DE10393313B4 - Anti-theft device for motor vehicles with hydraulic power steering - Google Patents

Abstract

Antitheft device for motor vehicles, which are equipped with a hydraulic power steering, whose Power is provided by an electric pump group (11, 12), a hydraulic circuit (13 to 16) including a Auxiliary valve (6) with pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied, this anti-theft device is a movable member of the type of latch (22) for locking or release a moving part (21) of the steering system (1), characterized characterized in that the movable member (22) by a hydraulic Actuator (25) is displaced from the hydraulic circuit (13 to 16) of the power steering is powered, with facilities are provided of the type of a valve (29) to the supply the actuator (25) with hydraulic fluid with respect thereto to control the displacements of the movable locking member of the type of a bolt (22) to regulate.

Description

The The present invention relates generally to anti-theft devices or immobilizer for Motor vehicles, of the kind that when the vehicle is not in use is the turning lock of the steering column or the lock of any Ensure another moving part of the vehicle steering to the guiding to prevent this vehicle by an unauthorized person. More specifically This invention relates to an anti-theft device this kind of for a motor vehicle equipped with a hydraulic power steering whose power is provided by an electric pump group which emits a pressurized hydraulic fluid, which is a Auxiliary valve is passed.

• – Da der Riegel auf den oberen Teil der Lenksäule wirkt, benötigt die Diebstahlsicherungsvorrichtung an dieser Stelle verschiedene mechanische Teile, die eine bestimmte Konstruktionskomplexität mit sich bringen und diese Vorrichtung relativ platzeinnehmend machen.
• – Aufgrund ihrer Lage bleibt die Diebstahlsicherungsvorrichtung ziemlich leicht zugänglich und gewährleistet somit keine ausreichende Sicherheit. Darüber hinaus bringt das „gewaltsame Öffnen" der Vorrichtung deren Beschädigung mit sich.

In a conventional anti-theft device, the steering column of the motor vehicle is rotationally locked or released by a movable mechanical link of the type of a bolt which is actuated directly in a purely manual manner by the ignition key of the vehicle. However, such an anti-theft device has a number of disadvantages:

• - Since the latch acts on the upper part of the steering column, the anti-theft device requires at this point various mechanical parts that bring a certain complexity of construction and make this device relatively space-consuming.
• - Due to its location, the anti-theft device remains fairly accessible and thus does not ensure sufficient security. In addition, the "forcible opening" of the device entails their damage.

Around To circumvent these disadvantages have recently become anti-theft devices proposed with motorized control, in particular devices, where the locking bolt of the steering by an electric motor or another electric actuator such as an electromagnet is moved. Such anti-theft devices are available all connected to electric power steering. Your advantage is in it, from the ignition key or a corresponding part independently to be on every point of the steering system, especially on a little accessible To be able to act, to increase safety. An adapted arrangement of these devices makes it possible Also, no longer block the space at the top of the steering column. Furthermore spare these devices the driver the manual use forces to lock or unlock the steering.

however These latter anti-theft devices always have another not to be neglected Price, because they have an extra external power source such as an electric motor or an electromagnet need.

A steering wheel lock for motor vehicles describes the DE 196 41 899 C1 , Indicated there is a steering wheel lock, which causes the obstruction of the steering movement by means of a locking device after the decommissioning of the motor vehicle. The locking device acts here on a power steering system, which is put out of operation when decommissioning of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, two solenoid valves act on a hydraulic circuit of the power steering system and block it as soon as the blocking effect is to be achieved. The disadvantage of this steering wheel lock, however, lies in the fact that a steering movement can be carried out even when the power steering system is blocked, so that there is no complete blockage of the steering.

Another steering wheel lock shows the DE 43 03 485 A1 , Here, in particular, the electric motor of an electric motor-driven servo steering system is used to actuate a steering wheel lock. The disadvantage of this design, however, is that it can only be used on vehicles having an electrically operated power steering system.

A similar device shows the EP 1 234 734 A1 wherein again a steering wheel lock for a motor vehicle with an electric power steering is disclosed. The steering wheel lock here ensures automation of the blocking process by blocking the steering column or another part of the steering system after the immobilization of the motor vehicle by means of the electric power steering. For this purpose, the steering column is turned into a locking position by the electric auxiliary motor of the electric power steering. This steering wheel lock is only applicable to vehicles with electric power steering system.

