The present invention relates to a multi-functional ignition lock for two wheeler motor
vehicles with improved operability. More specifically, the said invention relates to an
ignition lock having mechanism for unlocking the steering lock as well as the seat
lock.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, 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.
Existing ignition switches are used solely for enabling engine start up in vehicles,
such as two wheelers. Most of the two wheelers having separate key hole to unlock
various locking latches, for example: a steering lock, a helmet lock, a seat lock, a fuel
tank lock etc.
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 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
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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.
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.
To overcome the shortcomings of the existing ignition switch, a solution has been
provided such as, to provide multiple cables in the ignition lock connected to locking
latches that can be operate by using ignition lock to unlock various locking latches,
for example; a steering lock, a helmet lock, a seat lock, a fuel tank lock etc.
In other words, the researchers are constantly working to develop a user friendly and
technical advance cable actuating lock in vehicles. More specifically, ignition locks,
whereby the cables are provided which are capable of actuating locking latches such
as steering lock or seat lock of vehicle.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to provide an ignition lock for two wheeler
motor vehicles with improved operability which also permits the user to unlock the
steering lock and seat lock from the ignition lock with ignition key. The present
invention relates to an ignition lock wherein one cable is operated through the ignition
lock to unlock the seat lock and steering lock.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A multi-functional ignition lock for operating a seat lock/external lock comprising a
housing body, a rotor provided with a key insertion slot and plurality of tumblers,
rotatably mounted in the housing body; the said rotor is resiliently movable in axial
direction by pushing a key inserted in the key slot; the said rotor is provided with a
pair of projections formed on an outer surface of the rotor; a cam shaft resiliently
coupled to the rotor; the said cam shaft being connected to a sliding plate, in such a
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manner that rotation of cam shaft provide linear movement of sliding plate which in
turn push or pull a locking bar adapted to lock or unlock the steering mechanism; the
said sliding plate is positioned on the cam shaft and operationally engageable with the
cam shaft, when the rotor is pushed in axial direction using the key; an actuator
resiliently mounted in the housing body; the said actuator is secured in the cylinder
housing by a cover plate; the said actuator consists of a hollow cylinder having an
inner surface and an outer surface wherein the inner surface has pair of protrusions in
conformity with the projections of the rotor and operationally engageable with the
projections of the rotor; the outer surface of the hollow cylinder has atleast one
extended arm to the plane of the actuator and having that is having at least one
extended projection perpendicular to plane of the actuator ; the projected portion is
connected to one or more cables; the rotor, upon rotating from OFF position to
external lock position via key, engages its projections with the protrusion of the
actuator, thereby rotating the actuator to operate the latch of the external lock.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood
from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures
of the drawings. The figures together with a detailed description below, are
incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the
embodiments and explain various principles and advantages but not limiting the
scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the multi-functional ignition lock according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of a multi-functional ignition lock depicting the
essential components according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 3a-3c shows an actuator of the multi-functional ignition lock according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4a-4b illustrates a multi-functional ignition lock in un-actuated condition
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
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Figures 5a-5b illustrates a multi-functional ignition lock in actuated condition
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates section view of a multi-functional ignition lock depicting the
sliding plate and lock bar engagement.
