Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
~7(~9
DEVICE FOR SECURING AUTOMOBILE
WHEELS AGAINST THEFT
_
The invention is concerned with a device for
securing automobile wheels from theft, comprising a sleeve
which embraces the polygonal head of a wheel nut or bolt,
which sleeve is rotatable on the polygonal head and
cooperates with a lock cylinder the cylinder plug of which,
providing the keyway, controls a locking member with which
is associated a radial shoulder for engagement by the
locking member, wherein the engagement position of the
latter in relation io the radial shoulder is released by
rotation of the cylinder plug by a key.
Such a construction is known from US-PS 2534446,
wherein the polygonal head receives directly the cylinder
plug ana has diametrically opposed longitudinal slots for
the tumblers. $he free end of the polygonal head forms a
cylindrical stepped-down section and contains therein a
slot which extends in the circumferential direction for
mounting the locking member which is secured there by a
pin. This means that the lock cylinder is itself a
component part of the wheel nut or bolt. Because of the
multiple slotting the polygonal head has a weakness.
Further, the lock cylinder can be damaged when screwing and
unscrewing the polygonal head. After the wheel nut or bolt
has been put on, the sleeve has to be pushed onto the
polygonal head. In order to secure this in the applied
~27(1~
position, the key must be operated to turn the
cylinder plug so that it pivots tne locking member in
order that the latter can extend into the annular
groove of the sleeve, forming the radial shoulder.
If the sleeve is not pushed on sufficiently far, it
may be that the locking member pivots out into the
region in front of the annular groove. The sleeve is
then not secured against removal.
Based upon the subject matter of the
invention is the object of so constructing, in a
manner which is simple in terms of production
technology, a device of the type set out above that,
in addition to the lock cylinder being treated less
roughly, applying and securing the sleeve can be
facilitated.
This object is resolved in accordance with
the present invention, in a device as set out in the
first paragraph above, in that the locking member,
which is spring-urged outwardly from the cylinder
plug, is in the form of a latch member which snaps in
behind the radial shoulder when the sleeve is pushed
on to the polygonal head.
In accordance with a particular embodiment
of the invention there is provided a device for
securing automobile wheels against theft. The device
comprises a sleeve which embraces and is rotatable on
the polygonal head of a wheel nut or bolt, and a lock
cylinder which is mounted within the sleeve and the
cylinder plug of which, providing the keyway,
controls a locking member which is adapted to co-
operate with a radial shoulder formed in the poly-
gonal head. The arrangement is such that the locking
member is released from engagement with the radial
shoulder by rotation of the cylinder plug using a
key. The locking member, which is spring-urged out-
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2A
wardly from the cylinder plug, is in the form of a
latch member which snaps in behind the radial
shoulder when the sleeve is pushed on the polygonal
head.
As a result of this construction the device
is provided with enhanced value in use. The lock
cylinder is no longer itself a component part of the
wheel nut or bolt. Therefore it is exposed to no
danger of damage when screwed on or off. The poly-
gonal head is not weakened by openings extending
therethrough. Furthermore, the application of the
sleeve containing the lock cylinder can be undertaken
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without operating the key, more particularly merely by
pushing onto the polygonal head. During this application
movement the locking member yields resiliently. As soon as
the locking member lies in the region behind the radial
shoulder of the polygonal head, it can snap in. This
latter is clearly audible, so that the applied position is
ensured with certainty. This simple mounting of the device
leads in turn to a saving in time. The removal of the
sleeve can be undertaken only after operation of the key,
the locking member having to be guided by the cylinder plug
into a release position. By means of a single key several
sleeves provided with a lock cylinder can be removed, so
that e.g. for a set of sleeves only one key, plus a
replacement key, need be supplied.
An advantageous construction is to be seen in
that the locking member is in the form of a double~armed
latch which extends in the longitudinal direction of the
lock cylinder and has a latch head arranged at one end, ar,d
further which, in the region of the other latch arm, is
embraced by an annular spring extending circumferentially
round the cylinder plug. Since the locking member now lies
in the region of the tumblers, the device can be of short
and light construction. Accordingly, the length is
determined only by the length of the lock, and a greater
number of tumblers can be introduced for increasing the
security of the loc,k. Also favourably a sealing can be
applied to all the operative parts.
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In this context it is of advantage that the
annular spring lies in an outwardly open recess of the
locking member. Thus it does not project beyond the
locking member in the radial direction, which acts against
a space-saving construction.
Advantages from the point of view of control
technology arise in that a run in inclined surface of the
polygonal head is arranged outwardly of the radial
shoulder. When the sleeve is pushed on, a progressive
yielding movement of the latch then takes place.
A greater support surface is achieved in that the
latch head is broad in the circumferential direction in
relation to the shaft of the latch member. Larger
withdrawal forces engaging it can therefore be accommodated
without danger.
