JP5061940B2 - Steering lock device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering lock device that locks a steering wheel so that a steering wheel does not rotate when an ignition key is removed from a keyhole in order to prevent theft of an automobile.

  In the steering lock device, when the ignition key is turned to the lock position and pulled out from the key hole, the lock pin protruding toward the column shaft of the steering shaft passes through the key lock hole formed on the outer periphery of the steering column, and the tip of the steering lock device This is a device that engages with a locking recess of a key lock collar provided on the outer periphery of the shaft to disable rotation of the steering shaft and lock the steering wheel connected to the steering shaft.

Here, when the locked steering wheel is rotated, a large load is applied to the lock pin via the steering shaft, and this load must be received by the peripheral surface of the key lock hole, thus improving the strength of the key lock hole. There must be. In particular, when a rectangular key lock hole is formed, the stress tends to concentrate at the four corners of the hole and the strength tends to decrease.
In order to reduce the stress concentration at the four corners of the rectangular key lock hole, it is conceivable to form four corners with a large round shape by forming a key lock hole having a large shape. However, the key lock hole must have a hole shape that reduces the gap with the lock pin, and cannot have a large hole shape.

On the other hand, a technique for improving the strength of the key lock hole by quenching the peripheral surface of the key lock hole of the steering column made of heavy metal is conceivable (for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, carbon steel or the like). Technology similar to induction hardening on the periphery of the lock hole formed in the steering shaft made of heavy metal.
JP 2002-67975 A

However, the use of heavy metal steering columns such as carbon steel presents a problem in terms of vehicle weight reduction.
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to the unsolved problems of the above-described conventional example, and even if a small-shaped key lock hole is formed, the strength of the four corners of the key lock hole can be increased while reducing the weight. An object of the present invention is to provide a steering lock device that can be improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, a steering lock device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft, a key cylinder connected to the steering column, and a protrusion from the key cylinder toward the column shaft. A key lock hole formed in the steering column so that the lock pin passes toward the steering shaft, and a tip of the lock pin engages with the steering shaft, and an outer periphery of the lock pin, or Steering that locks the steering wheel connected to the rear end of the steering shaft so that it does not rotate by engaging a pin guide portion provided in the key cylinder for guiding the lock pin with the peripheral surface of the key lock hole. In the locking device, the key lock hole Compared to the lock pin or the pin guide portion, it is formed as a hole that is at least approximately rectangular in the column axis direction and rounded at the four corners, and the hole width at the center in the longitudinal direction is narrow. A pair of hole peripheral surfaces facing each other along the column axis are curved so as to be convex toward the hole opening so that the hole width gradually widens from the center to the end in the longitudinal direction. did.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the steering lock device according to the first aspect, chamfered portions are formed at the outer opening side and the inner opening side of the pair of hole peripheral surfaces.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the steering lock device according to the first or second aspect, another pair of hole peripheral surfaces facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the column axis of the key lock hole is formed as a hole. It was formed to curve in a convex shape toward the opening.
Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is the steering lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the steering column is made of a light metal material.

  According to the steering lock device according to the present invention, the key lock hole that is open at least in a substantially rectangular shape in the column axis direction and rounded at the four corners has a narrow hole width at the center in the longitudinal direction. A pair of hole peripheral surfaces facing each other along the column axis are formed so as to be curved in a convex shape toward the hole opening so that the hole width gradually widens from the central part to the end part. It is possible to form a round with a large radius of curvature, and even if a large load is applied to the peripheral surface of the key lock hole from the lock pin or pin guide, stress is less likely to concentrate at the four corners. Even the shape of the key lock hole can improve the strength of the four corners.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 8 are views related to the steering lock device of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a vehicle assembled with the steering device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows the steering lock device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the steering lock device when the steering wheel is rotated, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the steering lock device of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the main part of the steering lock device of the second embodiment, FIG. 7 is a view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is the main part of the steering lock device of the third embodiment. FIG.

  In FIG. 1, a steering device 10 is disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle so as to rise rearward of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal direction of the vehicle, and includes a steering column 12 that rotatably supports a steering shaft 11. A steering wheel 13 is mounted at the rear end of the steering shaft 11, and an intermediate shaft 15 is connected to the front end of the steering shaft 11 via a universal joint 14. A steering gear 17 composed of a rack and pinion mechanism or the like is connected to the intermediate shaft 15 through a universal joint 16 at the front end thereof. The output shaft of the steering gear 17 is connected to the steering wheel 19 via a tie rod 18.

