GB2451185A

GB2451185A - Steering lock apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2451185A
Application number: GB0813120A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Satoshi Sugihara; Tomonori Tamukai
Original assignee: U Shin Ltd
Current assignee: U Shin Ltd
Priority date: 2007-07-17
Filing date: 2008-07-17
Publication date: 2009-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-17
Also published as: JP2009023392A; JP4413954B2; GB0813120D0; GB2451185B

Abstract

A steering lock apparatus comprising a key operated mechanism within a cylindrical housing with an integral cam member 36 to move a lock bolt 48 between lock and unlock positions with the steering column of a vehicle, the apparatus having an interlocking member 58 engaging with the lock bolt and preventing its movement in the absence of the rotation of cylinder 26.

Description

STEERING LOCK APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a steering lock apparatus for locking a steering wheel of a motor vehicle or the like for the purpose of an antitheft.

Description of the Related Art

This kind of steering lock apparatus is arranged in a steerino shaft rotatinq in accordance with a steering operation of a motor vehicle. Further, if a driver turns a key to a LOCK position for stopping an engine of a motor vehicle and pulls out the key, aforwardandbackwardmovablelockboltmoveS forward so as to be engaged with an engagement concave portion provided in the steering shaft, whereby a turning motion of the steering shaft is regulated and the steering wheel is locked. On the other hand, if the driver turns the key from the LOCK position to an ACC position for starting the engine, the lock bolt moves backward from the engagement concave portion and the engagement is cancelled. Accordingly, the turning motion regulation of the steering shaft is canceled and the steering wheel is unlocked.

However, in the steering lock apparatus, if a strong shock is applied to the housing by a hammer or the like in spite of the fact that the lock bolt is energized in the forward moving direction by the spring, there is a case that the lock bolt is activated in such a manner as to move backward against the energizing force of the spring. Further, the steering lock apparatus is provided with a lock link for maintaining an unlock state until the key is pulled out from the cylinder even if the key is turned to the LOCK position. Accordingly, if a load is applied in such a manner that the lock bolt is moved backward against the energizing force of the spring in a state in which anunfairdummykeyis insertedto the cylinder, there isaproblern that the lock bolt is engaged with the lock link, whereby the unlock state is maintained.

As a prior art publication information of the steering lock apparatus structured such as to prevent the unfair unlocking mentioned above, there is a Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-203387.

In this patent publication, a pin is arranged in a lock bolt in a state of being energized by a spring such that the pin is engaged with an engagement groove provided in a rotating member arranged in a leading end in a key inserting direction of the cylinder. Further, since the pin is brought into contact with the engagement groove even if a backward moving load is applied to the lock bolt in a state of inserting a regular key or a dummy key, the lock bolt is prevented from being maintained in an unlock state.

However, in the steering lock apparatus in this patent document, since the pin is slid in a state of being energized to the engagement groove, the steering lock apparatus has trouble withdurability and reliability. Particularly, inthispatent, since a cam groove constructing the engagement groove is provided in the rotating member, and the pin is brought into contact with an edge of the cam groove, the structure is doubled as an interlocking mechanism moving forward and backward the lock bolt.

Accordingly, since an excessive load is applied to the pin, a deformation tends to be generated in the pin due to an abrasion, and there is a high possibility that the trouble such as a lfunct�'r r,r jh Hke is aenerated. Further, if the malfunction is generated, it is impossible to move the lock bolt forward andbackward. In this case, there is ahighpossibility that the steering wheel becomes inoperative under the lock state by the lock bolt energized in the forward moving direction.

SUNNARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is made by taking the conventional problem into consideration, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steering lock apparatus which has high operational reliability and can securely prevent an unfair lock cancellation.

In order to achieve the problem mentioned above, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a steering lock apparatus comprising: a cylinder which is rotatably stored within a housing and is turned by a key; a cam member which is integrally turned with the cylinder; a lock bolt which works with the rotation of the cam member and is movable from a lock position engaging with a steering shaft so as to prevent the steering shaft from rotating to an unlock position at which the engagement with the steering shaft is canceled and the steering shaft is rotatable; and an interlocking member which is activated while working with the rotation of the cam member and actuates a detecting rtr.tinaa rotational position of the cylinder, wherein: the lock bolt is provided with an engagement portion; the apparatus is provided with an engagement member engaging with the engagement portion in a disengageable manner and preventing a movement of the lock bolt from the lock position to the unlock position; and the interlocking member is provided with an operating portion moving the engagement member from an engaged position with the engagement portion to a non-engaged position, and allowing the engagement member to engage with the engagement portion at the lock position of the lock bolt.

In accordance with the steering lock apparatus on a basis of the present invention, even if the backward moving force is applied to the lock bolt in a state in which the dummy key is inserted to the key hole, the engagement member moved forward and backward by the interlocking member is engaged with the engagement portion of the lock bolt. Accordingly, the lock bolt comes to the unlock position, and it is possible to prevent this state from being maintained.

In the steering lock apparatus, it is preferable that the engagement member is provided with an engaged portion engaging with the engagement portion of the lock bolt, and a cam receiving portion engaging with the cam portion provided as the operating portion of the interlocking member. In accordance with this structure, it is possible to reduce a consumption of the eng;oot member; nr it is possible to improve a durability.

Further, it is preferable that the engagement member is provided with a protruding portion protruding along the moving direction of the engagement member, and the housing is provided with a guide hole accormnodating the protruding portion in such a manner that it is movable forward and backward. In accordance with the structure mentioned above, it is possible to improve an assembling workability of the engagement member constructed by the independent part.

Alternatively, itispreferablethattheengagemefltrflember is installed so as to be rotatable around a rotating shaft extending in parallel to the axial direction of the interlocking member, and is provided with an engaged portion engaging with the engagement portion of the lock bolt, and an operation receiving portion engaging with an operation groove provided as the operation portion of the interlocking member. In accordancewith the structurementioned above, even if the strong shock is applied by the hammer or the like, the rotating lever is not rotated by an inertia force and it is possible to prevent the engaged portion of the engagement member from being moved to a non-engaged position by the shock. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve an antitheft preventing effect.