Another variant is characterised in that the
locking member is in the form of an annular leaf spring
which extends circumferentially round the cylinder plug,
the diameter of which can be reduced by rotation of the
cylinder plug, and which, in its untensioned condition
where the diameter is greater, projects outwardly for
co-operation with the radial shoulder with a part-section
of its length. From this there results a saving of
components. The annular leaf spring now itself provides
the locking member. During the application movement of the
sleeve the run-in inclined surface of the polygonal head
effects a reduction in the diameter Ot- the annular leaf
1~7~ 3
spring. Then, when it moves in front of the radial
shoulder, it can relax and secure the sleeve against
withdrawal. The withdrawal of the sleeve then requires the
insertion of a key appropriate to the lock cylinder.
Finally it is again of advantage that the one
inwardly angled end of the annular leaf spring engages
behind an abutment which lies spaced from the other end of
the annular leaf spring fixed to the plug, by a distance of
about a quarter of a circle. The use of space is thus at
an optimum. Preferably the abutment is formed by a
projection at the side of the housing for the lock
cylinder.
Hereinafter are described, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, two exemplary embodiments of the
invention which have been selected for description by way
of non-limiting example.
In the accompanying drawings:-
Fig. 1 is a general view of the device according
to the first embodiment, together with its associated key;
Fig. 2 is a front view of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a view showing the sleeve separated
from the wheel nut;
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of Fig. 3, on an
enlarged scale;
Fig. 5 is the section along the line V-V in Fig.
1 ;
Fig. 6 is the section along the line VI-VI in
Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is the section along the line VII-VII in
Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is a view, partly in section, of the
device according to the second embodiment, showing the
sleeve applied to the wheel nut; and
Fig. 9 is a cross-section through the device of
Fig. 8 in the region of the locking member, which is in the
form of an annular leaf spring.
In accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment, shown in Figs. 1 to 7, a wheel nut is
designated with the numeral 1. This nut has a head 2 which
is circular in cross-section together with a plug section 3
and, adjacent this, a polygonal (in casu hexagonal) head 4.
From the free end of the polygonal head 4 extends an ax al
bore 5 (Fig. 4). This forms in the region of the end face
opposite the head 2 a radial shoulder 6 beyond which
extends a run-in inclined surface 7.
The polygonal head 4 adjacent the plug section 3
is provided with rounded corners 9. A sleeve 10 serves to
cover the polygonal head 4, which with its corners 9
provides a rotational mounting for the sleeve 10, the
latter having a bore 14 of such dimension that it can
25 receive the polygonal head 4. The end 11 of the sleeve 10,
at the side where it is pushed on, extends up to the head 2
when the sleeve is pushed on. Arranged adjacent the end 11
127~6~SI
within the bore 14 is an internal annular groove 12. In
said groove is inserted a sealing ring 13 which, when the
sleeve 10 is pushed on, sealingly grips the plug section 3.
At the end of the bore 14 remote from the groove
12 is a stepped bore section 15. Frictionally engaged
therein is a stepped flange 16 of a housing 17 of a lock
cylinder 18. The lock cylinder housing 17 has a central
plug bore 19 (Figs. 6 and 7) for receiving a cylinder plug
20. The latter is fixed against movement in the radial
direction within the lock cylinder housing 17. The
cylinder plug 20 is provided with a keyway 21 passing
therethrough for receiving a key 24. Extending obliquely
to the keyway 21 in the cylinder plug 20 are wafer-type
tumblers 22 with which are associated diametrically opposed
openings 23 in the lock cylinder housing 17. When the key
24 is not insexted, ends of the wafer-type tumblers 22
engage in the openings 23 and prevent rotation of the
cylinder plug 20 relative to the lock cylinder housing 17.
When the key 24 is inserted into the keyway 21, the ends of
the wafer-type tumblers 22 are withdrawn from the openings
23 so that the cylinder plug can be rotated in known manner
in the lock cylinder housing 17. The friction arising
between the cylinder plug 20 and the lock cylinder housing
17 is less than the friction arising between the flange 16
of the cylinder housing 17 and the bore section 15 of the
sleeve 10, so that upon rotation of the key 24 only the
cylinder plug 20 is moved therewith.
5~
The flange 16 of the cylinder plug 20 has formed
thereon a radially extending projection 25 (Figs. 5 and 7).
This cooperates with an abutment 26 of the lock cylinder
housing 17. The abutment 26 is arranged at such an angle
of rotation to the projection 25 that only a 45 rotation
of the cylinder plug 20 can be effected (see Fig. 7).
In the cylinder housing 17, offset by 90 to the
openings 23, are formed apertures 27 which, towards the
flange ~6, run into a wider aperture section 27' (see Fig.
