JP4510725B2 - Steering lock device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering lock device that makes it impossible to turn a steering wheel by fitting a lock member to a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel.

  Conventionally, mechanical steering lock devices have been widely used to prevent theft of automobiles. In this type of steering lock device, when the key rotor of the key cylinder housed in the lock body is rotated to the locked position ("LOCK" position) by rotating the mechanical key and the mechanical key is removed from the key rotor, A lock bar is fitted to a steering shaft connected to the wheel. As a result, the steering wheel cannot be turned (steering) (locked state).

  Then, by inserting a mechanical key into the key rotor and rotating the mechanical key, the key rotor is rotated from the locked position to the operating position (“ACC” position, “ON” position, “START” position). The lock bar is moved away from the steering shaft by the action of the cam portion of the cam gear rotated integrally with the steering shaft. As a result, when the lock bar is pulled out from the steering shaft, the steering is possible (unlocked). Further, as the cam gear rotates, the gear mechanism including the gear portion of the cam gear is operated to operate the ignition switch.

  Therefore, the steering lock device is an effective means for preventing theft because steering steering and operation of the ignition switch cannot be performed unless a proper mechanical key is inserted into the key cylinder.

  However, in such a steering lock device, if the key cylinder is removed from the lock body in some way in the locked state, or the front part of the lock body is destroyed and the key cylinder is removed from the lock body. The cam gear is exposed in the lock body, and the cam gear can be rotated.

Therefore, a steering lock device having a member (blocking member) that prevents the cam gear from rotating when the key cylinder is removed from the lock body in the locked state has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, (See Patent Document 3).
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-134773 JP-A-8-104202 JP 2000-225922 A

  However, even if the steering lock device includes the blocking member, when the blocking member itself is attacked, the function as the blocking member is impaired. Then, after all, there is a possibility that the rotation of the cam gear cannot be prevented in the locked state. When the cam gear is rotated, the lock bar is pulled out from the steering shaft. In other words, there is a possibility that the unlocked state is entered when the locked state is to be maintained.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steering lock device capable of maintaining the locked state when the locked state should be maintained. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the column tube through which the steering shaft connected to the steering wheel is inserted is fixed to the bracket so as to be clamped in cooperation with the bracket. A lock body and a first lock member housed in the lock body so as to be detachable from the steering shaft, and the first lock member is fitted to the steering shaft In a steering lock device that is locked so that the steering wheel cannot be rotated, the steering wheel can be engaged with and disengaged from the steering shaft. A second locking member to be disengaged and detachable with respect to the second locking member; When the second lock member is engaged with the steering shaft, the second lock member is prevented from fitting to the steering shaft, while when the second lock member is disengaged, the second lock member is engaged with the steering shaft. And engaging means for allowing fitting of the lock member.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the steering lock device according to the first aspect, the engaging means includes a first biasing member that biases the second lock member toward the steering shaft, When the second locking member is detachable and engaged with the second locking member, the steering shaft side of the second locking member resists the urging force of the first urging member. A stopper that prevents movement of the second locking member toward the steering shaft by the urging force of the first urging member when the engagement with the second locking member is released while It is characterized by having.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the steering lock device according to the second aspect, the engagement means urges the stopper toward a direction in which the engagement with the second lock member is released. The urging member can be engaged with and disengaged from the stopper, and when engaged with the stopper, the stopper is engaged with the second locking member against the urging force of the second urging member. A holding member for releasing the engagement state of the stopper with respect to the second lock member by the urging force of the second urging member when the engagement with the stopper is released while maintaining the state. Features.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the steering lock device according to the third aspect, the holding member is detachably fixed to the lock body.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the steering lock device according to the fourth aspect, when the external force is applied to the lock body, the lock body is broken so that the break along the broken groove portion is realized. A groove portion is formed, and the holding member is fixed to a portion that is removed by the break when the lock body is broken along the break groove portion.

