GB2067801A - Vehicle Security Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A security device for controlling the ignition circuit of a vehicle comprises an electrical circuit having: a secondary ignition circuit switch means CO3 for opening and closing said ignition circuit independently of a primary ignition circuit switch means CO4; a plurality of first switch means B1-B3 actuable by a vehicle user and connected to actuate respective ones of a plurality of second switch means T1-T3 which are arranged in a predetermined sequence so that operation of each of said second switches T1-T3 after the first one T1 in said sequence is conditional upon the previous operation of the preceding one of said second switches T1-T3 in said sequence, and so that operation of each of said second switches T1-T3 is necessary in said predetermined sequence to close said secondary ignition circuit means CO3; and connection means for connection of said electrical circuit to a power supply means. In use of the device the primary ignition switch means CO4 can only be used to start the vehicle when said first switch means B1-B3 have been actuated in said predetermined sequence. An alarm connection means CC3, R5, CO51, CO52 connects the circuit to the vehicles HORN so that incorrect operation of the first keys and/or other unauthorised interference with the vehicle sets off the HORN alarm. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Vehicle Security Device The present invention relates to vehicle security devices and in particular to devices intended to prevent the unauthorised use of vehicles.

The theft and unauthorised use of vehicles is a considerable and increasing problem. Various proposals have been made involving key-operated devices and/or concealed switches in the ignition circuit. In practice though these can generally be circumvented without too much difficulty. it has also been previously proposed to utilize an electrically operated combination lock to control the ignition circuit of a car. In practice though these can generally be circumvented without too much difficulty. It has also been previously proposed to utilize an electrically operated combination lock to control the ignition circuit of a car.In practice though this by itself will often be insufficient to fully protect a vehicle since vehicles are often left unattended for considerable periods of time during which a criminal could circumvent or by-pass the control of the ignition circuit by such a lock: damage the car, remove valuable items from the engine compartment or other parts of the vehicle interior, or even tow away the vehicle.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved security device for a vehicle which device avoids or minimizes one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages.

The present invention provides a security device for controlling the ignition circuit of a vehicle, said device comprising an electrical circuit having: a security ignition circuit switch means for opening and closing said ignition circuit, in use of the device, independently of any manually operable ignition circuit switch means; a plurality of first switch means actuable by a vehicle user and connected to respective ones of a plurality of second switch means for operation thereof in response to actuation of the first switch means, said second switch means being arranged in said circuit in a predetermined sequence so that operation of each of said second switches after the first one in said sequence is conditional upon the previous operation of the preceding one of said second switches in said sequence, and so that operation of each of said second switches is necessary in said predetermined sequence to close said security ignition circuit switch means; and connection means for connection of said electrical circuit to a power supply means, whereby in use of the device the vehicle can only be started when said first switch means have been actuated in said predetermined sequence; and an alarm connection means for connection to the vehicle audible warning and/or lighting systems and arranged for activation thereof in response to actuation of said first switch means in an incorrect sequence and/or actuation of optional additional dummy first switch means and/or optional further switch means provided for protection of the vehicle against unauthorised interference.

It should be understood that the expression "switch means" is used herein in a broad sense to include in the case of the first switch means any switch means readily operable by a user such as mechanical switch means operable by physical displacement or electrostatic switch means operable by physical contact or close proximity, and in the case of the other switch means, electrical, electro- mechanical and electronic including solid state switch or relay means.

Preferably the device includes a said further switch means provided for protection of a steering lock of the vehicle.

Most desirably an or said steering lock of the vehicle is provided with unlocking means operable by an electrically operated drive means having a drive means electrical circuit connected thereto for supplying electrical power to said drive means, said drive means electrical circuit being controlled by at least a first drive means electrical circuit switch means arranged for opening and closing said drive means electrical circuit, and so that operation of each of the second switches is necessary in said predetermined sequence to close said first drive means electrical circuit switch means, whereby in use of the vehicle the steering lock can only be unlocked by said drive means when the first switch means have been actuated in said predetermined sequence.

Advantageously the steering lock includes a bolt member movably mounted in a body member mountable in a vehicle in proximity to its steering column, said bolt member being movable between a "locked" position for engagement with the steering column so as to prevent steering movement thereof and an "unlocked" position; and a latching means for retaining the bolt member in its "locked" position; said unlocking means being arranged for freeing the bolt member from said latching means and moving said bolt member to its unlocked position, and said electrically operated electromagnetic drive means being arranged for directly or indirectly displacing said latching means from its position for retaining the bolt member and/or moving said bolt member to its "unlocked" position.

