CA1177134A - Electronic signalling device associated with the steering lock of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Signaling apparatus for a motor vehicle equipped with a key-operated ignition switch/steering lock assembly is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first electrical switch movable between open and closed positions upon insertion and removal of the key, a power source such as a battery, an electric circuit comprising a resistor, a diode and a transistor and energized by the power source when the first switch is open, signaling means such as a light or buzzer energizable by the electric circuit, and a second electrical switch which can be operatively associated with a door of the vehicle so that when the second switch is in a closed position because the door is open, the signaling means is operable. Preferably, the first switch comprises a stationary contact and a movable contact; the movable contact can be a lever which is a part in the ignition switch/steering lock.

Description

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~ BACKGROUND OF THE INVRNTION

4 1. Field of the Invention The instant invention relates to signaling 6 apparatus. r~ore particularly, the invention relates to such 7 apparatus which is useful in a motor vehiele equipped with 8 both an ignition switch and a loelcing deviee, and which is g operatively associated with the locking device, especially to warn that a key has been le~t in the locking device when 11 a door of the vehicle has been opened.

13 2. Description of the Prior Art 14 Signaling devices for use in motor vehicles, including ones which provide an audible or visual warning 1~ when a door of the vehicle is opened while a key remains in 17 the ignition switch thereo~, are well known. Also known are ~8 signaling devices which can be operatively associated with 19 steering lock antitheft apparatus for vehicles. Such antitheft apparatus usually includes an ignition switch 21 which must be closed to enable starting of the vehicle 2Z engine. Frequently, rotation of a key in such apparatus 23 first disengages a latch from the steering shaft of the 24 vehicle and then closes the ignition switch. r~any eonventional steering lock/ignition switch devices can be 26 rotated to at least four different angular positions, for 27 example corresponding to STOP, GARAGE, RUN and START. For 28 instance, in the STOP position the ignition key can be 29 inserted and extracted, but the steering shaft remains locked. In the GARAGE position the ignition key can also be

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1 lnserted and extracted, but the steering shaft remains 2 unlocked. In the RUN and START positions the ignition key

3 can be neither inserted nor extracted and the steering shaft remains unlocked.
U.S. Patent Number 2,786,194 discloses a 6 signaling device for use with an ignition switch of a motor 7 vehicle. The device is said to provide both a visual and an 8 audible signal whenever the ignition switch is in an "off"
g position with the key inserted, thereby to provide a reminder that the key is inserted and the switch is in that 11 position.
12 U.S. Patent Number 3,569,730 discloses a 13 key-operated antitheft lock for a vehicle steering shaft, 14 and an alarm operable, unless the steering shaft is locked, whenever a door of the vehicle is opened.
16 U.S. Patent Number 3,629,818 discloses another 17 antitheft device for a motor vehicle; the device comprises l~ a steering shaft lock and two switches operated by movement 19 of the lock. One of the switches is closed when a door of the vehicle is open and the other is closed when the 21 steering shaft is not locked. An alarm operatively 22 connected through the switches is energized i:~ the door is 23 opened when the steering shaft is unlocked. The device also 24 uses a relay switch having a solenoid coil to control 2~ energization of the alarm; in addition, at least three 26 mechanical switches are required for operation of the 27 device.

~9 The instant invent~ion provides improved signaling apparatus useful in a motor vehicle. Such a vehicle can ~L7'~3L34 include an ignition switch~ a door, and key-operated locking means for the ignition switch. The apparatus of the invention comprises, in combination:
a first electrical switch movable between open and closed posi-tions upon insertion of the key into and removal thereof from the locking means, a power source, a resistor, a diode and a transistor having a base, an emitter and a collector, signaling means, a second electrical switch movable between open and closed positions, a first electrical circuit con-necting said power source through said resistor and said first switch to ground, a second electrical circuit connecting said power source through the collector and the emitter of said transistor, said signal means and said second switch to ground, and a third electrical circuit connecting said first electrical circuit through said diode to the base of said transis-tor; said resistor, said diode and said transistor being operably connected in said circuit so that (1) when said first electrical switch is in its closed position, said transistor prevents said signaling means from being energized; while (2) when said first electrical switch is in its open position, said transistor is operable to enable the energizing of said signaling means, whereby, when said first electrical switch is in its open position, said signal means is energized when said second switch is closed, and is not energized when said second switch is open.
Preferably, the electrical switch comprises a lever which is a part in the locking means and constitutes a movable contact operable rela-tive to a stationary contact to open and close the switch, and one extrem-ity of the lever is operable to urge a wedge toward contact with a seat for the key when the key is not in the seat.
The power source may for example be the battery of the vehicle and the signaling means is preferably a light or sound-producing device.

