steering wheel lock

Abstract

Steering wheel lock (10), comprising: a box-shaped housing (20) with an opening; a cover (60) closing the opening of the housing (20); a locking element (36) which is received within the housing (20) and is movable between a locking position in which rotation of a steering shaft (80) is blocked and an unlocking position in which rotation of the steering shaft (80) is possible; a locking bar (54) arranged in a first direction relative to the locking element (36) as viewed from the opening of the housing (20), which, when actuated, engages the locking element (36) in the locking position and maintains a state in which the locking element (36) is in the locking position; a holding portion (62) arranged on the back of the cover (60) toward the opening of the housing (20) as viewed from the locking bar (54), and having a receiving portion (62E) open toward the first direction; and a locking element (70) held by the holding portion (62), engaged with the locking bar (54) and thus maintaining the non-operating state of the locking bar (54), and allowing operation of the locking bar (54) by releasing the engagement with the locking bar (54), the locking element (70) comprising: a rear end (70A) slidably inserted into the receiving portion (62E) in the first direction; and a locking rod (70B) extending from the rear end (70A) toward the locking latch (54) and having a front end inserted into a through hole (20B2) formed in the housing (20), the locking rod (70B) engaging with the locking latch (54); wherein a displacement of the rear end (70A) in the first direction is limited by the housing (20) and a displacement of the rear end (70A) in the direction opposite to the first direction is limited by the holding portion (62).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to a steering lock.BACKGROUND ARTSteering wheel locks have the function of preventing theft. More specifically, they have a mechanism that maintains the steering shaft in a locked state when the steering lock is broken.JP 2007-269176A discloses a steering lock in which a securing plate (a blocking element) is crimped to a drive unit. When the steering lock is broken and the lock plate is removed, a lock pin is actuated. Thereby, the lock pin is fitted into a lock member, and the locked state of the steering shaft is maintained.However, in this lock device, there is room for improvement in the following points. For example, when only the upper case constituting the outside of the steering lock is removed, the drive unit is still accommodated in the case. If, in this state, the spiral spring, which would act upon the locking element with spring force, were removed, then the locking of the steering shaft with the locking element could be canceled.To cope with this, in the steering lock of Japanese Patent JP 5 047 753 B2, the locking of the steering shaft with a locking bolt (locking member) is maintained when a housing cover (lid) constituting an exterior of the steering lock is detached from the housing.More specifically, a locking protrusion (locking member) is formed integrally with the housing cover, the locking protrusion being inserted into a through hole and engaged with an auxiliary locking member (locking bar). Then, when the housing cover is detached from the housing, the engagement between the locking protrusion and the auxiliary locking member is released and the auxiliary locking member is actuated. Thereby, the auxiliary locking member is engaged with the locking bolt, and the locking of the steering shaft by the locking bolt is maintained.PRIOR ART TECHNICAL DOCUMENTSPATENT DOCUMENTSJP 2007-269176A and Japanese patent JP 5 047 753 B2 are previously known technical documents.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONPROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTIONHowever, with the steering lock of Japanese Patent JP 5 047 753 B2, for example, when a relative displacement occurs between the locking protrusion and the through hole in the housing, there is a possibility that the locking protrusion cannot be inserted into the through hole of the housing when the housing cover is assembled to the housing. Thus, there is a possibility that the housing cover is harder to build on the housing when variations in the dimensions of the housing cover occur.To cope with this, it is conceivable to make the through hole larger in the steering lock according to Japanese Patent JP 5 047 753 B2 to simplify the assembly of the housing cover with the housing.If, however, the through hole were made larger, there would be a risk that the anti-theft function would be compromised. Namely, in this case, since the through hole is enlarged, direct access through the through hole to the auxiliary locking member is facilitated after the housing cover (or the locking protrusion) is detached. Therefore, there is a possibility that the auxiliary locking member is broken through the through hole and the locking of the locking bolt by the auxiliary locking member is unpermissibly released. Thus, if the through hole is enlarged, there is a risk that the anti-theft function is compromised.In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a steering lock that enables easy assembling of the cover and the housing while maintaining the anti-theft function.MEANS FOR ACHIEVING THE OBJECTAccording to an embodiment 1, there is provided a steering lock including:a box-shaped housing having an opening;a lid closing the opening of the housing;a locking member accommodated within the housing and movable between a locking position in which rotation of a steering shaft is blocked and an unlocking position in which rotation of the steering shaft is possible;a lock latch disposed in a first direction relative to the lock member when operated, when the lock member is in the lock position, and maintaining a state in which the lock member is in the lock position;a holding portion disposed on the back side of the lid toward the opening of the housing when viewed from the lock bar, and a receiving portion opened toward the first direction;a lock member held by the holding portion, engaged with the lock bar and thus maintaining the non-operating state (or non-operated state) of the lock bar, and permitting operation of the lock bar by cancelling the engagement with the lock bar, the lock member comprising:a rear end slidably inserted into the receiving