In a further aspect there is provided a security device of the present invention when installed in a vehicle.

Further preferred features of the invention will appear from the following description given by way of example of various embodiments of the security device illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a partial schematic circuit diagram of a first security device; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a keyboard for use with the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a first steering lock for use with the above device; Figure 4 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 1 of a second device; and Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 3 of a second steering lock.

In Figure 1 is shown a keyboard unit 1 having a plurality of push button or touch operated keys 2 including a plurality (three) of first switch means 3, in the form of first switches (B1, 82, B3), a plurality of additional dummy first switch means 4 in the form of dummy first switch means (B4- B9), a starter switch means 5 (S) and a stop switch means 6 (sun.

The first switch means 3 are connected to successive stages of a multi-switch unit comprising a plurality of second switch means each of which comprises a thyristor (T1,T2,T3) and each of said first switches (B1B3) and dummy y first switches (B4--B9) comprises a dual position switch with a positive supply and arranged so that when the switches are operated they feed a positive supply to the control panel to trigger the thyristor in the case of the first (B1 ) in the sequence of the first switches B1--B3; to trigger the thyristor and power the alarm circuit (see below) unless this has been deactivated (see below) in the case of the other first switches B2, B3; and to feed a positive supply direct to the alarm circuit in the case of the dummy first switches B4--B9. As the dummy first switches are operated and switched to feeding a positive supply to the alarm circuit the positive supply to the switching part of the circuit is cut off thereby disabling the ignition circuit.

When the first (81) in the sequence of the first switches (B1--B4) is actuated it switches on the first stage thyristor T1 which receives a positive supply via a suitable fuse (e.g. 1 amp) and a normally closed switch controlled by a stop button STwhich is included on the keyboard, so that T1 then allows a current to pass through a first stage relay R1. This relay R1 closes normally open contact C01 to supply positive voltage to the second stage thyristor T2 and opens normally closed contacts CC1 which cut off a connection from the second first switch means 82 to the alarm circuit (further described below).

Operation of B2 then switches on thyristor T2 to supply positive voltage to the second stage relay R2 which closes normally open contacts C02 to supply positive voltage to the third stage thyristor T3 and opens normally closed contacts CC2 which cut off a connection from the third first switch means 83 to the alarm circuit.

Operation of B3 then switches on the thyristor T3 which operates in similar manner through third stage relay R3 to close C03 and open CC3. The ignition circuit may then be completed by pressing a starter button S which activates relay R4 thereby to close normally open contacts C04 and activate the starter motor to start the vehicle engine. Thus C03 functions as a security ignition circuit switch means.

At the same time, opening of the normally closed contacts CC3 breaks the negative side connection to an alarm circuit relay R5 thereby preventing subsequent activation of the alarm relay R5 e.g. by inadvertent operation a dummy first switch B4--B9 which would otherwise result in the closing of the normally open contacts C051 and C052 which would complete a connection from the positive supply to the horn and/or other alarm signal device and set it off.

Thus by operating the first switches 81 to 83 in the correct order the vehicle may be started without setting off the alarm. On the other hand if any of the dummy first switch means is depressed in place of one or more of B1 to 83 then the alarm is set off. Also if for example 82 is activated before B 81 then since B2 has not been de-alarmed by the opening of CC1, the alarm will be set off.

Naturally other switches operating in the same manner as the above-mentioned dummy first switches B4--B9 may also be included to protect the bonnet, boot and/or other items against unauthorised opening or other tampering.

If the alarm is set off by an authorised user in error then it may be readily switched off simply by operating the first switches B1--83 in the correct order as described above though if it is then desired to re-alarm it, it is necessary to operate the stop switch ST (see below).

In order to stop the vehicle engine the ignition circuit is cut by opening normally closed contacts CCSTcontrolled by the stop switch ST. This operation also serves to re-alarm the system described above by deactivating the relays R1 to R3 and allowing the normally open and normally closed contacts CO 1-3 and CC 1-3 to revert to their natural state. To restart the vehicle at this stage and/or de-alarm it, it is necessary to again operate the first switches B1 to 83 in the correct order.

The various first switches 3 and dummy first switches 4 can be marked with any convenient indicia such as numbers or letters of the alphabet.

Naturally, in order to maximize security, the arrangement of the first switches 3 on the keyboard 1 would normally be randomized as far as possible to minimize the possibility of an unauthorisedperson accidentally identifying both the first switches 3 from amongst the apparently identical dummy first switches 4 and their correct order. Also the number of stages could be increased to further improve security or even reduced to two though in most cases three stages would be a practical minimum.

