The present invention relates to a lock assembly. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a steering lock cum ignition switch assembly for twowheelers.
5 BACKGROUND
[002] Ignition switches are used to selectively activate various operational
modes of a vehicle via its electrical system. Common modes of operation include
an “ignition” (engine start-up) mode, an "off" mode, and a "lock" mode. Steering
locks, in contrast, are used to protect a vehicle from theft by disabling/locking a
10 steering mechanism of the said vehicle.
[003] Conventionally, a vehicle is provided with an ignition switch which is
mounted separately from the steering lock (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
US10676064B2). Or else, if mounted together as an integrated assembly, the
ignition switch is disposed at an end of the assembly (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
15 US5634358A). Such arrangements often leave the ignition switch vulnerable to
dust and water damage thus, reducing its durability and reliability.
[004] Further, the said way of mounting makes the entire assembly large which
takes precious space inside a vehicle. Moreover, the said ignition switches and
steering locks are non-repairable even if only a part of the assembly is
20 compromised. The end user is required to replace the entire assembly.
[005] Therefore, there arises a requirement of integrated ignition switch and
steering lock which overcomes the aforementioned challenges associated with
the conventional solutions.
SUMMARY
25 [006] The present invention relates to a steering lock cum ignition switch (SLIS)
of a vehicle. The SLIS includes a stator having a first region, a second region, a
third region and a fourth region. A barrel is housed within the first region of the
3
stator. A switch is housed within the third region of the stator. A mount is
secured to the fourth region of the stator. The mount includes a locking means
operationally coupled to the switch via a cam. The switch is sandwiched between
the barrel and the mount. Upon rotation of a key from a lock position to an off
5 position in the barrel, the locking means is at least partially retracted within the
mount leading to unlocking a steering of the vehicle. Upon rotation of the key
from the off position to an ignition position in the barrel, an electrical connection
is established inside the switch thereby enabling ignition of the vehicle.
[007] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of
10 the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of
illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with
15 the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure,
exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However,
the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed
herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to
scale.
20 [009] Fig. 1 depicts an exploded view of a steering lock cum ignition switch
(SLIS) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Fig. 1a depicts an isometric view of a stator 110 of the SLIS 100 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Fig. 1b depicts an isometric view of a bracket 141 of the SLIS 100 in
25 accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Fig. 1c depicts an isometric view of a cam 143 of the SLIS 100 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
4
[0013] Fig. 1d depicts an isometric view of a locking means 145 of SLIS 100 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of a switch 130 of the SLIS 100 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
5 [0015] Fig. 2a depicts an isometric view of a body cover 133 of the SLIS 100 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Fig. 2b depicts an isometric view of a contact carrier 135 of the SLIS 100 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Fig. 2c depicts an isometric view of a base plate 137 of the SLIS 100 in
10 accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the SLIS 100 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method 200 of operation of the SLIS 100
to change the operational mode from “lock” mode to “off” mode in accordance
15 with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Fig. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 of operation of the SLIS 100
to change the operational mode from “off” mode to “ignition” mode in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
20 [0021] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or
phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms
"include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without
limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with"
and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include,
25 be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to
or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave,
juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like;
5
Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent
document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such
definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of
such defined words and phrases.
5 [0022] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an
embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at
least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”
“in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but
10 do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more
but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms
“including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but
not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of
items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or
15 mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,”
and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0023] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed
method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient
presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can
20 encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order
disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be
rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures
provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that
embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein.
25 Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the
various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used
in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
6
[0024] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of
the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the
relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one
or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In
5 other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain
embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and
advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the
following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice
of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
10 [0025] In accordance with the present disclosure, a steering lock cum ignition
switch assembly (SLIS) is disclosed. The SLIS of the present invention can be used
in a four-wheeled and/or two-wheeled vehicle. In an embodiment, the SLIS is
used in the two-wheeled vehicles. The SLIS of the present invention enables a
user to lock/unlock and/or selectively switch between different operational
15 modes as defined by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) via a
corresponding key. In an exemplary embodiment, the operational modes include
an “ignition” / “on” (engine start-up) mode, an "off" mode, and a "lock" mode,
etc.
