MXPA00006864A - Anti-theft means for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An anti-theft means for vehicle steering mechanism, such as a steering shaft or a transmission rod, having a rotatable shaft. The anti-theft means comprises a fixing member fixed on the vehicle body, a connecting member joined with a steering handle, a locking means controlled by code device, a movable member provided on the rotatable shaft, for moving along said shaft but not rotatable around it. The movable member can move between a first position and a second position under the control of the locking means. When in the first position, the movable member is engaged with the fixing member while disengaged with the connecting member so that the shaft can not rotate. When in the second position, the movable member is engaged with the connecting member while disengaged with the fixing member so that the shaft can rotate. The anti-theft means according to the invention has double functions of disconnecting transmission of steering force as well as locking the shaft.

Description

ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR USE IN TRANSPORTATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an anti-theft device, particularly to an anti-theft device for use in transport means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Two types of mechanical anti-theft devices similar to the invention are known in the art. One is the steering wheel lock, which, when in use, fixes the steering wheel with the locking tabs holding the steering wheel to prevent it from turning. The other is the gear lever lock (utility model patent CN2223223Y), in which the gear lever is divided into an upper section and a lower section connected by a cable. The upper section is provided with a slide controlled by a key and coupled to the lower section. The movement of the upper section will not be transmitted to the lower section after the separation between the slider and the lower section achieved by turning the key. However, both devices have disadvantages. For the first, the locking condition can easily be released by applying an increased torque to the locking tongue or locking body to damage it; for the latter case, the functioning of the operating mechanism of a vehicle can be restored by replacing the upper section with another component. The object of the invention is to provide a simple and reliable anti-theft device for use in transport means, which, as part of the transmission route, is arranged in the operating mechanism. Said device, when it is in the anti-theft condition, can not only interrupt the transmission of the operating force, but also lock the components for transmission. Since the anti-theft device according to the invention is arranged within the steering system or the gearbox, an unauthorized user will not be able to release the anti-theft condition unless it damages the body of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The aforementioned objective can be achieved by providing an anti-theft device for use in transport means according to the present invention, which comprises: a mounting bracket for supporting the anti-theft device and mounted on the body of the transport means; a connector element coupled to a manually operated component; a locking unit that can move under the control of a coded medium; and a movable element slidably disposed but not rotatable on a steering column or displacement pin of the transport means. When the locking unit is activated, the moving element, by means of the transmission means between the movable element and the locking unit, is caused to move between a first position in which the movable element is coupled with the mounting bracket and uncoupled simultaneously with the connector element, and a second position in which the movable element is coupled with the connector element and uncoupled simultaneously with the mounting bracket. The transmission means between the movable member and the locking unit comprises an eccentric pin disposed on the locking unit and a groove disposed on the movable member, the eccentric pin being engaged with the groove, the groove extending substantially perpendicular to the groove. direction in which the movable element moves. The movable element is attached to the column of the direction or displacement pin by means of a key or tongue. The movable member is provided with a notch extending in the direction in which the movable member is moved, the end of the displacement pin being disposed within the notch such that the movable member is capable of sliding naturally but not of rotate in relation to the displacement pin. The coupling between the movable element and the mounting bracket is achieved by means of the teeth provided on the movable element and the mounting bracket, respectively, and the coupling between the movable element and the connector element is achieved by means of the teeth provided on the movable element and the connector element, respectively. The manually operated component is a steering wheel or a handlebar. The manually operated component is a speed lever or speed handle arranged pivotably on the connector element, and one end of the speed lever is connected to the displacement pin. The connection between the gear lever and the displacement pin is a ball joint connection. The coupling between the movable element and the mounting bracket is achieved by means of at least one projection provided on the mounting bracket for at least one complementary cut, and the coupling between the movable element and the connector element is achieved through at least one projection provided on the movable element and at least one complementary cut provided on the connector element. The mounting bracket is secured on the body of the vehicle. The connector element and the end of the displacement pin are rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket by means of a bolt, while the mounting bracket is mounted rotatably on the vehicle body, with the axis of the bolt being perpendicular to the shaft around which the mounting bracket rotates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the second embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the third embodiment of the invention. