FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a protective module for cylinder locks. More
specifically, the said invention relates to the mechanism and operation of the
shutter in a cylinder lock in vehicles relating to manual closing and opening by
sliding motion of the key.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally most vehicles are provided with cylinder locks. Such locks are opened
by insertion of the correct key in the provided key hole. In case of two or three
wheeled vehicles and open roof four-wheeler vehicles, the cylinder lock is exposed
to the surrounding environment which may cause many problems such as
miscreants/thieves inserting any sharp metallic objects to unlock the cylinder lock
or dirt, water or other foreign particles damaging the lock. Eventually, such
conditions cause the reduction in the life of lock.
However, to overcome these shortcomings, various solutions have been provided
such as covering the cylinder lock with the help of a shutter. There are solutions
which provide shutter to protect the cylinder lock with a mechanism, however,
having many parts in such mechanism results a complex assembling of such part.
In respect of operation of shutter, it has been found that a shutter is provided to
cover the key hole at closed position and open the keyhole at opened position by
user with a magnet key. However the rotating motion of magnet key for opening of
shutter causes inconvenience to user.
Also, there are few solutions whereby closing of shutter of cylinder lock protection
device is governed by a button which needs to be pressed by the user and opening
of shutter requires manual interface with magnet key.
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In other words, the researchers are constantly working to develop a user friendly
and technically advance protective module for cylinder lock in vehicles. More
specifically, a cylinder lock whereby the shutter mechanism facilitates opening of
the shutter by means of sliding motion of the magnetic key and manually closing
of shutter.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a protective module
for cylinder lock whereby a user closes the shutter plate manually and opening of
the shutter plate is achieved by the sliding motion of a magnetic key.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a protective module for
cylinder lock that has improved operability and is cost efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to a protective module for cylinder lock in vehicles.
More specifically, the said invention relates to mechanism and operation of shutter
plate in a cylinder lock by sliding motion of a magnet key to open the shutter plate
and manually close the shutter plate by the user. The present invention also relates
to a protective module for cylinder lock comprising lesser number of components
than in conventional locks making it more serviceable and increasing the number
of work cycles with reducing the cost of module.
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
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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 shows an exploded view of the protective module for cylinder lock in
vehicles.
Figure 2 shows the top view of the said protective module for cylinder lock
whereby the shutter plate is in closed position according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
Figures 3 shows the internal top view of shutter module for cylinder lock whereby
the shutter is in closed position according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 4 shows the sectional view of protective module in accordance to present
invention, whereby the magnet lock housing is locked by magnets.
Figure 5 depicts a sectional view of the key according one more embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates the sectional view of protective module in accordance to
present invention, whereby the magnet lock housing is not engaged with magnets.
Figure 7 shows the sectional view of protective module in accordance to present
invention, whereby the magnet lock housing is not locked by magnets.
Figure 8 illustrates the internal top view of shutter module for cylinder lock,
whereby the shutter plate is in open position according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
Figure 9 shows the top view of the said protective module for cylinder lock
whereby the shutter plate is in open condition.
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Figures 10 and 11 depict the working of the said protective module between open
and closed positions according to one other embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT 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 with in the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present invention it
may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the
present invention resides in the construction of turn indicator control switch. 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 turn indicator control switch. 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”, “including” or any other variations thereof,
are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly,
mechanism, setup, that comprises a list of components does not include only those
components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to
such assembly, mechanism or setup. In other words, one or more elements in
turn indicator control switch or assembly proceeded by “comprises” does not,
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without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional
elements in the assembly or mechanism. The following paragraphs explain
present invention and the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a protective module for cylinder lock
comprising a base, a resiliently loaded shutter plate , a magnet lock housing, a
plurality of magnets and a cover; wherein
the base comprises
a pivot configured to receive a spring;
a key hole adapted to be aligned with the key insertion slot of the
cylinder lock; and
a protruded portion comprising a plurality of slots to accommodate
magnets loaded by means of springs;
the shutter plate comprising a pin, recess and face; the shutter plate being pivoted
resiliently, through a pivot hole, to the base at pivot;
the said magnet lock housing comprising a first projection, a second projection
and being loaded resiliently by means of spring; and comprising a plurality of
recesses adapted to operatively engage with magnets; the magnet lock housing
being configured to move slidably up to a predetermined distance, so as to engage
operatively with the shutter plate;
the said cover being mounted co-axially on the base; and comprising a key
insertion hole, a guiding slot and a magnet lock housing slot; wherein the said key
insertion hole is aligned with the key hole of the base; and
a key comprising a magnetic unit and a mechanical unit.