4). In each aperture 27 is accommodated a double-armed
latch member 28 which extends longitudinally of the lock
cylinder 18. This constitutes the locking member. At one
end the latch member has a latch head 29 which is broad in
relation to the latch shaft, said head 29 moving within the
aperture section 27' of the lock cylinder housing 17. The
latch shaft extending from the latch head 29 is embraced by
an annular spring 31 having two coils, said spring engaging
in an outwardly open recess 30 of the latch shaft. For
receiving the annular spring 31, the lock cylinder housing
17 in the corresponding region has a stepped-down annular
zone 32. By the annular spring 31 engaging on the latch
member 28 the latch shaft is divided into two latch arms
28' and 28''. The shorter latch arm 28' abuts against a
shoulder 33 of the lock cylinder housing 17 (see Fig. 5),
while the longer latch arm 28'' is integral with the latch
head 29.
127~
When the key 24 is withdrawn, and thus the lock
cylinder 18 is in locking position, the latch arms 28' rest
on the floor of the apertures 34 of the cylinder plug 20
(see Figs. 5 and 6). A further support point is formed by
an edge 35 between the aperture 34 and the outer surface of
the cylinder plug 20, so that the locking member 28 is in a
precisely defined position.
When the polygonal head 4 is to be covered by the
sleeve 10, the latter has to be pushed onto the polygonal
head. In so doing, the latch head 29 is progressively
engaged by the run-in inclined surface 7 of the polygonal
head 4 and the locking member 28 is thus swung against its
spring-loading. Vpon further pushing, the latch head 29
then moves beyond the radial shoulder 6, so that the
locking member 28 snaps, under the influence of the sprin~
31, into the position shown in Fig. 5, behind the radial
shoulder. The sleeve 10 is now secured against withdrawal
by means of the lock cylinder 18 which projects into the
bore 5. Pulling forces applied to the sleeve 10 lead to
abutment of the locking members 28 against the radial
shoulder 6, which members for their part are supported on
the shoulders 33 of the lock cylinder housing 17.
Nevertheless the sleeve 10 is capable of rotation on the
polygonal head 4.
The removal of the sleeve 10 requires the key 24.
By means thereof the cylinder plug 20, starting from the
position shown in Fig. 6, is rotated in the direction of
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the arrow. The shorter latch arms 28' then leave the
apertures 34 and engage on the outer surface of the
cylinder plug 20. As a consequence, latch heads 29 of the
locking members 28 are pi~oted inwards into the body of the
housing 17 so that they can no longer engage with the
radial shoulder 6 of the polygonal head 4. The sleeve 10
together with the lock cylinder 18 as a composite unit can
now be removed from the polygonal head.
In accordance with the second embodiment, shown
in Figs. 8 and 9, a wheel bolt 1' is made secure. This has
a threaded shaft 42 which runs into a tightening cone
portion 43. Adjacent this is disposed a polygonal head 4
which has an inside annular groove 46 adjacent its free
end. The groove 46 thus forms a radial shoulder 6'. The
run-in inclined surface 7', which in this case is of larger
dimensions than in the first embodiment, cooperates with a
locking member 36 which is in the form of an annular leaf
spring which extends circumferentially round the cylinder
plug 20' and the diameter of which can be reduced by
rotation of the cylinder plug. The leaf spring has a
securing end 36' which is bent inwards towards the plug and
which projects into a cxoss-slot 37 of the cylinder plug
20' and is anchored therein. The other securing end 36''
of the annular leaf spring 36, which is likewise bent
inwards, engages an abutment 38 of the lock cylinder
housing 17' and lies spaced from the securing end 36' by a
distance x of about a quarter of a circle.
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The width of the annular leaf spring 36 is
somewhat narrower than the width of the annular groove 46
of the polygonal head 4.
When the key is not inserted, the annular leaf
spring 36 is in its relaxed condition, (as shown in
chain-dot line), in which it extends beyond the lock
cylinder housing 17' with a part-section 36'''. If the
sleeve 10' in this position is now pushed on the polygonal
head 4, one edge S of the annular leaf spring 36 engages
the run-in inclined surface 7'. This leads to a reduction
of diameter of the annular leaf spring 36, so that the
sleeve 10' can then be fully pushed on, in which position
the annular leaf spring 36 can relax and snap into the
annular groove 46 of the polygonal head 4 (also as shown in
chain-dot line), achieving a positive lock. The distance x
of a quarter of a circle allows the yielding movement for
the one securing end 36'' of the annular leaf spring 36.
The removal of the sleeve takes place by means oE an
appropriate key. This turns the cylinder plug into the
position shown in full line in Figs. 8 and 9, the
part-section 36''' leaving the annular groove 46 of the
polygonal head. The sleeve together with the lock cylinder
18' can then be removed.
Also in this embodiment, when the sleeve together
with the annular leaf spring 36 in its non-tensioned
condition is mounted on the polygonal head, an audible
signal arises when the annular leaf spring engages with
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force in the annular groove 46. In order to maintain a
continuous yielding of the annular leaf spring, the run-in
inclined surface may be in the form of a spiral, thus
increasing in depth~
It is further possible to provide several such
annular leaf springs 36 one behind the other. In this case
the polygonal head would have to be pxovided with a
corresponding number of annular grooves lying one behind
the other, each annular groove then additionally having a
run-in inclined surface.