In the steering lock apparatus in accordance with the present invention, since the lockbolt does not come to the unlock position from the lock position on a basis of the engagement of the -mnt rnpmber with the engagement portion of the lock bolt, it is possible to securely prevent the unfair unlocking, and it is possible to increase reliability with regard to an antitheft countermeasure. Further, since the engagementineinber for preventing the unfair unlocking does not move the lock bolt forward and backward, but correspond to a peculiar part provided independently in accordance with a different system, it is possible to improve reliability and durability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. 1A and lB show a steering lock apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1A is a cross sectional view, and Fig. lB is a front elevational view of a main portion; Figs. 2A and 2B show a state in which a key is inserted at a LOCK position, in which Fig. 2A is a cross sectional view and Fig. 2B is a perspective view of a main part; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the main part and shows a state in process of turning the key to an ACC position; Figs. 4A and 4B show a state in which the key is turned to the ACC position, in which Fig. 4A is a cross sectional view and Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the main part; Figs. 5A and 5B show a state in which the key is returned to the LOCK position, in which Fig. 5A is a cross sectional view and Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the main part; Fis. F1 and 6B show an operation in a state in which a dummy key is inserted at the LOCK position, in which Fig. 6A is a cross sectional view and Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the main part; Fig. 7 is a plan view of a substantial part and shows a housing; Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a cam member; Figs. 9A and 9B show an interlocking member, in which Fig. 9A is a front elevational view and Fig. 9B is a cross sectional view along a line A-A; Fig. lOis aperspectiveview showing an engagement member; Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a lid member; Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view showing a steering lock apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment; Fig. 13 is a plan view of a substantial part and shows a housing in accordance with the second embodiment; Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view showing an interlocking member in accordance with the second embodiment; Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing an engagernentrnember in accordance with the second embodiment; Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a state in which a key is inserted at a LOCK position; Fig. 17 is a plan view showing a state in which the key is turned to an ACC position; and Fig. 18 is a plan view showing a state in which the key is retrrrl tn the LOCK position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description will be given below of a mode for carrying out the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment> Fig. 1A shows a steering lock apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The steering lock apparatus is approximately structured such that a cylinder lock 21, a cam member 36 and a lock bolt 48 are arranged in an inner portion of a housing 10, and there are arranged an interlocking member 58 transmitting a rotation of the cylinder lock 21 to an ignition switch 56 turning on and off a current application to each of devices within a motor vehicle, and an engagement member 66 regulating a forward and backward movement of the lock bolt 48.

The housing 10 is provided with a lock member arrangement portion 11 extending in a horizontal direction in Fig. 1A, and a switch member arrangement portion 12 extending in a vertical direction and is formed as anL-shapedhollow form. Aprotruding plate portion 13 extending in the horizontal direction is provided in a crossing portion of the arrangement portions 11 and 12 as shown in Fig. 7. The protruding plate portion 13 is provided with a bearing portion 14 in such a manner as to be itirnpd in an axial center of the switch member arrangement portion 12. Further, a coupling space portion 15 for coupling a cam member 36 mentioned below and the interlocking member 58 is provided between the protruding plate portion 13 and an inner peripheral surface of the switch member arrangement portion 12.

Further, the protruding plate portion 13 is provided with an engagement member insertion hole 17 communicating with an inner side of the lock member arrangement portion 11 in such a manner as to be positioned in a side of a corner portion 16 of the housing 10. One end of the engagement member insertion hole 17 is provided with a guide hole 18 inserting a protruding portion 69 of the engagement member 66 thereto so as to guide a motion of the engagement member 66 up and down. Further, the corner portion 16 of the housing 10 is provided with an insertion hole 19 passing through along an extending direction of the lock member arrangement portion 11, and inserting the lock bolt 48 thereto in such ainanner that it ismovable forwardandbackWard. Further, an inner surface side of the insertion hole 19 in the lock member arrangement portion 11 is provided with a stopper portion 20 for stopping an advance of the lock bolt 48 by bringing a slider 51 mentioned below into contact therewith. In this case, the cornerportion l6of the housing 10 in accordance with the present embodiment is formed as such a shape as to have an inclined surface 1 6a in accordance with an angle of mci me of an instal led steering shaft (not shown) of a motor vehicle.

The cylinder lock 21 is provided with a tubular holder 22 installed to one end of the lock member arrangement portion 11, a cylinder 26 rotatably arranged in an inner portion of the holder 22, and a plurality of tumblers 30 arranged in an inner portion of the cylinder 26.

The holder 22 is providedwith a locking groove 23 inserting and locking the tumbler 30 protruded to an outer side in a radial direction from the cylinder 26 in an inner peripheral surface of the holder 22. Further, the holder 22 is provided with a lock link arrangement portion 24 for arranging a lock link 32 mentioned below so as to freely oscillate. Further, as shown in Fig. is, the holder 22 is provided with notations 25a to 25d inscribed at predetermined positions in a clockwise direction in accordance with an order of LOCK position, ACC position, ON position and START position, in a front surface side exposed to an outer side of the housing 10, as shown in Fig. 13.

The cylinder 26 is provided with a key hole 27 extending along an axis of rotation, and a plurality of tumbler insertion holes (not shown) provided in parallel in such a manner as to extend in an orthogonal direction to the axis of rotation. In this cylinder 26, a flange portion 28 for positioning in an end portion of the holder 22 is provided in an end portion positioned in an inverse side to an open end of the key hole 27, and a cam installation portion 29 is protruded from the flange portion 28. The cam installation portion 29 is formed in the same shape as a shape of an installation hole 38 of the cammember 36 mentioned below.

