TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but
not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of a
multi-function smart ignition lock for vehicles that has hands free unlocking
operation, when an authentic electronic key is brought in the vicinity. Further,
embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a multi-function smart ignition lock
that is configured to operate a peripheral lock of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles such as, but not limited to, two-wheelers such as bikes, scooters
and the like are provided with locks for locking the handle bar of the vehicle. Such
locks generally comprise a locking means and an external key to lock/unlock the
handle bar of the vehicle. With an advancement in technology, in order to eliminate
such manual operation by using a physical key, manufacturers have provided vehicles
with electronic locks that can be opened without a physical key. However, a major
drawback of such electronic locks is that the user has to still use a physical key for
opening peripheral locks of the vehicle. Such peripheral locks may comprise seat
locks, fuel tank locks and the like.
With the ongoing efforts, a number of arrangements have been proposed whereby
separate switches have been provided to regulate peripheral locks electronically.
However, a major disadvantage of such switching mechanisms is that they have to be
incorporated separately on the vehicle. Therefore, such arrangements require
additional space and are not economical, thereby resulting in limited application.
In other words, the researchers are constantly working to develop a technically
advanced multi-function smart ignition lock for vehicles which eliminates one or
more problems identified above. More specifically, a multi-function smart ignition
lock that provides keyless operation of the peripheral locks of the vehicle.
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SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of conventional steering locks as described in the prior art are
overcome and additional advantages are provided through a multi-function smart
ignition lock as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages
are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments
and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a
part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a multifunction smart ignition lock for vehicles. The said ignition lock comprises a knob
being disposed in a housing. The knob is configured to be rotatable about a
longitudinal axis YY between a plurality of switching positions. The knob is further
configured to be movable along axis YY in a downward direction at a pre-determined
position of the one or more switching positions. A rotor is rotatably coupled with the
knob. The rotor is configured to operate a lock bar to selectively lock/unlock a handle
bar of the vehicle. The ignition lock further comprises at least one micro-switch, a
control unit and a solenoid. The solenoid is configured to drive a lever. The lever is
engageable with the rotor to selectively restrict the rotation of the rotor. A rotary
actuator is selectively engageable with the rotor. The rotary actuator is configured to
operate one or more peripheral locks of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the rotor comprises slots extending downwardly along the axis
YY.
In an embodiment, the slots are selectively engageable with the rotary actuator
through a plurality of projections being formed in a central hole surface of the rotary
actuator.
In an embodiment, the rotary actuator is connected with an actuation cable for
operating the one or more peripheral locks of the vehicle.
4
In an embodiment, the rotor comprises a cam portion extending downwardly along
the axis YY.
In one embodiment, the cam portion of the rotor is connected to a slide plate, the slide
plate being configured to translate linearly upon rotation of the rotor.
In an embodiment, the slide plate is connected with the lock bar and is configured to
operate the lock bar translationally upon rotary movement of the rotor.
In one embodiment, the solenoid lever is energized by lever spring to be normally
engaged in slot of the rotor, the rotor being restricted from rotating in the engaged
position of the lever.
In an embodiment, the microswitch is actuated by the actuating bottom face of the
konb when the knob is pushed in the downward direction by a user.
In one embodiment, the microswitch, upon being actuated, activates the control unit,
the control unit being configured to identify an authentic key through RFID
communication.
In an embodiment, the control unit activates the solenoid upon identification an
authentic key.
In one embodiment, the solenoid, upon activation, drives the lever to a disengaged
position with respect to slot of the rotor; the rotor being rotatable in the disengaged
position of the lever.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described
above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent with
reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference
numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of the multi-function smart ignition lock in
accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the multi-function smart ignition lock of
Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 depicts a front view of the multi-function smart ignition lock, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 depicts a section view of the multi-function smart ignition lock, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the multi-function smart ignition lock of
Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 6 illustrates a perspective view of the rotor, according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
Figures 7 illustrates a perspective view of the rotary actuator, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that
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alternative embodiments of the assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be
employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be
described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail, the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may
be observed that the novelty and inventive step are in accordance with a multifunction smart ignition lock for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the
art can be motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various
modifications. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of
the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device
that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may
include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or device or
setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device
proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or
apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
7
Accordingly, it is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an automated ignition
lock that provides keyless operation of the peripheral locks of the vehicle.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an automated ignition lock that is
economical and compact in size so as to meet the space limitation in vehicles.
Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a multi-function smart ignition lock for
vehicles. The said ignition lock comprises a knob being disposed in a housing. The
knob is configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis YY between a plurality of
switching positions. The knob is further configured to be movable along axis YY in a
downward direction at a pre-determined position of the one or more switching
positions. A rotor is rotatably coupled with the knob through a clutch mechanism for
free-wheeling above a pre-determined torque of knob. The rotor is configured to
operate a lock bar to selectively lock/unlock a handle bar of the vehicle. The ignition
lock further comprises at least one micro-switch, a control unit and a solenoid. The
solenoid is configured to drive a lever. The lever is engageable with the rotor to
selectively restrict the rotation of the rotor. A rotary actuator is selectively engageable
with the rotor. The rotary actuator is configured to operate one or more peripheral
locks of the vehicle. The rotor comprises slots extending downwardly along the axis
YY. The slots are selectively engageable with the rotary actuator through a plurality
of projections being formed in a central hole of the rotary actuator. The rotary
actuator is connected with an actuation cable for operating the one or more peripheral
locks of the vehicle. The rotor comprises a cam portion extending downward along
YY axis. The cam portion of the rotor is connected to a slide plate, the slide plate
being configured to translate linearly upon rotation of the rotor. The slide plate is
connected with the lock bar and is configured to operate the lock bar translationally
upon rotary movement of the rotor. The lever is energized by solenoid lever spring to
be normally engaged in slot of the rotor, the rotor being restricted from rotating in the
engaged position of the lever. The knob comprises an actuating face. The microswitch
is actuated by the actuating face at bottom when the knob is pushed in the downward
direction by a user. The microswitch, upon being actuated, activates the control unit,
the control unit being configured to identify an authentic key through RFID
communication. The control unit actuates the solenoid upon identification an
authentic key. The solenoid, upon actuation, drives the lever to a disengaged position
8
with respect to slot of the rotor; the rotor being rotatable in the disengaged position of
the lever.
Reference will now be made to a keyless steering lock 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.
Referring to Figures 1 to 7, there is provided a multi-function smart ignition lock
being mountable on a steering column of the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment,
the multi-function smart ignition lock comprises, amongst other components, a
housing for accommodating the one or more components of the said lock. A knob (1)
is disposed in the housing. In the mounted condition, a head portion of the knob (1) is
disposed externally to the housing for being operated by a user. In the mounted
condition, the knob (1) is configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis YY
between a plurality of switching positions. In a non-limiting embodiment, the one or
more switching positions of the knob correspond to the “LOCK”, “OFF” and “ON”
conditions of the vehicle. Additionally, there may be provided an additional position
for operating “SEAT LOCK” and/or “FUEL TANK LOCK” of the vehicle.
The said ignition lock further comprises a rotor (2) being rotatably coupled with the
knob (1). The rotor is configured to operate a lock bar (12) to selectively lock/unlock
a handle bar of the vehicle. Disposed below the rotor (2) comprising at least one
micro-switch (8), control unit and a solenoid (3) being configured to drive a solenoid
lever (3A). In the mounted condition, the solenoid lever (3A) is adapted to be
operationally engaged with the rotor slots (2c) at rotor (2) and restrict its rotation. The
ignition lock comprises a cover (4), a slide plate (16) being operationally configured
with rotor (3), lock bar (12) and electrical switch assembly (17). The multi-function
smart ignition lock further comprises an optical housing (5), a peripheral lock opener
button (6), a secondary micro switch (7), an actuation cable (9), cable clamp (10), a
solenoid cover (11), a rotary actuator (14) and auto return resilient means (15). The
rotary actuator (14) is selectively engageable with the rotor (2). In a non-limiting
9
embodiment, the rotary actuator (14) is configured to operate one or more peripheral
locks of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the rotor (2) comprises a cam shaft extending downwardly along
the axis YY. The said slots (2b) is selectively engageable with the rotary actuator (14)
through a plurality of projections (14a) being formed in a central hole (14b) of the
rotary actuator (14). The rotary actuator (14) may be connected with an actuation
cable (9) for operating the one or more peripheral locks of the vehicle. The said rotary
actuator is engaged with a resilient means (15) to auto return the rotary actuator (14)
after cable actuation.