Another steering wheel lock for motor vehicles shows the DE 101 09 989 A1 , wherein here a monitoring device is used in conjunction with the steering wheel lock and depending on the locking state, a signal is generated, which warns the driver, in particular with not yet locked steering wheel when he turns off the ignition, the driver's door opens or closes the vehicle from the outside. In addition, this publication discloses a power steering system that is still in operation, unless the steering wheel is locked. In addition, engagement of an automatic clutch is prevented until the steering wheel is unlocked. However, here a decentral locking of the steering wheel is not possible, also knows this Power steering system above-mentioned disadvantage.

The The present invention aims to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks deal and a technical solution To provide, in particular for motor vehicles with hydraulic Power steering is designed.

To The invention essentially has an anti-theft device for motor vehicles for Subject equipped with a hydraulic power steering whose power is provided by an electric pump group is a hydraulic circuit including an auxiliary valve with under Pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied, this anti-theft device is a mobile Member of the kind of a bolt for locking or release a moving part of the steering system and thereby is characterized in that the movable member by a hydraulic Actuator actuated which is supplied from the hydraulic circuit of the power steering, wherein means of the type of a valve are provided to the supply of the actuator with hydraulic fluid in view of it to control the displacements of the movable locking member of the kind of a bolt.

Consequently the concept of the invention consists in a part of the steering system mechanically lock the vehicle in question by: the hydraulic power is used, due to that it is a hydraulic power steering available, and more specifically, by using hydraulic power, that of the existing electric pump group of this hydraulic Power steering is supplied.

To an expedient embodiment of the Invention is the actuator of this anti-theft device a small hydraulic cylinder, whose piston with the movable Locking member is connected to the type of a bolt, wherein the small hydraulic cylinder through a branch of the hydraulic circuit the power steering is powered, and the supply of this cylinder with hydraulic fluid controlled by an electrovalve, which provides control signals for or unlocking the steering receives.

The movable locking element of the kind of a bolt, that of The small hydraulic cylinder is operated on any Part of the steering system at any point of the steering system act to ensure its locking or release. According to a particular embodiment this movable latch is a latch type directly connected to the auxiliary valve and arranged for example so that the locking and release of the "valve stem", i.e. the part This auxiliary valve, which extends from the valve to the outside, with the Rack of steering to form engaged steering pinions is ensured.

In In this latter case, the small hydraulic cylinder, with the the movable locking member coupled in the manner of a bolt is, in the body be integrated with the auxiliary valve. The electric valve for supply control this small cylinder of hydraulic fluid can from the auxiliary valve remotely located or integrated in the body of the auxiliary valve be.

• – Diese Diebstahlsicherungsvorrichtung ist als solche in mechanischer Hinsicht besonders einfach.
• – Diese Vorrichtung ist auch in funktionaler Hinsicht besonders einfach und wirtschaftlich, weil sie die bereits verfügbare Leistung der Elektropumpengruppe der hydraulischen Servolenkung des Fahrzeugs nutzt, was jegliche zusätzliche Leistungsquelle von der Art eines Motors oder elektrischen Stellglieds überflüssig macht.
• – Da die eingesetzte Leistungsquelle eine Elektropumpengruppe ist, steht diese Leistung jederzeit zur Verfügung und vor allem, wenn der Wärmemotor des Kraftfahrzeugs stillsteht, was im Prinzip dann der Fall ist, wenn die Ver- oder Entriegelung der Lenkung vorgenommen wird (was mit einer Pumpe nicht der Fall wäre, die mit dem Wärmemotor des Fahrzeugs gekoppelt ist).
• – Das Verriegelungsglied von der Art eines Riegels kann einfach an einem beliebigen Punkt des Lenkungssystems und vor allem an einer wenig zugänglichen Stelle angeordnet werden, um die Sicherheit zu verbessern, die durch die Diebstahlsicherungsvorrichtung bereitgestellt wird.
• – Da sich die Bestandteile dieser Diebstahlsicherungsvorrichtung mit denjenigen des Hydraulikkreislaufs der Servolenkung vereinigen, wird die Vorrichtung praktisch unauffindbar, was noch mehr zu ihrer Wirksamkeit gegenüber böswilligen Personen beiträgt.
• – Wenn die Bestandteile der Diebstahlsicherungsvorrichtung in das Hilfsventil integriert sind, werden nicht nur die Bestandteile unauffindbar, sondern ist auch die Ausführung einfach, kompakt und wirtschaftlich, auch aufgrund der Tatsache, dass sehr wenige zusätzliche Hydraulikleitungen vorgesehen werden müssen.
• – Insofern als die meisten Kraftfahrzeuge heutzutage mit einem elektronischen Rechner ausgestattet sind, der deren zahlreiche Funktionen einschließlich des Startens und Anfahrens des Fahrzeugs regeln kann, wird die Steuerung der Diebstahlsicherungsvorrichtung mittels ihres Elektroventils besonders einfach. Die Information, die vom Rechner zur Steuerung des Elektroventils geliefert werden muss, kann von derselben Art sein wie für die Steuerung gegenwärtiger Dieb stahlsicherungsvorrichtungen mit elektrisch betätigtem Riegel, wobei die Ausführung der Steuerfunktion hier keine besondere Schwierigkeit aufwirft.
• – Schließlich umgeht der bevorzugte Rückgriff auf ein bistabiles Elektroventil noch jeglichen Stromverbrauch während der gesamten Zeit, in der sich die Lenkung in der verriegelten oder entriegelten Stellung befindet, da diese Art von Elektroventil für sein Schließen oder Öffnen nur einen elektrischen Impuls benötigt.

