WO2000001562A1

WO2000001562A1 - Automatic vehicle anti-theft system

Info

Publication number: WO2000001562A1
Application number: PCT/IL1999/000373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dani Ferber
Original assignee: Mul T Lock Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Mul T Lock Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 1998-07-07
Filing date: 1999-07-07
Publication date: 2000-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2001-01-07
Also published as: CN1131803C; CN1308580A; BR9912526A; UA50879C2; AU4644999A; WO2000001562B1

Abstract

A vehicle anti-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

AUTOMATIC VEHICLE ANTI -THEFT SYSTEM

FIELD OF TI LE INVENTION The present invention relates tυ vehicle theft prevention apparatus generally, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since the development of the automobile, motor vehicle theft has been an increasingly serious phenomenon. Various types of theft prevention systems have been proposed and commercialized, including audio alarms, vehicle electrical system interlocks and mechanical locks, preventing unauthorized operation of vehicle controls, such as the steering wheel, gear shift and brakes.

A gear shift lock manufactured and sold worldwide under U.S. Patent 4,693,099 and under the registered trademark MUL-T-LOCK by the applicant/assignee of the present invention has enjoyed significant commercial success. US Patent 5,598, 140 of the applicant/assignee describes further improvements of this gear shift lock, including, inter alia operation of an ancillary anti-theft system, such as an alarm, by locking of the gear shift lock. The disclosures of these two patents are incorporated herein by reference.

It is self-evident that locks only provide security when they are used.

Unfortunately, many drivers leave the vehicle without having locked the gear shift lock. US

Patent Application 08/309,571 of the applicant/assignee, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes further improvements of the abovementioned gear shift locks which are designed to solve the above problem and force the driver to lock the gear shift lock prior to exiting the vehicle. Specifically, 08/309,571 discloses a vehicle anti-theft system including a gear sliift lock bolted to a vehicle chassis and having an axially displaceable locking shaft associated therewith which is automatically displaceable into locking engagement with a gear shift element. The locking shaft automatically locks the gear sliift when the driver parks the vehicle. An added feature of 08/309,571 is that the locking shaft is automatically retractable out of locking engagement with the gear shift element in response to key actuation of the gear shift lock. Preferably, all or most of the gear shift lock and the shaft is normally hidden from view from the interior of the vehicle. Preferably axial displacement of the locking shaft in at least one direction is provided by an electric motor, which may be responsive to manual or automatic inputs.

Other prior art which describes gear shift locks includes WO 94/04397 which describes a locking device for gearshift levers welded to (he vehicle floor and including a housing sliding locklrTember, a lock and a handle. The lock memrHf surrounds the gearshift lever and is slideable upon being pulled by the handle so as to lockingly engage the lock member in the lock and prevent movement of the gearshift lever. This device suffers the drawback that it is cumbersome, needs to be designed specifically for every type of vehicle and is either difficult to install where welded to the vehicle floor at the time of installation, or easily dismountable if only screwed into the vehicle floor.

EP 478,453 discloses a locking device for gearshift levers comprising a reciprocating locking member activated by a worm drive electric motor. This device suffers from the drawbacks of being cumbersome and not situated inside the console, thus being completely exposed and vulnerable to potential attack. Moreover, the device requires a female sealing member in order to block movement of the gearshift lever.

DE-U 93 06 958.8, and DE-B 1 181081 also describe types of gear shift locks. Both of these locks comprise relatively complicated spring-loaded mechanisms.

Israel Patent Document 93092 describes a gear shift lock which includes a hook-shaped member coupled to a slide-block member. Linear displacement of the slide-block member causes pivoting motion of the hook-shaped member which then snares and locks the gear shift.

