WO2005056351A1

WO2005056351A1 - Vehicle security system

Info

Publication number: WO2005056351A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/004033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lameki Julian Ndzengu
Original assignee: Lameki Julian Ndzengu
Priority date: 2003-12-08
Filing date: 2004-12-08
Publication date: 2005-06-23

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle security system (10) which includes at least one, preferably a plurality of vehicle security devices (11,13) and a control means (32) which is connected to the vehicle security devices (11,13) to permit a user selectively to control operation of each security device (11,13). Each security device (11,13) includes an interference member (14,24) for interfering with operation of a respective control member (20,30) of a vehicle. Each device (11,13) also includes a mounting arrangement (12,22) for mounting the associated interference member on the vehicle such that the interference member (14,24) is displaceable between an interfering condition in which it interferes with the associated vehicle control member (20,30) to restrict operation of the control member (20,30), and an inoperative condition in which unhindered operation of the vehicle control member (20,30) is permitted, and a powered actuator (16,26) for effecting powered displacement of the interference members (14,24).

Description

VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM

THIS INVENTION relates to vehicle secuπty. In particular, the invention extends to a vehicle security device, to a vehicle security system, and to a vehicle which includes the security system.

The invention provides a vehicle security device which includes: an interference member for interfering with operation of a control member of the vehicle; a mounting arrangement for mounting the interference member on a vehicle such that the interference member is displaceable between an interfeπng condition in which it interferes with the vehicle control member to restrict operation of the control member, and an inoperative condition in which unhindered operation of the vehicle control member is permitted; and a powered actuator which is operably connected to the interference member for effecting powered displacement of the interference member between its inoperative condition and its interfering condition.

The interference member may be arranged to interfere with a vehicle control member selected from the group comprising: a gear selector; a control pedal such as a clutch pedal, a brake pedal, or an accelerator pedal; a steering wheel; and a parking brake lever.

For example, if the interference member is arranged to interfere with operation of a gear selector, the device, when installed in a vehicle, will typically be operable to prevent movement of the gear selector from one position to another to select different gears. The vehicle security device may include a locking arrangement for selectively locking the interference member in its interfering condition.

The locking arrangement may include a locking member which is displaceable between a locking position, in which it secures the interference member in its interfering condition, and an unlocked position, in which it permits displacement of the interference member from its interfering condition.

The vehicle security device may include a powered displacement device operatively connected to the locking member for effecting powered displacement of the locking member between its locking position and its unlocked position. The displacement device may be an electromechanical mechanism, such as an electromechanical solenoid. The powered actuator for displacement of the interference member may be an electromechanical actuator which is electrically connectable to a battery of the vehicle. Instead, the powered actuator may be a pneumatic servomechanism which is connectable to a supply of compressed air mounted on the vehicle. The invention extends to a vehicle security system which includes: at least one vehicle security device as described above; and a control means which is connected or connectable to each vehicle security device to permit a user selectively to control operation of each security device. The vehicle security system may include a plurality of security devices which are mountable on a vehicle for interference with respective vehicle control members.

The control means may be remotely operable for remote activation of the respective vehicle security devices.

The control means may preferably be arranged to control powered displacement of both an interference member and a locking member of each security device, to effect selective displacement of each interference member between its interfering condition and its inoperative condition, and to effect selective displacement of each locking member between its locking position and its unlocked position.

The control means may include a matched transmitter/receiver pair comprising a portable transmitter for transmitting a wireless control signal, and a receiver for mounting on the vehicle, the receiver being responsive to the control signal.

For example, the control means may include a matched radio frequency transmitter/receiver pair. Instead, the control means may include an authorisation means for obtaining authorisation data from a user and for verifying the authorisation data, the control means being arranged to permit control over the security devices subject to verification of the authorisation data. The authorisation means may include a keypad, the authorisation means requiring input of an identity code as authorisation data. Instead, or in addition, the authorisation means may include a biometric reader for reading a biometric parameter of a user as authorisation data, or the authorisation means may include an electronic reading device for reading information on an electronic key as authorisation data. For example, the electronic key may be in the form of a Dallas tag, in which the authorization data can be stored.

The invention further extends to a vehicle which includes a security system as hereinbefore described, each security device being mounted on the vehicle adjacent an associated vehicle control member for interfering with that control member to inhibit normal operation of the vehicle, when the interference member of that security device is in its interfering condition.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings, Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a vehicle security device in accordance with the invention; and Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a vehicle security device also in accordance with the invention.