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-The present invention provides signaling apparatus which is of simple construction by comparison with much of the apparatus hereto-fore known, being advantageously operable without, for example, the use of numerous switches or relays. The apparatus of the invention also is reliable in service and comparatively economical to manufacture.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide signaling apparatus useful in a motor vehicle which includes an ignition switch, a door and key-operated locking means operatively associated with the ignition switch.
Other objects and advantages of the instant invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.

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~ Figure 1 is a partially-schamatic view in 3 longitudinal section of a largely conventional ignition switch assembly including key-operated ignition and steering locking means, and showing a preferred embodiment 6 of an operatively-associated first electrical switch, in a 7 closed position, of signaling apparatus according to the 8 invention.
g Figure 2 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 1 showing the locking means in its STOP position with the 11 key therein; the first switch is shown in its open 12 position.
13 Figure 3 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 1~ 2, but showing the locking means in the RUN position, and the first switch in its corresponding open position.
16 Figures 4, 5 and 6 are fragmentary views similar, 17 respec-tively, to Figures 1, 2 and 3, of another embodiment 1~ f an ignition switch assembly and of another 19 operatively-associated first electrical switch of signaling apparatus according to the invention, and showing the 21 corresponding positions of the first switch in relation to 22 the positions of the locking means.
23 Figure 7 is a schematic view showing four angular 2~ positions which the locking means illustrated in Figures 1-6 can assume.
26 Figure ~ is a partially-sectioned top view, taken 27 along line 8-~ of Figure 2, and enlarged to show details of 28 construction, Or a preferred contact of the first switch of 29 signaling apparatus according to the invention.

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.; 1 Figure 9 is a partially-sectioned longitudinal 3view taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 8.
4Figure 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred ernbodiment of signaling apparatus according to the invention.
7DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TH~ INVENTION
8~eferring now in more detail to ~igures 1, 2 and 9 3, a largely-conventional ignition switch assembly for a motor vehicle, with signaling apparatus according to the ll instant invention operatively associated, is indicated 12 generally at 10. The switch assembly 10 includes a steel 13housing 11 and locking means 12 operable by a key 13. A
portion of the steering shaft of an associated motor 15vehicle (not shown) is indicated at 14; the locking means 1612 includes a rotatable seat 15 for the key 13. The key 13, 17when inserted into the seat 15, prepares the switch 18assembly 10 to lock a spring-urged latching means 16 19(Figure 2) in a withdrawn position (Figure 3) in which it 20does not lock the steering shaft 14 against rotation. When 2Lthe key 13 is rotated`in the seat 15 to the position shown 22in Figure 3, the latching means 16 is withdrawn, as shown, 23to disengage the shaft 14. An electrical switch 17, which 24constitutes a first switch in operatively-associated 2~signaling apparatus according to the invention (Figure 10), 26is moved between a closed position (Figure 1) and an open 27position (Figure 2) as the key 13 is inserted into and 28removed from the seat 15. The switch 17 comprises a lever 2918 and a stationary contact 19; the contact 19 is mounted in an insulator 20 in the housing ll of the switch assembly ~;~7~39L

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1 10. The stationary contact 19 is electrically-connected, ~ inside the insulator 203 to an insulated wire 21. The lever 318 pivots on a pin 22 and is urged by a spring 23 toward