[0026] The ignition switch of the SLIS may be covered at both ends. In an
20 embodiment, the ignition switch includes a top cover at one of the ends and a
base cap at the other end. The top cover may be for example, umbrella shaped.
In another embodiment, the ignition switch is sandwiched between a barrel and
a bracket. Such integration of the SLIS prevents seepage of dust, water and/or
other foreign particles within the ignition switch thereby preventing
25 deterioration and/or enhancing the durability and reliability of the SLIS. Further,
the top cover is operatively coupled to one or more holes in a stator that
facilitates passive drainage of any stray water/dust particles of the SLIS via one or
more holes in the stator.
7
[0027] By sandwiching the switch between the barrel and the bracket, the SLIS is
rendered as a compact and easy to integrate device. Further, the SLIS also
facilitates easy repair of the constituting components, if required.
[0028] Now referring specifically to drawings, Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 depict a steering
5 lock cum ignition switch assembly (SLIS) 100 of the present invention. The SLIS
100 of the present invention may include a plurality of units including but not
limited to a stator 110, a barrel 120, a switch 130 and a mount 140. The SLIS 100
enables a user to lock/unlock and/or selectively switch between different
operational modes of a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the operational
10 modes include an “ignition” (engine start-up) mode, an "off" (engine off) mode,
and a "lock" (steering lock) mode.
[0029] The stator 110 (as shown in Fig. 1 and 1a) of the SLIS 100 may be made of
a durable material including but not limited to a plastic material, zinc, aluminum
or its alloy, etc. In an embodiment, the stator 110 is made of aluminum alloy. The
15 stator 110 may act as a housing for the barrel 120 and the switch 130. The stator
110 may include a plurality of regions to accommodate aforesaid units of the SLIS
100. In an embodiment, the stator 110 of the SLIS 100 includes a first region 111,
a second region 113, a third region 115 and a fourth region 117. The stator 110
may be tapered or non-tapered. The stator 110 acts as a protective cover and
20 provides structural integrity to the SLIS 100. The stator 110 also enables a user to
insert and/or remove a key from the SLIS 100 only as per one or more select
operational modes of the SLIS 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the user can
insert and remove the key from the SLIS 100 in the "off" mode or the "lock"
mode, but not in the “on” mode.
25 [0030] The first region 111 of the stator 110 may have a predefined shape and
dimension. In an embodiment, the first region 111 is a hollow cylinder. The first
region 111 may have a length ranging from 29mm to 36mm. The first region 111
may have a diameter ranging from 30mm to 37mm. In an embodiment, the
8
length and diameter of the first region 111 is 33mm and 34mm respectively. The
first region 111 of the stator 110 may be used to house the barrel 120 of the SLIS
100. It is to be noted that the shape of the first region 111 may be varied as per
shape of the barrel 120.
5 [0031] The first region 111 may include a plurality of inner surface features to
guide and stabilize the barrel 120 within the first region 111. In an embodiment,
the first region 111 includes four inner guide projections (not shown)
corresponding to the shape of the barrel 120.
[0032] The second region 113 of the stator 110 may be a hollow transitionary
10 region between the first region 111 and the third region 115. The second region
113 may have a length ranging from 6mm to 8mm.
[0033] The third region 115 of the stator 110 may have a predefined shape and
dimension. In an embodiment, the third region 115 is a hollow cylinder. The third
region 115 may have a length ranging from 27mm to 33mm. The third region 115
15 may have a diameter ranging from 39mm to 47mm. In an embodiment, the
length and diameter of the third region 115 is 30mm and 43mm respectively. The
third region 115 may house the switch 130.
[0034] Further, the third region 115 may define a circumference (not shown)
farthest away from the first region 111. The circumference may have a diameter
20 equal to the diameter of the third region 115.
