HK1002556B - Security system - Google Patents

Description

Security system

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to vehicle anti-theft devices.

Background

Theft of motor vehicles has been an increasingly serious phenomenon since the advent of automobiles. Various types of anti-theft systems, including audible alarms, vehicle electrical system interlocks, mechanical latches, etc., have been proposed and commercialized to prevent unauthorized activation of vehicle operating devices, such as steering wheels, transmissions, and brakes.

A transmission LOCK device (U.S. patent No. 4,693,099, registered under the MUL-LOCK trademark) produced by the applicant/assignee of the present invention and sold worldwide has achieved significant commercial success. The disclosures of the applicant/assignee's U.S. patent applications serial nos. 07/787,902, 07/932,661, 08/175,111 and 08/240,184 are hereby incorporated by reference. These patent applications describe further improvements relating to this transmission lock. These improvements include, among others: an auxiliary anti-theft system, such as an alarm, for example, operates by locking the transmission lock. It goes without saying that locks can only provide security when they are used. Often, however, drivers leave their vehicles in a hurry and do not have the time to lock the transmission so that the general purpose of the anti-theft system is not achieved.

Summary of The Invention

The present invention seeks to provide an improved vehicle anti-theft system.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a vehicle anti-theft system including a transmission lock bolted to a vehicle chassis and having an axially movable lock shaft integral with the lock body, the lock shaft being automatically axially movable to disengage the lock from the transmission member in response to the transmission lock being unlocked by a key, said axially movable lock shaft being telescopically movable in a through bore in the lock body, one end of the lock shaft extending from one end of said through bore and the other end of the lock shaft extending from the other end of said through bore.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a vehicle anti-theft system including a transmission lock mounted on a vehicle chassis, the system further having an axially movable lock shaft associated with the transmission lock which is automatically axially movable to retract to disengage a lock engagement with a transmission element in response to key opening of the transmission lock, the transmission lock being mounted on the vehicle chassis by means of a mounting bracket, the lock shaft extending through an aperture of the apertured lock bracket, a locking pin lockingly engaged by the transmission lock extending through a second aperture of the lock bracket.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lock shaft is automatically moved into locking engagement with the transmission element.

Preferably, the transmission latch is attached to the chassis at a location that is generally out of the line of sight of a person within the vehicle. It is generally desirable for all or most of the transmission lock and lock shaft to be out of sight of a person within the vehicle.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock shaft is driven in at least one axial direction by a motor, which may be responsive to manual or automatic input.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, operation of the transmission lock is restricted by a vehicle accessory anti-theft subsystem.

Preferably, the vehicle accessory antitheft subsystem is activated at least in part by locking the transmission lock and is also operated at least in part by the same key used to operate the transmission lock.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the transmission lock and the vehicle auxiliary anti-theft subsystem may be activated without the use of a key, and both may require the use of a key to deactivate them.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle theft prevention system further includes a logic circuit. The logic circuit activates the vehicle auxiliary anti-theft subsystem in response to a detected unoccupied condition of the vehicle.

The logic circuit may be incorporated into the vehicle computer, or attached to the vehicle computer.

Preferably, the logic circuit determines when the detected lock shaft is locked in the lock body and when it is not locked in an unoccupied vehicle condition. For example, automatic actuation may occur faster when the lock shaft is locked in the lock body, and slower when the lock shaft is not locked in the lock body.

Detecting an unoccupied vehicle condition may be accomplished by using one or more of the following sensors: a weight sensor, a vibration sensor, a volume sensor, and a sound sensor in the driver's seat.

Brief Description of Drawings

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary pictorial illustration, fragmentary perspective illustration of a vehicle anti-theft system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a vehicle having a key operated transmission lock installed therein, which is formed as part of the anti-theft system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 with portions broken away;

FIG. 4A is a simplified illustration of the lockout device of FIG. 3, taken along the lines IV-IV of FIG. 3, shown in a lockout engagement with a transmission element;

FIG. 4B is a simplified illustration of the locking device of FIG. 3 taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, the device being shown in an unlocked condition;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are respective cross-sectional views taken along line V-V in respective FIGS. 4A and 4B;

FIG. 6A is a simplified illustration of a free-motor driven transmission lock, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in the locked orientation;

FIG. 6B is a simplified illustration of a motor-driven transmission lock, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in the unlocked orientation;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are corresponding cross-sectional views taken along line VII-VII in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively;

fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle theft preventing system of the present invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Referring now to FIG. 1, a vehicle anti-theft system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vehicle anti-theft system has a key operated transmission lock 10 that is locked by a transmission 12 for the vehicle in a position that prevents the vehicle from operating properly. Preferably, the transmission lock 10 is bolted to the chassis of the vehicle and is positioned largely out of the line of sight of the vehicle occupants, as shown and described hereinafter.