4 contact with the seat 15. However, when the key 13 is in the seat 15, the lever 18 is forced away from the contact 619 first by a wedge 24 (Figure 2). When the lever 18 is in 7 the position shown in Figure 1, the switch 17 is in a 8 closed position while, when it is in the position shown in g Figures 2 and 3, the switch 17 is in an open position. When the key 13 is rotated, the latching means 16 is withdrawn 11 from the engaged position shown in Figures 1 and 2 and 12latched (Figure 3) in the withdrawn position by the lever 1318, which then is spaced from the contact 19 so that the 14switch 17 remains open.
15Referring in more detail to Figures Ll, 5 and 6, a 16 further embodiment of a largely-conventional ignition 17 switch assembly for a motor vehicle, with signaling 18 apparatus Or the present invention operatively associated, 19 is indicated generally at 25. The assembly 25 lncludes a 20steel housing 26 and locking means 27 operable by a key 28 21 to prevent or enable rotation of the steering shaft (not Z2 shown) of the vehicle, in a manner similar to that 23 described above with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3. The 24 assembly 25 further includes a rotatable seat 23 for the key 28, and an electrical switch 30 which constitutes a 2~ first switch in operatively-associated signaling apparatus 27 according to the invention (~igure 10). The switch 30 z~ comprises a lever 31, which pivots on a pin 32, and a 29 stationary contact 33 mounted in an insulator 34 in the housing 26 of the switch assembly 25. The stationary :: . .. . .

-7~34 ~, contact 33 is electrically-connected, inside the insulator 34, to an insulated wire 35. When the key 28 is not in its 3 seat 29, a spring 36 urges the lever 31 toward contact with 4 the seat 29, thereby to move the switch 30 to a closed position in which the lever 31 is in contact with the 8 stationary contact 33 (Figure 4). However, when the key 28 7 is inserted in the seat 29, the lever 31 is forced away 8 ~rom the contact 33 first by a wedge 37 (Figure 5), thereby g moving the switch 30 to an open position. When the key 28 is rotated, a portion of a latching means 38 operatively;
ll associated with the locking means 27 is withdrawn from an 12 engaged position in which it prevents rotation of the 13 steering column of the vehicle and is latched in the 14 withdrawn position (Figure 6) by the lever 31, which then is spaced from the contact 33 so that the switch 30 remains 16 pen.
17 Referring now to ~igure 7, four possible angular 1~ positions~ are shown for the keys 13 and 28 of the locking 19 means 12 and 27 of Figures 1-3 and 4-6, respectively. The key seat 15 or 29 is illustrated in the GARAGE posltion;
21 howeverj when the key 13 or 28 is inserted in the seat 15 22 or 29, and rotated therein (Figures 2-3, 5-6), the seat 15 23 or 29 can assume a STOP position (Figures 2 and 5), a RUN
24 posltion (Figures 3 and 6) or a START position. In the 25 ~ largely conventional ignition switch assemblies 10 and 25 26 shown in Flgures 1-6, which include key-operated locking 27 means 12 and 27, a key rotated to the START position will 28 automatically return to the RUN position when the key is 29 released. The operation of the ignition system and steering .
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1 shart of the vehicle at each of these angular positions is 2 as has been previously described with re~erence to 3 conventional ignition switch/steering lock assemblies.
4 Details of construction of the stationary contact 19 in the electrical switch 17 shown in Figures 1-3, and of ~ associated structures, are shown in Figures 8 and 9. The 7 copper contact 19 is mounted in the rubber insulator 20 and 8 is held in el~ectrical connection with the copper wire 21 g by a crimp terminal 37. The wire 21 consists of twisted strands as indicated at 39; insulation 40 covers the ll strands 39.
12 Referring now to Figure 10, signaling apparatus 13 accordlng to the invention is indicated generally at 41.
14 The apparatus 41 comprises a first electrical switch S1, which can be, for example, either of the switches 17 or 30 le shown and described with reference to ~igures 1-6, a r 12-volt storage battery B providing a power source, an 18 electric clrcuit EC, indicated within the dotted line, l9 signaling means SM and a second electrical switch S2. The switch S2 is operatively associated with a door of a motor 21 vehicle (no~t shown), and 1s a conventional, plunger-type, 2 two-pole switch mounted on the body of the vehicle and 23 operable so that when the door is opened, the plunger is 24 depressed, thereby closing the switch. The signaling means SM comprises a light and buzzer (1/4 ampere total operating 28 current) mounted under the instrument panel (not shown) of 27 the vehicle. The electric circuit EC comprises a ceramic 28 resistor R (22K ohms), a diode D (0.005 ampere at 12 volts) and a transistor TR (type NPN, output of about 1/4 ampere).
The circuit EC is energizable by the battery B, the .