[0035] The fourth region 117 of the stator 110 may be a tube-like extension of
the circumference defined by the third region 115. Alternatively, the fourth
region 117 of the stator 110 may be an arc-shaped plate 117’. The arc-shaped
plate 117’ may have an angle ‘i’ ranging from 70° to 90˚ (as shown in Fig. 1a). The
25 arc-shaped plate 117’ may be an extension from the circumference defined by
the third region 115. In an embodiment, the fourth region 117 is defined by an
arc-shaped plate 117’ of 70 ˚ -- 90 ° corresponding to the circumference defined
by the third region 115. The fourth region 117 may have a length ranging from
9
20mm to 24mm. In an embodiment, the length of the fourth region 117 is
22mm.
[0036] The fourth region 117 may also include a plate 117a. The plate 117a may
be parallel to the circumference defined by the third region 115. The plate 117a
5 may be disposed adjacent to the third region 115 of the stator 110. The plate
117a may be made in any shape in accordance with the mount 140 (described
below). The plate 117a may be defined by three sides, namely a first side 117a1,
a second side 117a2 and a third side 117a3. The first side 117a1 and the second
side 117a2 may be defined by respective tangents intersecting an arc, of the arc10 shaped plate 117’, of the fourth region 117. The third side 117a3 may be
disposed at a shortest distance ‘D’ from the third region 115. The shortest
distance ‘D’ may range from 11.5mm to 15mm. In an embodiment, the shortest
distance ‘D’ is 12.5mm.
[0037] Further, the first region 111 of the stator 110 may be enclosed by a front
15 cover 111a. The front cover 111a may be made of a material including but not
limited to nylon, POM, other plastic, etc. In an embodiment, the front cover 111a
is made of nylon. The front cover 111a may have any shape and dimension in
accordance with the first region 111. In an embodiment, the front cover 111a is a
hollow cylinder. The front cover 111a may include a plurality of notches 111a1
20 corresponding to a plurality of projections 113a disposed on the second region
113. The notches 111a1 of the front cover 111a and projections 113a of the
second region 113 may enable the front cover 111a to snap fit over the first
region 111.
[0038] Alternatively, other functionally equivalent means like adhesives,
25 threads, etc. can be used to secure the front cover 111a over the first region 111.
In an embodiment, the front cover 111a includes two notches 111a1
corresponding to two projections 113a of the second region 113. The front cover
111a provides additional protection to the SLIS 100.
10
[0039] An opening 111a2 of the front cover 111a may be disposed towards a
free end 111b of the first region 111. The opening 111a2 may have a diameter
corresponding to the barrel 120. The opening 111a2 of the front cover 111a may
enable a user to insert a key within the barrel 120. Further, one or more
5 operational modes of the SLIS 100 may be printed/engraved adjacent to the
opening 111a2 of the front cover 111a. One or more position of the key, inserted
within the barrel 120 with respect to the printed/engraved operational modes of
the SLIS 100 may help a user to determine a current operational mode of the SLIS
100. The one or more position of the key may be toggled by rotating the inserted
10 key within the barrel 120.
[0040] The barrel 120 of the SLIS 100 may include two opposite ends, namely, a
first end 121 and a second end 122. The first end 121 of the barrel 120 may be
disposed adjacent to the opening 111a2 of the front cover 111a. The barrel 120
may provide a means to actuate the second end 122 when a key complimenting
15 the barrel 120 is inserted through the first end 121 and rotated by the user. The
second end 122 of the barrel 120 may further actuate the switch 130 via an
operational coupling (described below).
[0041] Lastly, the SLIS 100 includes the mount 140 disposed beneath the switch
130 as shown in FIG.3. The above described arrangement of the stator 110 and
20 the mount 140 beneath the switch 130 make the entire assembly of the SLIS 100
compact.
[0042] The mount 140 may include a bracket 141, a cam 143 and a locking
means 145. Further, the mount 140 facilitates the SLIS 100 to be mounted inside
a vehicle.