Figure 7 illustrates section view of a multi-functional ignition lock from the front
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates isometric view of a multi-functional ignition lock according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures
and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not
intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within
the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty
and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides multifunctional
ignition lock. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be
motivated from the present invention and modify the various constructions of
assembly, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification
should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the
drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding
the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with
details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having
benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended
to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a
list of components does not include only those components but may include other
components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other
words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a”
does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or
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additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Accordingly, it is the aim of the present invention to overcome at least one of the
problems associated with prior existing ignition locks.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a multi-functional ignition lock for
operating a seat lock/external lock comprising:
a housing body;
a rotor provided with a key insertion slot and plurality of tumblers, rotatably mounted
in the housing body; the said rotor is resiliently movable in axial direction by pushing
a key inserted in the key slot; the said rotor is provided with a pair of projections
formed on an outer surface of the rotor;
a cam shaft resiliently coupled to the rotor; the said cam shaft being connected to a
sliding plate, in such a manner that rotation of cam shaft provide linear movement of
sliding plate which in turn push or pull a locking bar adapted to lock or unlock the
steering mechanism; the said sliding plate is positioned on the cam shaft and
operationally engagable with the cam shaft, when the rotor is pushed in axial direction
using the key;
an actuator resiliently mounted in the housing body; the said actuator is secured in the
cylinder housing by a cover plate; the said actuator consists of a hollow cylinder
having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the inner surface has pair of
protrusions in conformity with the projections of the rotor and operationally
engageable with the projections of the rotor; the outer surface of the hollow cylinder
has atleast one extended arm to the plane of the actuator and having that is having at
least one extended projection perpendicular to plane of the actuator ; the projected
portion is connected to one or more cables;
the rotor, upon rotating from OFF position to external lock position via key, engages
its projections with the protrusion of the actuator, thereby rotating the actuator to
operate the latch of the external lock.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the rotor consists of a first end and a
second end.
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In a further embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the rotor has a
cavity to accommodate a distal end of the cam shaft, thereby coupling the shaft with
the rotor.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the pair of projections are formed
diametrically opposite on the second end of the rotor.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention, the cam shaft has a distal end
and a proximal end, the proximal end is coupled to the rotor with a resilient mean and
the distal end is coupled to an electrical module.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the distal end has a resilient
means provided for resilient axial movement of the rotor and the cam shaft, when the
key is pushed in predetermined direction.
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the sliding plate is provided with
an elliptical slot having similar contour as of a cam of the cam shaft and operationally
engagable with the cam when the key is pushed in axial direction.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the sliding plate has a locking slot to
secure the locking bar with the sliding plate.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is resiliently
mounted in the housing bodywith a torsional spring consists of a first end secured to
the housing body and a second end connected to the actuator.
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protrusion are formed
diametrically opposite on the inner surface of the rotor in such a manner that when the
rotor is rotated in predetermined direction, the pair of projections of the rotor engaged
with the pair of protrusions, thereby rotating the actuator in combination with the
rotor to actuate the latch of the external lock via cable.
Figure 1 and 2 illustrates a multi-functional ignition lock (L) for vehicle according to
the present invention. Referring to Figure 1 the multi-functional ignition lock (L) for
vehicle comprises a housing body (1) and an electrical module (11) forming an
encapsulation for accommodating various components such as a key (2), a rotor (3), a
torsion spring (4), an actuator (5), an actuator cable (6), a cover plate (7), a cam shaft
(8), a sliding plate (9), a lock bar (10) and a locking slot (14).
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Referring to Figures 2, 7 and 8 of the present invention, the housing body (1) of
ignition lock (L) has an upper end (L1) and a lower end (L2), wherein the upper end
(L1) and the lower end (L2) carries an opening for arranging the rotor (3). The rotor
(3) consists of a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), wherein the first end (3a) is
provided with a key insertion hole (13) and the second end (3b) is provided with a
cylindrical portion (15), extending parallel to the axis of the rotor (3). The said
cylindrical portion (15) has a cavity (16) formed on the central portion of the
cylindrical portion (15). The cylindrical portion (15) is provided with a pair of
projection (15a, 15b) formed in diagonally opposite manner, on an outer peripheral
surface (15).
As shown in Figure 2, the cam shaft (8) has a proximal end (8a), a distal end (8b) and
a cam portion (8c) wherein, the distal end (8b) is connected to the second end (3b) of
the rotor (3). The proximal end (8a) is interlocked in the cavity (16) formed on the
cylindrical portion (15) of the rotor (3). The cam shaft (8) has a spring (17) around the
proximal end (8a) and distal end (8b). The spring (17) provided around the proximal
end (8b), supports the resilient movement of the rotor (3) and the cam shaft (8).
As shown in Figure 2, the sliding plate (9) is movably placed in the housing body (1)
of the ignition lock (L). The sliding plate (9) has a locking slot (14) and an elliptical
slot (18) wherein, the elliptical slot (18) has a similar contour as of the cam portion
(8). The said elliptical slot (18) may be formed slightly larger in size than the cam
portion (8), to allow the insertion of the cam portion (8) in the elliptical slot (18) when
the rotor (3) is pushed in downward direction at predetermined position of the ignition
lock (L). The term “downward direction” herein refers to a direction parallel to the
axis of the rotor (3).
Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the locking bar (10) has a cylindrical body which
consists of a front end (10a) and a rear end (10b) wherein the front end (10a) has a
locking portion. The said locking bar (10) is movably inserted in a hole (19) formed in
the housing body (1) of the ignition lock (L). The front end (10a) of the locking bar
(10) resides in the housing body (1) and secured to the locking slot (14) formed in the
sliding plate (9).
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The rotor (3) is provided with a key insertion slot (13) and a plurality of tumblers
(20). The rotor (3) is rotatably mounted in the housing body (1). The rotor (3) is
resiliently movable in axial direction by pushing the key (2) inserted in the key slot
(13). The rotor (3) has an inner surface (3c) and an outer surface (3d). It is provided
with a pair of projections (15a,15b) on its outer surface (3d). The second end (3b) of
the rotor (3) has a cavity (21).
The cam shaft (8) has a proximal end (8a) and a distal end (8b). The distal end (8b) of
the cam shaft (8b) is resiliently coupled with the second end (3b) of the rotor (3). This
couples the cam shaft (8) with the rotor (3).
The cam shaft (8) is connected to the sliding plate (9). As the rotation of the cam shaft
(8) takes place, the sliding plate (9) is attached in such a way that it moves linearly.
The sliding plate (9) in turn pushes or pulls the locking bar (10) which is adapted to
lock or unlock the steering mechanism. The sliding plate (9) is positioned on the cam
shaft (8) and is operationally engageable with the cam shaft (8) when the rotor (3) is
pushed in axial direction using the key (2).
As shown in Figure 2, the actuator (5) is mounted in the housing body (1) resiliently.
The actuator (5) is secured in the cylinder housing by a cover plate (7).
As shown in Figures 3a-3c, the actuator (5) consists of a hollow cylinder (5c) having
an inner surface (5a) and an outer surface (5b). The inner surface (5a) of the hollow
cylinder (5c) has a pair of protrusions (22a,22b) protruding inwardly in conformity
with the projections (15a,15b) of the rotor (3). These pair of protrusions (22a,22b) in
the actuator (5) is operationally engageable with the projections (15a,15b) of the rotor
(3). The outer surface (5b) of the hollow cylinder (5c) of the actuator (5) has a circular
flange (23) that is having at least one extended projection perpendicular to the plane
of the rotation of the rotor (3). This projected portion is connected to one or more
cables (6).
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WORKING
LOCKING OF STEERING
As shown in Figure 4a-4b, at OFF position, when key (2) is pushed, rotor (3)
disengages with the actuator (5) and cam shaft (8) engages with the sliding plate (9).
Now, as we rotate the key (2) from OFF position to LOCK position, the cam shaft (8)
pushes the sliding plate (9). The sliding plate (9) in turn pushes the lock bar (10) to
protrude outside, thereby locking the steering.
Unlocking of the steering can be done in the same way, by rotating the cam shaft (8)
from LOCK position to OFF position with key in pushed condition.
IGNITION
Firstly, while the key (2) is inserted at LOCK position and rotated towards OFF
position, the steering gets unlocked with the key (2) in pushed condition. After which,
it is rotated towards ON position to start the ignition process. During the ignition
process, the circuit inside the electric module (11) is completed resulting in ignition of
the vehicle.
SEAT LOCK WORKING
As shown in Figure 5b, upon rotating the rotor (3) from OFF position to external lock
position without pushing the key (2), the rotor (3) engages its projections with the
protrusion of the actuator (5), thereby rotating the actuator (5). Due to rotation of the
actuator (5), the actuator cable (6) stretches, making the latch (fixed at seat lock
position) to open. This actuator (5) in turn pushes the free end of the torsion spring
(4), energizing it in the opposite direction (i.e. LOCK to OFF). As the key (2) is
released, energized torsion spring (4) pushes the actuator (5) back to its initial
position.