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1 signaling means SM is energizable by the circuit EC; the negative terminal of the battery B is 3 electrically-connected to ground (the chassis, not shown, of the motor vehicle); the positive terminal thereof is electrically-connected to the collector CT of the 6 transistor TR and to one end of the resistor R. The other 7 end of the resistor R is electrically-connected to one pole 8 f the switch S1, while the other pole of the switch S1 is g electrical1y-connected to ground (the chassis, not shown, of the motor vehicle). The switch S1 can be, in a lI particular case, the first switch 17 (Figures 1-3); the 12 pole of the switch Sl connected to ground, in the 13 particular case, is the movable contact 18, and the pole 14 connected by means of the wire 21 to one end o~' the resistor R is the stationary contact 19. The end of the 16 resistor R connected to one pole of the switch Sl is also 17 electrically-connected to the diode D; the other end of the 18 diode D is electrlcally-connected to the base BE of the 19 transistor T~ so that when the diode D is forward-biased, 20~ the direction of current flow ~s therethrough to the base 21~ BE of t~he transistor TR. The emitter ET of the transistor 22 TR is electrically-connected to the signaling means SM; the :
~ means SM is electrically-connected, in series, to one pole 24 of the switch S2. The remaining pole of the switch S2 is as electrically-connected to ground (the chassis, not shown, 26 of the mo-tor vehicle). The switch S2 is, in the particular 27 case deacrlbed above, operable upon opening or closing of a 28 vehlcle door (not shown); it is closed when the door is 29 open, and open when the door is closed.

