The present disclosure generally relates to the field of seat locks in vehicles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an electric seat lock device that ensures smooth functioning and provides seat lock feedback to a controller.
BACKGROUND
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 various locks such as a handlebar lock, a seat lock, and a wheel lock etc. The seat lock is configured to lock or unlock the seat of the vehicle. The seat lock majorly comprises of mechanical components actuated by rotation of a manual key inserted in a key hole of the seat lock. The manual operation of the seat lock may not precisely actuate the seat lock and therefore sometime may result in malfunctioning of the seat lock.
The existing manual seat lock device comprises a housing, a barrel, and two latches (first and second latch). The barrel is housed by the housing. The barrel has a top end and a bottom end. The barrel has a keyhole provided at the first end. The first latch is provided at the bottom end of the barrel. The first latch is configured to rotate with the barrel, upon actuation by means of a key.
The second latch is located adjacent to the first latch so that both the latches can couple with one another. The second latch has irregular shape that has multiple ends. The multiple ends of the second latch are provided to perform different functions. For example: one end of the second latch is configured to couple with the first latch, second end of the second latch has a cut-out to receive a striker of the vehicle seat and other ends are biased with a biasing member for constantly applying biasing force on the second latch in order to keep the vehicle seat, locked. However, one major shortcoming is associated with the conventional seat locks is that these seat locks do

not provide feedback to the user regarding correct actuation of seat lock. This results in unlocking of the seat even after performing the actuating operation of the seat lock.
It is also experienced that the conventional seat locks have rough functioning, that does not feel a user pleasant, while using the seat lock.
In view of the above circumstances, there is an immense need to develop a seat lock that has smooth functioning and overcomes one or more problems associated with the prior-art. Further, the present disclosure relates to a seat lock for vehicles that is compact and economical.
The main aim of the present disclosure is to provide a seat lock that has smooth functioning.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to develop a seat lock for vehicles that is compact.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to develop a seat lock for vehicles that is economical.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide a seat lock for vehicles that has design flexibility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure discloses an electric seat lock device for a vehicle, configured to transmit feedback signals to the user, depending on the locking/unlocking condition of the seat. 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 a part of the claimed disclosure.
The present disclosure relates to an electric seat lock device for a vehicle. The seat lock device comprises a first lever and a second lever, such that both the first lever

and the second lever are slidably received within a casing of the seat lock device. The first lever and the second lever are fitted with a first resilient member and a second resilient member respectively, such that both the springs are configured to exert a biasing force on the first lever and the second lever along a direction towards a cavity defined in the casing. The first lever is configured to facilitate locking of a seat of the vehicle. The device further comprises a feedback sensor operationally configured to get activated by the second lever to transmit signal to a controller based on locking and unlocking condition of the electric seat lock device.
In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity is adapted to receive a hook pin of the seat, when the device is in the locked condition.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first resilient member is a compression spring configured to push the first lever, such that a first edge of the first lever is received within the cavity of the casing.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first lever is connected to an actuator to govern linear movement of the first lever along a longitudinal axis X-X. The actuator includes an input end connected to a power source to drive the actuator and an output end connected to a cable.
In an exemplary embodiment, the cable comprises a protrusion formed at a free end of the cable. The cable is removably connected at a first end of the first lever to facilitate linear movement of the first lever away from the hook pin, upon operation of the actuator and thereby to facilitate unlocking of the seat of the vehicle.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first edge of the first lever is defined having a wedge shaped structure to have a cam-follower movement with the hook pin of the seat.
In an exemplary embodiment, the hook pin comprises a groove and a conical profile defined at an open end of the hook pin, such that the conical profile is configured to facilitate sliding movement of the first edge of the first lever and a second edge of the second lever.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second lever comprises a front end and a rear end. The second edge is defined at the front end of the second lever and a flange extends laterally from the rear end of the second lever.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first lever and the second lever are positioned along a longitudinal axis X-X, such that the first edge of the first lever and the second edge of the second lever faces one another.
In an exemplary embodiment, the second edge of the second lever abuts against an
outer surface of the hook pin, when the device is in the locked condition.
The above summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, further aspects and
features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figure(s). The figure(s)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, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a top view of an electric seat lock device for vehicles in unlocked condition, in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of an electric seat lock device for vehicles in locked condition, in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a first lever of the electric seat lock device of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figures 4 illustrates a perspective view of a of a second lever of the electric seat lock device of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 5a-5c illustrate cross-section views of the electric sear lock device of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure.
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 embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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.
Before describing in detail embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in an electric seat lock device for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure 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 inventions 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 additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an electric seat lock device for vehicles such as two-wheelers and three-wheelers etc. The vehicles are provided with seat to allow comfortable sitting of rider and/or passengers. The seat is removably connected to a frame or body of the vehicle. The seat also covers a glove box or storage compartment of the vehicle disposed beneath the seat. The storage compartment is adapted to store various articles of the user, for example - helmets, vehicle tool kit and likewise. In order to provide access to the storage compartment, the vehicle is provided with a seat lock mechanism to facilitate opening of the vehicle seat. In an exemplary embodiment, the seat lock mechanism is defined as the electric seat lock device. The seat lock device is configured to lock/unlock a seat of the vehicle. The seat lock is placed below the seat of the vehicle. The seat lock device may be inserted in a body of the vehicle either from the top or side of the vehicle. The seat lock device (hereinafter referred to as "device") may be operated by means of a key, for selectively unlocking the seat of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is electronically actuated by pressing a seat switch disposed on the body of the vehicle. The locking occurs by pressing the seat downwards (towards the seat lock of the vehicle). Modifications have been done with seat lock, especially to design and develop a lever, a pin and a feedback mechanism that makes the seat lock more precise, economical and, also ensures smooth functioning. The details of such modifications along with advantages are recited as under:
As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, an electric seat lock device (100) is illustrated. The device (100) is configured to lock/unlock a seat of the vehicle. The device (100) may be positioned below the seat of the vehicle. The device (100) may be placed inside a body of the vehicle and may be entirely covered by a dedicated cover (19) to prevent intrusion of foreign particles into the device (100). The cover (19) provides a protective cover for the device (100) and its respective components and therefore, facilitates increase in life period of the device (100).
The device (100) comprises a first lever (11), a second lever (12), a cavity (13) and a feedback sensor (14) operationally configured to get activated by the second lever