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled condition of the anti-theft device shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of Figure 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows the first embodiment of the anti-theft device according to the present invention. Said device is normally used in the operating system to direct a means of transport, such as the steering column 5 of a vehicle or ship. According to the invention, the anti-theft device mainly includes a connector element 1, a mounting bracket 3, a movable element 2 and a locking unit that moves under the control of a coded medium. The encoded medium is illustrated as a key, but may alternatively have the form of a group of coded discs or a magnetic card. The mounting bracket 3 is secured on the vehicle body with the steering column 5 extending through the mounting bracket 3 and being rotatably supported on the bracket 3. The connector member 1 is rotatably attached to the column of direction 5 and is axially separated from the mounting bracket 3. The connector element 1 is maintained in predetermined position on the steering column 5 by a limit nut 10. The connector element 1 has a manual operation structure (not shown) coupled to the same, such as the steering wheels for vehicles or boats, or the handlebars for motorcycles. The movable member 2 is disposed between the connector element 1 and the mounting bracket 3. The movable member 2 is attached to the steering column 5 by means of a tongue or key 15 so that the movable member 2 can slide axially but not rotate in relation to the steering column 5. The movable element 2 has a groove 16 formed on its outer periphery. The slot 16 defines a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the steering column 5. A locking body 7 is provided for receiving the locking unit between the connector member 1 and the mounting bracket 3. The locking unit includes a locking pin. lock 9 (shown only schematically) arranged therein to rotate under the control of a key (not shown). The axis of rotation of the locking pin 9 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the steering column 5. The pin 9 is inserted into the locking center 8 in the traditional manner, and connected to an arrow 6 at the end which gives towards the steering column 5. Center 8, pin 9 and arrow 6 are coaxial. In this way, the arrow 6 will be rotated after the rotation of the pin 9, and the axis of rotation of the arrow 6 is also substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the steering column 5. The arrow 6 has an eccentric pin 4 secured to the same on the end surface outside the locking pin 9 and towards the steering column 5. The eccentric pin 4 is arranged to be capable of engaging with the groove 16 formed on the outer periphery of the movable element. When the arrow 6 is rotated, the movable element 2 can be moved along the steering column 5 between the position close to the mounting bracket 3 and the position close to the connection element 1 by means of the coupling of the eccentric pin 4 and the groove 16, as shown in Figure 1. Two end surfaces of the movable member 2 are formed with teeth 17 and 17 ', respectively. Teeth 17 and 17 'may be of any type known in the art. Meanwhile, both the mounting bracket 3 and the connector element 1 have teeth 1818 'corresponding formed on the end surfaces of these facing towards the movable element 2, respectively. The teeth 17, 17 'on the movable element 2 can be coupled with the teeth 18, 18' on the mounting bracket 3 and the connector element 1, respectively. The operation of the anti-theft device 19 shown in FIG. 1 will now be described. When the anti-theft device is put in the anti-theft condition, the operator can insert the key into the locking pin 9 and rotate it at a certain angle, as a result of which the eccentric pin 4 is pivoted about the axis of the arrow 6 by a corresponding arc. By coupling with the slot 6 on the movable element 2, the eccentric pin 4, while pivoting about the axis of the arrow 6, will cause the movable element 2 to move away from the connector element 1 and towards the mounting bracket 3 so that the teeth 17 'on the movable element are uncoupled with the teeth 18' on the connector element 1 while the teeth 17 on the movable element come into engagement with the teeth 18 on the mounting bracket 3. In this way the anti-theft device 19 is put in the anti-theft condition. In this condition, the steering wheel or handle can only turn freely on the steering column 5 without causing the steering column 5 to rotate. Meanwhile, since the mounting bracket 3 is secured on the body of the vehicle and the teeth 17 of the movable element 2 are engaged with the teeth 18 of the mounting bracket 3, the steering column 5 is locked on the body of the vehicle and it prevents it from turning. When the device is released from the anti-theft condition, the person can simply insert the key into the locking pin 9 and turn it in an opposite direction. Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. The anti-theft device 20 according to this embodiment can be used in a vehicle shift mechanism, in which the displacement pin 21 not only needs to be rotated about its axis but also moved in the axial direction during displacement operation. The movement of the displacement pin in the axial direction is to select the gear position, and the rotation thereof, is to enter the gear position. The structure and method of operation of the anti-theft device 20 shown in Figure 2 is similar to those of the anti-theft device 19 shown in Figure 1, except that the mechanism for moving the displacement pin 21 axially to achieve the selection function is added. of the position of the gear. For the purpose of simplification, the portion of the anti-theft device 20 equal to that of the anti-theft device 19 will not be described below. An elongated hole 23 for receiving the upper end of the displacement pin 21 and allowing the displacement pin 21 to rotate and slide therein is formed on the connector element 22 of the anti-theft device 20. On the connection pin 21 is formed an bolt 29 spaced apart from the axis of the hole 23 with its axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the orifice 23. A speed lever 25 is pivotably disposed on the bolt 24. One end of the speed lever 25 is coupled to the upper end of the displacement pin 21. by a ball joint connection. When the operator pushes or pulls around the bolt 24, the end of the gear lever 25 opposite the ball joint, the shift pin 21 can be made to move axially in the hole 23. When the anti-theft device 20 is in the non-theft condition as shown in figure 2, the operator can cause the displacement pin 21 to rotate about its axis and move in its axial direction by moving the speed lever 25 around the pin 21 and the pin 24, respectively , and carry out the displacement action in this way. In case the operator has put the device 20 in the anti-theft condition (referring to the corresponding description of the anti-theft device 19) inserting and turning a key, the rotation of the speed lever about the axis of the displacement pin 21 applied by an unauthorized user can only cause the connector element 22 to rotate freely, instead of causing the displacement pin 21 to rotate. In this way, the unauthorized user will not be able to achieve the displacement operation and therefore use the vehicle or ship. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a further embodiment of the anti-theft device according to the invention. The anti-theft device 30 according to this embodiment can be used in a movement mechanism in which the shift handle 47 has to be pivoted about two axes substantially perpendicular to each other during the displacement operation. The pivoting around one of the axes is for the selection of the gear position, and the pivoting around the other axis is to enter the gear position. As best shown in the schematic perspective views 3A and 3B, the anti-theft device 30, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, mainly comprises a mounting bracket 32, a connector element 33, a movable member 34 and a unit lock controlled by a key. The mounting bracket 32 is cylindrical in shape and is attached to a support 36. The support 36 can be a separate element fixed to the body of the vehicle or a part of the body of the vehicle. The support 36 includes a cylindrical internal surface that engages a corresponding cylindrical outer surface in the mounting bracket 32. Therefore, after being attached to the support 36, the mounting bracket 32 will be rotatable about the axis of said cylindrical surface. in relation to the body of the vehicle. A through hole or chamber 37 extending perpendicular to the axis of the mounting bracket 32 is formed through the mounting bracket 32 to receive the connector element 33 and one end of a displacement pin 31. The other end of the pin of displacement 31 engages a corresponding element in the gear cover (not shown) to move the gears. A bolt 38 that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the mounting bracket 32 and extends transversely through the chamber 37 is provided in the mounting bracket 32 to rotatably support the connector member and the displacement pin 31 therein. . The connector element 33 comprises a body portion 39 and a connector portion 40, preferably both are cylindrical in shape. A cylindrical cavity 41 extending coaxially with the axis of the body portion 39 is formed in the body portion 39 with one open end and another end surrounded by an end wall 42 of the body portion 39. The end wall 42 includes a hole 43 extending coaxially with the cavity 41 and the body portion 39. During assembly, the connector element 33 is mounted within the chamber 37 of the mounting bracket 32 by inserting the pin 38 through the hole 43. As shown in Figure 4B, the hole 43 is dimensioned so that the connector member can rotate freely around the bolt 38. A rectangular opening 44 is formed through the cylindrical surface of the cavity 41 for the passage of the displacement pin 31. A hole 45 is formed in the displacement pin 31 to rotatably support the displacement pin 31 on the pin 38 at the far end of the gear cover and insert through the opening 44. In this way, the connector element 33 and the displacement pin 31 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 32 by the bolt 38, and the connector element 33, the displacement pin 31 and the bracket 31. Assembly 32 can be made to rotate one relative to the other. The length of the opening 44 extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cavity 41 and hole 43 and must be long enough to allow the connector element to rotate relative to the displacement pin 31 by a certain angle. The connector portion 40 of the connector element 33 is provided in the body portion 39 and its axis extends perpendicular to the axis of the body portion 39. A through hole 46 extending radially from the body portion 39 and opposite the opening 44 is formed in the connector portion 40. The through hole 46 is open to the cavity 41. A displacement handle 47 is fixed in the connector element 33 by snapping or welding between the through hole 46 and the external cylindrical surface of the displacement handle 47, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. In the shift handle 47, an axial hole 48 is provided which is coaxial with the through hole 4. Said locking unit is