It will be appreciated that many modifications and additions can be made to the above embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus for example the keyboard 1 could be in the form of a plug in module so that the vehicle owner can remove it from the vehicle when he leaves it to still further increase security.

Also by providing a switch actuable by opening of the vehicle bonnet or engine compartment or other access panel connected for operation in similar manner to the dummy first switches, any attempts to bypass the device by short circuiting the ignition leads would be considerably hindered by the alarm being set off. Furthermore the various relays and the thyristors could be replaced by electronic (including solid state) switch means or other electronic switch means, respectively. In addition a switch actuable by operation of a conventional key-operated steering lock could also be connected for operation in similar manner to the dummy first switches.Advantageousiy though a, directly or indirectly, electromagnetically operable bolt means steering lock is connected so as to be operable to its "unlocked" position either automatically or with the aid of a suitable switch, when the secondary ignition circuit switch means is closed. An example of a suitable lock is shown in Figure 3 which is a schematic side view of a steering rock.

In Figure 3 is shown a lock comprising a bolt member 11 having at one end a locking pin 12 engagable with the steering column (not shown) and at its other end digitally operable button 13 and mounted slidably in a chassis member 14 spaced inwardly from one end is provided an annular flange 15 which serves as a stop means for retaining a return spring 1 6 acting between the flange 1 5 and part of the chassis 14 through which the locking pin is slidably disposed, Spaced inwardly from the other end is provided a catch means 17 in the form of a radially extending raised portion having an abuttment face 18 disposed opposite the button 13 on one side and on its other side an inclined am surface 19.

A latch member 20 is pivotally mounted 21 on a support member 22 towards a first end 23 so that the second end 24 is disposed for latching with the catch means 17 of the bolt member 11.

The first end 23 is connected to the chassis 14 by a latch return spring 25. An electromagnet 26 is disposed in proximity to the second end 24 and is connected by suitable wiring (not shown) to the security device as will be further described below.

In Figure 3 the bolt member 11 is shown in its "unlocked" position with the abutment surface 1 abutting a portion of the chassis through which the end of the bolt member 11 where the abutment surface 1 8 extends slidably and with the locking pin 1 2 in its fully retracted position.

When the button 13 is depressed the bolt member moves towards the right (as viewed in the drawing) with the locking pin 12 moving into engagement with the steering column. At the same time the return spring 1 6 is compressed by the annular flange 15, whilst the cam surface 19 of the catch means 1 7 graduaily depresses the second end 24 of the latch member 20 against the force of the return spring 25 until said second end 24 is able to latch into engagement with the abutment surface 1 8 of the catch means 1 7 to retain the bolt member 11 in its "locked" position.

The bolt member is then retained in this locked position until the second end 24 of the latch member 20 is withdrawn from engagement with the catch means 1 7 against the force of the return spring 25 by the electromagnet 26. This in turn will not occur until current is supplied to the electromagnet 26 following "unlocking" of the security device and operation of an optional separate steering lock release switch means.

Figure 4 shows a device generally similar in form and operation to that of Figure 1 but with certain modifications as identified below.

In order to protect the various second switch means (Relays R1 to R3) and other switch means against possible incorrect operation suitable means such as diodes D1 to D9 are included in the circuit.

The circuit also includes a further switch means B4 for protecting, for example, the bonnet, boot door, footbrake, etc. against unauthorized operation. It will be noted that the further switch means is arranged to be de-alarmed following operation of only the first two first switch means B 1, 82 in the correct sequence. This enables, for example, the boot to be opened by an authorized user for access thereto whilst still retaining the ignition circuit in a protected condition.

The drawing also shows a normally open "STOP" switch means ST, closure of which realarms the circuit by opening the normally closed contacts CCST(see above). Additional and/or alternative alarm means usable together with or instead of the horn include the lights of the car (LIGHT) and a separate siren (SIREN).

In order to protect the electrical circuitry of the vehicle itself, a so-called "24-hour loop" B11 is connected into the security circuit via a transistor TR1 (with a base connected resistor R15) and a thyristor or equivalent switch means T4 (with a suitable resistor R 14 therebetween).

The normally open contact C03 of the circuit of Figure 1 (operable by the third stage relay R3) is in this case replaced by two normally open contacts C03 1 and C032, the first of which controls electrical supply to the steering lock drive means electrical circuit (see below) atA2 whilst the second is as in Figure 1 ,functions as (or controls) a security ignition circuit switch means.