Overall, the inventive anti-theft device has the following advantages:

• - This anti-theft device is particularly simple in mechanical terms as such.
• This device is also particularly simple and economical in functional terms, because it utilizes the already available power of the electric power steering group of the vehicle's hydraulic power steering, eliminating any additional power source, such as a motor or electric actuator.
• - Since the power source used is an electric pump group, this power is available at any time and especially when the heat engine of the motor vehicle is stationary, which is in principle the case when the locking or unlocking of the steering is made (which is not a pump the case would be that is coupled to the heat engine of the vehicle).
• The latch-type latch member can be easily located at any point of the steering system, and more particularly at a less accessible location, to enhance the security provided by the theft deterrent device.
• - Since the components of this anti-theft device combine with those of the hydraulic circuit of the power steering, the device is virtually untraceable, which contributes even more to their effectiveness against malicious persons.
• - If the components of the anti-theft device are integrated into the auxiliary valve, not only the components are untraceable, but also the execution is simple, compact and economical, also due to the fact that very few additional hydraulic lines must be provided.
• - Inasmuch as most motor vehicles are equipped today with an electronic computer that can regulate their numerous functions including starting and starting the vehicle, the control of the anti-theft device by means of their electric especially easy. The information that must be supplied by the computer for controlling the solenoid valve, may be of the same type as for the control of current thief steel backup devices with electrically operated latch, the execution of the control function raises no particular difficulty here.
• - Finally, the preferred resort to a bistable solenoid valve still bypasses any power consumption during the entire time that the steering is in the locked or unlocked position, since this type of solenoid valve requires only one electrical pulse to close or open.

The Invention will be described by means of the following description with reference to FIGS Schematic drawing more understandable the example of an embodiment of this Anti-theft device for Motor vehicles with hydraulic power steering represents:

1 Figure 11 is an overall external view of a hydraulic power steering system equipped with an antitheft device according to the present invention;

2 is a sectional view of the auxiliary valve of this steering indicating the parts of the anti-theft device associated with this valve.

In 1 denotes the reference number 1 the power steering system in its entirety, which is a central tubular housing 2 includes, in which a rack 3 Sliding attached, with a rotary pinion 4 (see also 2 ) is engaged via an auxiliary valve 6 is in rotational connection with the steering column, passing through the axle 5 is shown symbolically.

The right and left end of the rack 3 that are outside the case 2 are located on connecting rods 7 respectively. 8th coupled, which control the right and left stator of the respective motor vehicle. Two bellows 9 and 10 , each with the two ends of the housing 2 are connected, cover and protect the end portions of the rack 3 as well as partly the connecting rods 7 and 8th ,

The servo system of this steering comprises an electric pump group consisting of an actual hydraulic pump 11 and an electric motor 12 that is with the pump 11 coupled and ensures their rotary drive. The pump 11 is over two hydraulic lines 13 and 14 , a "supply line" or a "return line", with the auxiliary valve 6 connected.

Two more hydraulic lines 15 and 16 connect the auxiliary valve 6 with the "cylinder" part of the tubular housing 2 , More specifically, the two lines supply 15 and 16 two respective chambers of hydraulic fluid, which are separated from each other by a piston, with the rack 3 is firmly connected, in a known and not shown here in detail way.

As 2 shows, includes the auxiliary valve 6 , Also in a known per se and not detailed here, a valve body 17 (which may be part of the steering housing), a rotor 18 , a serving 19 that the rotor 18 partially surrounds a torsion bar 20 moving along the axis of the rotor 18 is arranged, and a "valve stem" 21 , part of which is the pinion 4 represents that engages the rack.