In Figure 1 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a vehicle security system in accordance with the invention. The vehicle security system 10 includes two vehicle security devices 11 and 13 for interfering with respective control members of a vehicle to which the system 10 is fitted. One device 11 is for disabling operation of a gear selector or gear lever 20 of the vehicle, and the other device 13 is for disabling operation of control pedals 30 of the vehicle.

The vehicle security device 11 includes an interference member 14 for interfering with the gear lever 20, the interference member 14 being displaceably mounted on a body of the vehicle by a mounting arrangement in the form of a housing 12 which is bolted to a chassis of the vehicle. The interference member 14 is displaceably mounted in the housing 12, projecting to an exterior of the housing 12 and being linearly displaceable in the direction of arrow 14.1 away from the housing 12, to position the interference member 14 in an interfering condition in which the interference member 14 interferes with operation of the gear lever 20. When the interference member 14.1 is in its interfering condition, the gear lever 20 is kept in one position and the interference member 14 thus prevents selection of different gears by operation of the gear lever 20. When displaced in the direction of arrow 14.2 away from the gear lever 20, the interference member 14 is positioned in an inoperative condition in which it is clear of and does not interfere with the gear lever 20, allowing normal operation of the gear lever 20.

The vehicle security device 11 further includes a powered actuator 16 located in the housing 12 and operatively connected to the interference member 14 for displacing the interference member between its interfering condition and its inoperative condition. The housing 12 is theft resistant, to prevent unauthorised access to the interior of the housing 12. The actuator 16 is thus housed in an inaccessible and secure manner. The actuator 16 has a worm gear 17 which is configured for co-operation with a matching toothed shaft 14.4 of the interference member 14, the shaft 14.4 and the worm gear 17 being in mesh, to displace the interference member 14 in the direction of arrows 14.1 and 14.2 between the unlocked- and interfering conditions in response to powered rotation of the worm gear 17.

The vehicle security system 10 further includes a locking arrangement for selectively locking the interference member 14 in its interfering condition. The locking arrangement 18 includes a locking member, in the form of a locking pin or bolt 18.2 which is displaceable by means of a powered displacement device in the form of an electromechanical solenoid 18.1. The locking bolt 18.2 is displaceable between a locking position in which the locking bolt 18.2 passes through a complementary aperture 14.3 in the shaft 14.4 of the interference member 14, and an unlocked position in which the locking bolt 18.2 is clear of the interference member 14. In the locking position, the locking bolt 18.2 thus locks the interference member 14 in its interfering condition.

The security device 13 is largely similar to the gear lever security device 11 , a main distinction being that the security device 13 is arranged for disabling operation of the control pedals 30 of the vehicle. The pedal security device 13 thus includes a housing 22 bolted to the chassis of the vehicle, and an interference member in the form of a T-shaped obstruction bar 24 operable to interfere with the control pedals 30. The obstruction bar 24 is displaceably mounted on the housing 22 for displacement in the direction of arrows 24.1 and 24.2 between a interfering condition, in which the obstruction bar 24 interferes with the pedals 30 to prevent depression thereof, and an inoperative condition in which the obstruction bar 24 is clear of the pedals 30, to permit unobstructed use thereof. The obstruction bar 24 is shaped and dimensioned to interfere with the pedals 30, which in this example are the brake- and clutch pedals of the vehicle respectively.

The pedal security device 13 further includes a powered actuator 26 located in the housing 22 and operatively connected to the obstruction bar 24, for displacing the obstruction bar between its interfering- and inoperative condition. The actuator 26 has a worm gear 27 which is configured for co-operation with a matching toothed shaft 24.4 of the obstruction bar 24, the shaft 24.4 and the worm gear running parallel to each other and being in mesh to displace the obstruction bar 24 in the direction of arrows 24.1 and 24.2 between the unlocked- and interfering conditions in response to powered rotation of the work gear 27.

The pedal security device 13 also includes a locking arrangement 28 for selectively locking the obstruction bar 24 in its interfering condition, by driving a locking bolt 28.2 driven by an electromechanical solenoid 28.1 through an aperture 24.3 in the shaft 24.4 of the obstruction bar 24.