25 [0043] The bracket 141 (as shown in Fig. 1 and 1b) may be made of a durable
material including but not limited to zinc, aluminum alloy, nylon, POM, other
plastic, etc. In an embodiment, the bracket 141 is made of an aluminum alloy.
The bracket 141 may have any shape and dimension corresponding to the fourth
11
region 117 of the stator 110. In an embodiment, the bracket 141 resembles a
shape corresponding to a lateral two-dimensional impression of the fourth
region 117 of the stator 110. The bracket 141 may include a length
corresponding to the length of the fourth region 117 of the stator 110. The
5 bracket 141 acts as a support structure for the cam 143 and locking means 145
(described below).
[0044] Further, the bracket 141 may have one or more lugs 141’. The lugs 141’
may help in securing/clamping electrical wire/connections coming to/from the
SLIS 100 for enhanced safety.
10 [0045] The bracket 141 may be coupled to the fourth region 117 of the stator
110 as shown in FIG.3. The bracket 141 may include a plurality of openings 141a.
The arc-shaped plate 117’ and the plate 117a of the fourth region 117 may also
include a plurality of openings 117b corresponding to the plurality of openings
141a of the bracket 141.
15 [0046] The mount 140 may be secured to the fourth region 117 of the stator 110
via a plurality of securement means 141b passing through the plurality of
openings 141a of the bracket 141 and the plurality of openings 117b of the
fourth region 117. The securement means 141b may include but not limited to
screws, nuts, bolts, etc. In an embodiment, the securement means 141b include
20 screws.
[0047] The bracket 141 may include a circular opening 141c with a depressed
step 141c’ at the top of the bracket 141 as depicted in FIG.1. The circular opening
141c may be disposed adjacent to the switch 130. The circular opening 141c may
have a diameter ranging from 20mm to 26mm. In an embodiment, the diameter
25 of the circular opening 141c is 23mm.
[0048] The bracket 141 may be hollow from within. The bracket 141 may house
the locking means 145 (as shown in Fig. 1 and 1d). The bracket 141 may provide
a guided support for a linear motion of the locking means 145 (described below).
12
The locking means 145 may include a driver 145a, a pin 145b and a resilient
member 145c.
[0049] The pin 145b may be made of a material including but not limited to
steel, steel alloy, etc. In an embodiment, the pin 145b is made of steel. The pin
5 145b may have a linear motion through a pin opening 141d of the bracket
141.The pin 145b may have any shape and dimension with respect to the pin
opening 141d of the bracket 141. In an embodiment, the pin 145b is a solid
cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin 145b engages and disengages
with a predefined component of the vehicle to enable the user to lock and
10 unlock a steering mechanism of the vehicle respectively.
[0050] The resilient member 145c of the locking means 145 may be disposed
over the pin 145b. The resilient member 145c of the locking means 145 may
provide a tension to the linear movement of the pin 145b with respect to the pin
opening 141d. The said tension to the pin 145b provided by the resilient member
15 145c of the locking means 145 prevents potential vibration/rattling noise during
the operation of the vehicle.
[0051] The driver 145a may be made of a material including but not limited to
zinc, aluminum alloy, other alloy, etc. In an embodiment, the driver 145a is made
of aluminum alloy. The driver 145a may have any shape and dimension with
20 respect to the bracket 141. In an embodiment, the driver 145a is cuboidal in
shape. The driver 145a may include a slot 145a1 and a cavity 145a2. A notched
end 145b1 of the pin 145b may be coupled to the slot 145a1 of the driver 145a.
The driver 145a facilitates a linear motion of the pin 145b.
[0052] The cam 143 (as shown in FIG.1 and 1c) may be made of a material
25 including but not limited to zinc, aluminum alloy, nylon, POM, other plastic, etc.
In an embodiment, the cam 143 is made of zinc alloy. The cam 143 may be
disposed over the depressed step 141c’ such that the cam 143 may have a
13
rotational motion within the circular opening 141c. The cam 143 may have a
diameter corresponding to the diameter of the circular opening 141c.
