Vehicle-mounted equipment anti-theft mechanism

Abstract

An anti-theft apparatus for use in a vehicle-mounted electronic component includes a removable control panel. Protrusions on a first side of the control panel engage holes in a first side of an equipment body of the electronic component and function as hinges as the control panel is rotated to a mounted position. A first electrical connector on the equipment body engages a second electrical connector on a rear surface of the control panel and a biasing member exerts a force against the rear surface of the control panel. The control panel includes a recess in a second side into which a locking protrusion of a locking mechanism in the equipment body extends. A button actuates the locking mechanism retracting the locking protrusion and allowing the biasing member to eject the control panel from the equipment body. The locking protrusion is retracted by a sliding cam or directly by depression of the button. Another embodiment includes a concavity in the control panel which engages a deflectable protrusion on the equipment body after the release button is depressed so as to retain the control panel in an ejected position for removal by the user. Elastic members engage the protrusions of the control panel providing a click feel during removal and retain the control panel in the ejected position. Another embodiment includes an elastic protrusion in the equipment body which engages a corresponding concavity in the front panel to retain the front panel in an ejection position.