GB2351764A

GB2351764A - Steering lock device

Info

Publication number: GB2351764A
Application number: GB0008544A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Claudio Fissolo
Original assignee: TRW Automotive Italia SRL
Current assignee: ZF Automotive Italia SRL
Priority date: 1999-04-07
Filing date: 2000-04-06
Publication date: 2001-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-06
Also published as: ITTO990265A1; DE10017482B4; GB2351764B; DE10017482A1; FR2793751B1; IT1308438B1; GB0008544D0; FR2793751A1

Abstract

A steering lock device (1) for a vehicle steering assembly (2) has a guide (18) connected integrally to a fixed structure (4) of the steering assembly (2); a slide-type body (38) fitted in sliding manner to the guide (18); and a shaft (60) having a cam (62), and which is operated manually from the outside to move the slide-type body (38) between a forward position locking the steering assembly (2), and a withdrawn rest position; the device (1) also having a movable locking member (76), and an electric actuator (75) for moving the locking member (76) between a first and a second limit position retaining the slide-type body (38) in the forward position and withdrawn position respectively.

Description

2351764 1 STEERING LOCK DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE STEERING ASSEMBLY The present

invention relates to a steering lock device for a vehicle steering assembly.

As is known, on vehicle steering assemblies, steering lock devices are used to prevent rotation of the steering column with respect to a fixed tubular structure housing the column.

Each steering lock device normally comprises a guide connected integrally to the fixed structure; and a slide type body fitted to the guide to slide between a forward lock position engaging a radial seat formed in the column, and a withdrawn rest position permitting free rotation of the column.

In most applications, the slide-type body is moved between the forward and withdrawn positions by means of a key-operated actuating assembly comprising a drum or ignition cylinder of a key-operated lock on the vehicle; and a preferably lever- or cam-type transmission interposed between the slide-type body and the drum.

Besides activating the slide-type body, the drum and transmission also retain the slide-type body in the withdrawn position, when the key is inserted in the lock and turned to the steering release position, and allow the slide-type body to move into the forward position, and lock it in this position, when the key is withdrawn from the lock. 5 Known steering lock devices of the above type have several drawbacks, on account of the key-operated actuating and locking assembly. More specifically, the assembly described above is fairly complex, on account of the key-operated lock, which provides for both controlling the steering lock and starting the vehicle, and on account of the mechanical transmission, which is fairly complex but indispensable for the drum to be located in such a position as to permit troublefree insertion of the key.

Moreover, the efficiency of the steering lock depends on the drum and transmission being in perfect working order. That is, wear and continual insertion/withdrawal of the key may impair operation and/or locking of the slide-type body by possibly damaging the drum or causing jamming of the drum and transmission or poor connection of the lock and key. Any malfunctioning is also extremely hazardousby possibly resulting in sudden, undesired locking of the steering assembly while the vehicle is moving.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering lock device for a vehicle steering assembly, designed to provide a straightforward, low-cost solution to the aforementioned problems, and which, in particular, 3 is extremely straightforward, reliable and safe.

According to the present invention, there is provided a steering lock device for a vehicle steering assembly, comprising a guide connected integrally to a fixed structure of said steering assembly; a slide-type body fitted in sliding manner to said guide; actuating means activated manually from the outside to move said slide-type body between a forward lock position and a withdrawn rest position; and locking means for locking said slide-type body at least in said forward position; characterized in that said locking means comprise a movable locking member; and at least one electric actuator for moving said movable member to and from at least one lock position.

A non-limiting embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1 and 2 show schematic sections of a preferred embodiment of the steering lock device according to the present invention in a first and second work position respectively, and connected to a steering assembly shown only partly.

Number 1 in the accompanying drawings indicates a steering lock device for a known vehicle steering assembly 2 (shown partly). Assembly 2 comprises a substantially tubular, fixed structure 4 with a lateral opening 6; and a steering shaft or column 7, which is fitted to structure 4 so as to rotate about a respective axis 8 extending perpendicularly to the Figure 1 and 2 4 plane, and is operated by a steering wheel (not shown) of assembly 2. Column 7 comprises a number of outer radial retaining seats 9 (only one shown in Figures 1 and 2), which are angularly spaced, are formed in axial positions corresponding to that of opening 6, and are engageable by deVice 1.

Device 1 comprises a casing 10 in turn comprising two connecting portions 12 and 13 located on diametrically-opposite sides of opening 6; portion 13 being hooked onto structure 4; and portion 12 being connected integrally to structure 4 by a screw-nut screw assembly 14. More specifically, assembly 14 comprises a screw 15, which rests on structure 4, is screwed to portion 12, and is locked angulArly by a retaining pin 16 housed in portion 12 and movable crosswise to screw 15.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, casing 10 also comprises a guide portion 18 located in an intermediate position between connecting portions 12 and 13, and having a through hole 19 extending in a radial direction 20 from opening 6 and defined by an inner surface 21.