The “action” of the present invention will be described below.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the steering lock device is attacked in such a manner that the engagement of the engagement means with the second lock member is released in the locked state, the fitting of the second lock member to the steering shaft is performed. Is allowed. When the second lock member is fitted to the steering shaft, the steering wheel cannot be turned. That is, even if the fitting of the first locking member to the steering shaft is released in the locked state, the locked state is maintained by fitting the second locking member to the steering shaft. Therefore, the locked state can be maintained when the locked state is to be maintained.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the steering lock device is attacked in such a manner that the engagement of the stopper with the second lock member is released in the locked state, the second force is applied by the urging force of the first urging member. The lock member is pushed out to the steering shaft side. When the second lock member is fitted to the steering shaft, the steering wheel cannot be turned. Therefore, in the case where the locked state is to be maintained, the locked state can be maintained.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the steering lock device is attacked in such a manner that the engagement of the holding member with the stopper is released in the locked state, the stopper is moved by the urging force of the second urging member. It is moved in the direction of detachment from the lock member. And when the engagement state of the stopper with respect to the second lock member is released, the movement of the second lock member toward the steering shaft is allowed. When the second lock member is fitted to the steering shaft, the steering wheel cannot be turned. Therefore, in the case where the locked state is to be maintained, the locked state can be maintained.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the steering lock device is attacked in such a manner that the holding member is removed from the lock body in the locked state, the engagement of the holding member with the stopper is released. Then, with this as a trigger, when the second lock member is eventually fitted to the steering shaft, the turning operation of the steering wheel becomes impossible. Therefore, in the case where the locked state is to be maintained, the locked state can be maintained.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the lock body is attacked and an external force is applied to the lock body in the locked state, the lock body is broken along the breaking groove. And when a holding member is removed with the part removed by this fracture | rupture, engagement of the holding member with respect to a stopper is cancelled | released. Then, with this as a trigger, when the second lock member is eventually fitted to the steering shaft, the turning operation of the steering wheel becomes impossible. Therefore, in the case where the locked state is to be maintained, the locked state can be maintained.

Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
According to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the locked state can be maintained when the locked state is to be maintained.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in an automobile steering lock device will be described.
A column tube 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is fixed to a body frame (not shown) of the automobile. The column tube 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A steering shaft 2 is rotatably inserted into the column tube 1. A steering gear (not shown) is connected to the proximal end portion of the steering shaft 2 via an intermediate shaft (not shown). On the other hand, a steering wheel 3 is connected and fixed to the tip of the steering shaft 2. The steering wheel 3 is disposed in front of the driver's seat in the passenger compartment. The steering wheel 3 can be rotated.

  When the steering wheel 3 is turned by a person (driver) seated in the driver's seat, the steering wheel 3 and the steering shaft 2 are integrally turned. Accordingly, the turning operation force of the steering wheel 3 is transmitted to the steering gear. As a result, the drive wheels are steered by the action of a coupling mechanism (not shown) interposed between the steering gear and the drive wheels (not shown).

  A lock holder 2 a is fixed to a substantially central position along the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. A plurality of teeth (convex portions) are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lock holder 2a. When a lock bar 13 of a steering lock device 4 to be described later is fitted into a groove (concave portion) formed between two adjacent teeth, the steering wheel 3 is turned (steering steering). Is impossible. On the other hand, when the fitting of the lock bar 13 to the groove is released, steering can be performed.

  A through hole 1 a is formed at a substantially central position along the axial direction in the column tube 1. A steering lock device 4 is disposed around the substantially center position along the axial direction in the column tube 1 corresponding to the through hole 1a. The steering lock device 4 includes a lock body 10 and a bracket 20. The lock body 10 is formed by magnesium die casting. The lock body 10 is provided with a fitting recess 11. The fitting recess 11 is formed in a semicircular cross section corresponding to the outer diameter of the column tube 1. The fitting recess 11 is provided with a fitting protrusion 11a. The fitting protrusion 11a is fitted in the through hole 1a. A guide hole 11b is provided in the fitting protrusion 11a. In the lock body 10, a pair of attachment portions 12 are provided on the side of the fitting recess 11. Each of the mounting portions 12 is provided with a bolt hole 12a.

  A fitting recess 21 is provided in the bracket 20. The fitting recess 21 is formed in a semicircular cross section corresponding to the outer diameter of the column tube 1. A pair of attachment portions 22 are provided on the side of the fitting recess 21 in the bracket 20. Each of the mounting portions 22 is provided with a bolt insertion hole 22a. Then, the lock body 10 is fixed to the bracket 20 so as to clamp the column tube 1 in cooperation with the bracket 20 by inserting the bolt 30 into the bolt insertion hole 22a and screwing it into the bolt hole 12a. ing.

