GB2039318A - An anti-theft lock particularly for automobiles - Google Patents

Abstract

An anti-theft lock especially for automobiles comprising a cylinder which can be moved in rotation inside a casing under the action of a key. The lock is characterised in that the end of the lock comprises a cover 9 provided with a orifice 10 for the passage of the key, the cover and the lock being able to be moved in rotation relatively to each other in the case of actuation of the key, the cover moreover being provided with at least one window F1, F2 arranged so that it is located at the level of a reference C in order to obtain a relative angular position between the lock and the cover. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION An anti-theft lock especially for an automobile The invention relates to an anti-theft lock chiefly for an automobile.

In order to allow a lost, broken or worn key of any anti-theft lock to be replaced, it is usual to engrave the end of the lock and/or the key itself with a reference code which allows the manufacture of a new identical key to the preceding key.

However, this reference which can be read in permanence thereafter, also allows an unauthorised third party to make this new key and to open the lock for example in order to steal the automobile.

The present invention especially aims to overcome these disadvantages and is concerned to this end with an anti-theft lock chiefly designed for automobiles comprising a movable rotating cylinder inside a casing which is under the action of a key, the said lock comprising a reference code for the key on its end, the said lock being characterised in that the end of the lock comprises a cover provided with an opening for the passage of the key, the said cover and the lock being movable in terms of rotation relative to each other when the key is actuated, the said cover moreover being provided with at least one window arranged so that it is at the level of the reference so as to provide a relative angular position between the lock and the cover.

In accordance with a feature of the invention a cover is fixed in rotation at the end of the casing and the reference code of the key is carried on the end of the cylinder.

In accordance with another feature of the invention the cover is movable in rotation at the end of the casing and the reference code of the key is carried on the end of the body thereof.

In accordance with another feature of the invention the cover is provided with tongues engaging the casing.

In accordance with another feature of the invention the cover comprises click and spring slots for the bosses of the cover.

The invention is shown by way of non-limitative example in the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view in axial section through a first embodiment of a lock in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the lock of Figure 1, the cover having been removed.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the lock of Figure 1 in a closed position.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the lock of Figure 1 in a position allowing the reference code to be read.

Figures 5, 6 and 8are partial axial sections of three embodiments of locks according to the invention.

Figure 7 is a view from the right of Figure 6.

Consequently the present invention aims to imple ment an anti-theft lock which allows only the owner of the key to read the reference code of this key and allows him to do so when the lock is in a position other than the locking position of garage position for which position the key may be removed from the lock (examples of positions F and G).

In Figure 1 a lock comprising a cylinder 1 has been shown which cylinder 1 can be brought into rotation inside the casing or body 2 when the lock is actuated buy a key 3.

This lock comprises wards or tumblers 4 which are displaced laterally under the action of ribs and grooves 5 of the key in order to permit rotation of the cylinder and to ensure axial displacement of the locking bolt 6 by means of a follower ((catch)) and an associated element 8.

On the end of the cylinder 1 the code C is engraved, this code representing the reference permitting a duplicate of the key to be made.

Moreover, a cover 9 which is provided with a central orifice 10 for the passage of the key 3 is shaped at the end of the lock.

Moreover, a cover 9 which is provided with a central orifice 10 for the passage of the key 3 is shaped ((adapted)) on the ends ((outer edge)) of the lock.

This cover 9 which is also an embellishment of the lock is fixed to the casing 2 by flanged tongues 11 in the slots of the periphery of this casing.

The cover 9 is provided with window F1 and F2 which are dimensioned and positioned on the cover so that they can be placed at the height of the reference C at the end of the cylinder 1 so as to have an angular position determined by this cylinder.

References S, A, G, M and D are also envisaged on the cover 9 (see Figures 3 and 4), these references correspondong to the angular positions of the key 3 and thus to a particular state of functioning of the lock. These positions correspond for the reference S respectively to the locking position of the steering column of the vehicle, locked by the locking bolt 6, a position for which the key 3 can be removed from the cylinder; the reference A corresponds to the auxiliary position or stop position for which certain electrical circuits in the vehicle can be made; the reference G corresponds to the garage position for which the steering column of the vehicle is blocked, but starting the engine is still possible while the key can still be removed; reference D corresponds to the angular position of the cylinder for which the engine is started; and finally reference M corresponds to the angle of position of the cylinder corresponding to normal functioning of the vehicle.

In Figure 3 for which the cylinder 1 is in the locking position F of the steering column, it can be seen that the reference C is invisible from outside ((to the exterior)).

