Steering lock, steering column and steering system

Abstract

Steering system, including: a steering column (1), comprising: a steering spindle (5) running inside the steering column (1), an opening through which a locking mechanism (7) can be engaged with the steering spindle (5) or with an element (6) that is non-rotatably connected to the steering spindle (5), and at least one engagement element (3) extending longitudinally along an outer side of the steering column (1), which is selected from the group consisting of a groove and a projection serving as a spring, and a steering lock (2), comprising: a receptacle (8) with a concave cross-section for receiving the steering column (1), the locking mechanism (7) which is movable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, wherein at least a part of the locking mechanism (7) projects into the receptacle (8) in the second position, characterized by at least one engagement element (4) which is arranged in the receptacle (8) and extends in a longitudinal direction of the receptacle (8), wherein the engagement element (4) is selected from the group consisting from a groove and a projection serving as a spring, wherein the at least one engagement element (3) of the steering column (1) engages with the at least one engagement element (4) of the steering lock (2).

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a steering system for vehicles, in particular for motor vehicles.

[0002] Steering wheel locks are used in vehicles, such as passenger cars or trucks, for theft protection. They serve to secure the steering spindle or a corresponding component connected to the vehicle's steering wheel against rotation when the vehicle is not in use. To this end, steering wheel locks generally have a locking bolt or similar locking mechanism which, when the vehicle is not in use, engages with, for example, a recess in the steering spindle or with an element rigidly connected to the steering spindle (such as a toothed ring), thus preventing the steering spindle and therefore the steering wheel from turning. Such steering wheel locks are sometimes also referred to as steering locks or steering locks.

[0003] For effective theft protection, it is necessary to attach the steering wheel lock to the steering column in such a way that it cannot be easily removed from the steering column, especially when locked, as the steering column locking mechanism can simply be disabled during disassembly.

[0004] Traditionally, shear bolts are used to secure the steering lock to the steering column for theft protection. With these shear bolts, for example, a screw head is removed at the end of the fastening process, making it difficult to unscrew them. Other conventional solutions include retaining clips, a predetermined breaking point, or protective plates, for example, to restrict access to the shear bolts. The disadvantage of such approaches is that if the respective security measure, such as the shear bolts, is removed, the steering lock can simply be taken off the steering column.

[0005] A device that uses such shear bolts to fasten a steering lock to a steering column is known, for example, from DE 10 2007 034198 A1. In this device, a clamp of the steering lock grips the steering column when fastened. In addition to the aforementioned disadvantages of such shear bolts, the use of such a clamp requires the steering lock to completely encircle the steering spindle, which necessitates a corresponding amount of installation space.

[0006] Another steering lock is known from DE 196 21 317 C1. Here, the steering lock housing, which is formed in one piece, has an oval or elongated bore and is then slid onto the outer tube of a steering column. A spring-loaded tolerance ring or a wedge is then inserted to secure the steering lock in a desired position. With such a solution, aligning the steering lock so that a locking bolt correctly engages with the steering spindle can be difficult, and it also requires additional space around the steering column.

[0007] German patent DE 624 810 A discloses a security device against theft of motor vehicles in the form of a steering wheel lock. To prevent the steering wheel lock from being easily removed from the steering column, it comprises a two-part housing. The two housing parts are pushed together and positively locked to the steering column by interlocking projections in a radial direction. This prevents the steering wheel lock from being pulled off in a radial direction.

[0008] CN 202 100 076 U also discloses a steering wheel lock that is conventional in the prior art. The steering wheel lock is attached to a steering column by means of a clamp and a screw connection and thus completely encloses the steering column.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a steering system with a steering wheel lock which provides good theft protection, is as easy to install as possible and is preferably also suitable for use when installation space is not available around the entire steering column.

[0010] According to one aspect, a steering wheel lock is provided, including: a recess with a concave cross-section for accommodating a steering column, a locking mechanism which is adjustable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, wherein at least part of the locking mechanism projects into the concave recess in the second position, characterized by at least one engagement element arranged in the concave recess in the longitudinal direction of the concave recess, selected from the group consisting of a groove and a projection serving as a spring.

[0011] In the context of this application, the term "groove" means a depression, in particular an elongated depression, while the term "feather" means a projection, in particular an elongated projection.

