UA50879C2 - vehicle anTi-the Ft locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle and-theft locking device comprising a locking element which is selectably displaceable into and out of lock engagement with a vehicle gear selection mechanism, an electric motor drivingly coupled with the locking element for selectable displacement of the locking element in at least one direction by an electric signal from an electrical signal source external to the locking device, and a key-operated lock cylinder comprising a rotatable tumbler, characterized in that the locking device further comprises a mechanical override mechanism coupled with the locking element, wherein the mechanical override mechanism is manually operable to displace the locking element in at least one direction.

Description

Description of the invention

The invention generally relates to devices for preventing the theft of vehicles. 2 The development of the market of motor vehicles and vehicles has acutely posed the problem of their theft.

Various types of anti-theft systems have been proposed and implemented, including audio signaling, electrical systems for vehicles and mechanical locks, original anti-theft devices such as the steering wheel or gear lever and brakes.

Gear shift lock manufactured and sold worldwide under the brand name

MI l-0SK under US patent 4,639,099 the applicant/assignee of this invention, had great commercial success. US Patent 5,598,140 describes a further improvement of this lock (including the operation of an auxiliary anti-theft system, such as an alarm system) by locking the gear shift lock. The descriptions of these two patents are incorporated herein by reference.

It goes without saying that locks provide security only when they are used. Unfortunately, many drivers leave the 12 vehicle without locking the specified lock. U.S. Patent Application No. 08/309,571 describes a further improvement to the above shift locks designed to solve the above problems and to force the driver to engage the shift lock before exiting the vehicle.

In particular, application 08/309,571 describes a vehicle anti-theft system having a gear shift lock attached to the chassis, which has an axially movable axle that is automatically movable into lock engagement with the gear shift member. This locking axle automatically locks the gearshift when the driver parks the vehicle. An additional feature of the design of application 08/309 571 is that the locking axle is fitted with the possibility of retraction with automatic disengagement with the gearshift element when the gearshift lock is actuated by the key.

Preferably, always, or in most cases, the gear shift lock and axle are hidden from view from inside the vehicle. Preferably, the axial movement of the locking axis in at least one direction Ge) is performed by an electric motor that can be triggered by manual or automatic input actions.

Another gear shift lock is given in the description of UOHO 94/04397 and relates to a gear shift lever lock that is welded to the floor of the vehicle and consists of a housing, a sliding locking element, a lock and a handle. The locking element surrounds the shift lever and is fitted to slide when the handle is pulled so as to engage the locking element in the lock and prevent the shift lever from moving. Such a device has the disadvantage that it is bulky, requires a special design for each type of vehicle, and is either difficult to weld to the floor of the vehicle during installation, or easy to dismantle when attached to the floor only with bolts. 3o European patent EP 478 453 describes a locking device for gear shift levers, which has a reciprocating locking element actuated by an electric motor with a worm drive. Such a device is bulky and cannot be placed inside the control room, and therefore is very exposed and can be easily affected by a potential hijacker. In addition, the device requires an enclosing, "4, sealing element to block the movement of the shift lever. WITH

Patents OE-93 06 958.8 and OE-B 1181081 also describe gearshift locks. Both of these locks have relatively complex spring mechanisms.

From" Patent 93092 (Israel) describes a shift lock having a hook-like member attached to a locking member. The linear movement of this locking element causes a rotary movement of the crab-like element, which then traps and closes the gear shifter.

It should be noted that the US application 08/309 571 differs from MO 94/04397, ER 478 453, OB-O 93 06 958.8, and OE-B 1181081 and patent 93092 (Israel) in that the locking finger serves to close the lock switching av! gears on a mounting bracket in the vehicle, and the lock has a second mechanical latch that is mounted to engage the locking pin, and the second latch is such that it can be

So is released from the locking axis, which has an axial movement, under the action of the key. -I 20 The invention provides an improved gear box switch lock that is electrically and mechanically actuated. c According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft locking device of the vehicle has a locking element that can be selectively moved into lock engagement and disengagement with the vehicle's gearbox, the electric motor is connected with the possibility of a drive to the locking element 25 for the possibility of selectively moving the specified locking element in at least one direction behind

HF) by means of an electrical signal from an electrical signal source located outside the locking device, and a lock cylinder that is actuated by a key and which has a rotary toggle switch, moreover, the locking device o differs in that it additionally has a mechanical control mechanism that is connected with a locking element and which is installed with the possibility of manual operation to move the locking element in at least 60 one direction.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device additionally has a latch, which is installed with the possibility of a selective location to block access to the mechanical control mechanism.