Casing 10 also comprises a tubular portion 22 located on the opposite side of connecting portion 12 to structure 4, and having a circular through hole 24, which has a respective axis 26 substantially perpendicular to direction 20, and a respective inlet partly defined by inner surface 21 and facing an end portion 25 defining hole 19.

Casing 10 also comprises a chamber 28, which extends along axis 26, is adjacent to connecting portion 13, and is defined by end portion 25, by tubular portion 22, by a flange 31 located on the opposite side to tubular portion 22 and having an opening 32 coaxial with hole 24, and by a wall 33. Wall 33 extends between tubular portion 22 and flange 31, on the opposite side to portions 13 and 18 and crosswise to direction 20.

Device 1 also comprises an elongated slide-type body 38, which engages hole 19 in sliding manner and extends inside chamber 28. More specifically, body 38 is movable, in direction 20 and by means of an actuating assembly 40, between a withdrawn rest position (Figure 2) permitting free rotation of column 7 with respect to structure 4, and a forward lock position (Figure 1) locking assembly 2 and maintained by a compression spring 42 interposed between body 38 itself and wall 33.

Body 38 comprises an end projection 44, which, in the forward position (Figure 1), engages one of seats 9 to prevent rotation of column 7; and two intermediate openings 45 and 46 extending parallel to axis 26; opening 45 being adjacent to projection 44, and being engaged by pin 16 to permit removal of screw 15; and opening 46 being formed at axis 26. 25 Body 38 also comprises a locating portion 48 located at the opposite end to projection 44 and extending inside chamber 28 towards flange 31. Portion 48 carries a member 50 housed, so as to 6 slide perpendicularly to direction 20, inside a dead cavity 52 formed facing flange 31. Member 50 extends outwards towards flange 31, is held in position by a compression spring 54 housed in cavity 52, and is defined at the outer end by two opposite surfaces 55 and 56 converging with each other towards flange 31; surface 55 facing wall 33, and surface 56 extending perpendicularly to direction 20.

Portion 48 is defined by a supporting surface 58, which partly defines opening 46, extends towards flange 31, is positioned facing end portion 25, and is connected to actuating assembly 40.

Assembly 40 comprises an operating member 59; and an intermediate shaft 60 connected to casing 10 to rotate in axially-fixed manner about axis 26 with respect to guide portion 18.

With reference to Figure 1, shaft 60 carries an intermediate cam 62 designed to rest on surface 58, and comprises two opposite end portions 63 and 64; portion 63 extending loosely through opening 46 and engaging hole 24; and portion 64 being connected to flange 31 and integrally supporting an annular portion 66 having a peripheral retaining seat 68 (Figure 1) extending parallel to axis 26.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, operating member 59 is connected integrally to portion 64, extends through opening 32, and comprises, on the outside, a flat grip portion 72 operated manually by the user to rotate shaft 7 between a first operating position (Figure 1) in which cam 62 is detached from surface 58 and body 38 is pushed into the forward position by spring 42, and a second operating position (Figure 2) in which cam 62 rests on surface 58 to push body 38 into the withdrawn position in oppositiop to spring 42.

Body 38 is locked in the forward and withdrawn positions by a lock assembly 74 for locking device 1 and housed inside chamber 28.

Assembly 74 comprises portion 66, surface 56, an electric actuator 75 integral with wall 33, and an elongated member 76 connected to actuator 75 and in sliding manner to a guide member 78 carried by casing 10.

Member 76 comprises an end tooth 80 extending towards flange 31; and an opposite end wedge 81 defined by two opposite surfaces 82 and 83 converging with each other towards portion 48; surface 82 extending perpendicularly to direction 20 and facing wall 33; and surface 83 sloping at an angle complementary to that of surface 55 of member 50.

Member 76 is activated by actuator 75 to move, parallel to axis 26, between a first limit position (Figure 1) in which tooth 80 engages seat 68 in annular portion 66 to lock shaft 60 angularly in the first operating position, and a second limit position (Figure 2) in which member 76 is interposed between annular portion 66 and portion 48, and surface 82 rests on surface 56.

8 Device 1 also comprises a sensor, preferably a switch, 85 (shown schematically), which is connected integrally to tubular portion 22, on the opposite side to chamber 28, is connected to portion 63 of shaft 60 to detect the angular position of shaft 60, and supplies a relative angular position signal to a central control unit (not shown) on the vehicle.

In actual use, to lock steering assembly 2, the user grips portion 72 to rotate shaft 60 and annular portion 66 directly from the second to the first operating position and so align seat 68 with member 76.

The central control unit receives the angular position signal emitted by sensor 85 and, alongside a signal indicating the vehicle engine has been turned off, sends a control signal to actuator 75 to move member 76 from the second to the first limit position. In the course of which movement, surface 82 is detached from surface 56, thus leaving body 38 free to move into the forward position, and tooth 80 engages seat 68 to lock shaft 60 angularly and prevent actuating assembly 40 from being operated from the outside.