The tumbler 30 is arranged within a tumbler insertion hole togetherwitha spring (not shown), and isprovidedwitha through hole (not shown) making a key 75 constituted by a mechanical structure body pass through in the center thereof. Further, if the key 75 is inserted to the key hole 27 of the cylinder 26, a keyridgepresses an edgeof the throughholeof the tumbler 30, thereby moving backward each of the tumblers 30 into the cylinder 26 against an energizing force of the spring.

Accordingly, the locking of the holder to the locking groove 23 is canceled. As a result, it is possible to turn the cylinder 26 in a range from the LOCK position to the START position, by turning the key 75.

Further, in the cylinder lock 21 in accordance with the present embodiment, there is arranged a key detection member 31 which is slidably driven by an insertion of the key 75 to the key hole 27. The key detection member 31 is structured such as to move from a position biased to the axis of rotation in the cylinder 26 to a portion near an outer peripheral portion, and actuate the lock link 32 arranged in the lock link arrangement portion24oftheholder22. Thelocklink32 isaxiallyattached to the lock link arrangement portion 24 so as to freelyoscillate, and is structured such as to lock the lock bolt 48 in a retract (an unlock) state via the slider 51 so as not to freely advance by beinq pressed by the key detection member 31 so as to be oscillated, if the key 75 is inserted to the key hole 27.

Specifically, the lock link 32 is provided with a contact portion 33 positioned in a sliding locus of the key detection member 31, and a locking pawl portion 34 positioned in an inverse side endportiontothecontactPOrtiOfl33. AlockingcancelingSpriflg is arranged as an energizing means for canceling the locking of the lock bolt 48 at a time when the key detection member 31 isnotbroughtintocontact, inthevicinityof the contactportion 33.

Thecammember36 is installedtoacaminstallatiOflPOrtion 29 of the cylinder 26, thereby being turned in the range from the LOCK position to the START position integrally with the cylinder 26. The cam member 36 is approximately provided with an installationportion 37, a camportion4l, and an interlocking operation portion 45, as shown in Figs. 1A and 8.

The installation portion 37 is installed to the cylinder 26 in a non-rotatable state by being outside fitted to the cam installation portion 29, and is provided with an installation hole 38 having a long circular hole portion formed as an oval shape and a pair of circular arc shaped groove portions. An intermediate portion in an axial direction of the installation hole 38 is closed. Further, a cam energizing spring 39 arranged with respect to the cylinder 26 is inserted to the installation portion 37 from one end of the installation hole 38 so as to be positioned. Further, a lock bolt energizing spring 40 arranged with respect to the cam member 36 is positioned in an inverse side.

The cam portion 41 is provided in such a manner as to be positioned in a lower portion of the lock member arrangement portion 11, in an installed state to the housing 10. The cam portion 41 is provided with a first cam surface 42, a second cam surface 43 and a third cam surface 44 in an inverse side to the advancing direction of the lock bolt 48 along the direction of the axis of rotation of the cam member 36, that is, in an endsurfacepositionedinthesideofthecyliflder26. The first cam surface 42 extends from the LOCK position to the ACC position of the cammernber 36 working with the turning motion of the cylinder 26, and moves backward the lock bolt 48 in the advanced state via the slider 51. The second cam surface 43 extends from the AccpositiontotheoNpos3-tionofthecammember 36, andretains the retracted position of the lock bolt 48 via the slider 51.

The third cam surface 44 extends from the ON position to the START position of the cam member 36, and retains the retracted position of the lock bolt 48 via the slider 51 in the same manner as thesecondcamsurface43. Further, inthepresenternbodimeflt, a frictional resistance is reduced by making a radius from the axis of rotation to the outer peripheral edge in the third cam surface 44 smaller than in the second cam surface 43, whereby it is possible to prevent a return defect from the START position to the ON position.

The interlocking operation portion 45 is provided in an opposite side to the cam portion 41 in such a manner as to be positioned in the coupling space portion 15 of the protruding plate portion 13 in the state of being installed to the housing 10. The interlocking operation portion 45 is provided with a bevel gear portion 46 in an outer peripheral edge of a leading end surface thereof.

The cam member 36 is arranged in an inner portion from an open end installing the holder 22 to the lockmember arrangement portion 11, and is positioned in a state in which the cam member can not be broken away by the cam lip 47. In this state, the cam member can be installed such that the cam member can not be broken away, by arranging the cain energizing spring 39 so as to position in the installation hole 38 and thereafter assembling the cylinder lock 21 while inserting the cam installation portion 29 of the cylinder 26 to the installation hole 38.

The lock bolt 48 is arranged so as to be movable along the direction of the axis of rotation of the cam member 36, and is installed to the insertion hole 19 of the housing 10 so as to be movable forward and backward. Further, the present embodiment is structured such that a rear end portion of the lock bolt 48 is provided with a slider coupling portion 49 protruding approximately as an L-shaped form, and the slider ccuplino portion 49 is provided with an independent slider 51 forworkingwiththeturningmotioflOfthecamlflember36. Further, the lock bolt 48 is provided with an engagement portion 50 vertically coinciding with the engagement member insertion hole 17. Theengagernentportion50iScOn5titUtedbYagr00ve0bta1n by notching an upper surface of the lock bolt 48 in a width direction. An end edge 50a positioned in a side of the slider coupling portion 49 of the engagement portion 50 is provided so as to come into line with an end edge which is away from the insertion hole 19 in the engagement member insertion hole 17, at a lock position at which the lock bolt 48 completely moves forward, as shown in Fig. 1A. Further, an end edge 5obpositioned in a leading end side of the engagement portion 50 can not engage into line withtheengageinent concave portion of the steering shaft, and the engagement member 66 is provided in such a manner that the engagement member 66 can engage in a state in which the lock bolt 48 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft.