It is noted that US Patent Application 08/309,571 is distinguished from WO

94/04397, EP 478,453, DE-U 93 06 958.8, DE-B 1 181081, and Israel Patent Document 93092, in that a locking pin is provided for locking the gear shift lock onto a mounting bracket in the vehicle, and the lock has a second mechanical latch engageable with the locking pin, the second latch being releasable from the axially displaceable locking shaft by action of the key.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide an improved, electrically and mechanically operated gear shift lock.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a vehicle anti-theft locking device including a locking element which is selectably displaceable into and out of locking 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 including a rotatable tumbler, characterized in that the locking device further includes a mechanical override mechanism coupled with the locking element, wherein the mechanical override mechanisπϊTs manually operable to displace the lockiiW element in at least one direction.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a shutter is provided which is selectively positionable to block access to the mechanical override mechanism.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a portion of the tumbler selectively urges the shutter to a position blocking access to the mechanical override mechanism, wherein suitable rotation of the tumbler permits the shutter to move to a position which allows access to the mechanical override mechanism. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the key-operated lock cylinder is selectively connectable to a switch electrically connected to the electric motor, wherein suitable rotation of the tumbler actuates the switch, thereby providing an electrical signal to the electric motor for selectable displacement of the locking element in at least one direction. Preferably a reinforced steel housing surrounds and encloses at least part of the locking element, the electric motor, and the lock cylinder.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electric motor is controlled for providing displacement of the locking element both into and out of locking engagement with the vehicle gear selection mechanism by the electric signal from an electrical signal source external to the locking device.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electric motor is controlled for providing displacement of the locking element into locking engagement with the vehicle gear selection mechanism by the electric signal from an electrical signal source external to the locking device and is controlled for providing displacement of the locking element out of locking engagement with the vehicle gear selection mechanism by operation of the key-operated lock cylinder.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a first sensor senses the displacement of the locking element into the locking engagement with the vehicle gear selection mechanism and signals the electric motor to stop displacing the locking element.

Yet further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a second sensor senses the displacement of the locking element from the locking engagement with the vehicle geaΛelection mechanism and signals the electric ΛRor to stop displacing the locking element at a predetermined retracted position.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one anti-tamper element is mounted in the reinforced steel housing which generally prevents unauthorized mechanical access to and actuation of the locking element_.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 are simplified front and rear perspective illustrations, respectively, of a vehicle anti-theft locking device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a locking element in locking engagement with a vehicle gear selection mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a simplified front perspective illustration of the vehicle anti-theft locking device of Figs. 1 and 2, with the locking element in a retracted, unlocked position; Fig. 4 is a simplified front perspective illustration of the vehicle anti-theft locking device of Figs. 1 and 2, illustrating an auxiliary reinforcement element for supporting the locking element when in a fully extended locking position;

Fig. 5 is a simplified exploded pictorial illustration of the inner components of the vehicle anti-theft locking device of Figs. 1 and 2; Figs. 6 and 7 are simplified pictorial illustrations of the locking element in the retracted, unlocked position and the extended locking position, respectively;

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are simplified pictorial illustrations of the locking element in a retracted, unlocked position, an intermediate position and the extended locking position, respectively, showing the action of sensors (microswitches) which sense the position of the locking element;

Figs. 1 1 and 12 are simplified pictorial illustrations of a key-operated lock cylinder, respectively before and after actuating a microswitch which electrically operates an electric motor for displacing the locking element; and

Figs. 13 and 14 are simplified pictorial illustrations of the key-operated lock cylinder, respectively before and after moving a shutter to expose a mechanical override mechanism, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETASD DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EIsWODIMENT Reference is now made to Figs. 1-4 which illustrate a vehicle anti-theft locking device 10 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Vehicle anti-theft locking device 10 preferably includes a locking element 12 which is selectably displaceable into and out of locking engagement with a vehicle gear selection mechanism 14 (shown only in Fig. 1). Device 10 preferably includes a reinforced steel housing 16 that surrounds and encloses at least part of locking element 12, and inner components which are described further hereinbelow. A keyway 18 (Fig. 2) is formed in housing 16, and housing 16 is preferably fixed (such as by welding) to a mounting bracket 20 for mounting in a vehicle (not shown). Housing 16 houses therein a lock case 17.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate device 10 with locking element 12 extended into the locking engagement position, whereas Fig. 3 illustrates device 10 with locking element 12 in a retracted, unlocked position. As seen in Fig. 3, an external protective collar 21 preferably extends from housing 16 which, inter alia, at least partially surrounds and thereby protects locking element 12 when in the retracted, unlocked position. Collar 21 may also provide some support to locking element 12 when in a fully extended locking position.