In another embodiment of the present invention the said the shutter plate comprises
a pivot hole at one end.
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In still another embodiment of the present invention the shutter plate has an
irregular profile and is configured to rotate up to a pre-determined angle about
pivot.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the shutter plate completely
covers the key hole of the base in the closed condition of the protective module.
In a further embodiment of the present invention the shutter plate completely
uncovers the key hole of the base in the open condition of the protective module.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention the shutter plate is loaded
by means of spring such that the shutter plate has a tendency to remain in open
condition, normally.
In another embodiment of the present invention the spring is a torsional spring.
In one more embodiment of the present invention the said magnet lock housing is
movable slidably over the protruded portion, away from the key hole, thereby
energizing the spring.
In one other embodiment of the present invention, the first projection of the
magnet lock housing is facing the shutter plate.
In a yet further embodiment of the present invention, the first projection of the
magnet lock housing is engaged with the recess of the shutter plate in the closed
condition of the protective module.
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the first projection rests on the
face of the shutter plate in the open condition of the said module.
In one other embodiment of the present invention, the pin is provided on the
shutter plate, to manually close the shutter plate.
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In another embodiment of the present invention, pin of the shutter plate is received
in the guiding slot of the cover so as to emerge out from the top.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the said pin is movable manually
in the guiding slot to close the shutter plate.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the magnet lock housing slot of
the cover is co-axial with the said magnet lock housing in the mounted condition.
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the second projection of the
magnet lock housing protrudes in the upward direction.
In a yet further embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic unit of the key
is used to open the shutter plate; thereby uncovering the key hole
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical unit of the key is
used to lock/unlock the cylinder lock manually.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a protective module for cylinder lock.
The following description describes the present invention with reference to Figures
1 to 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 1, the protective module for cylinder lock comprises a base (1),
a resiliently loaded shutter plate (2), a magnet lock housing (3), a plurality of
magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) loaded resiliently by means of springs (6a, 6b, 6c) and a cover
(4). The shape and configuration of the base (1), preferably made of a nonmagnetic
material, may be selected as per the available space, make of the vehicle
etc. Depending upon such factors the shape can be square, circular, oval or any
combination thereby.
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The base (1) of the protective module comprises a pivot (1a). The pivot (1a) is a
cylindrical structure formed in the upward direction. The term ‘upward direction’
herein refers to the direction perpendicular to plane of the base (1). The pivot (1a)
being configured for mounting the shutter plate (2) by means of a torsional spring
(8). A keyhole (1b) is provided on the base (1) to co-axially accommodate the key
insertion slot of the locking means such as a cylinder lock. The base (1) further
comprises a protruded portion (1c). The protruded portion (1c) is provided with a
plurality of slots (1d) to accommodate magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) along with springs (6a,
6b, 6c). The said springs (6a, 6b, 6c) energize the magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) so as to
push the magnets in upward direction.
The shutter plate (2) having an irregular profile, is delineated by a pivot hole (2b),
a recess portion (2c) and a curved face (2d). The pivot hole (2b) is adapted to
receive the pivot (1a) of the base for securing the shutter plate (2) to the base (1).
The curved face (2d) is a smooth surface that has a pre-defined length and has a
recess (2c) at one end. The recess (2c) is an indentation formed on the shutter plate
so as to engage operatively with the magnet lock housing (3). A partially circular
profile (2e) is formed in-between face (2d) and pivot hole (2b) of the shutter plate
(2). The circular profile (2e) aligns with key hole (1b) of the base in the open
condition of the base provided in the base (1). A pin (2a) that extends in the
upward direction is provided on the shutter plate (2) for the purpose of manually
closing the shutter. The pin (2a) is received in the guiding slot (4b) of the cover (4)
so as to emerge out from the top. The said guiding slot (4b) is an arc shaped slot
for guiding and restricting the movement of the pin (2a) between the open and
closed conditions of the shutter plate (2); the pin (2a) being adapted to move in the
guiding slot (4b). The cover (4) is thus mounted on the base (1) to form an
encapsulation for the various components of the said protective module such as the
shutter plate (2). The cover (4) is provided with a key insertion hole (4a) which is
co-axial with the key hole (1b) of the base (1) in the mounted condition. A magnet
lock housing slot (4c) is also provided on the cover (4). The said magnet lock
housing slot (4c) is a rectangular slot which accommodates the magnet lock
housing (3) coaxially in the mounted condition.
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The magnet lock housing (3) is a rectangular structure comprising a top surface
(3i), a bottom surface (3j), a front side (3k) and two opposite axial sides (3m, 3n).