disposed within the hole 46 and 48. Similarly, the locking unit has a locking pin 35. which can be rotated under the control of a key and arrow 49. The locking pin 35 and the arrow 49 are connected together by a transmission rod 50 by means of a spigot and case joint to transmit the rotation of the locking pin 35 to arrow 49. A movable member 34 is provided within cavity 41, having an outer cylindrical surface corresponding to the internal cylindrical surface of cavity 41 so that it can slide axially within cavity 41. On the surface cylindrical of the movable member 34, a slot 51 is formed perpendicular to the direction in which the movable member 34 slides. To be assembled within the cavity 41, the slot 51 will be coupled with an eccentric pin 52 provided on the end surface of arrow 49. Then, when turned clockwise or counterclockwise, locking pin 35 will cause the movable member 34 moves axially within the cavity 41. A groove 53 extending along the direction in which the movable member 34 moves, i.e. the axial direction of the bolt 38, is formed in the element movable 34 in the position corresponding to the opening 44. The notch 53 has a shape such that it can receive the end of the displacement pin 31 rotatably supported on the bolt 38 and allow the movable member 34 to move transversely, but not turn , relative to the displacement pin 31. At the end of the movable member 34 facing the end wall 52, a plurality of projections 54 are formed with respect to the vertical thereof. Meanwhile, a plurality of complementary cuts 55 is formed in the end wall 42 of the connector element 33. When the movable member 34 moves to the end wall 42, the projections 54 can be coupled with the complementary cuts 55. Similarly, the The chamber 37 of the mounting bracket 32 has a projection 56 formed on the side near the opening end of the cavity 41 of the connector element 33. The projection 56 can be formed as a separate element and then be fixed on said side of the chamber 37 by, for example, welding, as shown in Figure 3 or 4. The size and shape of the projection 56 correspond to those of the notch 56 so that the projection 56 will engage the notch 53 of the movable member 34. when the same is moved from the end wall 42 to the projection 56. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the assembled state of the anti-theft device 30. The device 30 is operated as follows: The operation The inventor can adjust the anti-theft device 30 in the anti-theft condition by inserting a key into the locking pin and rotating a predetermined angle. Said rotation, through the transmission of the rod 50, arrow 49 and eccentric pin 52 which engages the slot 51, causes the movable element 34 to move inside the cavity 41 towards the projection 56 of the mounting bracket 32. along the pin 38 (i.e., the end of the displacement pin 31), to the notch 53 of the movable member 34 to engage the projection 56 and the projections 54 of the movable member 34 to disengage from the cuts 55 formed in the end wall 42. In this condition, because the projections 54 no longer engage with the cuts 55 of the connector element, the pivot of the displacement handle 47 around the bolt 38 applied by the operator during the displacement operation can only cause that the displacement handle 47 rotates freely on the bolt 38 without transferring the pivot to the displacement pin 31. While, since the notch 58 of the movable member engages the projection 56 of the mounting bracket and the displacement pin 31 can not rotate relative to the movable member 34, the displacement pin 31 is locked in the mounting bracket 32 and it can not rotate around the bolt 38. Accordingly, the displacement operation can not be carried out effectively in this condition. If the operator wants the device 30 to be in a condition other than anti-theft, what he needs to do is to turn the key at a corresponding angle in the reverse direction so that the movable member 34 moves towards the end wall 42, the projections 54 of the movable member engage with the cuts 55 in the end wall 42 and the notch 53 of the movable member is decoupled from the projection 56 of the mounting bracket. In this condition, the displacement pin 31 and the connector element 33 are integrated in a single element in one direction. Then, the operator can carry out the operation for selection of the gear position by rotating the shift handle 47 about the axis of the mounting bracket 32 and the operation to enter the gear position by rotating the shift handle 47 around the bolt 38 for causing the displacement pin 31 to rotate about the bolt 38. Although several preferred embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made from this description. in the present without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Also, the above description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration only, and not to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (11)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An anti-theft device for use in the mechanism of operation of a means of transport, comprising: a mounting bracket for supporting said anti-theft device and mounted on the body of said means of transport; a connector element coupled to a manually operated component; a movable locking unit under the control of a coded medium; and a movable element slidably disposed but not rotatably in a steering column or displacement pin of said transport means, when said locking unit is activated said movable element is caused, through the transmission means between said movable element and said locking unit, move between a first position in which said movable element engages with said mounting bracket and simultaneously disengages from said connector element, and a second position in which said movable element engages with said movable element. connecting element and simultaneously uncoupling said mounting bracket.