The vehicle security system 10 further includes control means 32 in the form of a portable key-ring mounted radio frequency (RF) transmitter 34 and a factory fitted receiver 36 for receiving RF signals emitted by the transmitter 34, the receiver 36 being mounted on the vehicle. The receiver 36 is electrically connected to a conventional motor vehicle battery (not shown) by means of power leads 38 and is also connected to the respective actuators 16, 26 and solenoids 18.1 , 28.1 of the security devices 11 ,13.

In use, when a user has parked the vehicle and wishes to secure it, the user presses an activation button 34.1 on the transmitter 34, sending an RF control signal to the receiver 36 to activate the actuators 16, 26. Upon actuation, the actuators 16, 26 rotate the respective worm gears 17, 27, thus respectively displacing the interference member 14 and the obstruction bar 24 to their interfering conditions. Once the devices 11 , 13 have thus been activated, the gearlever 20 and the control pedals 30 are locked in position, to hinder driving of the vehicle.

The user then presses a locking button 34.2 on the transmitter 34 to transmit a RF locking signal to the receiver 36. In response to reception of the RF locking signal, the receiver 36 activates the respective electromechanical solenoids 18.1 , 28.1 of the locking members 18 and 20, thus driving the locking bolts 18.2, 28.2 through the apertures 14.3, 24.3 in the respective shafts 14.4, 24.4 of the interference members 14, 24. When the locking bolts 18.2, 28.2 are in their locking positions, the interference member 14 and the obstruction bar 24 are secured in their interfering conditions, so that unauthorised use or theft of the vehicle is inhibited. A prospective thief will not only have to displace the locking bolts 18.2, 28.2 from their locked positions, but will also have to force the interference member 14 and the obstruction bar 24 out of their interfering conditions. When a user wants to de-activate the vehicle security system 10, to use the vehicle, the locking button 34.2 on the remote control unit 34 is pressed first, to transmit an RF signal to the receiver 36. In response to this RF signal, the locking bolts 18.2, 28.2 are automatically retracted by operation of the respective electro-mechanical solenoids 18.1 , 28.1. Thereafter, the button 34.1 on the transmitter 34 is pressed, transmitting an RF signal to the receiver 36, in response to which the receiver 36 activates the respective electromechanical actuators 16, 26 to turn the worm gears 17, 27 in an opposite direction, retracting the interference members 14 and 24 in the direction of arrows 14.2, 24.2. The vehicle can then be used in normal fashion, since the gearlever 20 and control pedals 30 can be operated without interference.

Referring to Figure 2, reference numeral 50 generally refers to another embodiment of a vehicle security system in accordance with the invention. Like reference numerals indicate like parts in Figure 1 and in Figure 2, unless otherwise indicated. The vehicle security system 50 is largely similar to the system 10 of Figure 1 , having identical vehicle security devices 11 and 13.

The vehicle security system 50 includes remotely operable control means 52 in the form of a portable remote RF transmitter 54 and an RF receiver 56 matched to the transmitter 54 and mounted on the vehicle. A main distinction is that the system 50 includes an authorisation means comprising a user interface 60 which includes data input means in the form of a numerical keypad 62, and display means in the form of liquid crystal display 64. The user interface 60 is in electronic communication with the receiver 56 via an interlock relay 66. The receiver 56, the user interface 60, and the interlock relay 66 are connected to the vehicle battery by power leads 38.

In use, when a user wishes to activate the vehicle security system 50 after the vehicle has been switched off, the user is automatically requested via the LCD display 64 to enter authorisation data in the form of a security code on the keypad 62. The authorisation means compares the entered code to a pre-stored authorised code, and if the entered code is verified as an authorised code, the interface 60 automatically activates the actuators 16, 26, thus displacing the interference members 14 and 24 into their interfering conditions, as described above. The user then leaves the vehicle and presses button 54.2 on the transmitter 54, to transmit an RF signal to the receiver 36 and lock the control members 14 and 30 by displacement of the locking bolts 18.2, 28.2 into their locked positions, as described above.

When a user wants to de-activate the vehicle security system 50, i.e. wishes to unlock the vehicle, the remote control button 54.2 is pressed, resulting in the transmission of an RF signal to the receiver 56 to unlock the locking members 18, 28 by retracting the locking bolts 18.2, 28.2 through operation of the electromechanical solenoids 18.1 , 28.2. The user then enters the vehicle and is requested by the authorisation means via the LCD display 64 to enter the security code. Thereafter, the user enters the security code on the keypad 62, which, if verified, results in powered retraction of the interference members 14, 24, allowing the gearlever 20 and the control pedals 30 to be operated without interference.