[0012] The longitudinal direction of the concave recess refers to the direction in which a steering column mounted in the concave recess would run. For this purpose, the concave recess can be concave in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, while exhibiting essentially no curvature in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] A corresponding steering column comprises a steering spindle extending inside the steering column. The steering column has an opening for a locking mechanism and at least one engagement element extending longitudinally along the steering column and attached to the outside of the steering column, wherein the engagement element is selected from the group comprising a groove and a projection serving as a spring. The engagement element preferably begins at one end of the steering column.

[0014] For installation, the aforementioned steering lock can then be slid onto the steering column in such a way that the engagement element of the steering lock engages with the engagement element of the steering column, and the steering column is at least partially received by the concave receptacle. In this way, removing the steering lock when it is engaged is significantly more difficult thanks to the engagement elements, even if the concave receptacle does not completely enclose the steering column, i.e., if it has a longitudinally continuous break or opening. Furthermore, the engagement elements simplify installation and alignment.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one engagement element of the steering lock comprises at least two engagement elements. Similarly, the at least one engagement element of the steering column preferably also comprises at least two engagement elements. This can further complicate the removal of the steering lock, particularly if the at least two engagement elements of the steering lock and, correspondingly, the at least two engagement elements of the steering column are arranged essentially opposite each other.

[0016] The shape of the concave receptacle can be adapted to the shape of the respective steering column. For example, the receptacle can be essentially semicircular for round steering columns, or, for square steering columns, it can comprise a base with the locking mechanism and two parallel arms attached to the base. The at least one engagement element is preferably arranged on the arms to further hinder the removal of the steering lock from the steering column in its installed state.

[0017] The steering column's at least one engagement element can have a stop to allow the steering lock to be positioned precisely on the steering column.

[0018] It should be noted that in addition to the locking elements, the steering wheel lock may have other conventional safety measures, such as shear bolts, even if these are not strictly necessary.

[0019] A steering system according to the invention comprises a steering lock as described above and a steering column as described above, wherein in this case the at least one engagement element of the steering lock is selected to match the at least one engagement element of the steering column. A steering wheel can then be attached to the end of the casing at which the engagement element terminates.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a side view of a steering system according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 a partial cross-sectional view of a steering system according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 3 a partial cross-sectional view of a steering system according to a further embodiment, and Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of a steering system according to another embodiment.

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below. It should be noted that these exemplary embodiments serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted as limiting. Features of different exemplary embodiments may be combined unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, a description of an exemplary embodiment with a plurality of elements should not be interpreted as meaning that all such elements are necessary for implementing the invention, since other exemplary embodiments may have fewer features, alternative features, and / or additional features. Several of the described exemplary embodiments show steering systems for vehicles, in particular for motor vehicles such as passenger cars or trucks. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a steering system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] The steering system of the Fig. The assembly comprises a steering column 1, at one end of which a steering wheel 4 is attached. The steering wheel 4 engages, for example, with a steering spindle running inside the steering column 1. Another end of the steering column 1 can then be coupled to conventional elements (not shown) for transmitting a steering movement of the steering wheel 4 via the steering spindle running inside the steering column 1 to the wheels of the vehicle.

[0023] On an outer surface, e.g., a casing such as a sleeve tube, the steering column 1 has an engagement element 3 which extends longitudinally from the end of the steering column 1, where the steering wheel 4 is attached, to a stop 10. The steering column 1 can also have several such engagement elements 3, for example, another engagement element 3 on an opposite (in Fig. 1. (not visible) side of the steering column 1.

[0024] A steering wheel lock 2 is attached to the steering column 1. As explained above, this lock serves to securely lock the steering spindle located in the steering column 1 when the appropriately equipped vehicle is not in use. Typically, as with conventional steering wheel locks, a locking bolt engages with the steering spindle, although any conventional locking mechanism can be used here. The steering wheel lock 2, as described below with reference to the Fig. As will be explained in more detail in sections 2-4, a receptacle for receiving the steering spindle 1 is provided, which has an engagement element corresponding to the engagement element 3. This means that if the engagement element 3 is a groove, i.e., a recess, the corresponding engagement element of the steering lock 2 is a spring, i.e., a projection, and vice versa. The engagement element in the receptacle of the steering lock 2 extends longitudinally (corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the steering column 1) over the entire length of the receptacle to allow the steering lock 2 to slide along the engagement element 3 and thus along the steering column 1 when the steering lock 2 is unlocked.