An auxiliary anti-theft subsystem, shown generally at 13 in fig. 1, may include one or more subsystems preferably coupled within the computer 14 of the vehicle. These subsystems may include an audible alarm device 16, an automotive electrical system interlock device 18, a visual alarm device (not shown), a remote alarm device (not shown) connected to a central monitoring system or any combination of the above. Preferably, the auxiliary anti-theft system is operated by the user at least partially with the same key 20 that unlocks the transmission lock 10.

Preferably, means are provided for preventing unauthorized bypassing of components of the anti-theft system, preferably including logic for identifying electrical connection signals between a plurality of components in order to determine the authenticity of such signals. General digital coding of these signals can be used for this purpose.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the transmission lock locked, the vehicle auxiliary anti-theft subsystem is naturally activated by the locking of the transmission lock, which does not require the use of the key 20. Alternatively, the vehicle accessory theft protection subsystem may be automatically activated as a person in the vehicle leaves the vehicle for a predetermined period of time, or on any other suitable basis.

Automatic operation of the vehicle anti-theft assistance system may be initiated by the presence or absence of an electrical signal from the vehicle ignition lock 22, or by an occupant weight sensor 24 located in the occupant's seat, or by a volume, vibration or sound detector 26 located in the vehicle's cabin.

One feature of the present invention is that deactivation of the transmission lock and the vehicle accessory anti-theft subsystem, both of which require the use of the key 20.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 2-5B, a transmission lock and key controller constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As seen in fig. 2 and 3, the lock body 30 is mounted on a mounting bracket 32, which bracket 32 is itself bolted to the vehicle chassis by bolts 35 and non-releasable shear nuts in combination therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock body 30 and the mounting bracket 32 are generally disposed in a cabinet 36 and thus out of the line of sight of the vehicle occupants.

As can be seen more clearly in fig. 4A-5B, the lock shaft 40 is axially movable relative to the lock body 30 with which it is lockably associated. The lock shaft 40 is preferably formed with a recess 42 arranged to form a locking engagement with a lock member 44 disposed in the lock body 30, the lock member 44 being selectively positionable by manipulation of a lock cylinder 47. A spring 48 is preferably provided, the spring 48 being operable to position the lock shaft 40 in the retracted direction when the lock shaft 40 is not held in the lock engaged condition by the lock member 44.

One feature of the present invention is that the lock body 30 is mounted to the mounting bracket 32 not only by means of the bolt 46, but also by means of the locking pin 50. Locking pin 50 is lockingly engaged in lock body 30 by a lock member 52, lock member 52 also being positioned by lock cylinder 47. It is contemplated that even if bolt 46 is removed, lock body 30 cannot be removed from mounting bracket 32 as long as both lock shaft 40 and lock pin 50 are lockingly engaged by respective lock members 44 and 52.

To prevent the locking pin 50 from being dislodged, an additional safeguard is to provide a retaining pin 57 which engages a recess 59 in the locking pin 50.

Referring additionally now to fig. 6A-7B, an electrically driven transmission lock and key controller constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

As in the embodiment described above in relation to fig. 2-5B, the lock body 60 is mounted on a mounting bracket 62, which mounting bracket 62 in turn is bolted to the vehicle chassis 64 by means of bolts 65, the lock shaft 70 is axially movable relative to the lock body 60 with which it is lockably associated, the lock shaft 70 preferably being formed with a recess 72 arranged to form a locking engagement with a lock member 74 provided in the lock body 60, the lock member 74 being selectively positionable by means of operation of a lock cylinder 77.

An electrically driven motor, such as a motor 80, may be driven to selectively move lock shaft 70 linearly, at least into and out of locking engagement with lock element 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 80 is provided with a gear 82 secured to its output shaft 84. The gear 82 engages threads 86 formed on the side wall of the lock shaft 70.

Any other electrically or automatically controllable transmission may be used in place of the motor 80, for example, an electromagnetic transmission, a linear motor, or a fluidic transmission may be used. A spring 88 may be provided, the spring 88 being operable to position the latch shaft 70 in the retracted direction when the latch member 74 is not holding the latch shaft 70 in the latch engaged condition.

A sensor 90, such as a microswitch, may be provided for detecting the lock engagement of lock shaft 70 with the lock, and in particular the lock engagement with lock element 74.

It would be desirable to have an electrically controllable transmission device that can be used to effectively lock a transmission lock so that the transmission lock can be automatically locked without the involvement or action of the rider. The automatic locking is preferably performed based on a predetermined criterion, such as detection of an unoccupied vehicle.

An electrically or other automatically controllable transmission may also be used to automatically lock or delay locking the transmission lock immediately following the movement of an ignition key from ignition to misfire or any related ignition activity.

As in the embodiment of fig. 2-5B, a feature of the present invention is that the lock body 60 is secured to the mounting bracket 62 not only by means of the bolt 76, but also by means of a locking pin 91, the locking pin 91 being lockingly engaged in the lock body by a lock member 92, the lock member 92 also being positioned by means of the lock cylinder 77. It is contemplated that even if bolt 76 is removed, lock body 60 cannot be removed from mounting bracket 62 as long as both lock shaft 70 and lock box 91 are lockingly engaged by respective lock members 74 and 92.