  When the driver steers the steering wheel 13, the rotational force is transmitted to the steering gear 17 via the steering shaft 11, the universal joint 14, the intermediate shaft 15, and the universal joint 16, and the rack and pinion mechanism rotates the vehicle. The steering wheel 19 is steered through the tie rod 18 after being converted into a linear motion in the width direction.

(First embodiment)
The steering column 12 of this embodiment is a cast member made of an aluminum alloy.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the steering lock device 35 of the first embodiment is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the steering column 12 (in the vicinity of the steering wheel 13).
The steering lock device 35 has a key lock collar 20 fixed to the outer periphery of the steering shaft 11 on the rear side of the vehicle, and is aligned along the column axis P1 while being spaced apart from the outer periphery of the key lock collar 20 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A plurality of engagement grooves 21 formed on the outer periphery of the steering column 12 so as to face any of the engagement grooves 21, and an outer periphery of the steering column 12 on the vehicle body rear side. A lock pin 24 that protrudes from a connected key cylinder (not shown), passes through the key lock hole 22, and engages with the engagement groove 21 of the key lock collar 20 is provided.

Further, the key cylinder is formed with a key set boss portion 25 for guiding the lock pin 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the key set boss portion 25 is a member having a rectangular shape in plan view extending in the longitudinal direction in the column axis P1 direction, and at the same time the lock pin 24 moves to the key lock collar 20 side. Enter the lock hole 22.
As shown in FIG. 5, the key lock hole 22 is a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction in the column axis P <b> 1 direction, the hole width in the central portion in the longitudinal direction is narrow, and the end portion from the central portion in the longitudinal direction The hole width is gradually increased as it goes to, and the corners of the hole are rounded.

That is, the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b facing each other in the short direction of the key lock hole 22 are formed to be curved in a convex shape toward the hole opening and face each other in the long direction. The pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22c and 22d are formed as flat surfaces. The four corners 22e to 22h where the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b and the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22c and 22d intersect are rounded. The roundness of the four corners 22e to 22h is formed as a round with a large curvature radius R1 because the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b are formed so as to be curved in a convex shape at the hole opening.
Here, the pin guide portion of the present invention corresponds to the key set boss portion 25.

Next, operations and effects of the steering lock device 35 of the present embodiment will be described.
When an ignition key (not shown) is turned to the lock position and pulled out from the key hole, the lock pin 24 protruding from the key cylinder passes through the key lock hole 22 and engages with the engagement groove 21 of the key lock collar 20, and the lock pin 24 is The key set boss portion 25 to be guided enters the key lock hole 22.

Therefore, even if the steering wheel 13 is to be rotated, as shown in FIG. 4, the lock pin 24 is engaged with the engagement groove 21, and the key set boss portion 25 is the hole peripheral surface 22 a in the short direction of the key lock hole 22. , 22b, the steering shaft 11 is prevented from rotating and the steering wheel 13 is locked.
When the locked steering wheel 13 is rotated, a load is applied to the key set boss portion 25 via the steering shaft 11, the key lock collar, and the lock pin 24, and this load is applied to the hole peripheral surface 22a in the short direction of the key lock hole 22. , 22b.

Here, in the present embodiment, the four corners 22e to 22h are formed by forming the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b facing each other in the short direction of the key lock hole 22 to be curved in a convex shape toward the hole opening. Therefore, even if a large load is applied from the key set boss portion 25 to the circumferential surfaces 22a and 22b in the short direction of the key lock hole 22, stress is concentrated at the four corners 22e to 22h. It becomes difficult to do. For this reason, even if it is the key lock hole 22 of a small hole shape, the intensity | strength of four corners can be improved.
Moreover, weight reduction can be achieved by using the steering column 12 made of an aluminum alloy.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, FIG.6 and FIG.7 is a figure which shows the shape of the key lock hole which comprises the steering lock apparatus of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. The same components as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, by removing the corner K on the outer opening side of the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b facing each other in the short direction of the key lock hole 22, the outer peripheral side of the hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b. Are provided with chamfered portions 22i and 22j.
As in the present embodiment, the chamfered portions 22i and 22j are provided on the external opening side, and the peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b in the short direction of the key lock hole 22 in which the corners are reduced concentrate stress even when a large load is applied. Since the hole peripheral surface is difficult, it is possible to provide the key lock hole 22 whose strength is further improved as compared with the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the chamfered portions 22i and 22j are provided on the outer opening side of the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b, but the inner opening side of the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b, or the outer opening side and the inner opening. A chamfer may be provided on both sides.