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~.~t~'7134~, ~ When the switch S1 is open (Figures 2 and 3), and 3 the switch S2 is closed, for example when the key 13 is 4 inserted in the locking means 12 and an operatively-associated door of the vehicle is open, the 6 electric circuit EC becomes energized by the battery B.
7 The circuit RC, consequently, energizes the signaling means 8 SM. Electrical current supplied by the battery B flows from ~ the positlve terminal thereof through the resistor R and to the diode D. The diode D, forward-biased by the current ll flow, commences to conduct current to the base BE of the 12 transistor TR, where the current is amplified. The 13 amplified current, approximately 1/4 ampere, flows from the l~ emitter ET of the translstor TR to energize the ~ignaling means SM, activating the light and buzzer.
16 When the switch S1 is closed (Figure 1), for 17 example when the key 13 is not inserted in the locking l~ means 12, and the switch S2 is closed because the door of 19 the vehicle is open, electrical current supplied by the battery B is short~circuited to ground through the resistor 21 R and the switch S1. The diode D in this case is 22 reverse-biased, a non-conducting element, so that current 23 cannot flow to the base BE of the transistor TR and the 24 signaling means SM is not energized thereby. However, when Z5 the switches S1 and S2 are so positioned, the electric 26 current, I, to ground through the switch Sl ls negligible, 27 e`qualing 28 voltage of the power source (battery B) I (amperes)= ---------------------------------~--------29 resistance of the electrical circuit (resistor R) 7'7~ 34 1 The current (I), where voltage = 12 volts, resistance 2.2K ohms, is 12/2200 or 0.005 ampere. It is apparent that 3 thls value is negligible by comparison with the 4 approximately 1/4 ampere output current produced by the circuit EC and needed for energization of the light and 6 buzzer signaling means SM described above. The 0.005 ampere 7 current drain on the battery B corresponds, for example, to 8 substantially the amount of current drain on a 12-volt ~- g battery which is required for operation of a typical electric clock in a motor vehicle. Accordingly, when the 11 signaling apparatus of the invention is grounded through 12 the switch S1 and therefore not operable, as in the case where the key 13 has been removed from the locking means 12 14 before a door of the vehicle is opened, the battery B of the~ vehicle will not be appreciably discharged over short ~.
16 periods of time when, for example, the vehicle is not being 17 operated.
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When the switch S1 is closed (Figure 1) and the 19~ sw1tch S2 is open, for example when the key 13 is not inserted in the locklng means 12 and an 21 operatively-associated door of the vehicle is closed, the 22~ ~ slgnaling me~ans SM is not energized by the circuit EC. In 23 ~ th~s case the trans1stor TR, the diode D and the signaling 24 ; means SM do not receive current because there is an open clrcuit from the battery B, through the resistor R and 26 switch Sl to ground. The value of the electrical current :
27 ~ through switch Sl to ground is, in this case, equal to I
28 according to the foregoing equation. Also, when the switch 29 S1 is open (Figures 2 and 3) and the switch S2 is open, for example when the motor vehicle is being operated normally , ~7'7134 `:
1 with the key 13 inserted in the locking means 12, and an operatively~associated door of the vehicle closed, the 3 signaling means SM is not energized. In this latter case 4 the circuit EC is inoperable because electric current cannot flow from the battery B through either of the 6 switches S1 or S2; there is no current drain on the battery 7 B attributable to the signallng apparatus.
8 It will be appreciated that the signaling g apparatus provided by the invention is useful in motor vehicles for operative association with ignition switch 11 assemblies including numerous suitable key-operated locking 12 means, and is therefore not limited in application solely 13 to the largely-conventional steering lock/ignition switch l~ assemblies illustrated in the drawings and described herein. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,840,714 discloses 16 another such assembly with whlch the present invention can l7 be operatlvely associated. Because a particularly a l~ vantageous feature of the present invention involves the l9 utilization of electronic components in an electric circuit 20 ~ rather than moving parts as heretofore known, it is not 21~ ~ crucial to the practice of the invention that an associated 22 key-operated mechanism have any particular mechanical, ~23 ~ structural or functional configuration so long as insertion 24 and removal of the key causes opening and closing of the ~ f1rst swltch of associated signaling apparatus of the 26 invention, thereby controlling energization or 27 de-energization of the apparatus.

28 From the foregoing description, it is apparent 29 that signaling apparatus according to the invention is ;30 especially useful to provide a warning signal when a driver ,: ,. -~l77~3qt 1 or passenger opens a door of a motor vehicle while an ignitio~ key remains in its steering lock device. It will be ap~eoiated, however, that this apparatus can be sltuated in a motor vehicle so as to provide a similar warnin~ upon opening or movement of the hood or trunk, or other runctional equipment of the vehicle. ~he latter is 7 possible because the second switch (S2, Figure 10) can be 8 placed in any of many locations within the vehicle so that it is actuated by opening or movement of the hood or the like. Accordingly, the foregoing description, including the 11 discussion in reference to ~igures 1-3 and 7-10 of the 12 drawings, Or the best presently contemplated mode is not to 13 be construed as a limitation thereon.
It will also be appreciated that signaling apparatus according to the invention can operate any 16 suitable signaling means in a vehicle, instead of or in 17 addition to the light or buzzer shown and described, For example, service lights of the vehicle or instruments and ac¢~sories thereof can be operated. ~urthermore, the 2 switch S2 (Figure 10) can, additionally, be operatively assoc1ated~ wlth electrical apparatus of a motor vehicle other ~than signaling apparatus so as to energize and 23 de-energize both the signaling apparatus and the other electrical apparatus when the switch S2 is moved between open and closed positions.
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'7:~34 . 1 2 The power source illustrated in Figure 10 is 3 preferably, as described herein, a 12 volt storage battery 4 because such batteries are commonly used in motor vehicles.
; 5 However, any other source of power can be used so long as 6 it supplies sufficient current at an approprlate voltage to energize the electric circuit of the invention.
It will be appreciated that the electric circuit g specified herein is not limited to the details of construction shown and described. For example, ir such a ll circuit is to be used with signaling means requiring higher .~ 12 lnput voltages or currents than the buzzer and light 13 described, a transistor of higher output than that ; 14 spec1fied can be substituted, and other components having different electrical characteristics from those described ;16 can be used accordingly to accommodate the electrical I7~ characteristics of the particular transistor. Numerous 18 suitable conventional electrical components which are l9~ ~suitable for use in the invention will be apparent to ~ ' 20 persons skilled in the art.
; ~ ~2l ~ ~ It is contemplated that switches having a 22 ~ ~ plurality~ of poles or gangs, or having various 23 constructions different from that of the particular swltches descrlbed herein, can be used in signaling apparatus according to the invention. Fo~r example, the ~26 switch S1 (Figure 10) can consist of a switch external to 27 the housing~of an ignition swltch assembly rather than 28 integral therewith; the contacts thereof can be either ' ' ' : , : :

