Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Control circuits for electromagnetic devices – For relays or solenoids
Patent
1983-05-20
1986-04-15
Moose, Jr., Harry E.
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Control circuits for electromagnetic devices
For relays or solenoids
307 10AT, E05B 4706
Patent
active
045831483
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One of the most frequent causes of the theft of motor vehicles is the relative ease with which an ignition key can be acquired or reproduced. All too often, the driver of a vehicle leaves the ignition key inserted in the ignition lock. On the other hand, it is relatively easy for a thief to obtain a reproduction of a key by taking an impression or simply by reading the code number engraved on the key.
Various measures for reducing this risk have already been proposed, for example an acoustic warning signal which sounds when the driver has forgotten to withdraw the key, omission of the engraving of the code number on the key, etc. However, it has not been possible to eliminate the risk of theft completely by these measures.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The object on which the invention is based is, therefore, to increase the safety of an ignition lock which takes effect by the use of a mechanical barrier by means of a lock cylinder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The subject of the invention is an ignition lock for a motor vehicle, with a lock cylinder which can be actuated by a key and has a recess which, in the position of rest of the lock, is in line with the plunger of an electromagnet. According to the invention, the electromagnet is located in a circuit which senses the presence of the key in the lock cylinder, and this circuit can be switched by means of a monitoring circuit with coded control.
The monitoring circuit with coded control preferably consists of a secondary circuit of an electronic remote control for the locking and unlocking of the vehicle doors.
In a preferred embodiment, a switch which opens when the engine is started up is located in the circuit feeding the electromagnet. As a result, continued feeding of the electromagnet when the engine is running is avoided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, the sole FIGURE of which is a diagrammatic representation of an ignition lock according to the invention.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
The ignition lock consists of a lock cylinder 1 which can be actuated by means of a key 2. When the lock cylinder 1 is rotated out of its position of rest, the vehicle is unlocked mechanically, and various circuits (not shown), such as the general circuit of the vehicle, the starter circuit, etc., are closed.
The lock cylinder 1 has on its periphery a recess 3 which, in the position of rest illustrated in the drawing, is in line with a plunger 4 of an electromagnet 5. When current does not flow through the electromagnet 5, the plunger 4 is pressed against the lock cylinder 1 by a spring. The electromagnet 5 is grounded by means of an oil-pressure switch 6, in such a way that current does not flow through the electromagnet 5 when the vehicle engine is running, the pressure switch 6 being then open.
The lock also includes a second circuit which senses the presence of the key 2 in the lock cylinder 1 and which incorporates a luminous diode 7 and a photo-transistor 8. A signal transmitter 9 of a remote-control device for locking and unlocking the vehicle doors acts on a receiver 10 which is connected to the vehicle and forming part of a first circuit receiving coded signals representing authorized use of the vehicle. The signals coming from the receiver 10 are conveyed to an electronic control circuit 11. This control circuit 11 is connected to the luminous diode 7 in such a way that the latter is fed with current when the receiver 10 receives a signal for unlocking the doors (line D), and in such a way that the current supply is interrupted when the receiver 10 obtains a signal for locking the doors (line V). The photo-transistor 8 is connected to the control circuit 11 which feeds the electromagnet 5 when the signal supplied by the photo-transistor 8 is interrupted because the key 2 is inserted in the lock.
The device works as follows. It is assumed that the vehicle is stationary, the engine is switched off, the ignition lock is in the position of rest and t
REFERENCES:
patent: 3142166 (1964-07-01), Adam et al.
patent: 3644745 (1972-02-01), Bell
patent: 3870895 (1975-03-01), Lax et al.
patent: 3889501 (1975-06-01), Fort
patent: 4347545 (1982-08-01), Weishaupt et al.
Dubno Herbert
Moose Jr. Harry E.
Neiman S.A.
Ross Karl F.
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