  In the lock body 10, a key cylinder (not shown) and a lock unit (only the lock bar 13 is shown among various members constituting the lock unit, and the others are not shown) are housed. The lock bar 13 can be engaged with and disengaged from the steering shaft 2 (groove of the lock holder 2a). When the lock bar 13 is fitted in the groove of the lock holder 2a (see FIG. 3), steering is impossible. That is, at this time, the steering lock device 4 is locked. On the other hand, the lock bar 13 enables steering steering when the engagement of the lock holder 2a with the groove is released (see FIG. 4). That is, at this time, the steering lock device 4 is unlocked. The lock bar 13 corresponds to a first lock member.

Next, features of the steering lock device 4 will be described.
In the column tube 1, a through hole 1 b is formed at a position away from the through hole 1 a. An accommodating recess 14 is formed in the lock body 10 corresponding to the through hole 1b. As shown in FIG. 5, a lock bar 15, a spring 16, a stopper 17, and a spring 18 are housed in the housing recess 14.

  The lock bar 15 is urged toward the steering shaft 2 by a spring 16. The lock bar 15 can be engaged with and disengaged from the steering shaft 2 (groove of the lock holder 2a). When the lock bar 15 is held in a state of being retracted from the steering shaft 2 toward the housing recess 14 against the biasing force of the spring 16 (see FIG. 5), the lock bar 15 is fitted into the groove of the lock holder 2a. Is released. On the other hand, the lock bar 15 is fitted into the groove of the lock holder 2a when the lock bar 15 is advanced from the housing recess 14 toward the steering shaft 2 by the urging force of the spring 16 (see FIG. 6). When the lock bar 15 is fitted into the groove of the lock holder 2a, steering is impossible. That is, at this time, the steering lock device 4 is locked. The lock bar 15 corresponds to a second lock member.

  The stopper 17 is biased toward a direction in which the engagement with the lock bar 15 is released by the spring 18 (a direction away from the lock bar 15). The stopper 17 can be engaged with and disengaged from the lock bar 15. When the stopper 17 is engaged with the lock bar 15 (see FIG. 5), the stopper 17 prevents the lock bar 15 from moving toward the steering shaft 2 against the urging force of the spring 16. On the other hand, the stopper 17 allows the lock bar 15 to move toward the steering shaft 2 by the urging force of the spring 16 when the engagement with the lock bar 15 is released (see FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the stopper 17 is provided with one end of a plate 19 so that it can be engaged and disengaged. The other end of the plate 19 is detachably fixed to the lock body 10. In relation to the plate 19, the fracture body 10 a is formed in the lock body 10. The breaking groove portion 10a is for realizing breakage along the breaking groove portion 10a when an external force is applied to the lock body 10. And the said plate 19 is being fixed to the part removed by this fracture | rupture, when the lock body 10 is fractured | ruptured along the fracture | rupture groove part 10a.

  When the plate 19 is engaged with the stopper 17 (refer to FIG. 5), the engagement state of the stopper 17 with the lock bar 15 is maintained against the urging force of the spring 18. On the other hand, when the engagement with the stopper 17 is released (see FIG. 6), the plate 19 releases the engagement state of the stopper 17 with the lock bar 15 by the urging force of the spring 18.

  In the present embodiment, the spring 16, the stopper 17, the spring 18, and the plate 19 correspond to engagement means that can be engaged with and disengaged from the lock bar 15. The engaging means prevents the lock bar 15 from being fitted to the steering shaft 2 when engaged with the lock bar 15. On the other hand, the engagement means allows the lock bar 15 to be fitted to the steering shaft 2 when the engagement with the lock bar 15 is released.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.
(1) When the steering lock device 4 is attacked in such a manner that the engagement means (spring 16, stopper 17, spring 18, plate 19) is disengaged from the lock bar 15 in the locked state, the steering shaft 2 is locked. The fitting of the bar 15 is allowed. When the lock bar 15 is fitted to the steering shaft 2, the turning operation of the steering wheel 3 becomes impossible. That is, even if the lock bar 13 is released from the steering shaft 2 in the locked state, the locked state is maintained by the lock bar 15 being engaged with the steering shaft 2. Therefore, the locked state can be maintained when the locked state is to be maintained.