[0053] The cam 143 may include a cavity 143a. The cavity 143a of the cam 143
may have a shape corresponding to a stem 131c of a top cover 131 (as depicted
5 in FIG.3) of the switch 130. The cavity 143a of the cam 143 may be operationally
coupled to the stem 131c of the top cover 131. The stem131c may be partially or
completely inserted within the cavity 143a of the cam 143 such that the
rotational motion of the stem 131c of the top cover 131 is translated to a
rotational motion of the cam 143.
10 [0054] A fixing ring 143’ may be provided between the cam 143 and a base cap
139 (as disclosed in FIG.3) of the switch 130. The stem 131c of the top cover 131
may pass through the fixing ring 143’ and engage with the cavity 143a of the cam
143.
[0055] The cam 143 may have a projection 143b. The projection 143b of the cam
15 143 may be operationally coupled to the cavity 145a2 of the driver 145a. The
projection 143b may translate the rotational motion of the cam 143 to a linear
motion of the pin 145b via the driver 145a.
[0056] The linear motion of the locking means 145 may enable the SLIS 100 of
the present invention to provide a locking functionality via one or more states of
20 the pin 145b corresponding to a degree and direction of rotation of the key
within the barrel 120. In an embodiment, the pin 145b exists in a lock and an
unlock state. In the lock state, the pin 145b may partially protrude out of the pin
opening 141d of the bracket 141. And in the unlock state, the pin 145b may
completely or partially retract within the pin opening 141d of the bracket 141.
25 [0057] Fig. 2 depicts a switch 130 of the SLIS 100 of the present invention. The
switch 130 may include a plurality of components. The plurality of components
may include a top cover 131, a body cover 133, a contact carrier 135, a base
plate 137 and a base cap 139. The switch 130 may have with the top cover 131 at
14
one of the ends and the base cap 139 at the other end. The top cover 131 and
the base cap 139 may impart compactness and rigidity to the switch 130. The
body cover 133 provides a structural support/housing to the rest of the
components of the switch 130. The body cover 133 facilitates easy assembly of
5 switch 130. The switch 130 facilitates making and/or breaking an electrical
connection within the vehicle.
[0058] The switch 130 may be housed within the third region 115 of the stator
110 between the barrel 120 and the bracket 141. The plurality of components of
the switch 130 may be arranged in any order. In an embodiment, the contact
10 carrier 135, the base plate 137 and the base cap 139 are housed inside the body
cover 133 in the said order with the top cover 131 disposed on top of the body
cover 133 (described below in detail).
[0059] The top cover 131 may be made in a predefined shape. In an
embodiment of the present invention, the top cover 131 is made in a shape of a
15 spindle / umbrella shaped. Any other equivalent structures of the top cover 131
are within the scope of the teachings of the present invention.
[0060] The top cover 131 may be made of a material including but not limited to
zinc, aluminum alloy, etc. In an embodiment, the top cover 131 is made of
zamak. The top cover 131 may include a top plate 131a, a cavity 131b and a stem
20 131c. The top plate 131a may include a shape and size corresponding to the
body cover 133. In an exemplary embodiment, the top plate 131a is circular in
shape having a diameter less than a diameter of the body cover 133. The top
plate 131a may have a longitudinally extending boundary 131a’. The boundary
131a’ may interact with a plurality of guide rails 133a1 of the body cover 133
25 (described below) to enable the top cover 131 to rotate with respect to the body
cover 133.
[0061] The cavity 131b of the top cover 131 may be disposed at a center of the
top plate 131a. The cavity 131b of the top cover 131 may have a shape
15
corresponding to the second end 122 of the barrel 120. The second end 122 of
the barrel 120 may be partially or completely inserted within the cavity 131b of
the top cover 131 such that a rotational motion of the second end 122 of the
barrel 120 is translated to a rotational motion of the top cover 131.