(12) to transmit signal to a controller based on locking and unlocking condition of the device (100). The first lever (11) is configured to facilitate locking of the seat of the vehicle. The first lever (11) is fitted with a first resilient member (16) to exert a biasing force on the first lever (11) along a direction towards the cavity (13). The cavity (13) is adapted to receive a hook pin (18), as shown in Figures 5a-5c. The hook pin (18) is rigidly attached at a bottom surface of the seat of the vehicle. The first resilient member (16) may be defined as a compression spring which tends to push the first lever (11) in a locked position. The "locked position" is defined as a position in which a first edge (111) of the first lever (11) is received within the cavity (13), as shown in Figure 5a. The second lever (12) is fitted with a second resilient member (17), such that the second resilient member (17) tends to move the second lever (12) towards the cavity (13) present in the device (100). The second resilient member (17) may be defined as a compression spring which tends to push the second lever (12) towards the cavity (13) defined in the casing (10).
The first lever (11) facilitates locking of the seat of the vehicle by using an actuator preferably an electric actuator, but not limited to the same. The actuator is operated by triggering of a switch disposed on a body of the vehicle. The actuator may be a motor, pneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuator or electromechanical actuator to facilitate linear movement or sliding movement of the first lever (11). The actuator comprising an input end is connected to a power source to drive the actuator and an output end connected to a cable (15). The cable (15) may be formed from a hard material preferably co-axial steel wires having high tensile strength. The material of the cable (15) may be varied depending on the application of the device (100). The cable (15) comprises a protrusion (150) formed at a free end of the cable (15). The cable (15) is removably connected to the first lever (11) to facilitate linear movement of the first lever (11) upon operation of the actuator to facilitate unlocking of the seat of the vehicle.
The second lever (12) fitted with the second resilient member (17) is configured to provide feedback through the feedback sensor (14) regarding locking/unlocking of the seat of the vehicle. The feedback sensor (14) transmits signals to a controller through a plurality of wires (140) and the controller analyse the signals transmitted by the feedback sensor (14). The controller (may or may not) then shares the information to