  (2) When the steering lock device 4 is attacked in such a manner that the engagement of the stopper 17 with the lock bar 15 is released in the locked state, the lock bar 15 is pushed out to the steering shaft 2 side by the urging force of the spring 16. When the lock bar 15 is fitted to the steering shaft 2, the turning operation of the steering wheel 3 becomes impossible. Therefore, in the case where the locked state is to be maintained, the locked state can be maintained.

  (3) When the steering lock device 4 is attacked in such a manner that the engagement of the plate 19 with the stopper 17 is released in the locked state, the stopper 17 is moved in a direction to detach from the lock bar 15 by the urging force of the spring 18. . When the engagement state of the stopper 17 with the lock bar 15 is released, the movement of the lock bar 15 toward the steering shaft 2 is allowed. When the lock bar 15 is fitted to the steering shaft 2, the turning operation of the steering wheel 3 becomes impossible. Therefore, in the case where the locked state is to be maintained, the locked state can be maintained.

  (4) When the steering lock device 4 is attacked in such a manner that the plate 19 is removed from the lock body 10 in the locked state, the engagement of the plate 19 with the stopper 17 is released. Then, with this as an opportunity, when the lock bar 15 is eventually fitted to the steering shaft 2, the turning operation of the steering wheel 3 becomes impossible. Therefore, in the case where the locked state is to be maintained, the locked state can be maintained.

  (5) When the lock body 10 is attacked and an external force is applied to the lock body 10 in the locked state, the lock body 10 is broken along the breaking groove 10a. When the plate 19 is removed together with the portion removed by the breakage, the engagement of the plate 19 with the stopper 17 is released. Then, with this as an opportunity, when the lock bar 15 is eventually fitted to the steering shaft 2, the turning operation of the steering wheel 3 becomes impossible. Therefore, in the case where the locked state is to be maintained, the locked state can be maintained.

In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed and actualized as follows.
When the steering shaft 2 and the lock bar 13 are fitted in a concave-convex relationship so that the steering wheel 3 cannot be rotated, the convex portion of the steering shaft 2 is fitted into the concave portion of the lock bar 13. A configuration may be adopted. Or you may employ | adopt the structure which fits the convex part of the lock bar 13 to the recessed part of the steering shaft 2. FIG. Alternatively, a configuration in which the unevenness of the steering shaft 2 and the unevenness of the lock bar 13 are fitted may be employed.

  When the steering shaft 2 and the lock bar 15 are fitted in a concave-convex relationship so that the steering wheel 3 cannot be rotated, the convex portion of the steering shaft 2 is fitted into the concave portion of the lock bar 15. A configuration may be adopted. Or you may employ | adopt the structure which fits the convex part of the lock bar 15 to the recessed part of the steering shaft 2. FIG. Alternatively, a configuration in which the unevenness of the steering shaft 2 and the unevenness of the lock bar 15 are fitted may be employed.

  In order to prevent the lock bar 15 from moving toward the steering shaft 2, when the lock bar 15 and the stopper 17 are fitted in a concave-convex relationship, the convex portion of the lock bar 15 is fitted into the concave portion of the stopper 17. A configuration may be adopted. Alternatively, a configuration in which the convex portion of the stopper 17 is fitted in the concave portion of the lock bar 15 may be employed. Or you may employ | adopt the structure which the unevenness | corrugation of the lock bar 15 and the unevenness | corrugation of the stopper 17 are fitted.

  In order to maintain the engagement state of the stopper 17 with the lock bar 15, a configuration in which the convex portion of the stopper 17 is fitted into the concave portion of the plate 19 when the stopper 17 and the plate 19 are fitted in a concave-convex relationship. May be. Alternatively, a configuration in which the convex portion of the plate 19 is fitted in the concave portion of the stopper 17 may be adopted. Alternatively, a configuration in which the unevenness of the stopper 17 and the unevenness of the plate 19 are fitted may be employed.

As long as the lock bar 15 is urged toward the steering shaft 2 side, the spring 16 may be changed to any urging means.
As long as the stopper 17 is urged toward the direction in which the engagement with the lock bar 15 is released, the spring 18 may be changed to any urging means.