5 [0062] A resilient member 131b’ may be provided between the top cover 131
and the barrel 120 to create a tension between them. The said tension in the
barrel 120 provided by the resilient member 131b’ helps in retaining a selected
operation mode of the SLIS 100. The selected operation mode may be decided by
the user. As discussed above, the selected operation mode may be one of the
10 operation mode of the vehicle including but not limited to “ignition” (engine
start-up) mode, an "off" (engine off) mode, a "lock" (steering lock) mode, etc.
[0063] The stem 131c of the top cover 131 may commence beneath the cavity
131b of the top cover 131. The stem 131c may be perpendicular to the top plate
131a. The stem 131c may pass through an entire length of the body cover 133
15 including the plurality of components (the contact carrier 135, the base plate 137
and the base cap 139) housed within the body cover 133. The stem 131c may
have a length greater than the length of the body cover 133.
[0064] A ring 133c may be provided around the stem 131c and between the
body cover 133 and the top plate 131a. In an exemplary embodiment, the ring
20 133c is O-shaped and made of a rubber material. The ring acts as a sealant which
prevents entry of water and/or foreign particles within the switch 130.
[0065] The stem 131c may include a plurality of surface features to selectively
engage one or more of the body cover 133, the contact carrier 135, the base
plate 137, the base cap 139 and/or the cam 143. In an embodiment, the stem
25 131c selectively engages with the contact carrier 135 and the cam 143, such that
the rotational motion of the top cover 131 is translated to a rotational motion of
the contact carrier 135 and the cam 143 (described below).
16
[0066] The body cover 133 (as shown in Fig. 2 and 2a) may be made of a material
including but not limited to nylon, POM etc. In an embodiment, the body cover
133 is made of POM (Delrin). The body cover 133 may include any shape and
dimension corresponding to the third region 115 of the stator 110. In an
5 embodiment, the body cover 133 is a hollow cylinder closed from a top end 133a
and open from a bottom end 133b. An outer surface of the top end 133a may
include a plurality of guide rails 133a1 to enable the top cover 131 to rotate
freely with respect to the body cover 133. The body cover 133 provides a
structural support/housing to the rest of the components of the switch 130. The
10 body cover 133 facilitates easy assembly of the rest of the components of the
switch 130.
[0067] The contact carrier 135 (as shown in Fig. 2 and 2b) may be disposed
adjacent an inner surface of the top end 133a (as depicted in FIG.2). The contact
carrier 135 may be made of a material including but not limited to nylon, POM,
15 other plastic, etc. In an embodiment, the contact carrier 135 is made of POM.
The contact carrier 135 may include any shape and dimension corresponding to
the body cover 133. In an embodiment, the contact carrier 135 is in the form of a
disc. The contact carrier 135 may include a plurality of contacts 135a, a plurality
of resilient members 135b and a plurality of balls 135c. Only a few or all of the
20 resilient members 135b of the contact carrier 135 may be provided with the
plurality of balls 135c. In an embodiment, the contact carrier 135 is provided
with three contacts 135a, three resilient members 135b and two balls 135c.
[0068] The resilient members 135b may pass across the contact carrier 135 via
small openings 135b’. The small openings 135b’ of the contact carrier 135 may
25 include guiding pillars (or functionally equivalent structures) to hold the resilient
member 135b and the balls 135c. The balls 135c may be disposed between the
resilient members 135b of the contact carrier 135 and a plurality of bumps 133a3
present on an inner surface of the top end 133a of the body cover 133. The balls
135c may interact with the bumps 133a3. The said interaction between the balls
17
135c and the bumps 133a3 may provide a tactile feedback and/or a click sound
when the operation mode of the SLIS 100 is toggled by the user.
[0069] Further, the plurality of contacts 135a may be disposed between the
resilient member 135b of the contact carrier 135 and the base plate 137. Each
5 contact 135a may include a plurality of perpendicular wings 135a1. In an
embodiment, each contact 135a is provided with two perpendicular wings
135a1. The perpendicular wings 135a1 may penetrate the contact carrier 135 to
limit any side/rotational motion of the contact 135a with respect to the contact
carrier 135.