In Fig. 4, it is seen that an auxiliary reinforcement element 22 may be provided for supporting locking element 12 when in the fully extended locking position. Locking element 12 may be provided in a variety of lengths depending on the vehicle model and mounting conditions. Auxiliary reinforcement element 22 may be useful in supporting extra- long locking elements 12. Auxiliary reinforcement element 22 may be positioned at any position along the length of locking element 12 and may be fixedly attached to housing 16, or alternatively, may be fixed to any part of the interior of the vehicle. Locking element 12 is preferably constructed of a hollow shaft with an end cap

11 threaded or otherwise attached thereto. End cap 1 1 may be conical or spherical in shape, or alternatively, may comprise any kind of mechanical component, such as a cam or bent rod, for example, used to effect locking engagement with any type of locking system.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5-10 which illustrate the inner components of device 10. As seen in Fig. 5, lock case 17 is preferably constructed of two halves 17A and 17B which may be fastened by fasteners 24.

An electric motor 26 is drivingly coupled with locking element 12 for selectable displacement of locking element 12 in at least one direction, generally along a longitudinal axis 28 (Fig. 6) of lockim lement 12, by an electric signal from an elecSJRal signal source external to locking device 10. As seen in Fig. 6, the electrical signal source may be a transmitter 30 located in a key 32. When key 32 is placed in proximity to a suitable receiver (not shown) in the electronic system of the vehicle (such as near the ignition switch) an electric signal is sent to electronics 34 in electrical communication with motor 26. Motor 26 then rotates a pinion 36 which meshes with a spur gear 38. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate that many other kinds of electrical signal source may be used, such as remote control devices, touch keys, etc_.

A threaded rod 40 is attached to and rotates together with spur gear 38. Locking element 12 is threaded onto rod 40. Locking element 12 has a longitudinal groove 42 formed thereon. As rod 40 rotates, locking element 12 does not rotate but rather is caused to displace along axis 28 by virtue of groove 42 engaging a correspondingly formed spline 44 (Fig. 5) in lock case half 17 A. Fig. 6 illustrates locking element 12 in the fully retracted position and Fig. 7 illustrates locking element 12 in the fully extended position. Motor 26 is preferably controlled for providing displacement of locking element 12 both into and out of locking engagement with vehicle gear selection mechanism 14 (Fig. 1) by the electric signal from the electrical signal source (transmitter 30). Locking element 12 is thus a hollow locking element which is telescopically arranged with respect to threaded rod 40 (which acts as a driving screw) which is threadably engaged with locking element 12.

Referring now to Figs. 8-10, it is seen that a first sensor 46 and a second sensor 48, herein referred to as microswitches 46 and 48, are provided for sensing the displacement of locking element 12. In Fig. 8, locking element 12 is at a predetermined retracted position corresponding to full retraction of locking element 12 into lock case 17. It is seen that both microswitches 46 and 48 are actuated (i.e., leaf switches pressed in). This signals electronics 34 to turn off motor 26 so as to stop displacing locking element 12 into case 17. Similarly in Fig. 10, locking element 12 is at a predetermined extended position, in this case corresponding to full extension of locking element 12 out of lock case 17. It is seen that both microswitches 46 and 48 are now deactuated (i.e., leaf switches not pressed in). This signals electronics 34 to turn off motor 26 so as to stop displacing locking element 12 out of case 17. In Fig. 9, locking element 12 is at an intermediate position between the positions shown in Figs. 8 and 10. It is seen that microswitch 46 is deactuated while microswitch 48 is actuated. This information may be used to control the velocity of displacement of locking element 12 in either direction towards retraction or extension, so as to prepare the motor for eventual stopping when the limits of the travel are reached. It is noted that microswitch 48 may be placed at any position along the travel of Irodng element 12, so as to stop travel of lo^ϋng element 12 at other positions that are not necessarily at the full length of locking element 12.