Operation of a start switch S activates a relay closing normally open contacts C04 to activate the starter motor to start the vehicle engine.

The steering lock shown in Figure 5 is generally similar to that of Figure 3, like parts being indicated by like reference numbers, but also includes a normally open micro switch MS1 arranged to function as an ignition circuit switch with an operating lever 30 of said micro switch MS1 arranged for displacement to an activated position by the abutment surface 1 9 of the catch means 17 as the bolt member 11 is moved to its unlocked position by the spring 1 6 following withdrawal of the second end 24 of the latch member 20 by the electromagnet 26 against the force of the latch return spring 25.

It will be appreciated that the above device can be used in various ways, for example, in the various ways described hereinbefore in connection with the electromagnetically operable bolt means steering lock as used in conjunction with the ignition circuit control security device.

As used herein, a directly operating electromagnetic drive means is one in which use is made directly of movement produced by electromagnetic forces e.g. attraction of a ferromagnetic material member by an electromagnet, whilst an example of an indirectly operating one is an electric motor whose drive output is converted in suitable manner to perform the required movement.

In the interests of safety it would normally be preferred that there is used a security device of the invention in which the arrangement is such that both the ignition and electro-magnetic drive steering lock circuits are controlled so that the start switch means cannot be closed to start the car after "unlocking" of the security device by correct operation of its first switch means uniess the steering lock has first been unlocked, either automatically upon "unlocking" of the security device or by the operation by the user of separate steering lock switch means. In the latter case there could for example be provided an additional ignition circuit means which is closed only upon operation of the separate steering lock switch means.

As may also be seen in Figure 5 the steering lock unit is conveniently connected to the security device via a multi-connector plug and socket means 27 for easy replacement etc.

disconnection thereof being protected by carrying a part 28 of the "24-hour" loop therethrough onto the security lock side. The connections from the connector 27 to the security device circuit are identified A2+VE, A2-VE, and Al -VE the appropriate connections of the security device circuit therefor being correspondingly identified in Figure 4. The part of the connection 27 remote from the steering lock is conveniently attached to a suitable part of the vehicle structure 29.

Although it will be appreciated that with the possible invention it is possible to rely on the security ignition circuit switch means and starter switch alone and dispense entirely with any manually operable ignition circuit switch means such as in a conventional key-operated combined ignition and starter switch, there may be included or retained (in the case of conversion of an existing vehicle) such a manually operable ignition circuit switch means provided any such manual switch means operates independently of the security ignition circuit switch means.

Claims (24)

Claims

1. A security device for controlling the ignition circuit of a vehicle, said device comprising an electrical circuit having: a security ignition circuit switch means for opening and closing said ignition circuit, in use of the device, independently of any manually operable ignition circuit switch means; a plurality of first switch means actuable by a vehicle user and connected to respective ones of a plurality of second switch means for operation thereof in response to actuation of the first switch means, said second switch means being arranged in said circuit in a predetermined sequence so that operation of each of said second switches after the first one in said sequence is conditional upon the previous operation of the preceding one of said second switches in said sequence, and so that operation of each of said second switches is necessary in said predetermined sequence to close said security ignition circuit switch means; and connection means for connection of said electrical circuit to a power supply means, whereby in use of the device the vehicle can only be started when said first switch means have been actuated in said predetermined sequence; and an alarm connection means for connection to the vehicle audible warning and/or lighting systems and arranged for activation thereof in response to actuation of said first switch means in an incorrect sequence and/or actuation of optional additional dummy first switch means and/or optional further switch means provided for protection of the vehicle against unauthorised interference.

2. A security device as claimed in Claim 1 which includes a said further switch means provided for protection of a steering lock of the vehicle.

3. A security device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein an or said steering lock of the vehicle is provided with unlocking means operable by an electrically operated drive means having a drive means electrical circuit connected thereto for supplying electrical power to said drive means, said drive means electrical circuit being controlled by at least a first drive means electrical circuit switch means arranged for opening and closing said drive means electrical circuit, and so that operation of each of the second switches is necessary in said predetermined sequence to close said first drive means electrical circuit switch means, whereby in use of the vehicle the steering lock can only be unlocked by said drive means when the first switch means have been actuated in said predetermined sequence.

4. A security device as claimed in Claim 3 wherein is provided a second drive means electrical circuit switch means, which switch means is manually operable for closing thereof.