10 [0070] Further, the balls 135c may generate a variable tension within the
resilient member 135b when the contact carrier 135 is rotated with respect to
the body cover 133. The said tension facilitates the contacts 135a to make strong
(jitter free) electrical connection with the base plate 137 (described below).
[0071] The contact carrier 135 may also include a plurality of engagement means
15 135d to engage with the corresponding surface features present over the stem
131c of the top cover 131. The engagement means 135d may enable the contact
carrier 135 to rotate corresponding to the rotational motion of the top cover
131.
[0072] The base plate 137 (as shown in Fig. 2 and 2c) may be disposed adjacent
20 to the contact carrier 135 within the body cover 133. The base plate 137 may be
made of a material including but not limited to nylon, melamine, bakelite, other
plastic, etc. In an embodiment, the base plate 137 is made of nylon. The base
plate 137 may include any shape and dimension corresponding to the body cover
133. In an embodiment, the base plate 137 is in the form of a disc.
25 [0073] The base plate 137 may include a plurality of rivets 137a. The rivets 137a
may be disposed within a plurality of grooves 137b engraved on a surface of the
base plate 137. The grooves 137b may be disposed such that they align with a
rotational motion of the contact 135a of the contact carrier 135. An interaction
18
between the contacts 135a and the rivets 137a due to the rotational motion of
the contact 135a may make or break a corresponding electrical circuit. The rivets
137a may pass through the base plate 137 for respective electrical connection
with the vehicle. The grooves 137b also helps in collecting residual particulate
5 deposits such that the base plate 137 remains clean as the deposits may
interfere with the electrical connection between the rivets 137a and the contact
135a. In an exemplary embodiment, the residual particulate deposits may
originate from a spark plug of the vehicle.
[0074] The base plate 137 may include a plurality of periphery projections 137c.
10 The plurality of periphery projections 137c of the base plate 137 may snap fit
into a plurality of notches 133d of the body cover 133. The plurality of
projections 137c of the base plate 137 and corresponding notches 133d of the
body cover 133 may restrict any rotational movement of the base plate 137 with
respect to the contact carrier 135.
15 [0075] The base cap 139 closes the bottom end 133b of the body cover 133. The
base cap 139 may be made of a material including but not limited to nylon, POM,
other plastic, etc. In an embodiment, the base cap 139 is made of POM. The base
cap 139 may include any shape and dimension corresponding to the body cover
133.
20 [0076] The base cap 139 may include a plurality of side openings 139a to
facilitate electrical connection to the rivets 137a of the base plate 137 via any
means. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical wires are inserted through the
side opening 139a of the base cap 139 and soldered with respective rivets 137a
of the base plate 137. The base cap 139 provides protection to the said electrical
25 connection and further reinforces the switch 130 to prevent entry of water
and/or foreign dust particles.
[0077] The SLIS 100 may be operated with a complementing key. A method of
operation may include changing the operational mode of the vehicle via the SLIS
19
100. In an exemplary embodiment, a method 200 of operation of the SLIS 100 to
change the operational mode from “lock” mode to “off” mode (as depicted in
Fig. 4) to unlock the steering of the vehicle or vice versa to lock the steering of
the vehicle (not shown). The method 200 begins at step 201, where the key may
5 be inserted within the barrel 120 via the opening 111a2 of the front cover 111a.
[0078] At step 203, the key may be rotated in the barrel 120 from a “lock”
position to an “off” position. The said position may be printed/engraved adjacent
to the opening 111a2 of the front cover 111a. Each of the said printed/engraved
position correlates with respective operational modes of the SLIS 100.
10 [0079] At step 205, the rotation of the barrel 120 may be translated to a rotation
of the cam 143 via the stem 131c of the top cover 131.
