape.
[0034] In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the at least one optical waveguide is solid; and an outer surface of said at least one optical waveguide is provided with an opaque coating to minimize the loss of light travelling through the at least one optical waveguide.
[0035] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the at least one optical waveguide is hollow; an inner surface of said at least one optical waveguide is provided with reflective coating to enable multiple reflections of light travelling through the at least one optical waveguide; and an outer surface of said at least one optical wave guide is provided with an opaque coating to minimize the loss of light travelling through the at least one optical waveguide.
[0036] In a furthermore non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, one or more light sources are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) securely fixed in the electronic unit
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casing, said PCB comprising electronic circuitry for controlling steering LOCK/UNLOCK and ignition ON/OFF of the vehicle.
[0037] The following paragraphs describe the present invention with reference to figures 1-9.
[0038] The present invention relates to a lock unit with an illumination feature for two wheeled/three wheeled vehicles. The illumination feature provides uniform illumination over a specified area of the lock i.e. near the knob. The illumination will be provided when the vehicle is in steering LOCK condition, ignition OFF condition and ignition ON condition. To provide such illumination, it is important to position or arrange the various components inside the lock, such that there is no movement of the components even in severe conditions, such as driving along an extremely rough road surface or bad weather conditions.
[0039] The lock unit (200) is described in figures 2a and 2b. As shown in figures 2a and 2b, the lock unit (200), inter alia, comprises a rotor (201), a knob (202), a ring (203), a main housing (204), an electronic unit casing (206) and an optical waveguide (208). The remaining components of the lock unit (200) will be defined later.
[0040] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the optical waveguide (208) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figures 3a and 3b, the optical wave guide (208) may have a first end (219), a second end (218) and a longitudinal portion (233) extending between the first end (219) and second end (218). In the lock unit (200) of the present invention, one or more light sources may be arranged beneath the first end (219) of the optical waveguide (208) such that the light coming out from the one or more light sources is allowed to enter the longitudinal portion (233) of the optical waveguide (208). The optical waveguide (208) may be made of optical materials such as Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polycarbonate (PC) or any other optical grade polymer. The optical material enables multiple internal reflections to the light coming out from one or more light sources. Thus, light travelling through the longitudinal portion (233) of the optical waveguide (208) undergoes multiple reflections before emerging out from the second end (218). The optical waveguide (208) may be of any shape which allows light to propagate efficiently i.e. with minimum losses. For example, the optical waveguide (208) may be conical shaped or funnel shaped or cylindrical shaped or any other shape known to a person skilled in art which allows light to travel from one end to another end.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the optical waveguide (208) may be solid.
8

In this embodiment of the present invention, an outer surface of the optical waveguide (208) may be provided with opaque coating to minimize the loss of travelling through the longitudinal portion (233) of the optical waveguide (208). In a non-restrictive embodiment, the opaque coating may be black paint.
[0042] In the embodiment in which the optical waveguide (208) may be solid (as shown in figure 3b), a slot (220) may be provided in the first end (219) of the optical waveguide (208) for encompassing the one or more light sources to further minimize the loss of light.
[0043] In another embodiment, the optical waveguide (208) may be an optical fiber.
[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, the waveguide may be hollow. In this embodiment, an inner surface of the hollow waveguide may be coated with a reflective material to make it work like an optical waveguide (208). In this embodiment, the one or more light sources may be located beneath the first end (219) of the hollow optical waveguide (208). The reflective coating provided on the inner surface of the hollow optical waveguide (208) enable multiple internal reflections of the light coming out from one or more light sources. Thus, light travelling through the longitudinal portion (233) of the optical waveguide (208) undergoes multiple reflections before emerging out from the second end (218). In this embodiment, an outer surface of the optical waveguide (208) may be coated with opaque material, non-restrictive example, black paint to minimize the loss of light travelling through the optical waveguide (208).
[0045] In another embodiment of the present invention, the waveguide may provide mirrored surfaces for propagation of light. The mirrored surfaces may be formed by coating the waveguide with reflective material.
[0046] Referring to Figure 4, which illustrates the ring (203) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 4, the ring (203) comprises of an optical section (221) and a non-optical section (222). In other words, the ring (203) is separated or divided into optical and non-optical sections (221,222). The optical section (221) and the non-optical section (222) are securely fixed with each other to define the ring (203). In the embodiment of figure 4, the optical section (221) and the non-optical section (222) are fixed in a manner that the optical section (221) is enclosed by the non-optical section (222). In another embodiment, the non-optical section (222) of the ring (203) may be enclosed by the optical
9