In addition, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a part of the indicated toggle switch installed with the possibility of selectively pressing the latch, bringing it to the position of blocking access to the mechanical control mechanism, and with an acceptable rotation of the toggle switch, allowing the latch to move to a position that gives access to the mechanical control mechanism management.

Additionally, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a lock cylinder actuated by a key, installed with the possibility of selective connection to a switch, electrically connected to an electric motor, and an acceptable rotation of the toggle switch activates the switch, providing an electrical signal to electric motor for selectively moving the closing element in at least one direction.

Preferably, the device has a reinforced steel body that covers and houses at least part of the locking element, the electric motor and the lock cylinder. 70 In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the electric motor is controlled to ensure the movement of the locking mechanism to the position of lock engagement and disengagement with the transmission of the vehicle using an electrical signal from an electrical signal source located outside the locking device.

Additionally, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the electric motor is controlled to /5 ensure the movement of the locking element to the position of the locking engagement with the transmission of the vehicle by means of an electrical signal from the source of the electrical signal, which is located outside the locking device, is controlled to move the locking element in the disengagement position with the vehicle's gearbox by means of a key-operated lock cylinder.

In addition, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a first sensor that determines the movement of the locking element by 2° to the position of the lock engagement with the vehicle's gearbox and gives a signal to the electric motor to stop the movement of the locking element.

In addition, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a second sensor that determines the movement of the locking element from the position of the locking engagement with the transmission of the vehicle and gives a signal to the electric motor to stop the movement of the locking element in the predetermined retracted position.

Additionally, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has at least one shielding element i) which is mounted in a reinforced steel housing and which generally prevents unauthorized mechanical access to the locking element and its activation.

The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which: b of Figs 1 and 2 are simplified perspective front and rear views, respectively, of a locking device against theft of a vehicle, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, with a locking element - in locked engagement with the vehicle's gearbox; co

Fig. 3 is a simplified perspective front view of the locking device in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 against vehicle theft with the locking element in the retracted, unlocked position; at

Fig. 4 is a simplified perspective front view of the anti-theft locking device of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 of the vehicle, showing an additional support element for supporting the locking element when it is in the fully extended locked position;

Fig. 5 is a simplified illustration of the anti-theft locking device of the vehicle in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 (in a disconnected form), where the internal elements are shown; "

Fig. 6 and 7 - a simplified illustration of the locking element in the retracted, unlocked position and in the extended, stv) with the locked position, respectively;

Fig. 8, 9 and 10 are a simplified illustration of a locking element in a retracted, unlocked position, with an intermediate position and an extended, locked position, respectively, showing the action of sensors (microswitches) that monitor the position of the locking element;

Fig. 11 and 12 are simplified illustrations of the lock cylinder, which is actuated by the key, respectively before and after the actuation of the microswitch, which electrically actuates the electric motor to move the locking element; 13 and 14 are simplified illustrations of a key-operated lock cylinder, respectively, before and after movement of the latch to access the mechanical control mechanism, according to the preferred

Embodiment of the invention.

Ш- Fig. 1 - 4 shows the preferred embodiment of the locking device 10 against theft of the vehicle

According to the invention.

Preferably, the device 10 has a locking element 12, which is selectively able to move to the position of lock engagement and disengagement with the gearbox 14 of the vehicle (shown only in Fig. 1). The device 10 preferably has a reinforced steel body 16, which surrounds or contains at least part of the locking element 12, and internal elements, which are described below. The slot for the key 18 (Fig. 2) is formed in

F) housing 16, and the housing 16 is preferably fixed (for example, by welding) to the mounting bracket 20 for mounting in a vehicle (not shown). The case 16 contains a lock box 17 inside.