The slider 51 is structured such as to be slidably installed along the direction of the axis of rotation of the cam member 36 between the cam portion 41 of the cam member 36 and the inner peripheral surface of the lock member arrangement portion 11, within the lock member arrangement portion 11. An L-shaped coupling portion 52 coupled to the slide coupling portion 49 of the lock bolt 48 is provided in a front end portion of the ci idr 51. The coupling portion 52 serves as a stopper stopping the advance of the lock bolt 48 by being brought into contact with the stopper portion 20 of the housing 10. Further, a rear end portion of the slider 51 is provided with a sliding portion 53 protruding toward the axis of rotation in such a manner that a leading end surface comes into slidable contact with the first cam surface 42 of the cam portion 41 in a state in which the coupling portion 52 is brought into contact with the stopper portion 20. The sliding portion 53 is formed at a smaller width (a depth in Fig. 1A) than a gap between an end portion in a side of the first cam surface 42 of the cam portion 41 and the interlocking operation portion 45 which is adjacent in a circumferential direction, in the cam member 36. Further, the slider 51 is provided with a lock portion 54 protruding from the sliding portion 53 toward the lock link 32 side. The lock portion 54 is positioned in an upper side of the locking pawl portion 34 in the lock link 32, and a locking groove portion locking the locking pawl portion 34 is formed between the sliding portion 53 and the base portion. The locking groove portion 55 is structured, as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, such as to be engaged with the locking pawl portion 34 of the lock link 32 at an unlock position at which the lock bolt 48 is completely retracted within the insertion hole 19. Inotherwords, as shown inFigs. 6Aand6B, inastate inwhichthelockbOlt48 issomewhat advanced, and the lock bolt 48 is brought into contact with the cutc: poripheral iifr rf the steering shaft, that is, in a state in which the engagement member 66 is brought into contact with the end edge 50b in the leading end side of the engagement portion 50, the structure is made such that the locking pawl portion 34 of the lock link 32 is not locked to the locking groove portion 55.

As mentioned above, the lock bolt 48 provided with the independent slider 51 is arranged in the lock member arrangement portion 11 with the slider 51 being coupled thereto, before arranging the cam member 36. Further, in a state in which the lockbolt48 isinsertedtotheinsertioflholel9, andthecoupling portion 52 of the slider 51 is brought into contact with the stopper portion 20, the lock bolt energizing spring 40 serving as a first energizing member energizing the lock bolt 48 in the advancing direction is arranged in an upper side of the slider coupling portion 49 of the lock bolt 48. In this state, the cam member 36 is arranged as mentioned above. At this state, an end portion of the lock bolt energizing spring 40 is positioned in the installation portion 37 of the cam member 36.

The ignition switch 56 is a detecting means detecting a rotational position of the cylinder 26, and is arranged in an openendoftheswitChmemberarrangementP0rtJorhl2 in the housing via an ignition lid 57. In other words, the ignition lid 57 is arranged in the open end of the switch member arrangement portion 12, and the ignition switch 56 is arranged in an outer 3idc thorof. Th nnition switch 56 is structured such as to stop the engine and all the devices at the LOCK position, actuate only partial load parts such as an audio device or the like as well as stopping the engine at theACCpositiOfl, maintain adriven state of the engine in the case that the engine is driven as well as allowing all the load parts to be activated at the ON position, and switch an electric circuit in such a manner as to start the engine at the START position, in accordance with the rotational position of the cylinder 26 by detecting the turning motion of the cylinder 26 via the cam member 36 and the interlocking member 58. Further, a return spring (not shown) corresponding to a second energizing means is arranged in an inner portion of the ignition switch 56, and the interlocking member 58, the cam member 36 and the cylinder 26 are returned to the ON position from the START position on the basis of an energizing force of the return spring.

The interlocking member 58 is structured such as to transmit the rotational position of the cylinder 26 to the ignition switch 56 bybeing turned working with the turningmotiofl of the cam member 36. Further, the interlocking member 58 is also structured such as to transmit the energizing force for returning generated by the return spring of the ignition switch 56 to the cylinder 26 via the cam member 36. Specifically, the interlocking member 58 is provided with a coupling shaft 59 coupled to the ignition switch 56 while passing through the i;nitin]ir-.7 in an upper end thereof, as shown in Fig. 9A.

Further, a lower end of the interlocking member 58 is provided with a shaft portion 60 rotatably supported at the bearing portion 14 of the housing 10 in a protruding manner. An upper side of the shaft 60 is provided with a similar bevel gear portion 61 protruding outward in a radial direction so as to form a semicircular plate shape, and engaging with the bevel gear space portion 15. Further, an upper side of the shaft portion is provided with a cam portion 62 as an operation portion for actuating the engagement member 66 in a vertical direction so as to be positioned in an opposite side to the bevel gear portion 61. In this case, the interlocking member 58 is turned in a counterclockwise direction in a plan view if the cylinder 26 is turned to the START position from the LOCK position, and is turned in a clockwise direction if the cylinder 26 is turned to the LOCK position from the START position, as shown in Fig. 9B. Further, the structure is made such that a predetermined insertion space portion 63 is provided with respect to the bevel gear portion 61 in a state where it exists at the LOCK position.

Further, in the cam portion 62, a cam surface 64 inclined from a lower end to an upper end is provided in an end portion positioned at a side of the insertion space portion 63. A width of the cam surface 64 is smaller than a width of the first cam surface 42 of the cam member 36. In other words, if the cam surface ic turned frrm the LOCK position to the ACC position on the basis of the turning motion of the cylinder 26, the lock bolt 48 comes to a state in which the lock bolt 48 is completely retracted into the insertion hole 19 via the cam member 36. Accordingly, the structure is made such that it is possible to completely cancel the engagement between the engagement member 66 and the lock bolt 48 before c oming to the unlock state. Further, the portion connected to the cam surface 64 is formed as a flat shape in such a manner as to retain the position of the engagement member moving upward.