section (221) of the ring (203).
[0047] The optical section (221) of the ring (203) is further illustrated in figure 5. As shown in figure 5, the optical section (221) of the ring (203) may be provided with corrugations (226) on its inner surface (228). The corrugations (226) may be formed on a portion of the inner surface (228) of the optical section (221) or may be formed on the entire inner surface (228) of the optical section (221). Further, the optical section (221) may be provided with a light receiving section (223) on its bottom surface (227). The light receiving section (223) may have a first end (224) fixed to the bottom surface (227) of the optical section (221) and a second end (225) for receiving and distributing light in the optical section (221) via the corrugations (226). The light receiving section (223) may be conical shaped or funnel shaped or cylindrical shaped or may have any other shape known to a person skilled in the art for receiving light with minimum losses. The optical section (221) of the ring (203) may be made of optical materials such as Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polycarbonate (PC) or another optical grade polymer or any other material known to a person skilled in the art.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second end (225) of the light receiving section (223) may or may not be of similar geometry and/or shape as the second end (218) of the optical waveguide (208). Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the optical material of the ring (203) may be same or different as the optical material of the optical waveguide (208).
[0049] Figure 6(a) illustrates an embodiment of the lock unit (200). The lock unit (200) as shown in figure 6(a) comprises of a main housing (204). The main housing (204) is provided with an opening (205) on its side. The opening (205) allows the optical waveguide (208) to pass through as shown in figure 6b. As shown in figure 6(b), the optical waveguide (208) is protruded outward from the opening (205).
[0050] Referring to figures 7 and 8, which indicates the bottom view of the electronic unit casing (206) of the lock unit (200). As shown in figures 7 and 8, the electronic unit casing (206) may be provided with a slot (207) on its side. The slot (207) may be provided for securing the optical waveguide (208) in the electronic unit casing (206). Precisely, the first end (219) of the optical waveguide (208) may be secured in the slot (207). Further, a printed circuit board (PCB) may be fixed or mounted in the electronic unit casing (206). The PCB may comprise electronic circuity responsible for controlling the operations of the vehicle. For
10

example, the PCB may include the electronic control unit (ECU) and associated electronic circuitry for controlling steering LOCK/UNLOCK and ignition ON/OFF. Further, the PCB may have other electronic circuitry such as ICs, voltage regulation circuitry and switches for controlling other operations of the vehicle such as head light, indicators, tale light, horn, fuel lid etc.
[0051] Further, the PCB may have one or more light sources mounted over it. The light sources are mounted over the PCB such that the light sources are positioned beneath the slot (207) in the electronic unit casing (206). In other words, when the light sources are positioned beneath the slot (207), said light sources are aligned with the first end (219) of the optical waveguide (208). In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, light sources may be light emitting diodes. Furthermore, the PCB may also include one or more hall sensors for sensing the position of the cam unit corresponding to various positions of the vehicle such as steering LOCK, steering UNLOCK, ignition OFF and ignition ON.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the PCB may be selected to follow the geometry of the bottom surface of the electronic unit casing (206).
[0053] Referring back to figure 2a, it can be noticed that the lock unit (200) includes further components which will be defined below along with the previously defined components of the lock unit (200). As shown in figure 2a, the rotor (201) may have a top end rigidly fixed with the knob (202). Precisely, the top end of the rotor (201) may have a protrusion (not shown in the figure) that may be securely fixed in a depression (not shown in figure) provided in a bottom surface of the knob (202). That is, the rotor (201) and knob (202) are fixed such that the rotation of the knob (202) causes the rotation of the rotor (201) for facilitating steering LOCK/UNLOCK and ignition ON/OFF of the vehicle.
[0054] Further, as shown in figure 2a, the main housing (204) of the lock unit (200) may be provided with a hollow cylindrical portion (205) on its top surface. The hollow cylindrical portion (205) may be provided with at least two sideward protruding arms (216a, 216b) which are spaced apart. Furthermore, as shown in figure 2a, the lock unit (200) may comprise a ring (203) which rests over the main housing (204). Precisely, the ring (203) may rest over the at least two sideward protruding arms (216a, 216b) and gets locked or fixed over the at least two sideward protruding arms (216a, 216b). Further, the ring (203) may allow the rotor (201) to pass through and enter a passage provided in hollow cylindrical portion (205) of the
11