[0025] For assembly, the steering lock 2 is pushed onto the steering spindle 1 until the stop 10 is reached, at which point the corresponding engagement elements engage with each other. The steering wheel 4 is then mounted.

[0026] In the locked state, the steering lock 2 cannot be pushed back along the engagement element 3, i.e., in the direction of arrow 10, due to the engagement of, for example, the locking bolt or another locking mechanism with the steering spindle. Furthermore, because of the engagement elements, the steering lock 2 cannot be moved away from the steering column 1 in the direction of arrow 11.

[0027] Thus, the steering lock 2 is securely attached to the steering column 1, and the locking mechanism is concealed by the steering lock 2, which significantly hinders vehicle theft, as, for example, the steering lock 2 can only be removed from the steering column 1 with considerable force. This is similar to the... Fig. 1 shown and as follows with reference to the Fig. As further explained and illustrated in Figures 2-4, it is not necessary for the steering lock 2 to completely encircle the steering spindle 1, as is the case, for example, in the prior art described at the beginning. Furthermore, the engagement element of the steering lock 2 is concealed by the steering lock 2 and therefore cannot be easily removed.

[0028] The reference to Fig. The principles and techniques explained in section 1 are described below with reference to the Fig. 2-4 explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a steering column 1, which has a rectangular shape at least on one side facing a steering lock 2. Inside the steering column 1 runs a steering spindle 5, to which a toothed ring 6 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner. To lock the steering column 1, a locking bolt 7 is moved through an opening in the steering column 1 towards the toothed ring 6 and engaged with it, so that the toothed ring 6, and thus the steering spindle 5 connected to the toothed ring 6, can no longer rotate. As already mentioned, other conventional locking mechanisms are also possible.

[0029] The steering column 1 has two opposing engagement elements 3 in the form of a spring, i.e., a projection. Even if the spring 3 is in Fig. While the steering lock 2 essentially has a semicircular cross-section, other cross-sections, e.g., rectangular, dovetail, or half-dovetail, are also possible. The steering lock 2 has a receptacle 8. The receptacle 8 has a concave cross-section resembling a square "U" with a base 8a through which the locking bolt 7 passes, and two legs 8b. Opposite the legs 8b are engagement elements 4 corresponding to the engagement elements 3 of the steering column 1; in this case, these are grooves, i.e., recesses. The cross-section of the engagement elements 4 can be adapted to the cross-section of the engagement elements 3.

[0030] As can be seen, the engagement elements 3, 4, which are in engagement with each other, prevent the steering lock 2 from moving in the direction of arrow 11 (corresponding to the direction of arrow 11 of the Fig. 1) can be removed, although the receptacle 8 does not completely enclose the steering column 1.

[0031] This allows other elements 7 to be arranged around the steering column 1 opposite the steering lock 2, i.e., no installation space needs to be kept free around the steering column 1.

[0032] As from Fig. As can also be seen in Figure 2, with a corresponding positive fit between the receptacle 8 and the steering column 1, a single combination of engagement elements 3, 4 may already be sufficient to prevent removal in the direction of arrow 11 of the steering lock 2. However, by providing two opposing pairs of engagement elements 3, 4, removal becomes even more difficult, thus increasing theft protection. It should be noted that more than two pairs of engagement elements 3, 4 may also be provided. Furthermore, the engagement elements 3, 4 shown do not have to be exactly opposite each other. For example, the pairs of engagement elements 3, 4 can each be arranged in different positions on the opposite legs 8b.

[0033] Another embodiment of a steering system is shown in Fig. 3 shown. The representation of the Fig. 3 corresponds to the representation except for the changes discussed below. Fig. 2, and all variants and modifications which refer to Fig. 2 discussed, also refer to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 applicable.

[0034] In contrast to the embodiment of the Fig. 2 shows in the embodiment of the Fig. 3. The steering column has 1 grooves, i.e., recesses, and the receptacle 8 has springs, i.e., projections. Other combinations are also possible. For example, the steering column can have a spring on one side and a groove on the other side as engagement elements, and the receptacle 8 then has corresponding engagement elements.