The switch member structured as mentioned above is structured such that the.interloCkiflgmelflber 58 is arranged with respect to the switch member arrangement portion 12 of the housing 10, and the interlocking member energizing spring 65 is thereafter outside fitted to the coupling shaft 59 of the interlocking member 58 so as to be arranged. Thereafter, there is energized such that the interlocking member 58 and the bevel gear portions 46 and 61of the cam member 36 maintain the engaged state with each other, by closing the open end of the switch member arrangement portion 12 by the ignition lid 57 * Further, the ignition switch 56 is arranged in an outer side of the ignition 1id57, andtheyare fixedandare coupledtheprotrudiflgCOUPling shaft 59.

The engagement member 66 is arranged within the switch member arrangemnentportion 12 of the housing 10, andis structured snrh s to reaulate the forward and backward movement of the lock bolt 48 by forward and backward moving from the engagement member insertion hole 17 to the lock member arrangement portion 11 working with the turning motion of the interlocking member 58. Specifically, in a locked state of the steering shaft by the lock bolt 48, the structure is made such as to prevent the lock bolt 48 from coming to the state in which the lock bolt by regulating the forward and backward movement of the lock bolt 48, and not to obstruct the advancing and the retracting of the lock bolt 48 in the other states than the lock state.

The engagement member 66 is provided with a base having an approximately fan-shaped form which coincides with the shape of the engagement member insertion hole 17, as shown in Fig. 10. A lower end of the engagement member 66 is provided with an engaged portion 67 which advances into the lock member arrangement portion 11 from the engagementmember insertion hole 17, and engages with the engagement portion 50 of the lock bolt 48 in a disengageable manner. The engaged portion 67 is formed thick by being formed so as to protrude inward in the radial direction, whereby a rigidity is improved. Further, an upper end of the engagement member 66 is provided with a cam receiving portion 68 which is engaged with the cam portion 62 of the interlocking member 58, that is, comes into slidable contact with the cam surface 64 in a lower end surface, inward in the rildirocticr 1'iirthcr.

67 is provided with a protruding portion 69 protruding downward so as to form approximately a cylindrical shape. The protruding portion 69 is provided for achieving a stability of the movement in the vertical direction of the engagement member 66 by being inserted to the guide hole 18 of the housing 10, and a lower formed as a conical shape. Further, an internal space of the protruding portion 69 constructs an accommodating portion of the engagement member energizing spring 71 energizing the engagement member 66 in a downward direction corresponding to the advancing direction into the lock member arrangement portion 11.

The engagement member 66 having the structure mentioned above is installed in a state in which the engagement member 66 can be moved in the vertical direction and can not be disengaged, by fixing the lid member 72 to the protruding plate portion 13 by screwing, in a state in which the engagement member 66 is inserted to the engagement member insertion hole 17 of the housing and the guide hole 18 by the lid member 72. The lid member 72 is formed as a fan-shaped form as shown in Fig. 11, and a positioning groove 73 positioning the base of the engagement member 66 such that the base can be inserted is formed in an outer peripheral portion of the lid member 72 in accordance with a notch. An inner side portion 72a of the positioning groove 7 i nrsifionedbetween the enqaqed portion 67 of the engagement member 66 and the cam receiving portion 68. Further, the lid member 72 is provided with a screw insertion hole 74 in such a manner as to be positioned at one side of the positioning groove 73. A portion between the positioning groove 73 and the screw insertion hole 74 constructs a receiving portion receiving an upper end of the engagement member energizing spring 71.

Next, a description will be given of an operation of the steering lock apparatus having the structure mentioned above.

First, in the state in which the cylinder 26 is at the LOCK position, and the key 75 is not inserted to the key hole 27, the steering lock apparatus comes to the lock state shown in Fig. 1A. In the lock state of the steering shaft, the leading end slidable contact surface of the sliding portion 53 of the slider 51 is positioned at the leading end portion in the turning direction of the first cam surface 42 of the cam member 36.

Accordingly, the slider 51 is structured such that the sliding portion 53 can be slid to the leading end surface side in the cam portion 41 of the cammember 36. Accordingly, the lock bolt 48 is advanced on the basis of the energizing force of the lock bolt energizing spring 40, and the coupling portion 52 of the slider 51 is positioned in the contact state with the stopper portion 20 in an interlocking manner. As a result, the leading end of the lock bolt 48 protrudes to an outer portion from the insertion hole 19 of the housing 10, and is engaged with the ccnca'Te rtHn nf the steering shaft.

If a driver inserts the regular key 75 to the key hole 27, as shown in Fig. 2A, in the LOCK state, the key detecting member 31 is activated outward in the radial direction in the cylinder 26, whereby the lock link 32 is moved against the energizing force of the locking canceling spring 35. Further, the tumbler 30 is absorbed in the cylinder 26, and the cylinder 26 comes to a rotatable state with respect to the holder 22.

If the cylinder 26 is turned in the clockwise direction in this state, the cam member 36 is integrally turned in the clockwise direction.

Then, the slider 51 is moved to the rear end surface side of the cam portion 41 as shown in Fig. 4A on the basis of the slidable contact of the sliding portion 53 with the first cam surface 42. As a result, the lock bolt 48 is integrally moved backward, therebybeingmovedbaCkward. Further, if the regular key 75 is turned to the ACC position, the locking groove portion of the slider 51 is locked to the locking pawl portion 34 of the lock link 32, and the unlock state is maintained until the regular key 75 is pulled out of the key hole 27.

On the other hand, if the cam member 36 is turned on the basis of the turning motion of the cylinder 26, the interlocking member 58 is turned in a direction of an axis of rotation which is different from the cam member 36 on the basis of the engagement between the bevel gear portions 46 and 61. As a result, the cain:ocoi'in' rrrt1cr R of the enqaqement member 66 comes into slidable contact with the cam surface 64 of the cam portion 62 fromthe state (the engagementpositiofl) shown in Fig. 23, whereby the engagement member 66 is moved upward against the energizing force of the engagement member energizing spring 71. Further, the engagement member 66 reaches the upper end of the cam surface 64 of the interlocking member 58 in the state in which the sliding portion 53 of the slider 51 brings the first cam surface 42 into slidable contact, that is, in a midstream stage that the regular key 75 is not turned to the ACC position, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4B, and reaches the non-engaged position which is completely retracted from the engagement portion 50 of the lock bolt 48.