5. A security device as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4 wherein said steering lock includes a bolt member movably mounted in a body member mountable in a vehicle in proximity to its steering column, said bolt member being movable between a "locked" position for engagement with the steering column so as to prevent steering movement thereof and an "unlocked" position; and a latching means for retaining the bolt member in its "locked" position; said unlocking means being arranged for freeing the bolt member from said latching means and moving said bolt member to its unlocked position, and said electrically operated electromagnetic drive means being arranged for directly or indirectly displacing said latching means from its position for retaining the bolt member and/or moving said bolt member to its "unlocked" position.

6. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 5 wherein the drive means electrical circuit or the or a said switch means thereof is arranged for controlling said ignition circuit so that the ignition circuit cannot be activated until said first drive means electrical circuit switch means has been closed.

7. A security device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said first drive means electrical circuit switch means is arranged for simultaneous operation with a said ignition circuit switch means.

8. A security device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said first drive means electrical circuit switch means and said ignition circuit switch means are comprised by a double-pole switch.

9. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 8 wherein the steering lock is manually lockable only.

1 0. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 which includes a said further switch means provided for protection of the foot brake of the vehicle against unauthorised use thereof.

11. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10 wherein at least three first switch means are provided.

12. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the first switch means and any optional additional dummy first switch means are incorporated in a keyboard.

13. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12 wherein is included at least one said further switch means actuable by opening of the vehicle bonnet or engine compartment access panel.

14. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the operation of each of the second switch means after the first one thereof in said predetermined sequence is conditional upon the supply of a current and/or voltage thereto which supply is made available only upon operation of the immediately preceding second switch means.

15. A security device as claimed in Claim 14, wherein operation of the first and subsequent ones of the second switch means except the last in said predetermined sequence breaks an alarm connection between the immediately succeeding second switch means and the alarm circuit.

1 6. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 1 5, wherein operation of the last of said second switch means in said sequence disables the alarm circuit.

1 7. A security device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the circuit includes a stop switch means arranged so that actuation thereof switches the first of the second switch means in said predetermined sequence back to its nonactuated condition whereby the secondary ignition circuit switch means is returned to its non-actuated condition and said alarm circuit is reset.

1 8. A security device according to Claim 1 substantially as described hereinbefore with particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, Figure 4, or Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

1 9. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims when installed in a vehicle.

20. A security device for controlling the ignition circuit of a vehicle, said device comprising an electrical circuit having: a security ignition circuit switch means for opening and closing said ignition circuit, in use of the device, independently of any manually operable ignition circuit switch means; a plurality of first switch means actuable by a vehicle user and arranged in a security circuit so that operation of each of said first switch means is necessary in said predetermined sequence to close said security ignition circuit switch means; and connection means for connection of said electrical circuit to a power supply means, whereby in use of the device the vehicle can only be started when said first switch means have been actuated in said predetermined sequence; and an alarm connection means for connection to the vehicle audible warning and/or lighting systems and arranged for activation thereof in response to actuation of said first switch means in an incorrect sequence and/or actuation of optional additional dummy first switch means and/or optional further switch means provided for protection of the vehicle against unauthorised interference.

21. A security device as claimed in Claim 20 which includes a said further switch means provided for protection of a steering lock of the vehicle.

22. A security device as claimed in Claim 20 or Claim 21 wherein an or said steering lock of the vehicle is provided with unlocking means operable by an electrically operated drive means having a drive means electrical circuit connected thereto for supplying electrical power to said drive means, said drive means electrical circuit being controlled by at least a first drive means electrical circuit switch means arranged for opening and closing said drive means electrical circuit, and so that operation of each of the first switch means is necessary in said predetermined sequence to close said first drive means electrical circuit switch means, whereby in use of the vehicle the steering lock can only be unlocked by said drive means when the first switch means have been actuated in said predetermined sequence.

23. A security device as claimed in Claim 21 wherein is provided a second drive means electrical circuit switch means, which switch means is manually operable for closing thereof.

24. A security device as claimed in Claim 21 or Claim 22 wherein said steering lock includes a bolt member movably mounted in a body member mountable in a vehicle in proximity to its steering column, said bolt member being movable between a "locked" position for engagement with the steering column so as to prevent steering movement thereof and an "unlocked" position; and a latching means for retaining the bolt member in its "locked" position; said unlocking means being arranged for freeing the bolt member from said latching means and moving said bolt member to its unlocked position, and said electrically operated electromagnetic drive means being arranged for directly or indirectly displacing said latching means from its position for retaining the bolt member and/or moving said bolt member to its "unlocked" position.