The said magnet lock housing (3) is mounted resiliently over the protruded portion
(1c) of the base (1). The magnet lock housing (3) is energized by means of spring
(5) such that the magnet lock housing (3) is slidable over the protruded portion (1c)
in the transverse direction. The term ‘transverse direction’ herein refers to a
direction parallel to the axial sides (3m, 3n) of the magnet lock housing (3). A
plurality of recesses (3c) corresponding to the slots (1d) of the base, is formed on
the bottom surface (3j) of the said magnet lock housing (3) so as to operatively
engage with magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) during opening/closing of the said protective
module. A first projection (3a) is provided on the front side (3k) of the magnet lock
housing (3) in the transverse direction such that during closed condition of the
shutter plate (2), the said first projection (3a) is engaged with the recess (2c) of the
shutter plate (2), as shown in figure 3. Further, a second projection (3b) extending
in the upward direction is provided on the top surface (3i) of the magnet lock
housing (3). In the mounted condition of the cover (4), the second projection (3b)
emerges from the magnet lock housing slot (4c).
Figures 2, 3 and 4 depict the said protective module in the closed condition. In the
closed condition, the shutter plate (2) completely covers the key hole (1b) of the
base from the key insertion hole (4a) of the cover (4). Thus, an external key cannot
be inserted in the key hole (1b) to access and operate the cylinder lock. As shown
in figure 3, in the closed condition of the said protective module, the first
projection (3a) of the magnet lock housing (3) is engaged with the recess (2c) of
the shutter plate (2). Thus, the shutter plate (2) is held in the closed condition. The
spring (5), in this position of the magnet lock housing, is in the expanded/deenergized
condition, thus restricting movement of the magnet lock housing (3) in
the transverse direction, which eventually prevents the first projection (3a) from
disengaging with the recess (2c).
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As shown in figure 4, in the closed condition of the protective module, the recesses
(3c) on the bottom of the magnet lock housing are in line with the slots (1d) of the
base (1). In this position, the resiliently loaded magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) are received in
the recesses (3c) so as to immobilize the magnet lock housing from the closed
condition.
As shown in figure 5, the key (11) of the protective module comprises a magnetic
unit (11a) and a mechanical unit (11b). The magnetic unit (11a) of the key (11)
comprises a plurality of magnets corresponding to the magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) of the
base (1). The said magnetic unit (11a) is inserted into the magnet lock housing slot
(4c) to engage with second projections (3b). The magnetic unit (11a) is used to
slide the magnet lock housing to disengage the first projection (3a) from the recess
(2c) of the shutter plate (2). The mechanical unit (11b) of the key (11) is used to
lock/unlock the cylinder lock.
Figure 6 depicts the opening of the said protective module from the closed
condition. Upon insertion of the magnetic unit (11a) of the key (11) in the magnet
lock housing slot (4c) of the cover (4), the magnetic unit (11a) gets engaged with
the second projection (3b) ensuring correct orientation of the key in the slot. Due to
polar repulsion between the magnets of the magnetic unit (11a) and the magnets
(7a, 7b, 7c), the magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) are repelled into the slots (1d) of base (1) so
as to disengage the magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) from the recesses (3c) of the magnet lock
housing (3). This allows the user to slide the magnet lock housing (11) in the
transverse direction away from the key insertion hole (4a).
As shown in figures 7, 8 and 9, when the user, after insertion of the magnetic unit
(11a) in the magnetic lock housing slot (4c) of the cover, slides the magnet lock
housing (4) away from the key insertion hole (4a) in the transverse direction, the
recesses (3c) get misaligned with the slots (1d) of the base (1) thereby disengaging
the magnets (7a, 7b, 7c) with the recesses (3c) of the magnet lock housing (3). At
this position of the magnet lock housing (3) the first projection (3a) gets
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disengaged with the recess (2c) of the shutter plate (2). Due to resilient action of
the spring (8), the shutter plate (2) rotates about pivot (1a) in the clockwise
direction. The pin (2a) travels in the guiding slot (4b) of the cover (4) to reach the
end of the guiding slot (4b) to stop further rotation of the shutter plate (2) as shown
in figure 8. In this position, the shutter plate (2) completely uncovers the key hole
(1b) thereby allowing access to the key insertion slot of the cylinder lock. As
shown in figure 8, in the open condition of the said protective module, the first
projection (3a) rests on face (2d) of the shutter plate (2); spring (5) being in
compressed/energized condition.