a display unit mounted on handle of the vehicle displaying locked/unlocked condition of the seat of the vehicle. The feedback sensor (14) may be a microswitch or an Infrared sensor or any other sensing element configured to detect displacement or position of the second lever (12). When the second lever (12) moves through an outer surface of the hook pin (18), the feedback sensor pressed by the other end of the second lever (12) and transmits the signals to the controller and the controller transmits the information to the display unit indicating that the device (100) is in locked configuration. The feedback sensor (14) provides information about locking and/or unlocking condition of the device (100) and eases the locking and/or unlocking operation of the seat by the user.
Referring to Figure 3, the first lever (11) to facilitate locking and/or unlocking of the seat of the vehicle is depicted. The first lever (11) comprises a first end (11a) and a second end (lib). The first lever (11) comprises a slot (110) defined at the first end (11a) of the first lever (11). The slot (110) is adapted to receive the cable (15). The free end of the cable (15) is connected at the first end (11a) of the first lever (11). The slot (110) is preferably having a L-shaped structure to facilitate easy removal of the cable (15) during servicing or maintenance of the device (100). However, the shape of the slot (110) may be varied and is not limited to the L-shaped structure. The first lever (11) is designed in such a way that the first lever (11) is configured to slide inside a casing (10) of the device (100) during locking and/or unlocking of the seat of the vehicle.
Referring to Figure 4, the second lever (12) is configured to provide feedback to the controller regarding locked/unlocked condition of the device (100) is depicted. The second lever (12) comprises a front end (12a) and a rear end (12b). The second lever (12) further comprises a flange (122) laterally extending from the rear end (12b) of the second lever (12). The feedback sensor (14) abuts with the flange (122) of the second lever (12), as shown in Figure 2. A second edge (121) of the second lever (12) is defined at the front end (12a), such that the second edge (121) is adapted to abut against the outer surface of the hook pin (18) in the locked condition of the device (100). The first edge (111) and second edge (121) may be defined having a wedge-shaped structure, configured to have a cam-follower movement when a user presses the seat against the body of the vehicle. The hook pin (18) defined having a

cylindrical structure comprises a conical profile (181) at an open end of the hook pin (18). The conical profile (181) of the hook pin (18) facilitates smooth sliding movement of the second edge (121) of the second lever (12) of the device as well as smooth sliding movement of the first edge (111) of the first lever (11). The hook pin (18) comprises a groove (180) on an outer surface of the cylindrical profile of the hook pin (18), as shown in Figures 5a-5c. The groove (180) is adapted to receive the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) in locked condition of the device (100). The device (100) is mounted to frame or body of the vehicle by fasteners or other conventional mounting methods. The first lever (11) and the second lever (12) are positioned along a longitudinal axis X-X, such that the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) and the second edge (121) of the second lever (12) faces each other. The longitudinal axis X-X is defined as an axis passing through centre of the cavity (13) defined in the casing (10).
Referring to Figures 5a-5c, different positions of the hook pin (18) is depicting indicating locking and/or unlocking conditions of the device (100). During locking of the seat, the user presses the seat against the body of the vehicle such that the hook pin (18) passes through the cavity (13) formed on the casing (10) of the device (100). The first lever (11) and the second lever (12) are positioned at initial position i.e. at extended position by biasing action of the first resilient member (16) and the second resilient member (17) respectively. The downward movement of the hook pin (18) presses the first lever (11) and the second lever (12) against the biasing action of the first resilient member (16) and the second resilient member (17) respectively. During downward movement of the hook pin (18) the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) and the second edge (121) of the second lever (12) tends to slide over the conical profile (181) of the hook pin (18). The further downward movement of the hook pin (18) facilitates insertion of the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) inside the groove (180) of the hook pin (18), locking the hook pin (18) with the device (100). The position in which the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) is received inside the groove (180) of the hook pin (18) is defined as the "locked position" of the device, as shown in Figure 5a. In the locked position, the second lever (12) is moved from the extended position or initial position to retracted position. The retracted position is defined as a position of the second lever (12), when the second lever (12) is moved away from the cavity against biasing action of the second resilient member (17). The