If thecylinder26istUrfledtOtheACCP0Sitb0nmt0ned above, and thereafter the cylinder 26 is further turned to the ON position, the cam member 36 and the interlocking member 58 are turned, and the lock bolt 48 and the engagement member 66 maintain their positions without moving backward. Further, the ignition switch 56 detects the ON position of the cylinder 26 generated by the regular key 75, on the basis of the turning motion of the interlocking member 58, and outputs a main microcomputer of the motor vehicle.

Further, ifthecylinder26istUrfledtOthe5TA1TP0S3t0n1 the cam member 36 and the interlocking member 58 are turned in the same manner, and the lock bolt 48 and the engagement member 66 maintain their positions without moving backward. Further, th igr.iticn s-iith detects the START position of the cylinder 26 generated by the regular key 75 on the basis of the turning motion of the interlocking member 58, and outputs to the main microcomputer of the motor vehicle. Further, in this turning state, arranged in an innerportionof the ignition switch 56 is compressed.

If the driver unlink a hand from the regular key 75 in the state in which the cylinder 26 is turned to the START position, the compression regulation of the return spring incorporated in the ignition switch 56 is canceled. Accordingly, the interlocking member 58 is turned inversely on the basis of the energizing forceoftheretUrflSpriflg. Therefore, the cammember 36 is turned in an interlocking manner, integrally turns the cylinder26inacoUflterclOckWiSedirect01i andisautomatically returned to the ON position.

On the other hand, if the cylinder 26 at the ON position is turned to the ACC position, the cam member 36 and the interlocking member 58 are turned in an inverse direction to the direction mentioned above, and the lock bolt 48 and the engagement member 66 maintain their positions without moving forward. Further, the ignition switch 56 detects the ACC position of the cylinder 26 generated by the regular key 75 on the basis of the turning motion of the interlocking member 58, and outputs to the main microcomputer of the motor vehicle.

If the cylinder 26 is turned further to the LOCK position, ti-ia ct.cr.ber nr1 t-interlocking member 58 are turned in an interlocking manner, as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B. At this time, since the lock bolt 48 is engaged with the lock link 32 via the slider 51, the lock bolt 48 does not move forward but theunlockposition regardless of the energizing force of the lock bolt energizing spring 40 and the incline of the first cam surface 42. Accordingly, since the lower end surface of the engaged portion 67 is positioned on the surface near the engagement portion 50 in the lock bolt 48, the engagement member 66 maintains the non-engaged position without moving forward, regardless of the energizing force of the engagement member energizing spring 71 and the incline of the cam surface 64.

Further, if the driver pulls out the regular key 75 from the key hole 27, the lock link 32 is turned by the energizing force of the locking canceling spring 35 on the basis of the canceling of the pressing of the key detection member 31 by the regular key 75, as shown in Fig. 1A. Accordingly, since the engagement between the lock link 32 and the slider 51 is canceled, the lock bolt 48 is advanced together with the slider 51 on the basis of the energizing force of the lock bolt energizing spring 40, and is engaged with the engagement concave portion of the steering shaft. Further, since the engagement portion 50 of the lock bolt 48 is positioned in the lower portion of the engaged portion 67 of the engagement member 66, the engagement member 66 is advanced on the basis of the energizing fore of the engagement i-' jinrl cprinrl 71. and is enqaged with the engagement portion 50 of the lock bolt 48.

In the case that the lock bolt 48 does not come into line with the engagement concave portion of the steering shaft in the circumferential direction, the leading end of the lock bolt 48 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft so as to form a state in which they can not engage.

In this case, the lock bolt 48 comes to a somewhat advancing state, and if the lock bolt 48 comes into line on the basis of the turning motion of the steering wheel, it is advanced by the energizing force of the lock bolt energizing spring 40 so as to come to the state of locking the steering wheel. Further, in this state, in the engagement member 66, the lower portion of the engaged portion 67 is positioned at the engagement portion of the lock bolt 48, and they are engaged.

In the case that the other dummy key 75' than the regular key 75 is inserted to the key hole 27, the structure is different only in a point that the tumbler 30 is not absorbed in the cylinder, in Figs. 2A and 2B, and maintains a state in which the cylinder 26 can not be turned. In other words, since the key detection member 31 is activated outward in the radial direction in the cylinder 26, the lock link 32 is moved against the energizing force of the locking canceling spring 35.

In this state, if the strong shock is applied to the housing by the hammer and actuates such that the lock bolt 48 is moved Lckard girst the err 7mg force of the lock bolt energizing spring 40, in the same manner as the conventional one, the engagement member 66 comes into contact with the end edge 50b in the leading end side of the engagement portion 50, as shown in Figs. 6A and 6B. Further, in the present embodiment, since the structure is made such that the locking pawl portion 34 of the lock link 32 is not locked to the locking groove portion in this state, the slider 51 does not lock to the lock link 32. Accordingly, if the force in the retracting direction with respect to the lock bolt 48 is canceled, the lock bolt 48 is again advanced on the basis of the energizing force of the lock bolt energizing spring 40.

As mentioned above, in the steering lock apparatus in accordance with the present invention, even if the retracting force is applied to the lock bolt 48 in the state in which the dummy key 75' is inserted to the key hole 27, the lock link 32 is locked to the slider 51 so as to come to the unlock position, and it is possible to prevent the maintenance of this state.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide the steering lock apparatus having high reliability with regard to the antitheft countermeasure.