Figures 10 and 11 depict a schematic view of the sequence of operation of the said
protective module. As shown in the figure 10, the user manually slides the pin (2a)
in the guiding slot (4b) to close the key hole (1b) from the key insertion hole (4a)
of the cover. This is the closed condition of the protective module. To open the
protective module from closed condition, as shown in figure 11, the user manually
inserts the magnetic unit (11a) of the key (11) in the magnet lock housing slot (4c)
and slides the key in a direction away from the key insertion hole (4a). This results
in the first projection (3a) getting disengaged with the recess (2c) of the shutter
plate (2). Due to resilient action, the shutter plate (2) rotates in the clockwise
direction and the pin (2a) travels in the guiding slot (4b) to reach the open position.
The key hole (1b) is completely uncovered in this position of the shutter plate (2)
and the open condition of the said protective module is said to have been achieved.
Advantages of the present Invention
The primary advantage of the present protective module for cylinder lock for
vehicle is to enable manual operation of shutter plate by making the entire
assembly simple, smooth, robust, user friendly and devoid of unwanted noises and
wear of mechanical key.
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Another advantage of the present protective module for cylinder lock for vehicle is
that its opening and closing operation is facilitated by sliding motion of the
magnetic key, which is much simpler than the conventional locks with rotating
movement of the key.
The inventors have been working to develop the invention, so that advantage can
be achieved in an economical, practical, and facile manner. While preferred
aspects and example configurations have been shown and described, it is to
be understood that various further modifications and additional configurations
will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the specific
embodiments and configurations herein disclosed are illustrative of the preferred
nature of the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of
the invention.

We claim:
1. A protective module for cylinder lock comprising a base (1), a resiliently
loaded shutter plate (2), a magnet lock housing (3), a plurality of magnets 7 (7a,
7b,7c) and a cover (4); wherein
the base (1) comprises
a pivot (1a) configured to receive a spring (8);
a key hole (1b) adapted to be aligned with the key insertion
slot of the cylinder lock; and
a protruded portion (1c) comprising a plurality of slots (1d)
to accommodate magnets (7a, 7b,7c) loaded by means of springs
(6a, 6b,6c);
the shutter plate (2) comprising a pin (2a), recess (2c) and face (2d); the
shutter plate being pivoted resiliently, through a pivot hole (2b), to the base
(1) at pivot (1a);
the said magnet lock housing (3) comprising a first projection (3a), a
second projection (3b) and being loaded resiliently by means of spring (5);
and comprising a plurality of recesses (3c) adapted to operatively engage
with magnets (7a, 7b); the magnet lock housing (3) being configured to
move slidably up to a predetermined distance, so as to engage operatively
with the shutter plate (2);
the said cover (4) being mounted co-axially on the base (1); and comprising
a key insertion hole (4a), a guiding slot (4b) and a magnet lock housing
slot (4c); wherein the said key insertion hole (4a) is aligned with the key
hole (1b) of the base (1); and
a key (11) comprising a magnetic unit (11a) and a mechanical unit (11b).
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2. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shutter plate
comprises a pivot hole (2b) at one end.
3. The protective module as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the shutter plate (2)
has an irregular profile and is configured to rotate up to a pre-determined angle
about pivot (1a).
4. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shutter plate (2)
completely covers the key hole (1b) of the base (1) in the closed condition of the
protective module.
5. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shutter plate (2)
completely uncovers the key hole (1b) of the base (1) in the open condition of the
protective module.
6. The protective module as claimed in claim 1 and 5, wherein the shutter plate is
loaded by means of spring (8) such that the shutter plate has a tendency to remain
in open condition, normally.
7. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring (8) is a
torsional spring.
8. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said magnet lock
housing is movable slidably over the protruded portion (1c), away from the key
hole (1b), thereby energizing the spring (5).
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9. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first projection (3a) is
facing the shutter plate (2).
10. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first projection (3a)
of the magnet lock housing (3) is engaged with the recess (2c) of the shutter plate
(2) in the closed condition of the protective module.
11. The protective module as claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein the first projection
(3a) rests on the face (2d) of the shutter plate (2) in the open condition of the said
module.
12. The shutter module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pin (2a) is provided on
the shutter plate (2), to manually close the shutter plate (2).
13. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein pin (2a) of the shutter
plate is received in the guiding slot (4b) of the cover (4) so as to emerge out from
the top.
14. The protective module as claimed in claim 1 and 15, wherein the said pin (2a)
is movable manually in the guiding slot (4b) to close the shutter plate (2).
15. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet lock housing
slot (4c) of the cover (4) is co-axial with the said magnet lock housing (3) in the
mounted condition.
16. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second projection
(3b) of the magnet lock housing (3) protrudes in the upward direction.
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17. The protective module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic unit (11a)
of the key (11) is used to open the shutter plate (2); thereby uncovering the key
hole (1b).