To release steering assembly 2, the central control unit identifies the user in known manner not described in detail, e.g. by means of an identification code carried by the user, and supplies a disabling signal to actuator 75 to move member 76 into the second limit position.

once tooth 80 releases seat 68, the user may grip portion 72 to rotate shaft 60 into the second operating 9 position and so move body 38 into the withdrawn position. As body 38 withdraws, sloping surface 55 slides against sloping surface 83 to slide member 50 into cavity 52 perpendicularly to direction 20 and in opposition to spring 54; and, when the end of member 50 once more comes out of cavity 52, surface 82 rests on surfacel 56 to retain body 38 in the withdrawn position, even in the event of accidental rotation of shaft 60.

When shaft 60 is rotated into the second operating position, seat 68 is out of line with respect to member 76, which thus remains locked between annular portion 66 and portion 48 to keep surfaces 56 and 82 in contact with each.other, even in the event, for example, of erroneous control signals from the central control unit.

Device 1 is therefore extremely straightforward and reliable, by the user-operated actuating assembly 40 and the automatic lock assembly 74 being independent of the key-operated ignition lock.

Assemblies 40 and 74, in fact, enable steering lock device 1 to be separated from the key-operated lock and ignition control of the vehicle, thus greatly simplifying the design of device 1 and the transmission, and so improving the reliability of device 1 with respect to known solutions. More specifically, the transmission assembly comprises only one straightforward camshaft 60, which is formed in one piece, is compact and easy to operate.

Moreover, requiring no space to insert/withdraw a key, device I need not necessarily be fitted to steering assembly 2 in the same positions as known solutions, and, in particular, may be so located as to conceal the grip portion.

For the same reasons, device 1 may also be used on vehicles featuring other than key-operated, e.g.

pushbutton, ignition assemblies.

Device 1 is also extremely safe, both with regard to theft and the possibility of column 7 being locked with the vehicle in motion, by assembly 74 safely ensuring body 38 is retained in both the forward and withdrawn positions.

Clearly, changes may be made to device 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention.

In particular, the actuating assembly may differ from the one described and illustrated by way of example. In particular, the transmission may differ from the cam type described, and/or operating member 59 may be withdrawable from the steering lock device for even greater safety, and/or shaft 60 need not necessarily be formed in one piece. Moreover, the lock assembly may differ or may operate slightly differently from the one described, e.g. may comprise a locking member for only locking slide-type body 38 in the forward position, and/or may comprise a different number of actuators from that indicated.

1 1

Claims

1) A steering lock device for a vehicle steering assembly, comprising a guide connected integrally to a fixed structure of said steering assembly; a slide-type body fitted in sliding manner to said guide; actuatiig means activated manually from the outside to move said slide-type body between a forward lock position and a withdrawn rest position; and locking means for locking said slide-type body at least in said forward position; characterized in that said locking means comprise a movable locking member; and at least one electric actuator for moving said movable member to and from at least one lock position. 15 2) A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said actuating means comprise an input member in turn comprising a usergrippable operating portion; and in that said movable member acts on said input member to lock the.input member with respect to said guide. 20 3) A device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said locking means also comprise retaining means for retaining said slide-type body in said withdrawn position. 4) A device as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that said retaining means comprise said movable member and said actuator.

5) A device as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that said retaining means comprise a supporting surface carried by said slide-type body and which cooperates with and rests against said movable member.

6) A device as claimed in Claim 5, characterized in that said supporting surface is movable with respect to 5 said slide-type body.

7) A device as!claimed in Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said retaining means also comprise a retaining body for keeping said movable member in contact with said supporting surface.

8) A device as claimed in Claim 7, characterized in that said retaining body is a movable body, and is connected integrally to said input member.

9) A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that said actuating means comprise a dam transmission; and said input member forms part of said transmission.

10) A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 9, characterized in that said input member comprises a shaft which rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to a traveling direction of said slide-type body.

11) A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 10, characterized by comprising sensor means for determining the position of said input member.

12) A steering lock device for a vehicle steering assembly, substantially as described and illustrated ir the accompanying drawings.

13 13. A steering lock assembly comprising:

a bolt having an extended position in which the bolt is engageable with a steering column to prevent rotation thereof, and a retracted position; biasing means urging the bolt to towards its extended position; an actuator means movable between first and second positions, and cooperable with the bolt to move the bolt from the extended to the retracted position as the actuator moves from its first to its second position; latching means cooperable in a first position with the actuator to retain the actuator in its first position, and cooperable in a second position with the bolt to retain the bolt in its retracted position.

14. A steering lock assembly according to claim 13, wherein the latching means is movable between its first and second positions by means of an electromagnetic actuator.

15. A steering lock assembly according to claims 13 or claim 14, wherein the actuator means comprises a cam means and the bolt has an abutment surface engageable by the cam means to move the bolt from its extended to its retracted position.