(Third embodiment)
Further, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the shape of the key lock hole constituting the steering lock device of the third embodiment according to the present invention.
The key lock holes 22 of the steering column 12 of the present embodiment face each other in the short direction, and face each other in the long direction with a pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b that are curved in a convex shape toward the hole opening. , And another pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22k and 22m that are curved in a convex shape toward the hole opening.

  And the roundness attached to four corners 22e-22h where a pair of these hole peripheral surface 22a, 22b and a pair of hole peripheral surface 22k, 22m cross is larger than the key lock hole 22 of 1st Embodiment. R2 (R2> R1).

  According to the present embodiment, the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b facing each other in the short direction of the key lock hole 22 are formed to be curved in a convex shape toward the hole opening, and face each other in the long direction. Since the other pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22k and 22m are also curved in a convex shape toward the hole opening, the four corners 22e to 22h are rounded with a larger radius of curvature R2 than in the first embodiment. Therefore, even if the key lock hole 22 has a small hole shape, the strength of the four corners can be further improved.

In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8, if the chamfered portions 22i and 22j are provided on the outer opening side of the circumferential surfaces 22a and 22b in the short direction of the key lock hole 22, stress is concentrated even if a large load is applied. Therefore, it is possible to provide the key lock hole 22 which has a hole peripheral surface which is difficult to perform and which has further improved strength.
Moreover, in 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG. 8, you may provide a chamfering part in the internal opening side of a pair of hole surrounding surface 22a, 22b, or both of an external opening side and an internal opening side.

Further, in the second and third embodiments, as long as the strength of the key lock hole 22 can be sufficiently ensured, it is not necessary to provide chamfered portions on the inner opening side and the outer opening side of the pair of hole peripheral surfaces 22a and 22b. .
In the first to third embodiments described above, the key set boss portion 25 for guiding the lock pin 24 enters the key lock hole 22 when the ignition key is turned to the lock position and pulled out from the key hole. When only the pin 24 enters the key lock hole 22 and rotates the steering wheel 13, the lock pin 24 may be engaged with the hole peripheral surfaces 22 a and 22 b in the short direction of the key lock hole 22.

  Further, in each embodiment, the steering column 12 is a cast member made of an aluminum alloy. However, the gist of the present invention is not limited to this, and the steering column 12 made of another light alloy or steel may be used. .

It is a whole lineblock diagram showing the vehicles which attached the steering device. It is sectional drawing which shows the steering lock apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is an AA arrow directional view of FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of a steering lock apparatus when rotating a steering wheel. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the steering lock apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the steering lock apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a BB line arrow line view of FIG. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the steering lock apparatus of 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Steering device, 11 ... Steering shaft, 12 ... Steering column, 13 ... Steering wheel, 14 ... Universal joint, 15 ... Intermediate shaft, 16 ... Universal joint, 17 ... Steering gear, 18 ... Tie rod, 19 ... Steering wheel, 20 ... key lock collar, 21 ... engagement groove, 22 ... key lock hole, 22a, 22b ... hole peripheral surface facing in the short direction, 22c, 22d ... hole peripheral surface facing in the long direction, 22e- 22h ... Four corners, 22i, 22j ... Chamfered portions, 22k, 22m ... Hole peripheral surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction, 24 ... Lock pin, 25 ... Key set boss portion, 35 ... Steering lock device, P1 ... Column shaft, R1, R2 ... Curvature radius of four corners

Claims (4)

A steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft, a key cylinder connected to the steering column, and a lock pin protruding from the key cylinder toward the column shaft pass through the steering column so as to pass toward the steering shaft. A key guide hole provided on a key cylinder that guides the lock pin and an outer periphery of the lock pin, the tip of the lock pin being engaged with the steering shaft. In the steering lock device that locks the steering wheel connected to the rear end of the steering shaft so as not to rotate by engaging with the hole peripheral surface of the lock hole,
The key lock hole is formed as a hole having a substantially rectangular shape that is long at least in the column axis direction as compared with the lock pin or the pin guide portion, and is rounded at the four corners. A pair of hole circumferential surfaces facing each other along the column axis are projected toward the hole opening so that the hole width gradually increases from the central part to the end part in the longitudinal direction. A steering lock device characterized by being formed to be curved into a shape.   The steering lock device according to claim 1, wherein chamfered portions are formed on the peripheral edge of the pair of hole peripheral surfaces on the outer opening side and the inner opening side.   The other pair of hole peripheral surfaces facing each other in a direction orthogonal to the column axis of the key lock hole are formed so as to be curved in a convex shape toward the hole opening. The steering lock device according to 2.   The steering lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the steering column is made of a light metal material.

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