It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention, the authorisation means can be in the form of an electronic key reader such as a Dallas tag reader which is operable to read information on an electronic key in the form of a Dallas tag containing a pre-programmed identity code. In yet another embodiment, the authorisation means can include a biometrical reading device such as a fingerprint scanner or an eye scanner for scanning a user's fingerprints or eye patterns and comparing the scanned data with pre-programmed data of the same user, so as to identify the user.

The Inventor believes that the invention as illustrated provides a new vehicle security system 10, 50 for use as a factory fitted system or as a retro-fitted accessory. It is envisaged that the system 10, 50 will substantially increase the difficulties faced by a prospective thief in stealing a vehicle fitted with the system 10, 50. The fact that the interference members 14, 24, as well as the locking members 18, 28 are powered facilitates easy operation of the system 10, 50, since the user does not have to displace the respective elements from their locked positions manually. Furthermore, two interference members 14, 24 are controlled by use of a single remote control, so that the effort required by a user to secure or unlock the vehicle is no greater than is the case with conventional security systems, despite the increased security provided by the locking of two or more control members.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vehicle security device which includes: an interference member for interfering with operation of a control member of the vehicle; a mounting arrangement for mounting the interference member on a vehicle such that the interference member is displaceable between an interfering condition in which it interferes with the vehicle control member to restrict operation of the control member, and an inoperative condition in which unhindered operation of the vehicle control member is permitted; and a powered actuator which is operably connected to the interference member for effecting powered displacement of the interference member between its inoperative condition and its interfering condition.

2. A vehicle security device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the interference member is arranged to interfere with a vehicle control member selected from the group comprising: a gear selector; a control pedal such as a clutch pedal, a brake pedal, or an accelerator pedal; a steering wheel; and a parking brake lever.

3. A vehicle security device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, which includes a locking arrangement for selectively locking the interference member in its interfering condition.

4. A vehicle security device as claimed in claim 3, in which the locking arrangement includes a locking member which is displaceable between a locking position, in which it secures the interference member in its interfering condition, and an unlocked position, in which it permits displacement of the interference member from its interfering condition.

5. A vehicle security device as claimed in claim 4, which includes a powered displacement device operatively connected to the locking member for effecting powered displacement of the locking member between its locking position and its unlocked position.

6. A vehicle security device as claimed in claim 5, in which displacement device for displacing the locking member is an electromechanical mechanism.

7. A vehicle security device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 inclusive, in which the powered actuator for displacement of the interference member is an electromechanical actuator which is electrically connectable to a battery of the vehicle.

8. A vehicle security device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 inclusive, in which the powered actuator is a pneumatic servomechanism which is connectable to a supply of compressed air mounted on the vehicle.

9. A vehicle security system which includes: at least one vehicle security device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 inclusive; and a control means which is connected or connectable to each vehicle security device to permit a user selectively to control operation of each security device.

10. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 9, which includes a plurality of security devices which are mountable on a vehicle for interference with respective vehicle control members.

11. A vehicle security system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 inclusive, in which the control means is remotely operable for remote activation of the respective vehicle security devices.

12. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 4, in which the control means is arranged to control powered displacement of both an interference member and a locking member of each security device, to effect selective displacement of each interference member between its interfering condition and its inoperative condition, and to effect selective displacement of each locking member between its locking position and its unlocked position.

13. A vehicle security system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 inclusive, in which the control means includes a matched transmitter/receiver pair comprising a portable transmitter for transmitting a wireless control signal, and a receiver for mounting on the vehicle, the receiver being responsive to the control signal.

14. A vehicle security system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 inclusive, in which the control means includes an authorisation means for obtaining authorisation data from a user and for verifying the authorisation data, the control means being arranged to permit control over the security devices subject to verification of the authorisation data.

15. A vehicle security system as claimed in 14, in which the authorisation means includes a keypad, the authorisation means requiring input of an identity code as authorisation data.

16. A vehicle security system as claimed in 14, in which the authorisation means includes a biometric reader for reading a biometric parameter of a user as authorisation data.

17. A vehicle security system as claimed in 14, in which the authorisation means includes an electronic reading device for reading information on an electronic key as authorisation data.

18. A vehicle which includes a security system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 17 inclusive, each security device being mounted on the vehicle adjacent an associated vehicle control member for interfering with that control member to inhibit normal operation of the vehicle, when the interference member of that security device is in its interfering condition.