Generally, but not necessarily, motor 26 operates to bring locking element 12 into locking engagement with vehicle gear selection mechanism 14 upon the operator of the vehicle placing the gear shift lever in reverse (manual transmission) or park (automatic transmission) and turning off the ignition. Preferably delay circuitry in electronics 34 causes a delay of a predetermined time interval before causing motor 26 to bring locking element 12 into locking engagement with vehicle gear selection mechanism 14. A connector 50 is preferably provided for electrical connection with the vehicle electrical system for the abovementioned operation of electronics 34 and motor 26. Connector 50 may also provide connection with an auxiliary vehicle alarm system.

In addition, electronics 34 preferably has circuitry for detecting overloading of motor 26, such as that caused by some blockage preventing movement of locking element 12, so as to shut down motor 26 and prevent damage thereto. As described hereinabove, generally motor 26 brings locking element 12 out of locking engagement with vehicle gear selection mechanism 14 by an external electrical signal sent to electronics 34. In all of the foregoing operations, the electronics 34 and motor 26 are powered either by the vehicle battery or some other battery provided therefor.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are provided an electrical override and a mechanical override to the operation of locking element 12 by means of the external electrical signal. Specifically, the electrical override includes a key- operated lock cylinder 52 comprising a rotatable tumbler 54. Key-operated lock cylinder 52 is selectively connectable to a switch 56 (preferably microswitch) electrically connected to electric motor 26. This is preferably accomplished by means of a pin 58 attached to a distal end of tumbler 54 which selectively pushes against switch 56. Thus, in the event of a malfunction in the vehicle signaling electronics 34 to cause motor 26 to operate locking element 12, or in the event of a malfunction in transmission between the external electrical signal and electronics 34, suitable rotation of tumbler 54 actuates switch 56, thereby providing an electrical signal to electric motor 26, controlled via electronics 34, for selectable displacement of locking element 12 in at least one direction along axis 28, just as described hereinabove.

Figs. 1 1 and 12 illustrate key-operated lock cylinder 52, respectively before and after actuating switch 56 to operate motor 26 for displacing locking element 12. In the"event of any kind of electrical system failure^bcking device 10 further comprises a mechanical override mechanism 60 coupled with locking element 12, as is now described with further reference to Figs. 13 and 14. Mechanical override mechanism 60 preferably simply comprises a screwdriver slot 62 formed at a central hub of spur gear 38, as seen in Figs. 6 and 7. In the event of any electrical malfunction, the operator of the vehicle can simply insert a screwdriver into slot 62 and turn rod 40 so as to displace locking element 12 along axis 28.

A shutter 64 (seen clearly in Figs. 5, 13 and 14, but omitted in Figs. 6 and 7 for clarity) is selectively positionable to block access to mechanical override mechanism 60. Shutter 64 is preferably formed of a hardened alloy steel. As seen in Figs. 13 and 14, a pin 66 is preferably attached to a proximal end of tumbler 54. As seen in Fig. 13, shutter 64 is initially biased by means of one or more biasing devices 75, such as springs, against pin 66 and blocks access to mechanical override mechanism 60. As seen in Fig. 14, suitable rotation of tumbler

54 in the direction of an arrow 68 permits biasing devices 75 to urge shutter 64 to move in the direction of an arrow 70 to a position which allows access to the slot 62 of mechanical override mechanism 60.