The auxiliary valve 6 here is a in 2 good-looking locking member of the kind of a bolt 22 associated with at least one recess 23 interacts in the "valve stem" 21 is formed, ie in the part of this valve 6 that is in the one with the rack 3 engaged pinion 4 continues.

In the example shown in the drawing is the bolt 22 firmly with a piston 24 a small hydraulic cylinder 25 connected in the body 17 the auxiliary valve 6 is integrated. This is a single-acting cylinder 25 , the one single chamber 26 includes, to the piston 24 to move in one direction, is supplied with hydraulic fluid, with the provision of the piston 24 in the other direction by a small spring 27 is ensured in the cylinder 25 is installed.

The cylinder 25 may also have a reverse action or a double or bistable action, thereby avoiding that the pressure must be maintained to the position of this cylinder 25 maintain.

The chamber 26 of the small cylinder 25 is via a short branch line 28 whose starting point is the line 13 located, which is the auxiliary valve 6 from the hydraulic pump 11 supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic circuit of the power steering.

An electrovalve 29 For example, a bistable solenoid valve is on the branch line 28 or at the transition point of this branch line 28 and the cylinder 25 interposed. If necessary, the solenoid valve 29 like the cylinder 25 in the body 17 the auxiliary valve 6 integrated.

The electrovalve 29 is electrically over a wire connection 30 with a symbolic at 31 the controller in question, which may be a special starting control for the vehicle, or an electronic computer that manages various functions in the vehicle, or the computer that the electric pump group 11 . 12 managed. In all cases, the controller sends 31 over the wire connection 30 a signal S to the solenoid valve 29 that the location or switching of this solenoid valve 29 controls.

During the authorized use of the vehicle, the solenoid valve becomes 29 kept closed, causing the supply of the cylinder 25 interrupts with hydraulic fluid and it the return spring 27 allows the piston 24 to hold in the retracted position, and also the latch 22 to hold in the retracted position, causing the "valve stem" 1 is released rotatably. The steering system 1 remains unlocked and the vehicle can now be steered normally with the help of the power steering.

When the vehicle is stopped and is to be secured, the removal of the ignition key or a corresponding part such as an electronic card, calls by means of the controller 31 for example, the opening of the solenoid valve 29 So the supply of the chamber 26 of the cylinder 25 with pressurized hydraulic fluid and consequently the displacement of the piston 24 in the direction of engagement of the bolt 22 into the recess 23 of the "valve stem" 21 out. Thus, any rotation of the pinion 4 prevented, so that the vehicle can not be steered. The vehicle is now unusable for any unauthorized person, ie who has no ignition key or the like.

When the vehicle is restarted by the authorized user, insertion of the ignition key (or other ignition operation to start the vehicle) is called by the controller 31 the closing of the solenoid valve 29 resulting in the supply of the chamber 26 of the cylinder 25 is interrupted with hydraulic fluid, thus retracting the bolt 22 allows, resulting from the recess 23 withdraws and thus the steering system 1 unlocked to allow the driving of the vehicle.

Am reverse but corresponding functional sequence, which is the control of the cylinder 25 concerns, or even a functional sequence of the bistable nature of this cylinder 25 are also possible.

The recesses 3 can be more or less numerous, ie more or less approximated angularly, to multiply the possible locking positions of the steering.

• – wenn dem beweglichen Glied von der Art eines Riegels irgendeine geeignete Form verliehen würde, die die Ver- oder Entriegelung eines Teils der Lenkung sicherstellt;
• – wenn auch dem kleinen Hydraulikzylinder, der das bewegliche Verriegelungsglied verschiebt, irgendeine Form oder irgendein Aufbau verliehen würde, oder indem dieser Zylinder durch irgendein gleichwertiges Stellglied ersetzt würde;
• – wenn die mechanische Verbindung zwischen dem Zylinder oder Stellglied und dem beweglichen Verriegelungsglied auf irgendeine geeignete direkte oder indirekte Weise erfolgen würde;
• – wenn man dieses bewegliche Verriegelungsglied mit einem beliebigen beweglichen Teil des Lenkungssystems zusammenwirken ließe, das sich an einer beliebigen Stelle befinden kann, beispielsweise wenn man das bewegliche Glied auf die Lenksäule oder die Zahnstange wirken ließe und nicht auf das Hilfsventil;
• – wenn eine andere Position für das Elektroventil zur Versorgungssteuerung des kleinen Zylinders mit Hydraulikflüssigkeit vorgesehen würde, indem dieses Elektroventil insbesondere in die Elektropumpengruppe integriert würde, welche die unter Druck stehende Hydraulikflüssigkeit liefert;
• – wenn zur Versorgungssteuerung des kleinen Zylinders oder eines anderen Stellglieds irgendwelche Einrichtungen von der Art eines Ventils, insbesondere Elektroventile aller Arten oder ein aus zwei Ventilen zusammengesetztes System verwendet würde;
• – wenn irgendeine Art von Steuerung für diese Einrichtungen von der Art eines Ventils verwendet würde;
• – wenn die Vorrichtung an eine hydraulische Servolenkung jedweden Aufbaus angepasst würde;
• – wenn dieselbe Vorrichtung für Kraftfahrzeuge bestimmt würde, die mit irgendwelchen Zündsystemen ausgestattet sind, Zündsystemen mit Schlüssel oder elektronischer Karte.