The solenoid assembly is attached on one side of the housing (13) and is covered by
solenoid cover (11). The first micro switch (8) is mounted on the housing (13). In an
embodiment the second micro switch (7) is mounted on the cover (4) which forms an
encapsulation with the housing (13). The cam portion (C) of the rotor (2) is connected
to a slide plate (16). The slide plate (16) is configured to translate linearly upon
rotation of the rotor (2). In one embodiment, the slide plate (16) moves laterally in a
direction perpendicular to the lock bar (12), in the same horizontal plane. In the
locked condition, the lock bar (12) protrudes from the housing (13) and engages with
the handle bar of the vehicle. For the purpose of simplicity, the drawings do not show
the handle bar or the vehicle. The slide plate (16) is connected with the lock bar (12);
and is configured to operate the lock bar (12) translationally upon rotary movement of
the rotor (2). In this position, lever (3A) is engaged with slot (2c) in the rotor (2). The
lever (3A) is energized by lever spring (18) to be normally engaged in slot (2c) of the
rotor (2) and restrict it from rotating about axis YY.
The knob (1) comprises an actuating face (1a). During operation of the said ignition
lock, the micro switch (8) is actuated by the actuating face (1a) when the knob (1) is
pushed in the downward direction by a user. The microswitch (8), upon being
actuated, activates the control unit. The control unit in turn searches for an authentic
key in the vicinity of the vehicle through RFID communication. In a preferred
embodiment the control unit is an ECU. If the authentic key is found, the ECU sends a
signal to the solenoid (3) to activate the lever (3A). On receiving an actuation signal
from the ECU, the solenoid (3) drives the lever (3A) to a disengaged position with
10
respect to slot (2c) of the rotor (2). This allows the knob (1) and rotor (2) to be
rotatable. Rotating the knob (1) to OFF POSITION retracts the lock bar (12) inside
the housing (13) through the slide plate (16), hence unlocking the handle bar of the
vehicle. After a pre-determined time, the lever (3A) returns to its original state by
under resilient action of lever spring (18) and is engaged in the rotor slot (2c),
prohibiting further rotary motion of rotor (2).
To lock the handle bar from the unlocked condition, the knob (1) is pressed by the
user to authenticate the correct user. The knob (1) presses the first micro switch (8)
and activates the system. The ECU searches for the authentic electronic key in the
vicinity. If the authentic key is found, the ECU sends a signal to the solenoid (3) to
activate and retract the lever (3A), disengaging it from the rotor (2), hence allowing
the knob (1) and rotor (2) to rotate. Pushing the knob at OFF position disengages the
rotor with the actuator as projected arms (14a) are disengaged with the rotor face (2a).
Hence, rotating the knob towards LOCK position after push moves the slide plate (16)
linearly thereby projects the lock bar (12) outside the housing (13). The handle bar of
the vehicle is locked. The lever (3A) of solenoid (3) returns back to its original state
after a predetermined time by lever spring (18), thereby preventing further rotary
motion of knob (1) and rotor (2).
For actuating the peripheral lock of the vehicle, the knob is rotated by the user at OFF
Position towards seat unlock position. The knob (1) is operable only after
authentication of the correct user. At OFF position the projected arms (14a) of the
rotary actuator (14) are engaged with the rotor at one side face (2a). Rotating the knob
(1) and rotor (2) towards SEAT/FUEL UNLOCK position from OFF position allow
the actuator (14) to rotate along with rotor (2). The actuation cable (9) mounted with
the cable clamp (10) is attached to the rotary actuator (14) at the hole (14b). As the
rotary actuator (14) rotates along with the rotor (2), the actuation cable (9) is actuated,
thereby operating the peripheral lock (in present embodiment seat lock). Upon
opening the peripheral lock, the auto return spring (15) brings back the rotary actuator
(14), rotor (2) and knob (1) back to its original position by resilient action.
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To start the vehicle, the knob (1) is to be rotated towards IGNITION ON position
after authentication of the correct user. At the IGNITION ON position the electrical
switch (17) is closed condition and allows the user to start ignition.