On the contrary (see Figure 4) when having introduced the key and turned the cylinder in order to place this key 3 in the position A, it can be seen that the windows F1 and F2 have been placed vertically of the code C and allows the code to be read.

Therefore it can be seen that the code C can only be read in the angular position determined by the key 3 and reading this reference is exclusive of the locking position (F) and the garage position (G) in which positions the key can be removed from the cylinder.

Instead of the windows F1 and F2 being arranged vertically to the code C for a stopped angular position (A, M etc.) of the key 3, provision may be made for this agreement of the windows and of the code to be implemented besides the prolonged stop positions of the key 3, for example between the positions A and G or between the positions G and M or in the position Detc which positions are transitory and in order to obtain these positions the operator has to show his intention of reading the code by maintaining the key 3 in this intermediate position contrary to the preselection means and to the tendancy to recall the key which tends to bring the cylinder and thus the key into one of these positions corresponding to a particular state of functioning S, A, G, M etc.

In this case the code will only be able to be read if the owner of the key keeps it stationary in the intermediate position provided..

As shown in Figures 3 and 4 the code C and the windows F1 and F2 will be able to be divided into several code parts each corresponding to a window and this as a function of the available space at the end of the cylinder and on the cover 9 forming the embellishment.

Various embodiments may be provided for this cover 9 depending on the method of manufacture of the anti-theft lock.

Thus in Figure 5 the cover 12 which is preferably made of metal but may also be made of plastics is of a shape corresponding to that of the outer edge ((end)) of the lock and has on its inner wall slots 121 which are capable of resting by clicking into place on the bosses 13 made on the outer wall of the casing 14 receiving the cylinder 15 which is in rotation.

In this case the cover 12 is provided with windows 122 allowing the engraved code at the end of this cylinder to be read in an angular position determined by the cylinder 15, the said code arising opposite these windows.

In this example it is also true that the key 16 is a flat key and the locking bolt 17 controlled by rotation of the cylinder is displaced laterally of the lock.

In the example of the embodiment of Figure 6 the key 18 is formed by a disc provided with spurs 19 on one of its walls, these spurs coming to rest in the perforations of the cylinder 20 so as to reject the pistons 21 and allow rotation of this cylinder 20 in relation to the casing 22.

Similarly, in this case the end of the lock is provided with a cover 23 comprising one or more windows 232 vertically of which the engraved code is arranged on the end of the cylinder 20 in order to have an angular position of the key disc 18.

In order to allow the code to be read when the key disc 18 is put into place in the lock the latter similarly comprises windows F3 and F4 which are housed vertically of the engraved code on the cylinder 20.

In order to allow rotation of the key on the cover 23 the latter is provided with a slot 231 in a circular arc in order to allow the passage of the bosses 19.

In the embodiment of Figure 8 the cover 24 mounted so as to rotate is provided with an outer rim 25 comprising the engaged flaps 26 in a slot 27 of the periphery of the lock 28.

A spring 29 is housed in this groove 27 so as to continuously stretch the end 242 of the engaged cover 24 with the end of the cylinder 30 in order to allow it to be controlled in rotation when the key is inserted.

In this case the cover 24 is also provided with one or more windows 24, capable of being placed opposite the engraved code engraved at the end of the body 28 for an angular position of the cylinder 30 and of the key having a measuring rod ((?))31 which controlls it by means of the cover.

Claims (8)

1. An anti-theft lock more particularly for automobiles comprising a cylinder which can be rotated inside a casing under the action of a key, this lock comprising a reference code of the key at its end, the lock being characterised in that the end of the lock comprises a cover provided with an orifice for the passage of the key, this cover and the lock being able to be rotated relative to each other when the key is actuated, the said cover moreover being provided with at least one window arranged so that it is located at the height ((level)) of the reference for the purpose of obtaining a relative angular position between the lock and cover.

2. A lock in accordance with claim 1 characterised in that the cover is fixed in terms of rotation at the end of the casing and the reference code of the key is carried ((arranged)) on the end of the cylinder.

3. A lock in accordance with claim 1 characterised in that the cover can be moved in terms of rotation at the end of the casing and the reference code of the key is carried ((arranged)) on the end of the body.

4. A lock in accordance with claim 1 characterised in that the cover is provided with engagement tongues on the casing.

5. A lock in accordance with claim 1 characterised in that the cover comprises slots for clicking into place on the bosses of the casing.

6. A lock in accordance with claim 1 characterised in that the cover has a peripheral flanged rim on the periphery of the casing, the said cover and the cylinder being connected by connection means.

7. A lock substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

8. Any novel item feature or integer or any novel combination of items, features of integers described herein or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.