2. The anti-theft device in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that said transmission means between said movable element and said locking unit comprises an eccentric pin arranged in said locking unit and a groove disposed in said movable element, said eccentric pin engaging said groove, said slot extending substantially perpendicular to the direction in which said movable element moves.

3. The anti-theft device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said movable element is attached to said steering column or displacement pin by means of a key or tongue.

4. The anti-theft device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said movable element is provided with a notch extending in the direction in which the movable element moves, the end of said displacement pin is disposed within said notch so that the movable member can slide laterally but not rotate relative to said displacement pin.

5. The anti-theft device according to claim 1 or 3, further characterized in that said coupling between said movable element and said mounting bracket is achieved by the teeth provided in said movable element and said mounting bracket, respectively, and said coupling between said movable element and said connector element is achieved by the teeth provided in said movable element and said connector element, respectively.

6. - The anti-theft device according to claim 1 or 3, further characterized in that said manually operated component is a steering wheel or a steering handle.

7. The anti-theft device according to claim 1 or 3, further characterized in that said manually operated component is a speed lever or speed handle rotatably arranged on said connector element, an end of said speed lever is connected to said displacement pin.

8. The anti-theft device according to claim 7, further characterized in that the connection between said speed lever and said displacement pin is a ball-and-socket connection.

9. The anti-theft device according to claim 1 or 4, further characterized in that the coupling between said movable element and said mounting bracket is achieved by at least one projection provided in said mounting bracket and at least one complementary cut, and the coupling between said movable element and said connector element is achieved by means of at least one projection provided in said movable element and at least one complementary cut provided in said connector element.

10. The anti-theft device in accordance with the claim 1 or 3, further characterized in that said mounting bracket is fixed in said body of the vehicle.

11. - The anti-theft device according to claim 1 or 4, further characterized in that said connector element and said end of said displacement pin are mounted rotatably on said mounting bracket by means of a bolt, while said mounting bracket is assembled from rotating manner in said body of the vehicle, with the axis of said bolt perpendicular to the axis around which said mounting bracket rotates.