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The operation of the combined lock mechanism is also summarized as below:
LOCK POSITION OFF POSITION ON POSITION
ON POSITION OFF POSITON LOCK POSITION
For opening steering lock: OFF POSTION LOCK POSITION (counter
clockwise rotation without push)
For ignition on: OFF POSTION ON POSITION (clockwise rotation without
push)
For opening seat lock: OFF POSITION SEAT LOCK POSITION (counterclockwise
rotation without push)
ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
 The primary advantage of the present multi-function ignition lock is to provide
an ignition lock for two wheeler motor vehicles with improved operability.
 Another advantage of the present multi-function ignition lock is that it permits
the user to unlock the steering lock and seat lock from the ignition lock with
ignition key.
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.
PUSH OR W/O PUSH
W/O PUSH PUSH
W/O PUSH
PUSHPUSH
W/O PUSH
PUSHPUSH
W/O PUSH
PUSHPUSH
W/O PUSH
PUSHPUSH
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We claim:
1. A multi-functional ignition lock (L) for operating a seat lock/external lock
comprising:
a housing body (1);
a rotor (3) provided with a key insertion slot (13) and plurality of
tumblers, rotatably mounted in the housing body (1); the said rotor (3)
is resiliently movable in axial direction by pushing a key (2) inserted in
the key slot (13); the said rotor (3) is provided with a pair of
projections (15a, 15b) formed on an outer surface of the rotor (3);
a cam shaft (8) resiliently coupled to the rotor (3); the said cam shaft
(8) being connected to a sliding plate (9), in such a manner that
rotation of cam shaft (8) provide linear movement of sliding plate (9)
which in turn push or pull a locking bar (10) adapted to lock or unlock
the steering mechanism; the said sliding plate (9) is positioned on the
cam shaft (8) and operationally engagable with the cam shaft (8), when
the rotor (3) is pushed in axial direction using the key (2);
an actuator (5) resiliently mounted in the housing body (1); the said
actuator (5) is secured in the cylinder housing by a cover plate (7); the
said actuator (5) consists of a hollow cylinder having an inner surface
and an outer surface wherein the inner surface has pair of protrusions
in conformity with the projections of the rotor (3) and operationally
engagbale with the projections of the rotor (3); the outer surface of the
hollow cylinder has atleast one extended arm to the plane of the
actuator (5) and having that is having at least one extended projection
perpendicular to plane of the actuator (5); the projected portion is
connected to one or more cables;
the rotor (3), upon rotating from OFF position to external lock position
via key (2), engages its projections with the protrusion of the actuator
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(5), thereby rotating the actuator (5) to operate the latch of the external
lock.
2. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the rotor (3) consists of a
first end (3a) and a second end (3b).
3. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the second end (3b) of the
rotor (3) has a cavity to accommodate a distal end of the cam shaft (8), thereby
coupling the shaft (8) with the rotor (3).
4. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the pair of projections are
formed diametrically opposite on the second end (3b) of the rotor (3).
5. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the cam shaft (8) has a
distal end (8b) and a proximal end (8a), the proximal end (8a) is coupled to the
rotor with a resilient mean and the distal end (8b) is coupled to an electrical
module (11).
6. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, the distal end has a
resilient means provided for resilient axial movement of the rotor (3a) and the
cam shaft (8), when the key (2) is pushed in predetermined direction.
7. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the sliding plate (9) is
provided with an elliptical slot having similar contour as of a cam of the cam
shaft (8) and operationally engagable with the cam when the key (2) is pushed
in axial direction.
8. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the sliding plate (9) has a
locking slot (14) to secure the locking bar (10) with the sliding plate (9).
9. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the actuator (5) is
resiliently mounted in the housing body (1) with a torsional spring (4) consists
of a first end (4a) secured to the housing body (1) and a second end (4b)
connected to the actuator (5).
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10. The ignition lock (L) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the pair of protrusion are
formed diametrically opposite on the inner surface of the rotor (3) in such a
manner that when the rotor (3) is rotated in predetermined direction, the pair
of projections of the rotor (3) engaged with the pair of protrusions, thereby
rotating the actuator (5) in combination with the rotor (3) to actuate the latch
of the external lock via cable (6).