main housing (204) such that the ring (203) surrounds the knob (202). Once the rotor (201) enters the hollow cylindrical portion (205) with a spring, the rotor (201) may be rotatably fixed in the hollow cylindrical portion (205) of the main housing (204). The knob (202) is free to rotate and move vertically within a limited range. The bottom end of the rotor (201) may be engaged with a cam unit (209) which may be located in the main housing (204). The cam unit (209) is shown in figure 9 and may comprise a cylindrical body (230) which may have a vertical pillar (229) protruding from its center. The vertical pillar (229) may mate with the bottom end of the rotor (201). Further, the cam unit (209) may comprise a cam leg (231) connected to the cylindrical body (230) and being offset from its center.
[0055] The cam leg (231) may be engaged with the slide plate (211). The slide plate (211) may be provided with a slot through which the cam leg (231) passes and gets engaged with the electrical connector unit (214). The slide plate (211) may be further provided with a slot on its side for engaging the lock bar (213). The cam leg (231) may include a magnet (232). The position of the magnet (232) may be sensed by the one or more hall sensors located on the PCB. The position of the magnet (232) may indicate the position of the cam unit or cam leg corresponding to steering LOCK, steering UNLOCK, ignition OFF and ignition ON positions of the vehicle. The electrical connector unit (214) may rotate with the rotation of the cam unit (209) and may include contact terminals which during operation of the lock unit (200) meet the contact terminals provided on the electronic unit casing (206) to complete the circuit at ignition ON position.
[0056] The main housing (204) may encompass the cam unit (209), slide plate (211), lock bar (213), electrical connector unit (214) and electronic unit casing (206). Further, the main housing (204) may also encompass a spring-loaded plunger (210) which may be engaged with a micro switch (212). The micro switch (212) may be located on the electronic unit casing (206). It is important to note that the electronic unit casing (206) is appropriately secured in the main housing (204). Precisely, it is important to note that the electronic unit casing (206) is secured in the main housing (204) in a manner that the optical waveguide (208) fixed in the slot (207) of the electronic unit casing (206) passes though the opening (205) of the main housing (204). The main housing (204) is sealed at the bottom with a cover (215). In such an arrangement, the second end (218) of the optical waveguide (208) is positioned in close proximity to the light receiving section (223) of the ring (203) as shown in figure 6b. More precisely, the second end (218) of the optical waveguide (208) is positioned
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in close proximity to the second end (225) of the light receiving section (223) of the ring (203). In this manner, the second end (225) of the light receiving section (223) receives light coming out from the second end (218) of the optical waveguide (208).
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the second end (218) of the optical waveguide (208) and the second end (225) of the light receiving section (223) of the ring (203) should be selected to minimize the loss of light. In a non-restrictive embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the second end (218) of the optical waveguide (208) and the second end (225) of the light receiving section (223) of the ring (203) may be selected in a range of 0.2mm to 1 mm.
[0058] Referring to figure 2b which illustrates another embodiment of the lock unit (200) according to the present invention. The lock unit (200) of the embodiment of figure 2b may include all the components of the lock unit (200) defined in figure 2a. In addition, the lock unit (200) of figure 2b may comprise of a waveguide housing (217) which is securely fixed in the slot (207) of the electronic unit casing (206). The waveguide housing (217) extends vertically provides a cover to the optical waveguide (208). The waveguide housing (217) protrudes through the opening (205) of the main housing (204) as shown in figures 6c and 6d. As shown in figure 6d, the second end (218) of the optical waveguide (208) protrudes out from the waveguide housing (217). The waveguide housing (217) may protect the optical waveguide (208) from dust, water etc. Also, the waveguide housing (217) may prevent dislocation of the optical waveguide (208) in cases the vehicle is travelling through rough surfaces.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, a length of the optical waveguide (208) may be same as a length of the waveguide housing (217).
[0060] In another embodiment of the present invention, a length of the optical waveguide (208) may be different as a length of the waveguide housing (217) as shown in figure 6d.
[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, a shape of the waveguide housing (217) may be same as the shape of the optical waveguide (208).
[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, a shape of the waveguide housing (217) may be different as the shape of the optical waveguide (208).