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1 movable or stationary, or not a part of a locking mechanism 2 as previously described. However, whatever construction is 3 selected for the switches and other components of signaling 4 apparatus accordlng to the invention, reliability of the apparatus is o~ paramount importance. In the preferred 6 embodiments described above, reliability ls particularly enhanced by the use of stationary electrical contacts and ~ the electric circuit containing electronic rather than g electro-mechanical devices. By comparison with conventional signaling apparatus, the apparatus of the invention, using 11 such components, does not require expensive elements such 12 as relays or the like which can be subject to excessive and 13 premature wear in service, correspondingly decreasing the 14 reliability of the apparatus.
1~ It will be apparent that this lnvention is not to 16 be limited to the specific details shown and described~ and 17 that various changes and modifications can be made from the 18 specific disclosure hereof without departing from the 19 spirit and scope o~ the invention as defined ln the followlng claims.

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Claims (12)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. In a motor vehicle including an ignition switch, a door for entry into and exit from the vehicle, and key-operated locking means operatively associated with the ignition switch, improved signaling apparatus comprising, in combination, a first electrical switch movable between open and closed positions upon insertion of the key into and removal thereof from the lock-ing means, a power source, a resistor, a diode and a transistor having a base, an emitter and a collector, signaling means, a second electrical switch movable between open and closed positions, a first electrical circuit connecting said power source through said resistor and said first switch to ground, a second electrical circuit connecting said power source through the collector and the emitter of said transistor, said signal means and said second switch to ground, and a third electrical circuit connecting said first electrical circuit through said diode to the base of said transistor;
said resistor, said diode and said transistor being operably connected in said circuit so that (1) when said first electrical switch is in its closed position, said transistor prevents said signaling means from being energized;
while (2) when said first electrical switch is in its open position, said transistor is operable to enable the energizing of said signaling means, whereby, when said first electrical switch is in its open position, said signal means is energized when said second switch is closed, and is not energized when said second switch is open.

2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein said first switch has a stationary contact and a movable contact.

3. The apparatus claimed in claim 2, wherein said movable contact is operable relative to said stationary contact to open and close said first switch upon insertion and removal of the key.

4. The apparatus claimed in claim 2, wherein said movable contact further comprises a part in the locking means.

5. The apparatus claimed in claim 2, wherein said movable contact further comprises a lever, and the locking means further comprises a wedge and a seat for the key, and wherein one extremity of said lever is operable, when the key is not in said seat, to urge said wedge toward contact with said seat.

6. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein, additionally, said second switch is operable to control energization of electrical apparatus of the motor vehicle.

7. The apparatus claimed in claim 6, wherein said electrical apparatus comprises service lights of a motor vehicle.

8. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein said second switch is further operatively associated with the door of the vehicle, so as to be movable between open and closed positions upon opening and closing of the door.

9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8 wherein said second switch is closed when the door is open and open when the door is closed.

10. The apparatus claimed in any of claims 1-3, wherein said first switch and said resistor are electrically-connected to the base of said transistor through said diode, the collector of said transistor is electrically-connected to the power source and the emitter of said transistor is electrically-connected to ground through said signaling means and said second switch.

11. The apparatus claimed in any of claims 1-3 wherein said signaling means is a light.

12. The apparatus claimed in any of claims 1-3 wherein said signaling means is operable to generate an audible signal.