Figures 1 and 2 show the device 10 with the locking element 12, which is extended into the locking position, and Figure 3 shows it in the retracted, unlocked position. The outer protective sleeve 21 preferably protrudes from the body 16, which in turn at least partially surrounds and therefore protects the locking element 12 when it is in the retracted, unlocked position. The bushing 21 may also provide some support to the locking element 12 when it is fully in the extended, locked position.

It can be seen (Fig.4) that an additional support element 22 can be installed to support 65 the Locking element 12 when it is in the fully extended locked position. Element 12 may have different lengths depending on the vehicle model and installation conditions. The additional member 22 may be useful for supporting very long members 12. The additional member 22 may be positioned at any position along the length of the member 12 and may be firmly secured to the body 16 or, alternatively, to any part of the interior of the vehicle.

The locking element 12 is preferably made in the form of a hollow shaft with an end cap 11 mounted on a thread or otherwise attached to the shaft. The cover 11 can be conical or spherical, or alternatively can have any mechanical elements, for example, a copying surface or a bent rod, which are used to improve the locking engagement with any types of locking systems.

Let's turn to Fig. 5 - 10, which show the internal elements of the device 10. The lock box 17 (Fig. 5) mainly consists of two parts 17A and 178, which can be fastened with fasteners 24.

The electric motor 26 is connected to the closing element 12 with the possibility of actuating it, for selective movement of the element 12 in at least one direction, generally along the longitudinal axis 28 (fig. b) of the element 12, with the help of an electrical signal from an electrical signal source, which is located outside the device 10. The source of the electrical signal (Fig. b) may be a transmitter 30 located in the key 32. When the key 75.32 is placed near an acceptable receiver (not shown) in the electronic system of the vehicle (for example, near the ignition switch), an electrical signal is provided to an electronic device 34 which is in electrical connection with a motor 26. The motor 26 then rotates a gear 36 which is engaged with cylindrical spur gears 38. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many other types of electrical signal sources can be used, for example, remote control devices, touch-activated keys, etc.

The threaded shaft 40 is attached to and rotates together with the wheel 38. The element 12 is wound on the thread on the shaft 40. The element 12 has a longitudinal groove 42. When the shaft 40 rotates, the element 12 does not rotate, but moves along the axis 28 thanks to the groove 42, which is engaged with correspondingly made key 44 (Fig. 5), which is located on part of the lock box 17A. Fig. b shows the locking element 12 in the fully retracted position, and Fig. 7 - in the fully extended position. The motor 26 is preferably controlled to ensure the movement of the element 12 both in the lock engagement position and in the disengagement position with the box i) gears 14 (fig.i) by means of an electrical signal from an electrical signal source (transmitter 30).

Thus, member 12 is a hollow locking member that is telescopically mounted relative to threaded shaft 40 (which acts as a drive screw) and is threadedly engaged with member 12. Gee! zo The first sensor 46 (Fig. 8 - 10) and the second sensor 48, marked as microswitches 46 and 48, are installed to determine the movement of the element 12. The element 12 (Fig. 8) is previously in the retracted position, which corresponds to the full retraction of the element 12 into the lock box 17. You can see that both microswitches 46 and 48 are in the on state (that is, the switching levers are pressed). This signals the electronic device 34 to turn off the motor 26 to stop the movement of the element 12 into the box 17.

Similarly (Fig. 10), the element 12 is previously in the extended position, which corresponds to the complete extension of the element 12 from the lock box 17. It can be seen that now both the microswitches 46 and 48 are in the off state (that is, the switch levers are in the unpressed state ). This signals the electronic device 34 to turn off the motor 26 to stop the movement of the element 12 from the box 17. Figure 9 shows the element 12 in an intermediate position between the positions shown in Figures 8 and 10. It can be seen that the microswitch 46 is off, and microswitch 48 - on. This information can be used to control the rate of movement of element 12 in either direction (retraction or extension) to prepare the motor for a final stop when the end of travel is reached. It should be noted that ;" the microswitch 48 can be placed at any position along the path of movement of the element 12 to stop the movement of the element 12 at any position short of reaching the full length of the element 12.