  When the steering wheel 3 is about to be rotated while the lock bar 15 is fitted to the steering shaft 2, the steering wheel 3, the steering shaft 2, the lock holder 2 a, and the lock bar 15 are used. A configuration in which the member receiving the force is the lock body 10 may be employed (see FIG. 8). Or you may employ | adopt the structure which the column tube 1 receives force (refer FIG. 9).

  In the above embodiment, the engaging means (spring 16, stopper 17, spring 18, plate 19) are all provided on the lock body 10, but a configuration in which the spring 16, stopper 17, and spring 18 are provided on the bracket 20 is adopted. May be. The stopper 17 is provided with one end of a plate 19 detachably, and the other end of the plate 19 is detachably fixed to the lock body 10.

  In such a configuration, when the steering wheel 3 is to be rotated while the lock bar 15 is fitted to the steering shaft 2, the steering wheel 3, the steering shaft 2, the lock holder 2a, the lock A configuration in which the member receiving the force via the bar 15 is the bracket 20 may be employed (see FIG. 10). Or you may employ | adopt the structure which the column tube 1 receives force (refer FIG. 11).

The perspective view which shows the structure of a steering wheel periphery. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a steering wheel periphery. It is a top view of a steering lock device, and shows a locked state. It is a top view of a steering lock device, and shows an unlocked state. The principal part sectional drawing which shows the state which the lock bar (2nd locking member) has retracted. The principal part sectional view showing the state where the lock bar (second lock member) has advanced. It is a perspective view of a lock body, and shows a mode that a plate is provided in relation to a fracture groove part. The schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that a lock body receives force from a lock bar when a steering wheel is going to be rotated. The schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that a column tube receives force from a lock bar when a steering wheel is going to be rotated. The schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that a bracket receives force from a lock bar when a steering wheel is going to be rotated. The schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that a column tube receives force from a lock bar when a steering wheel is going to be rotated.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Column tube, 2 ... Steering shaft, 3 ... Steering wheel, 4 ... Steering lock apparatus, 10 ... Lock body, 10a ... Breaking groove part, 13 ... Lock bar (1st locking member), 15 ... Lock bar (2nd , 16... Spring (engaging means, first biasing member), 17... Stopper (engaging means, stopper), 18... Spring (engaging means, second biasing member), 19. Plate (engaging means, holding member), 20... Bracket.

Claims (5)

A lock body fixed to the bracket so as to clamp the column tube through which the steering shaft connected to the steering wheel is inserted in cooperation with the bracket, and a lock so as to be detachable from the steering shaft. And a first locking member housed in the body, and the steering locking device is in a locked state in which the steering wheel cannot be rotated when the first locking member is fitted to the steering shaft. In
A second locking member that is detachable with respect to the steering shaft, and that disables a turning operation of the steering wheel when fitted to the steering shaft;
The second lock member is detachable with respect to the second lock member, and prevents the fitting of the second lock member to the steering shaft when engaged with the second lock member, while the second lock member A steering lock device, comprising: an engaging means for allowing the second lock member to be fitted to the steering shaft when the engagement to the steering shaft is released. The steering lock device according to claim 1, wherein
The engaging means includes
A first biasing member that biases the second lock member toward the steering shaft;
The steering shaft of the second lock member is detachable with respect to the second lock member and resists the biasing force of the first biasing member when engaged with the second lock member. A stopper that prevents movement of the second lock member to the steering shaft side by the urging force of the first urging member when the engagement to the second lock member is released while preventing the movement to the side And a steering lock device. In the steering lock device according to claim 2,
The engaging means includes
A second biasing member that biases the stopper toward a direction in which the engagement with the second lock member is released;
While being able to be engaged and disengaged with respect to the stopper, while being engaged with the stopper, while maintaining the engagement state of the stopper with respect to the second locking member against the urging force of the second urging member, A steering lock device comprising: a holding member that releases the engagement state of the stopper with respect to the second lock member by the biasing force of the second biasing member when the engagement with the stopper is released . In the steering lock device according to claim 3,
The steering lock device, wherein the holding member is detachably fixed to the lock body. The steering lock device according to claim 4, wherein
When the external force is applied to the lock body, a fracture groove is formed in the lock body so that the fracture along the fracture groove is realized,
The steering lock device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is fixed to a portion that is removed by the breaking when the lock body is broken along the breaking groove.

Images