[0063] Referring back to figures 2a and 2b, the electronic unit casing (206) may include a recess area (228) to encompass a motor and a locking lever (234). The locking lever (234) may be operationally engaged with the slide plate (211) to lock and unlock the movement of the lock bar (213). The locking lever may be coupled with the motor though a gear arrangement. The motor may get power from the electronic control unit (ECU) when required. Further, an o-ring (not shown in the figure) may be is provided to seal the slot (207) of the electronic unit casing (206) to prevent dust/water entry inside the electronic unit casing (206).
[0064] During operation of the lock unit (200), the knob (202) is pushed downwards and rotated to start the vehicle. Once the knob (202) is pushed it comes back to its original position due to the pressure of the spring. The downward push of the knob (202) causes a downward movement of the rotor (201) along with the cam unit (209). The downward movement of the rotor (201) causes the spring-loaded plunger (210) to activate the micro switch (212). After the activation of microswitch (212), the electronic control unit (ECU) get activated from the sleep mode and an authentication process is performed. During authentication, identification codes received from a remote key may be compared with the identification codes already stored in the electronic control unit (ECU). Once, the codes are verified, the authentication will be considered as successful. After successful authentication, the electronic control unit (ECU) provides a signal to the motor to rotate freely and disengage the locking lever (234) from the slide plate (211) and unlock the movement of the lock bar (213). In this condition, the vehicle is at steering LOCK position. The steering LOCK position of the vehicle is sensed by the hall sensors by sensing the location/position of the magnet in the cam leg (231). After the authentication is successful and the vehicle is at steering LOCK position, the ECU provides required power to the one or more light sources located on the PCB. Once the light sources are powered, light from said one or more light sources travel through the optical waveguide (208) to the light receiving section (223) is distributed in the optical section (221) of the ring (203) by the corrugations (226) provided in the said optical section (221) of the ring. In this manner, the ring (203) of the lock unit (200) is illuminated at the steering LOCK position.
[0065] Now if the knob (202) is rotated from steering LOCK position to steering UNLOCK or ignition OFF position, the rotor (201) along with the cam unit (209) rotates which causes