At ignition OFF position the rotary actuator (14) is engaged with the rotor (2) through
the slot face (2b) and projections (14a). The engagement allows the rotor to rotate the
actuator in one direction only (i.e. seat open position). With the rotation of the knob
towards Ignition ON position, the projection (14a) moves above the rotor slot face
(2e). Hence does not rotate the actuator (14) during ignition on operation. At ignition
OFF position if the knob is pushed to operate the steering lock, the said projections
(14a) moves in the slot (2d). Hence does not rotate the actuator (14) during steering
lock operation.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the present multi-function smart ignition lock is further
configured with a second peripheral lock. The second peripheral lock may be a fuel
tank lock. As shown in figures, the second peripheral lock is actuated electronically
by the peripheral lock opening switch (6). Peripheral lock opening switch (6) is
disposed inside the optical housing (5). Pressing the peripheral lock opening switch
(6) activates the second micro switch (7) which is mounted on the cover (4). The
second micro switch (7) activates the system and ECU searches for the authentic
electronic key in the vicinity. If the authentic key is detected, the ECU sends a signal
to the electronic actuator attached to the said second peripheral lock and performs the
unlocking operation.
List of reference numerals:
1 Knob
2 Rotor
2a Rotor Face
2b Groove
2c Slot in Rotor
3 Solenoid
3A Lever
4 Cover
5 Optical Housing
12
6 Peripheral Lock Opener Button
7 Second Micro-Switch
8 First Micro-Switch
9 Actuation Cable
10 Cable Clamp
11 Solenoid Cover
12 Lock Bar
12
13 Housing
14 Rotary Actuator
14a Projections in Rotary Actuator
14b Central Hole in Rotary Actuator
15 Resilient Means
16 Slide Plate
17 Electrical Switch
18 Lever Spring
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those
having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the
singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally
intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at
least,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For
example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that
the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing
only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases
“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a”
and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”);
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the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two
recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two
or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually
any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether
in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For
example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or
“B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to
be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. A multi-function smart ignition lock for vehicles, comprising:
a housing (13);
a knob (1) being disposed in the housing; wherein the knob (1) is
configured:
to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis YY between a plurality
of switching positions; and
be movable along axis YY in a downward direction at a predetermined position of the one or more switching positions;
a rotor (2) being rotatably coupled with the knob (1) and being
configured to operate a lock bar (12) to selectively lock/unlock a
handle bar of the vehicle;
at least one micro-switch (8);
a control unit (ECU); and
a solenoid (3) being configured to drive a lever (3A); wherein
the lever (3A) is engageable with rotor (2) to selectively restrict the
rotation of the rotor (2); and
a rotary actuator (14) being selectively engageable with the rotor (2);
wherein the rotary actuator (14) is configured to operate one or more
peripheral locks of the vehicle.
2. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotor (2) comprises slots
2b extending downwardly along the axis YY.
3. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotor (2) comprises slot
faces 2b,2c to operationally disengage with the actuator.
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4. The ignition lock as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the said cam shaft is
selectively engageable with the rotary actuator (14) through a plurality of
projections (14a) being formed in a central hole (14b) of the rotary actuator
(14).
5. The ignition lock as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the rotary actuator
(14) is connected with an actuation cable (9) for operating the one or more
peripheral locks of the vehicle.
6. The ignition lock as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the cam shaft of the
rotor (2) is connected to a slide plate (16), the slide plate (16) being configured
to translate linearly upon rotation of the rotor (2).
7. The ignition lock as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein the slide plate (16) is
connected with the lock bar (12); and is configured to operate the lock bar (12)
translationally upon rotary movement of the rotor (2).
8. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever (3A) is energized by
lever spring (18) to be normally engaged in slot (2c) of the rotor (2), the rotor
(2) being restricted from rotating in the engaged position of the lever (3A).
9. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (1) comprises an
actuating face (1a) which is bottom face.
10. The ignition lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the micro switch (8) is
actuated by the actuating face (1a) when the knob (1) is pushed in the
downward direction by a user.
11. The ignition lock as claimed in claims 1 and 9, wherein the microswitch (8),
upon being actuated, activates the control unit, the control unit being
configured to identify an authentic key through RFID communication.
12. The ignition lock as claimed in claims 1 and 10, wherein the control unit
actuates the solenoid (3) upon identification an authentic key.
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13. The ignition lock as claimed in claims 1 and 11, wherein the solenoid (3),
upon actuation, drives the lever (3A) to a disengaged position with respect to
slot (2c) of the rotor (2); the rotor (2) being rotatable in the disengaged
position of the lever (3A).