[0080] At step 207, the rotation of the cam 143 may be translated to a linear
motion of the driver 145a of the locking means 145 via the projection 143b.
[0081] At step 209, the pin 145b of the locking means 145 may completely or
15 partially retract within the pin opening 141d of the bracket 141 of the mount 140
leading to unlocking the steering of the vehicle.
[0082] In another exemplary embodiment, a method 300 of operation of the
SLIS 100 to change the operational mode from “off” mode to “ignition” mode to
put the vehicle in an engine start-up state (as depicted in Fig. 5) or vice versa
20 remove the vehicle from an engine start-up state (not shown). The method 300
begins at an optional step 301, where the key may be inserted within the barrel
120 via the opening 111a2 of the front cover 111a.
[0083] At step 303, the key may be rotated in the barrel 120 from the “off”
position to an “ignition” position. The said position may be printed/engraved
25 adjacent to the opening 111a2 of the front cover 111a. Each of the said
printed/engraved position correlates with respective operational modes of the
SLIS 100.
20
[0084] At step 305, the rotation of the barrel 120 may be translated to a rotation
of the contact carrier 135 via the stem 131c of the top cover 131.
[0085] At step 307, the rotation of the contact carrier 135 may be translated to a
rotation of the contact 135a with respect to the base plate 137.
5 [0086] At step 309, an electrical connection may be established inside the switch
130 thereby enabling ignition of the vehicle. The plurality of contact 135a of the
switch 130 may make or break an electrical circuit of the vehicle by interacting
with the plurality rivets 137a of the base plate 137. In an embodiment, the
contact 135a of the switch 130 completes an electrical circuit by interacting with
10 the rivets 137a thereby putting the vehicle in an engine start-up state.
[0087] The above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention is
not intended to limit the present invention, any modification within the spirit
and principles of the present invention, made by the equivalent replacement,
improvement, etc., should be included in the protection of the present invention
15 within the range.
[0088] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims.
More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all
parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are
meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
20 and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications
for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.

WE CLAIM
1. A steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle, comprising:
a. a stator (110) having a first region (111), a second region (113), a
third region (115) and a fourth region (117);
5 b. a barrel (120) housed within the first region (111) of the stator
(110);
c. a switch (130) housed within the third region (115) of the stator
(110); and
d. a mount (140) secured to the fourth region (117) of the stator
10 (110), the mount (140) including a locking means (145) operationally
coupled to the switch (130) via a cam (143);
wherein, the switch (130) is sandwiched between the barrel (120) and
the mount (140);
wherein, upon rotation of a key from a lock position to an off position
15 in the barrel (120), the locking means (145) is at least partially
retracted within the mount (140) leading to unlocking a steering of
the vehicle; and
wherein, upon rotation of the key from the off position to an ignition
position in the barrel (120), an electrical connection is established
20 inside the switch (130) thereby enabling ignition of the vehicle.
2. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the switch (130) is having a top cover (131) at one of the ends and a
base cap (139) at the other end.
3. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
25 wherein the locking means (145) includes a pin (145b) coupled to a driver (145a).
22
4. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 2,
wherein the switch (130) includes a cavity (131b) in the top cover (131)
operationally coupled to the barrel (120).
5. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 2,
5 wherein the cam (143) includes a cavity (143a) operationally coupled to a stem
(131c) of the top cover (131).
6. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 3,
wherein the cam (143) includes a projection (143b) operationally coupled to a
cavity (145a2) of the driver (145a).
10 7. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the mount (140) is secured to the fourth region (117) of the stator (110)
via a plurality of securement means (141b).
8. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the first region (111) of the stator (110) is enclosed by a front cover
15 (111a).
9. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 5,
wherein the switch (130) includes a contact carrier (135) engaged with the stem
(131c) of the top cover (131).
10. The steering lock cum ignition switch (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 9,
20 wherein the electrical connection is established inside the switch (130) when a
plurality of contacts (135a) of the contact carrier (135) interacts with a plurality
of rivets (137a) of a base plate (137).