Further, since the engagement member 66 for preventing the unfair unlocking does not carry out the advancing and retracting drive of the lock bolt 48, but corresponds to the peculiar part independently provided as the independent system, it i5p3 iblotoimprTr1ibilitVanddurabilJ.tY. Further, since there are individually provided the engaged portion 67 engaging with the engagement portion 50 of the lock bolt 48, and the cam receiving portion 68 engaging with the cam surface 64 of the interlocking member 58, it is possible to reduce a consumption (an abrasion) of the engagement member 66, and it is possible to improve a durability. Further, at a time of assembling the engagement member 66 in the housing 10, since it is possible to securely assemble at the regular assembled position by inserting the protruding portion 69 to the guide hole 18 of the housing 10, it is possible to improve an assembling Further, the present embodiment is structured such that in the steering lock apparatus of the type constructed such that the advancing and retracting direction of the lock bolt 48 is approximately in parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam member 36, the cam portion 41 actuating the engagement member 66 is provided in the interlocking member 58 having the axis of rotation approximately extending in the vertical direction to the advancing and retracting direction of the lock bolt 48, and the engagement member 66 is activated by utilizing the rotation of the interlocking member 58. Accordingly, it is possibletomoVetheeflgagemefltmember 66inthe lateraldirectiOn with respect to the moving direction of the lock bolt 48 on the basis of the simple structure, and it is possible to shorten nccocr' strr fnr the enoaaeraent member 66 corresponding to the peculiar part moving from the engaged position to the non-engaged position. Further, it is possible to downsize the steering lock apparatus itself on the basis of the simple structure and the shortening of the stroke of the engagement member 66.

<Second Embodiment> Figs. 12 to 18 show a steering lock apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment. The steering lock apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment is widely different from the first embodiment in a point that an engagement member 85 is arranged so as to be rotatably movable with respect to the housing 10 in the second embodiment, while the engagement member 66 is arranged so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to the housing 10 in the first embodiment.

Specifically1 the housing 10 is provided with a concave portion 80 which is depressed to a downward side corresponding to the side of the lock member arrangement portion 11, in place of the engagement member insertion hole 17 formed in the protruding plate portion 13, and the concave portion 80 is providedwith a shaft hole 81, and an engagernentmerflber insertion groove 82 extending as a circular arc shape around the shaft hole 81, as shown in Fig. 13.

Further, the interlocking member 58 is provided with an approximately semicircular shaped plate portion 83 connected t th boyd;er port nfl 1.. as an oierat ion portion for turning the engagement member 85 in a horizontal direction so as to be positioned in an opposite side to the bevel gear portion 61, in place of the cam portion 62 corresponding to the operation portion of the engagement member 85, and the plate portion 83 isprovidedwitha fan_shapedoperatiOngroove 84whichisnotched toward an axis center from an outer peripheral portion, as shown in Fig. 14.

In this case, the operation groove 84 has one end edge 84a and the other end edge 84b, and the other end edge 84b is structured such as to turn the engagement member 85 to a non-engaged position with respect to the engagement portion 50 by pressing the engagement member 85. On the other hand, the engagement member insertion groove 82 of the housing 10 is formed as a circular arc shape around the shaft hole 81 having a different position from the bearing portion 14 rotatably supporting the interlocking member 58. Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, the interlocking member 58 is formed such that a radius ri of the plate portion 83 constructing the one end edge 84a is larger than a radius r2 of the plate portion 83 constructing the other end edge 84b. On the other hand, the engagement member insertion groove 82 formed in the housing 10 is structured such that a counterclockwise leading end side corresponding to the non-engaged position in Fig. 13 is approximately positioned on a turning locus of the radius ri around the bearing portion 14, i pccitic'ned in n ruter side of a turning locus of the radius r2.

Further, the engagement member 85 in accordance with the present embodiment is rotatably installed to the concave portion of the housing 10 around the axis of rotation extending in parallel to the axial direction of the interlocking member. The engagement member 85 is provided with a rotation shaft portion andisprovided with an arm portion 87 protruding outward in a radial direction fromthe rotation shaftportbonB6, as shownin Fig. 15. Aleading end of the arm portion 87 is provided with an engaged portion 88 which is inserted to the engagement member insertion groove 5Oof the member 85. Further, an upper side of the engaged portion 88 in the arm portion 87 is provided with an operation receiving portion 89 which is positioned within the operation groove 84 of the interlocking member 58, and is turned to the non-engaged position with respect to the engagement portion 50 by being pressed by the other end edge 84b of the operation groove 84.

Further, the present embodiment is structured such that a spring receiving portion 90 is provided in a protruding manner on a lower surface of the arm portion 87, and a kick spring 91 corresponding to an energizing means energizing the engagement member 85 toward an engaged position is locked to the spring aiving portion 9fl.

In the steering lock apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment structured as mentioned above, the motions of the cylinder 26, the cam member 36, the lock bolt 48 including the slider 51 and the interlocking member 58 achievedby inserting the key 75 to the cylinder 26 so as to operate are the same as those of the first eabodiment.

In other words, if the driver inserts the regular key 75 to the key hole 27 and turns the cylinder 26 in the clockwise direction corresponding to the ACC position side, in the LOCK state, the cam member 36 is integrally turned in the clockwise direction. Accordingly, since the slider 51 is moved to the rear end surface side of the cam portion 41, the lock bolt 48 is integrallymovedbackward, jsretractedwithinthehoUSiflg 10. Further, the locking groove portion 55 of the slider 51 is locked to the locking pawl portion 34 of the lock link 32, and the unlock state is maintained until the regular key 75 is pulled out of the key hole 27.

On the other hand, if the cam member 36 is turned on the basisoftherOtatjonofthecYlnr26, irierlockiflgIflember 58 is turned in an interlocking manner. As a result, the other end edge 84b of the operation groove 84 comes into contact with the operation receiving portion 89 of the engagement member 85 so as to turn in the counterclockwise direction in a state (an engaged position) shown in Fig. 16. The rotation of the rnmhr 85 is stopped on the basis of the fact that its position is positioned in an outer side of the radius r2 of the plate portion 83 in a state in which the engaged portion 88 is positioned in a counterclockwise end portion in the engagement member insertion groove 82. In this state, as shown in Fig. 17, since an outer peripheral edge of the plate portion 83 is positioned in a turning (energizing) direction of the engagement member 85 generated by the kick spring 91, the plate portion 83 serves as a stopper, and regulates the rotation of the engagement member 85 so as to maintain the non-engaged position.