Generally, but not necessarily, the motor 26 operates to bring the member 12 into lock engagement with the transmission 14 when the driver of the vehicle places the transmission shift lever in the reverse position (for a manual transmission) or in the "park" position (for automatic transmission) and excludes ignition. Preferably, the delay circuit in the electronic device 34 results in a predelayed delay of a predetermined time interval before the motor 26 is actuated to bring the element 12 into lock 5r engagement with the gearbox 14. The connector 50 is preferably used for electrical connection with electric

Sh- vehicle system, for the above operation of electronic device 34 and motor 26. Connector 50

Ge can also provide a connection to the auxiliary alarm system in the vehicle.

In addition, the device 34 preferably has a circuit for detecting an overload of the motor 26, for example, such that it is caused by some blocking warning movement of the element 12 to turn off the motor 26 and prevent its damage. As was described above, in general, the motor 26 brings the element 12 out of the lock engagement with the gearbox 14 with the help of an external electrical signal, which

F) refers to the electronic device 34. In all previous operations, the electronic device 34 and the motor 26 are powered by either the vehicle battery or another battery designed for this purpose.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has electrical and mechanical control of the operation of the Closing element 12 using an external electrical signal. Specifically, the electrical control includes a keyed lock cylinder 52 having a rotary toggle switch 54. The lock cylinder 52 is capable of selectively actuating a switch 56 (preferably a microswitch) that is electrically connected to the motor 26. This is preferably accomplished by means of a remote the end of the toggle switch 54 of the finger 58, which selectively presses the switch 56. Thus, in the event of a malfunction of the electronic device 34 for 65 actuation of the motor 26 for driving the closing element 12 or in the event of a malfunction of the transmission system between the external electrical signal and the device 34, appropriate rotation of the toggle switch 54 actuates the switch 56, thereby providing an electrical signal to the motor 26, controlled by the electronic device 34, for the desired movement of the closing element 12 in at least one direction along the axis 28, as described above.

Figures 11 and 12 show the lock cylinder 52, which is actuated by the key, respectively, before and after actuation of the switch 56 to actuate the motor 26 for moving the element 12.

In case of any disturbances in the electrical system, the locking device 10 additionally has a mechanical control mechanism 60 connected to the element 12, which will be further described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.

The mechanism 60 preferably has a slot 62 for a screwdriver formed in the central hub of the wheel 38 (see fig.b and 7). In the event of any malfunction of the electrical system, the driver can insert a screwdriver into the groove 62 and turn the threaded shaft 40 to move the element 12 along the axis 28.

Latch 64 (see fig.5, 13 and 14; in fig.b and 7 the latch is not shown for clarity) can be selectively placed to block access to the mechanism 60. The latch is preferably formed of hardened alloy steel. Finger 66 (Figs. 13 and 14) preferably rests against the proximal end of toggle switch 54. Latch 64 (Fig. 13) is initially biased /5 against one or more biasing means 75, such as springs, by finger 66, blocking access to mechanism 60. Acceptable rotation of the tumbler 54 (Fig.14) in the direction of the arrow 68 allows the displacement means 75 to induce the latch 64 to move in the direction of the arrow 70 to a position that allows access to the groove 62 of the mechanism 60 of the mechanical control.

To increase security and prevent access to the device 10, it has (Fig. 5) one or more elements 72 against unauthorized access and activation of the locking element 12, which are mounted in parts 17A and 178 of the box. In particular, such elements 72 are preferably several hardened steel pins that are drilled into the box 17 to make access to the wheel 38 too difficult. In addition, a hardened steel plate 73 may be placed on the other side of the box 17 to prevent access to the lock cylinder 52 by drilling or otherwise. high school

It is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the above-described variant. The invention includes combinations and subcombinations of the features described above, as well as modifications and variants of the invention, which can i) be imagined by a person skilled in the art when reading the description and which were not previously known.