One would not depart from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims:

• - If the movable member of the kind of a bolt would be given any suitable shape, which ensures the locking or unlocking of a part of the steering;
• - Even if the small hydraulic cylinder which moves the movable locking member would be given any shape or any structure, or by this cylinder would be replaced by any equivalent actuator;
• - If the mechanical connection between the cylinder or actuator and the movable locking member would take place in any suitable direct or indirect manner;
• - If you let this movable locking member cooperate with any moving part of the steering system, which may be located anywhere, for example, if you let the movable member act on the steering column or the rack and not on the auxiliary valve;
• - If another position for the solenoid valve for supply control of the small cylinder would be provided with hydraulic fluid by this electrovalve would in particular integrated into the Elektropumpengruppe which supplies the pressurized hydraulic fluid;
• If any means of the valve type, in particular solenoid valves of all types, or a system composed of two valves, would be used to control the supply of the small cylinder or other actuator;
• If any type of control would be used for these valve-type devices;
• - If the device would be adapted to a hydraulic power steering of any structure;
• If the same device were intended for motor vehicles equipped with any kind of ignition system, key or electronic ignition system.

Claims (9)

Anti-theft device for motor vehicles equipped with hydraulic power steering, the power of which is provided by an electric pump group ( 11 . 12 ) providing a hydraulic circuit ( 13 to 16 ) including an auxiliary valve ( 6 supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid, said anti-theft device comprises a movable member of the type of a bolt ( 22 ) for locking or releasing a moving part ( 21 ) of the steering system ( 1 ), characterized in that the movable member ( 22 ) by a hydraulic actuator ( 25 ) is moved from the hydraulics cycle ( 13 to 16 ) is supplied to the power steering, wherein devices of the type of a valve ( 29 ) are provided to supply the actuator ( 25 ) with hydraulic fluid with a view to controlling the displacements of the movable locking member of the type of a bolt ( 22 ). Anti-theft device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforesaid actuator is a small hydraulic cylinder ( 25 ), whose piston ( 24 ) with the movable locking member of the type of a bolt ( 22 ), the small cylinder ( 25 ) by a branch ( 28 ) of the hydraulic circuit ( 13 to 16 ) of the power steering is supplied, the supply of this cylinder ( 25 ) with hydraulic fluid from an electrovalve ( 29 ) is controlled. Anti-theft device according to claim 2, characterized in that the electrovalve ( 29 ) for supply control of the small cylinder ( 25 ) is a bistable solenoid valve which receives control signals (S) for locking or unlocking the steering. Anti-theft device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the electrovalve ( 29 ) for supply control of the small cylinder ( 25 ) from an electronic computer ( 31 ) of the vehicle which manages the ignition and starting phases of this vehicle or by a computer which controls the electric pump group ( 11 . 12 ). Anti-theft device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the movable locking member of the type of a bolt ( 22 ), the small hydraulic cylinder ( 25 ), directly with the auxiliary valve ( 6 ) connected is. Anti-theft device according to claim 5, characterized in that the movable locking member is of the type of a bolt ( 22 ) is arranged so that the locking or release of the "valve stem" ( 21 ) is ensured. Anti-theft device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the small hydraulic cylinder ( 25 ), with which the movable locking member of the type of a bolt ( 22 ), into the body ( 17 ) of the auxiliary valve ( 6 ) is integrated. Anti-theft device according to claim 7, characterized in that the electrovalve ( 29 ) for supply control of the small cylinder ( 25 ) with hydraulic fluid also in the body ( 17 ) of the auxiliary valve ( 6 ) is integrated. Anti-theft device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the electrovalve ( 29 ) for supply control of the small cylinder ( 25 ) with hydraulic fluid into the electric pump group ( 11 . 12 ), which supplies the pressurized hydraulic fluid.