To prevent the locking pin 91 from being dislodged, a further safeguard is to provide a retaining pin 93 which engages a recess 95 in the locking pin 91.

Reference is now made to fig. 8, which is a flowchart illustrating an automatic operation of the vehicle theft prevention system shown in fig. 6A-7B, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The anti-theft system is preferably automatically activated in response to a detected unoccupied condition in the vehicle, such as indicated by sensors 24 and 26 shown in fig. 1. If the microswitch 90 detects that the lock shaft 70 is locked, the system is activated after a relatively short delay (e.g., 10 seconds). If when micro-switch 90 indicates that lock shaft 70 is not locked, the system is activated after a relatively long delay (e.g., 5 minutes) and motor 80 is actuated to move lock shaft 70, thereby locking lock shaft 70 via lock element 74.

A difference is made in the time that the system is delayed from auto-start in that this may allow the user to leave the vehicle for a short time without the system being started. Automatic activation of the system preferably does not occur unless the transmission is in a position other than forward drive, such as when the vehicle is parked or reversing. This ensures that the transmission lock does not accidentally lock up as the vehicle travels. A microswitch, combined with a transmission in a typical vehicle, may be used to implement this feature.

Once the system is automatically activated, all windows of the vehicle are automatically closed and the doors and windows are automatically locked. The vehicle is preferably braked by means of the interlock 18. The various theft indicators, response sensors and alarms described above may also be activated accordingly.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the deactivation of the vehicle anti-theft system requires at least the insertion and preferably the turning of the key 20.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed display and description of the invention are not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims (14)

1. A vehicle anti-theft system, comprising:

a transmission lock (10) operated by a key (20), which is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle, abuts against the transmission element of the vehicle, and is placed at least partially in the transmission cabinet of the vehicle;

the transmission lock (10) having an axially movable lock shaft (40), the lock shaft (40) being movable between an extended position and a retracted position and being automatically retractable from its extended position to its retracted position in response to opening of the transmission lock (10) with a key (20);

the transmission lock (10) has a first lock element (44) which is used to lock the lock shaft (40) in its extended position, the first lock element (44) being releasable from the lock shaft (40) by operation of the key (20);

the transmission lock (10) is positioned: when the lock shaft (40) is in its extended position, the lock shaft (40) is adjacent to and in locking engagement with the transmission element, and when the lock shaft (40) is in its retracted position, the lock shaft (40) is released from said locking engagement,

the method is characterized in that: the axially displaceable lock shaft (40) extends in a through-opening in the lock body (30), one end of the lock shaft (40) projecting from the through-opening at one end and the other end of the lock shaft (40) projecting from the through-opening at the other end.

2. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 1, wherein; it includes a mounting bracket (32) fixed to the vehicle chassis, the transmission lock (10) being fixed to the bracket (32).

3. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 2, wherein; it comprises a locking pin (50) for locking the transmission lock (10) to the carrier (32), and a second lock element (92) engaging the locking pin (50) in the transmission lock (10), the second lock element (92) being releasable from the lock shaft (40) by operating the key (20).

4. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 1, wherein; it comprises a drive (80) for axially displacing the lock shaft (40) at least in one direction.

5. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 4, characterized in that; wherein the lock shaft (40) is automatically moved to its extended position in response to the actuation signal by means of the driver (80) into locking engagement with the shift shaft member.

6. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 4, characterized in that; wherein the driver (80) is an electric motor.

7. A vehicle anti-theft system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that; it includes a vehicle accessory anti-theft subsystem (16, 18) to which the operation of the transmission lock (10) is restricted.

8. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 7, wherein; wherein both the transmission lock (10) and the subsystem can be activated without the use of a key (20), and both require the use of a key (20) to deactivate.

9. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 8, wherein; it includes a vehicle occupancy sensor for detecting when the vehicle is unoccupied, and a logic circuit responsive to the vehicle occupancy sensor for actuating the transmission lock (10) and the subsystem upon detection of vehicle unoccupied.

10. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 9, wherein; it includes a vehicle computer that incorporates logic circuitry.

11. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 10, wherein; wherein the transmission lock (10) has a shaft position sensor for detecting when the shaft is in its extended position and logic circuitry responsive to the shaft position sensor, the logic circuitry discriminating vehicle unoccupied conditions when the shaft is in its extended position and when it is not in that position.

12. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 11, wherein; wherein the automatic actuation occurs faster when the lock shaft (40) is in its extended position than when the lock shaft (40) is in its retracted position.

13. A vehicle theft prevention system according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein; wherein the vehicle occupancy sensor is a weight sensor (24), a vibration sensor, a volume sensor or an acoustic sensor (26) located in a driver's seat of the vehicle.

14. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 3, wherein; the lock shaft (40) extends through one aperture in the apertured lock bracket (32) and a lock pin (50) lockingly engaged by the transmission lock (10) extends through a second aperture in the lock bracket (32).