If the cylinder 26 is turnedto theACCpositiOfl asmentioned above, and the cylinder 26 is thereafter turned to the ONposition or the START position, the cam member 36 and the interlocking member 58 turn, and on the other hand, the lock bolt 48 and the engagement member 85 maintain their positions without moving.

On the contrary, if the cylinder 26 at the ON position is turned to the ACC position, the cam member 36 and the interlocking member 58 are turned inversely to the above, and on the other hand, the lock bolt 48 and the engagement member maintain thief positions without moving.

Further, if the cylinder 26 is turned to the LOCKpositiOfl, the cam member 36 and the interlocking member 58 are turned in an interlocking manner. At this time, since the lock bolt 48 is engaged with the lock link 32 via the slider 51, the unlock pcsitiCr i intned until the key 75 is pulled out.

Accordingly, since the engaged portion 88 of the engagement member 85 is positioned in the side surface close to the engagement portion 50 in the lockbolt 48, the engagementmernber B5maintains the non-engaged position without turning regardless of the energization of the kick spring 91.

If the driver pulls out the regular key 75 from the key hole 27, the lock link 32 is turned on the basis of the energizing force of the locking canceling spring 35, and the lock bolt 48 is advanced together with the slider 51 on the basis of the energizing fore of the lock bolt energizing spring 40. As a result, since the engagement portion 50 of the lock bolt 48 is positioned beside the engaged portion 67 of the engagement member by being engaged with the engagement concave portion of the steering shaft, the engagement member 85 is turned on the basis of the energizing force of the kick spring 91, and is engaged with the engagement portion 50 of the lock bolt 48. In the case that the lock bolt 48 does not come into line with the engagement concave portion of the steering shaft in the circumferential direction, the engaged portion 88 of the engagement member 85 maintains the non-engaged state with respect to the engagement portion50, asshowninFig. 18, andifthelockbOlt4B isengaged with the engagement concave portion of the steering shaft, the engaged portion 88 is engaged with the engagement portion 50.

On the other hand, if the strong shock is applied to the hcir; ifl hr i-hp -immer or the like in a state in which the dummy key 75' is inserted to the key hole 27, the engaged portion 88 of the engagement member 85 is brought into contact with the end edge 50b in the leading end side of the engagement portion 50. Accordingly, since the locking pawl portion 34 of the lock link 32 can not be locked to the locking groove portion 55 of the slider 51, it is possible to prevent the lock bolt 48 from coming to the unlock position in the same manner as the first embodiment. Particularly, since the engagement member 85 in accordance with the present embodiment is structured such as tobe rotationally moved in place of being slidablymoved linearly, it is extremely hard that the engagement member 85 is rotationally moved in accordance with an inertia on the basis of the shock.

Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the antitheft effect.

Further, since the engagement member 85 is constituted by the peculiar part which is independently provided in of the lock bolt 48, it is possible to improve reliability and durability. Further, since there are individually provided the engaged portion 88 engaging with the engagement portion 50 of the lock bolt 48, and the engagement receiving portion engaging with the operation groove 84 of the interlocking member 58, it is possible to reduce the consumption (the abrasion) of the engagernentmember85, and it ispossibletoimprovethedurability.

Further; .inr the stroke of the engagement member 85 can be shortened in addition to the simple structure, it is possible to downsize the steering lock apparatus itself.

In this case, the steering lock apparatus in accordance with the present invention is not limited to the structures of the embodiments mentioned above, but can be variously modified.

For example, in the embodiments mentioned above, the independent slider 51 is arranged in the lock bolt 48, however, the structure of the slider 51 may be integrally provided in the lock bolt 48. Further, in the embodiments mentioned above, the engagement portion 50 is provided in the side surface of the lock bolt 48, the structure may be made such that the rear endsurfaceofthelOCkbOlt 48 is formedasanengagemefltportiOfl, and the rear end surface of the lock bolt 48 is engaged with the engagement members 66 and 85, thereby preventing the lock bolt 48 from moving to the unlock position.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A steering lock apparatus comprising: a cylinder which is rotatably stored within a housing and is turned by a key; a cam member which is integrally turned with the cylinder; a lock bolt which works with the rotation of the cam member and is movable from a lock position engaging with a steering shaft so as to prevent the steering shaft from rotating to an unlock position at which the engagement with the steering shaft is canceled and the steering shaft is rotatable; and n interlocking member which is activated while working with the rotation of the cam member and actuates a detecting means detecting a rotational position of the cylinder, characterized in that: the lock bolt is provided with an engagement portion; the apparatus is provided with an engagement member engaging with the engagement portion in a disengageab]-e manner and preventing a movement of the lock bolt from the lock position to the unlock position; and the interlocking member is provided with an operating portion moving the engagement member from an engaged position with the engagement portion to a non-engaged position, and allowing the engagement member to engage with the engagement portion at the lock position of the lock bolt.
2. A steering lock apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the engagement member is provided with an engaged portion engaging with the engagement portion of the lock bolt, and a cam receiving portion engaging with the cam portion provided as the operating portion of the interlocking member.
3. A steering lock apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the engagement member is provided with a protruding portion protruding along the moving direction of tho en *i,pnt member, and the housing is provided with a guide hole accommodating the protruding portion in such a manner that it is movable forward and backward.
4. A steering lock apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the engagement member is installed so as to be rotatable around a rotating shaft extending in parallel andisprovided with an engaged portion engaging with the engagement portion of the lock bolt, and an operation receiving portion engaging with an operation groove provided as the operation portion of the interlocking member.