[0035] It should be noted that the steering lock of the Fig. 2, since 4 recesses are provided as engagement elements, it can also be attached to steering columns that do not have engagement elements 3 in the form of grooves using other fastening elements, for example shear bolts. For example, such an attachment to the steering column 1 of the Fig. Three options are possible, although the advantages of the tongue and groove engagement would not apply here. Regarding the steering lock of the Fig. 2. This is at least more difficult because of the aforementioned intervention elements 4.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The steering column 1 has a rectangular cross-section at least on the side facing the steering lock 2. In other embodiments, round cross-sections are also possible, in which case the mounting for the steering lock 2 also has a correspondingly round cross-section. A corresponding embodiment is now described with reference to Fig. 4 discussed. Here, a steering wheel lock 2 has a receptacle 8 with an approximately semicircular concave cross-section and has two essentially opposing engagement elements 4 in the form of a groove, i.e., a recess. A correspondingly round steering column 1 has corresponding engagement elements 3 in the form of springs, i.e., projections. Here too, as with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 discusses whether more or fewer pairs of engagement elements 3, 4 are present, or whether the engagement elements 3, 4 are arranged differently than described, or whether the assignment of tongue and groove to the engagement elements 3, 4 is different than shown.

[0037] As in the previous embodiments, a steering spindle 5 is located in the steering column 1, which can be locked by the steering lock 2 by means of a locking bolt 7 as a locking mechanism. Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 4 schematically illustrates that the steering lock 2 can also be attached to the steering column 1 by other means, e.g., by a shear bolt 9. Such a shear bolt 9 (or several shear bolts) can also be used in the embodiments of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Other convex shapes of the steering column 1 and corresponding concave shapes (cross-sections) of the mount 8 are also possible, for example oval shapes.

[0038] The numerous variations and variants discussed above demonstrate that the examples described above serve only as illustrations and are not to be interpreted as restrictive. Reference symbol list 1 Steering column 2 Steering wheel lock 3 Intervention element 4. Intervention element 5 Steering spindle 6 sprocket 7 more elements 8th recording 9 Shear bolt 10 Arrow 11 Arrow

Claims

[1] Steering system, comprising: a steering column (1), comprising: a steering spindle (5) running inside the steering column (1), an opening through which a locking mechanism (7) can be engaged with the steering spindle (5) or with an element (6) that is non-rotatably connected to the steering spindle (5), and at least one engagement element (3) extending longitudinally along an outer side of the steering column (1), which is selected from the group consisting of a groove and a projection serving as a spring, and a steering lock (2), comprising: a receptacle (8) with a concave cross-section for receiving the steering column (1), the locking mechanism (7) which is movable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, wherein at least a part of the locking mechanism (7) projects into the receptacle (8) in the second position, characterized byat least one engagement element (4) which is arranged in the receptacle (8) and extends in a longitudinal direction of the receptacle (8), wherein the engagement element (4) is selected from the group consisting from a groove and a projection serving as a spring, wherein the at least one engagement element (3) of the steering column (1) engages with the at least one engagement element (4) of the steering lock (2). [2] Steering system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the at least one engagement element (4) of the steering lock (2) extends in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle (8) over the entire length of the receptacle (8). [3] Steering system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the at least one engagement element (4) of the steering lock (2) comprises a first engagement element (4) and a second engagement element (4). [4] Steering system according to claim 3, wherein the first engagement element (4) is arranged opposite the second engagement element (4). [5] Steering system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the receptacle (8) comprises a base (8a) and two parallel legs (8b) adjoining the base at two ends, wherein the first engagement element (4) is arranged on one of the legs (8b) and the second engagement element (4) is arranged on the other leg (8b). [6] Steering system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiver (8) has a round cross-section. [7] Steering system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the at least one engagement element (3) of the steering column (1) begins at one end of the steering column (1). [8] Steering system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one engagement element (3) of the steering column (1) has a stop (10) at one end. [9] Steering system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the at least one engagement element (3) of the steering column (1) comprises a first engagement element (3) and a second engagement element (3). [10] Steering system according to claim 9, wherein the first engagement element (3) is arranged opposite the second engagement element (3) or the first engagement element (3) is arranged on a side of the steering column (1) opposite the second engagement element (3).

Images