the slide plate (211) and lock bar (213) to move linearly thereby unlocking the steering of the vehicle. In this condition, the vehicle is at steering UNLOCK position or ignition OFF position. The steering UNLOCK or ignition OFF position of the vehicle is sensed by the hall sensors by sensing the location/position of the magnet in the cam leg (231). Upon sensing the position of the magnet (232) at ignition OFF position, the ECU provides required power to the one or more light sources located on the PCB. Once the light sources are powered, light from said one or more light sources travel through the optical waveguide (208) to the light receiving section (223) and is distributed in the optical section (221) of the ring (203) by the corrugations (226) provided in the said optical section (221) of the ring (203). In this manner, the ring (203) of the lock unit (200) is illuminated at the ignition OFF position.
[0066] Now if the knob (202) is further rotated from steering UNLOCK position or ignition OFF position to ignition ON position, the rotor (201) along with the cam unit (209) further rotates which causes the slide plate (211) and lock bar (213) to move further. In this condition, the contact terminals of the electrical connector unit (214) meet the contact terminals provided on the electronic unit casing (206) to complete the circuit thereby turning the ignition ON. The ignition ON position of the vehicle is sensed by the hall sensors by sensing the location/position of the magnet in the cam leg (231). Upon sensing the position of the magnet (232) at ignition ON position, the ECU provides required power to the one or more light sources located on the PCB. Once the light sources are powered, light from said one or more light sources travel through the optical waveguide (208) to the light receiving section (223) and is distributed in the optical section (221) of the ring (203) by the corrugations (226) provided in the said optical section (221) of the ring (203). In this manner, the ring (203) of the lock unit (200) is illuminated at the ignition ON position.
[0067] Although, the figures and the above explanation is provided with respect to one optical waveguide (208), there may be other alternatives of the invention which are covered by the present invention. For example, there may be more than one optical waveguides (208) positioned in the lock unit (200). In such condition, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that there will be more than one light receiving sections (223) in the optical section (221) of the ring (203), there will be more than one slots (207) in the electronic unit casing(206) to secure the one or more optical waveguides (208) and there will be more than one openings (205) in the main housing (204) to allow the one or more optional waveguides (208) to pass through.

[0068] Upon referring to the figures of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can envisage various possibilities of aligning the slots (207) in the electronic unit casing (206), the openings (205) in the main housing (204) and the light receiving sections (223) of the ring (203) to allow light from the light sources to reach the ring (203).
[0069] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail regarding figures and certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

WE CLAIM:
1. A lock unit for a vehicle comprising:
a rotor having top and bottom ends;
a knob rigidly fixed to the top end of the rotor for facilitating steering LOCK/UNLOCK and ignition ON/OFF of the vehicle;
a ring allowing the rotor to pass through such that the ring surrounds the knob, said ring being separated into optical and non-optical sections, wherein the optical section of the ring is provided with corrugations on its inner surface and at least one light receiving section on its bottom surface;
a main housing having a cylindrical portion on its top surface and at least one opening on its side, said cylindrical portion providing a passage for the rotor to pass through such that the ring rests over the main housing;
an electronic unit casing having at least one slot on its side, said electronic unit casing comprising one or more light sources positioned beneath the at least one slot; and
at least one optical waveguide having first and second ends, the at least one optical waveguide being secured in the at least one slot of the electronic unit casing such that the first end of the at least one waveguide is aligned with said one or more light sources;
wherein the electronic unit casing is secured inside the main housing to allow the at least one optical waveguide to pass through the at least one opening in the main housing such that the second end of the at least one optical waveguide is positioned in close proximity to the at least one light receiving section of the ring for allowing light from said one or more light sources to travel through the at least one optical waveguide to the at least one light receiving section and wherein the light is distributed in the optical section of the ring by the corrugations provided in said optical section.
2. The lock unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one waveguide housing fixed in the at least one slot of the electronic unit casing and passes through the at least one opening in the main housing for covering the at least one optical waveguide.
3. The lock unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one optical waveguide and the at least one waveguide housing are of same length.

4. The lock unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one optical waveguide and the at least one waveguide housing are of different length.
5. The lock unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one optical waveguide and the at least one light receiving section is of cylindrical, funnel or conical shape.
6. The lock unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the at least one optical waveguide is solid; and
an outer surface of said at least one optical waveguide is provided with an opaque coating to minimize the loss of light travelling through the at least one optical waveguide.
7. The lock unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
The at least one optical waveguide is hollow;
an inner surface of said at least one optical waveguide is provided with reflective coating to enable multiple reflections of light travelling through the at least one optical waveguide; and
an outer surface of said at least one optical wave guide is provided with an opaque coating to minimize the loss of light travelling through the at least one optical waveguide.
8. The lock unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more light sources are
mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) securely fixed in the electronic unit casing, said
PCB comprising electronic circuitry for controlling steering LOCK/UNLOCK and ignition
ON/OFF of the vehicle.