Claims (15)

The formula of the invention is 30 units 1. Locking device against the theft of a vehicle, which has: a locking element that can be selectively moved into the locking engagement and disengagement with the vehicle's gearbox; and o 35 a lock cylinder, which is actuated by a key and which has a rotary toggle switch, which is characterized by the fact that an electric motor is connected to the locking element with the possibility of its drive to selectively move the locking element into lock engagement and disengagement with the transmission of the vehicle when an electrical signal is supplied from an electrical signal source, and the fact that additionally the locking device has a mechanical control mechanism which is connected to the locking element and which is installed with the possibility of manual operation to move the locking element in at least one direction. 2. The device according to claim 1, which is characterized by the fact that it additionally has a latch that is installed with the possibility of "with" a selective location to block access to the mechanical control mechanism. C. The device according to claim 2, which differs in that part of the specified toggle is installed with the possibility of selectively pressing the latch, bringing it to the position of blocking access to the mechanical control mechanism, and with an acceptable rotation of the toggle, allowing the latch to move to a position that gives access to mechanical control mechanism. o 4. The device according to any of the preceding points, which is characterized by the fact that the lock cylinder, actuated by a key, is installed with the possibility of selective connection with a switch electrically connected to the 5r electric motor, and the rotation of the tumbler is acceptable actuates the switch, providing - an electrical signal to the electrical motor to selectively move the closing element in at least one direction. 5. The device according to any of the previous items, which is characterized by the fact that it additionally has a reinforced steel body that covers and contains at least part of the locking element, an electric motor and a locking cylinder. 6. The device according to claim 5, which is characterized by the fact that it additionally has an external protective sleeve, which protrudes from (F) of the housing and which at least partially covers the locking element when it is in the retracted position. GI 7. The device according to any of the previous items, which is characterized by the fact that the electric motor is controlled to ensure the movement of the locking mechanism to the position of locking engagement and disengagement with the transmission of the vehicle by means of an electrical signal from an electrical signal source that is outside the locking device 8. A device according to any of the previous items, characterized in that the electric motor is controlled to ensure the movement of the locking element to the position of locking engagement with the transmission of the vehicle by means of an electrical signal from an electrical signal source located somewhere outside the locking device, and is operable to move the locking member into a disengaged position with the vehicle's transmission by means of a key-operated locking cylinder. 9. The device according to any of the previous items, which is characterized by the fact that it has a first sensor that detects the movement of the locking element in the position of the locking engagement with the transmission of the vehicle and gives a signal to the electric motor to stop the movement of the locking element. 10. The device according to any of the previous items, which is characterized by the fact that it has a second sensor that detects the movement of the locking element from the position of the locking engagement with the transmission of the vehicle and gives a signal to the electric motor to stop the movement of the locking element in the predetermined retracted position. 11. Device according to claim 5, which is characterized in that it has at least one shielding element, which is mounted 7/0 In a reinforced steel housing and which generally prevents unauthorized mechanical access to the closing element and its actuation. 12. Anti-theft locking device of a vehicle, which has: a locking element that can be selectively moved into the locking engagement and disengagement with the vehicle's gearbox; and a key-operated lock cylinder having a rotary toggle switch characterized in that an electric motor is driveably coupled to the locking member to selectively move said locking member into and out of lock engagement with the vehicle's transmission by of an electric signal from an electric signal source, and the lock cylinder, which is actuated by the key, is installed with the possibility of selective connection with a 2o switch, electrically connected to the electric motor, and when the toggle switch is turned appropriately, it activates the switch, ensuring the transmission of an electric signal to an electric motor to selectively move the closing element in at least one direction. 13. The device according to claim 12, which is characterized by the fact that the electric motor is controlled to ensure the movement of the locking element in the lock engagement and disengagement with the gearbox of the vehicle by providing an electrical signal from an electrical signal source located outside the locking device. 14. The device according to claim 12 or 13, which is characterized in that the electric motor is controlled to ensure the movement of the locking element to the position of locking engagement with the transmission of the vehicle by means of an electrical signal from an electrical signal source located outside the locking device, and is controlled to move the locking element into the disengaged position with the vehicle's transmission by operating a key-operated locking cylinder. - 15. Anti-theft locking device of a vehicle, which has: a locking element that can be selectively moved into the locking engagement and disengagement with the vehicle's gearbox; and o lock cylinder, which is actuated by a key and which has a rotary toggle switch; yu which is characterized in that the electric motor is drive-capable of the locking element for selectively moving the locking element into and out of the vehicle's gear box by means of an electrical signal from an electrical signal source, and the locking element consists of a hollow element which telescopically installed relative to the drive "70 screw, which is threadedly engaged with it. in c ;" 1 («c) (ee) - 50 3e) F) ime) 60 b5