position of the second lever (12) is thereby detected by the feedback sensor (14) and transmits the signals to the controller regarding locked position of the device (100).
During unlocking of the seat of the vehicle, the user presses the switch mounted on the vehicle. The pressing of the switch allows flow of current from the power source to the actuator which is connected to the device (100). As soon as the switch is pressed by the user, the actuator gets started and exerts a pulling force on the cable (15). The cable (15) transmits the pulling force onto the first lever (11) resulting linear movement of the first lever (11) along the longitudinal axis X-X and in a direction away from the hook pin (18). The linear movement of the first lever (11) facilitates disengagement of the first edge (111) from the groove (180) of the hook pin (18), resulting in unlocking of the seat of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 5b. The pulling force exerted by the actuator on the first lever (11) through the cable (15) is greater than the biasing force of the first resilient member (16). Once, the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) is disengaged from the groove (180) of the hook pin (18), the user can pull the seat in upward direction to facilitate opening of the seat of the vehicle.
Figure 5c depicts the position of the first lever (11) and the second lever (12) when the user has pulled up the seat completely to open position of the seat. In this position, the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) and the second edge (121) of the second lever (12) are received inside the cavity (13) formed on the casing (10) of the device (100). The second edge (121) of the second lever (12) do not touches any surface of the hook pin (18) at this position. The feedback sensor (14) is in unpressed condition and transmits the respective signal to the controller indicating that the second lever (12) is not touching the hook pin (18) and therefore the device (100) is in the unlocked position. The controller analyse said signal and transmits the information to the display unit provided on the handle of the vehicle indicating the user that the device (100) is in unlocked position and thereby the seat is in the unlocked condition.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first lever (11) of the device (100) may be connected with a second cable to facilitate manual operation of the device (100) during malfunctioning or damaging of the actuator. During manual operation, the user may pull the second cable resulting in linear movement of the first lever (11) in a direction away from the hook pin (18). The linear movement of the

first lever (11) may result in disengagement of the first edge (111) of the first lever
(II) from the groove (180) of the hook pin (18). The disengagement of the first edge
(III) from the groove (180) facilitates unlocking of the seat of the vehicle.
In one aspect, the researchers have been developing components or elements of the present seat lock that is technically advanced yet cost effective with respect to existing seat locks, by way of alternative arrangements, configurations, and choice of materials for the seat locks.

List of reference numerals:

100 Electronic Seat lock device
10 Casing
11 First lever
11a First end of first lever
lib Second end of first lever
110 Slot
111 First edge
12 Second lever
12a Front end of the second lever
12b Rear end of the second lever
121 Second edge
122 Flange
13 Cavity
14 Feedback sensor
140 Plurality of wires
15 Cable
150 Protrusion on cable
16 First resilient member
17 Second resilient member
18 Hook pin
180 Groove
181 Conical profile
19 Cover

Equivalents:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters

form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims:
We Claim:

1. An electric seat lock device (100) for a vehicle, the electric seat lock device (100)
comprising:
a first lever (11) and a second lever (12), wherein both the first lever (11) and the second lever (12) are slidably received within a casing (10) of the electric seat lock device (100);
the first lever (11) and the second lever (12) are fitted with a first resilient member (16) and a second resilient member (17) respectively, to exert a biasing force on the first lever (11) and the second lever (12) along a direction towards a cavity (13) defined in the casing (10), wherein the first lever (11) is configured to facilitate locking of a seat of the vehicle; and
a feedback sensor (14) operationally configured to get activated by the second lever (12) to transmit signal to a controller based on locking and unlocking condition of the electric seat lock device (100).
2. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity (13) is adapted to receive a hook pin (18) of the seat, when the electric seat lock device (100) is in the locked condition.
3. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first resilient member (16) is a compression spring configured to push the first lever (11), such that a first edge (111) of the first lever (11) is received within the cavity (13) of the casing (10).
4. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first lever (11) is connected to an actuator to govern linear movement of the first lever (11) along a longitudinal axis X-X, wherein
the actuator comprises an input end connected to a power source to drive the actuator and an output end connected to a cable (15).

5. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cable
comprises a protrusion formed at a free end of the cable, wherein
the cable is removably connected at a first end of the first lever (11) to facilitate linear movement of the first lever (11) away from the hook pin (18), upon operation of the actuator and thereby to facilitate unlocking of the seat of the vehicle.
6. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 2 and claim 3, wherein the first edge of the first lever (11) is defined having a wedge-shaped structure to have a cam-follower movement with the hook pin (18) of the seat.
7. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hook pin (18) comprises a groove (180) and a conical profile (181) defined at an open end of the hook pin (18), wherein the conical profile (181) is configured to facilitate sliding movement of the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) and a second edge (121) of the second lever (12).
8. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second lever (12) comprises a front end (12a) and a rear end (12b), wherein
the second edge (121) is defined at the front end (12a) of the second lever (12); and
a flange (122) extends laterally from the rear end (12b) of the second lever (12).
9. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first lever
(11) and the second lever (12) are positioned along a longitudinal axis X-X, such that
the first edge (111) of the first lever (11) and the second edge (121) of the second
lever (12) faces one another.
10. The electric seat lock device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second edge
(121) of the second lever (12) abuts against an outer surface of the hook pin (18),
when the electric seat lock device (100) is in the locked condition.