As seen best in Fig. 5, in order to increase security and integrity of device 10, there is preferably provided one or more anti-tamper elements 72 mounted in lock case halves 17A and 17B which generally prevent unauthorized mechanical access to and actuation of locking element 12. Specifically, anti-tamper elements 72 are preferably a plurality of hardened steel pins which make drilling into case 17 to gain access to gear 38 extremely difficult. In addition, a hardened steel plate 73 may be placed on the other side of case 17 to prevent gaining access to key-operated lock cylinder 52 by means of drilling or other tampering.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

C L A I M S What is claimed is: 1. A vehicle anti-theft locking device comprising: a locking element which is selectably displaceable into and out of locking engagement with a vehicle gear selection mechanism; an electric motor drivingly coupled with the locking element for selectable displacement of said locking element in at least one direction by an electric signal from an electrical signal source external to said locking device, and a key-operated lock cylinder comprising a rotatable tumbler; characterized in that said locking device further comprises a mechanical override mechanism coupled with said locking element, wherein said mechanical override mechanism is manually operable to displace said locking element in at least one direction.

2. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a shutter which is selectively positionable to block access to said mechanical override mechanism.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein a portion of said tumbler selectively urges said shutter to a position blocking access to said mechanical override mechanism, wherein suitable rotation of said tumbler permits said shutter to move to a position which allows access to said mechanical override mechanism.

4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said key-operated lock cylinder is selectively connectable to a switch electrically connected to said electric motor, wherein suitable rotation of said tumbler actuates said switch, thereby providing an electrical signal to said electric motor for selectable displacement of said locking element in at least one direction.

5. The device according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a reinforced steel housing that surrounds and encloses at least part of said locking element, said electric motor, and said lock cylinder.

6. The device according to claim 5 further comprising an external protective collar extending from housing which at least partially surrounds said locking element when in a retracted position.

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said electric motor is controlled for providing displacement of said locking element both into and out of locking engagement with said vehicle gear selection mechanism by SSTd electric signal from an electrical signal source external to said locking device.

8. The device according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said electric motor is controlled for providing displacement of said locking element into locking engagement with said vehicle gear selection mechanism by said electric signal from an electrical signal source external to said locking device and is controlled for providing displacement of said locking element out of locking engagement with said vehicle gear selection mechanism by operation of said key-operated lock cylinder.

9. The device according to any of the preceding claims and comprising a first sensor which senses the displacement of said locking element into the locking engagement with said vehicle gear selection mechanism and signals said electric motor to stop displacing said locking element.

10. The device according to any of the preceding claims and comprising a second sensor which senses the displacement of said locking element from the locking engagement with said vehicle gear selection mechanism and signals said electric motor to stop displacing said locking element at a predetermined retracted position.

11. The device according to claim 5 and comprising at least one anti-tamper element mounted in said reinforced steel housing which generally prevents unauthorized mechanical access to and actuation of said locking element.

12. A vehicle anti-theft locking device comprising: a locking element which is selectably displaceable into and out of locking engagement with a vehicle gear selection mechanism; an electric motor drivingly coupled with the locking element for selectable displacement of said locking element in at least one direction by an electric signal from an electrical signal source external to said locking device, and a key-operated lock cylinder comprising a rotatable tumbler; characterized in that said key-operated lock cylinder is selectively connectable to a switch electrically connected to said electric motor, wherein suitable rotation of said tumbler actuates said switch, thereby providing an electrical signal to said electric motor for selectable displacement of said locking element in at least one direction.

13. The device according to claim 12 and wherein said electric motor is controlled or providing displacement of said locking element both into and out of locking engagement with said vehicle gea7^*selection mechanism by said electric signal τTom an electrical signal source external to said locking device.

14. The device according to claim 12 or claim 13 and wherein said electric motor is controlled for providing displacement of said locking element into locking engagement with said vehicle gear selection mechanism by said electric signal from an electrical signal source external to said locking device and is controlled for providing displacement of said locking element out of locking engagement with said vehicle gear selection mechanism by operation of said key-operated lock cylinder.

15. A vehicle anti-theft locking device comprising: a locking element which is selectably displaceable into and out of locking engagement with a vehicle gear selection mechanism; an electric motor drivingly coupled with the locking element for selectable displacement of said locking element in at least one direction by an electric signal from an electrical signal source external to said locking device, and a key-operated lock cylinder comprising a rotatable tumbler; characterized in that said locking element comprises a hollow locking element which is telescopically arranged with respect to a driving screw which is threadably engaged therewith.