portion in the first direction; anda lock rod extending from the rear end toward the lock bar and having a front end inserted into a through hole formed in the housing, the lock rod being engaged with the lock bar;wherein a displacement of the rear end in the first direction is limited by the housing and a displacement of the rear end in the direction opposite to the first direction is limited by the holding portion.According to Embodiment 2, in Embodiment 1, when a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is adopted as the width direction, the holding portion is disposed such that, as viewed from the opening of the housing, in the center in the width direction of the holding portion, the accommodating portion is opened toward the bottom wall of the housing and a holding groove is formed extending along the first direction, and the lock rod is disposed in the holding groove.According to Embodiment 3, in Embodiment 1 or 2, the locking member is made of metal sheet; the rear end of the locking member is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the lid and has the shape of a plate disposed parallel to the lid; and the locking rod has an elongated plate shape bent from the rear end toward the bottom wall of the housing.According to Embodiment 4, in any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, the lock rod is disposed on the opposite side from the rear end to the first direction as viewed from the opening of the housing.According to an embodiment 5, in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, the lock bar is biased toward the lock member by a spring member, and the front end of the lock bar is pushed in the direction opposite to the first direction.EFFECT OF THE INVENTIONWith the above-described embodiments, the assembling of the cover and the housing can be simplified while maintaining the anti-theft function.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESFIG. 1 is a sectional view (enlarged sectional view taken along line 1- 1 in FIG. 2(A) ) of the main part of a steering lock according to an embodiment. FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view of the entire steering lock according to the embodiment as viewed from the housing side, and FIG. 2(B) is a perspective view of the entire steering lock according to the embodiment as viewed from the lid side. FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of the housing shown in FIG. 2 viewed from the attachment side, and FIG. 3(B) is a perspective view of the housing shown in FIG. 3(A) viewed from the opening side of the housing: FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the steering lock shown in FIG. 2(A). FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the steering lock shown in FIG. 2(B). FIG. 6(A) is a sectional view (taken along line 6- 6 in FIG. 2(A) ) showing the non-operating state of the steering lock shown in FIG. 2(A), and FIG. 6(B) is a sectional view showing the state in which the steering lock in FIG. 6(A) has been operated and the lock member is in the lock position. FIG. 7 is a perspective view viewed from the back side of the lid, showing a state in which the locking member has been removed from the lid shown in FIG. 2(B).EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIONIn the following, a steering lock 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "LR lock 10") according to an embodiment will be explained with reference to the figures. The steering lock 10 is configured to restrict rotation of the steering shaft of the vehicle (automobile) upon engine stop of a vehicle (automobile). As illustrated in FIG. 2(A), the steering lock 10 is provided outside a steering shaft 80 in the radial direction (hereinafter, also "LR axis 80"), and is formed substantially in a parallelepiped shape, and the radial direction of the steering shaft 80 (arrow directions A and B in FIG. 2(A) ) corresponds to the height direction. In the following explanations, as viewed in the height direction of the steering lock 10, the directions along the axial direction of the steering shaft 80 (i.e., the arrow directions C and D in FIG. 2(A) ) are referred to as "first direction", and directions orthogonal to the first direction (i.e., the arrow directions E and F in FIG. 2(A) ) are referred to as "second direction".As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the steering lock 10 includes a housing 20 having a lid 60 that forms the exterior of the steering lock 10, and a locking mechanism 30 that is accommodated within the housing 20. Further, the steering lock 10 includes a lock mechanism 50 that maintains the locked state of the lock mechanism 30 by its operation. Furthermore, the steering lock 10 has a locking element 70 which holds the locking mechanism 50 in the non-operative state. The individual structural elements of the steering lock 10 are explained below.Housing 20As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the housing 20 is substantially rectangular in a rectangular shape with a longitudinal side extending along the second direction, and is substantially rectangular in a height direction of the steering lock 10 (i.e., in the arrow direction A in FIGS. 3(A) and (B) ), and as viewed in a plan view from this height direction (i.e., from the opening of the housing 20). On a bottom wall of the housing 20, there is integrally formed a fixing portion 22 which is protruded at a portion on one side in the second direction (in the arrow direction E in FIGS. 3(A) and (B)) toward the other side in the height direction (i.e., toward the side in the arrow direction B in FIGS. 3(A) and (B) and the front side), respectively. This attachment portion 22 has a substantially front-open "U"-shape when viewed from the first direction, and the steering shaft 80 (see FIG. 2(A) ) is disposed in the attachment portion 22. Furthermore, the fastening portion 22 is fastened to the vehicle by a fastening means, not shown, such as bolts, whereby the housing 20 (or the steering lock 10) is fastened to the vehicle.Further, the side wall of the housing 20 in the first direction (located in the arrow direction C in FIGS. 3(A) and (B) ) protrudes toward the first direction at its end in the second direction, and this protruding part forms a protrusion 24. the protrusion 24 has the shape of a rectangular box in plan view protruding toward the opposite direction to the first direction (i.e., in the arrow direction D in FIGS. 3(A) and (B)). Further, inside the protrusion 24, a first locking member accommodating portion 20A for accommodating a locking member 70 described below is provided. Further, the side wall of the protrusion 24 in the first direction is formed as a stopper wall 24A that limits the movement of the below-described locking member 70.On the upper surface of the housing 20, at a position corresponding to the projection 24, a second lock member accommodating portion 20B for accommodating a lock mechanism 50 described below is provided. This second locking element receiving portion 20B has the shape of a substantially rectangular recess which is opened toward the upper side of the housing (i.e., toward the steering shaft 80). The second lock member accommodating portion 20B is provided with a pair of engaging grooves 20B 1. The engaging grooves 20B 1 are recessed from the second lock member accommodating portion 20B in the second direction and the opposite direction thereof, respectively, and pierce through the housing 20 in the height direction. As shown in FIG. 1, a support hole 20B 2 as a through hole is formed in the center of the bottom wall of the second ratchet receiving portion 20B. This support hole 20B 2 is substantially rectangular, and the longitudinal direction of the rectangle corresponds to the second direction. Thus, the first locking member accommodating portion 20A and the second locking member accommodating portion 20B are connected to each other through the support hole 20B 2. In addition, the edge of the opening of the support hole 20B 2 on the first ratchet receiving portion 20A side is provided with a chamfer 20B 2 a.As shown in FIG. 3(B), the bottom wall of the housing 20 is provided with a first gear receiving portion 20C in the direction opposite to the first direction from the first ratchet receiving portion 20A. The first gear receiving portion 20C forms a recess that is open to the opening of the housing 20, and is substantially circular in plan view. Substantially in the center of the first gear receiving portion 20C, a substantially circular cylindrical boss portion 20D is formed. As shown in FIG. 3(A), an insertion hole 20E is continuously formed at substantially the center of the bottom wall in this boss portion 20D. This insertion hole 20E is substantially rectangular, and the longitudinal direction of the rectangle corresponds to the first direction. Thus, the inside of the boss portion 20D and the outside of the housing 20 are connected to each other via this insertion hole 20E. Further, in the bottom wall inside the boss portion 20D in the second direction from the insertion hole 20E and on the opposite side, a pair of guide recesses 20F are formed. These guide recesses 20F are in the form of recesses which are open to the opening of the housing 20.In the bottom wall of the housing 20, a second gear receiving portion 20G is formed in the direction opposite to the first direction from the first gear receiving portion 20C. This second gear receiving portion 20G is in the form of a recess that is open to the opening of the housing 20, and is tapered as it extends in the second direction in the direction opposite to the first direction in plan view. The second gear receiving portion 20G and the first gear receiving portion 20C are connected to each other.Further, on the upper surface of the housing 20, a communication groove 20H that connects the second lock member accommodating portion 20B and the insertion hole 20E to each other is formed. The communication groove 20H is opened to the upper side of the housing 20 and extends in the first direction.At the opening end of the protrusion 24, the side wall in the first direction, and the side wall on the opposite side of the housing 20 from the second direction, a step surface 20J slightly recessed downward is provided. Further, the step surface 20J on the stopper wall 24A, the step surface 20J on the side wall on the opposite side to the second direction, and the opening end of the side wall on the opposite side to the first direction are each provided with a positioning recess 20K opened toward the opening of the housing 20. The side wall of the housing 20 on the opposite side to the first direction is provided with a hole 20L for arranging a connector 42 described later.Locking Mechanism 30As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the lock mechanism 30 includes a motor 31, a worm wheel 33, a cam member 35, and a lock member 36.< Motor 31>The motor 31 is arranged obliquely to the direction opposite to the first direction along the second direction as viewed in plan view, and is fixed to the housing 20 via a holding plate 40 provided in the housing 20. More specifically, the support plate 40 is disposed toward the opening of the housing 20 as viewed from the motor 31, and is a substantially elongated plate parallel to the bottom wall of the housing 20. A motor main body 31A of the motor 31 is held by the holding plate 40 fixed to the housing 20 with bolts S 1.A rotation shaft 31B of the motor 31 extends from one end of the motor main body 31A along the second direction obliquely to the direction opposite to the first direction. The front end of the rotary shaft 31B is rotatably supported by an axle bearing 40A formed in the support plate 40. At a part of the front side of the rotation shaft 31B of the motor 31, a worm 32 is provided to be rotatable as a whole. This check 32 is accommodated in the second gear accommodation portion 20G of the housing 20. Around the screw 32, a screw drive 32A is provided.On the one side in the thickness direction of the holding plate 40 (toward the opening of the housing 20), a base plate 41 is disposed in parallel with the holding plate 40. The motor 31 is electrically connected to the base plate 41. A connector 42 is mounted on the base plate 41, and a part of this connector 42 is disposed in the through hole 20L of the housing 20. To this connector 42, a vehicle-side connector (not illustrated) can be fitted, and the motor 31 can be electrically connected to a controller of the vehicle via a vehicle-side harness (not illustrated).< Worm Wheel 33>The worm wheel 33 is substantially cylindrical, and the height direction of the steering lock 10 serves as a cylinder axis. One end of the worm wheel 33 is accommodated in the first gear accommodation portion 20C of the housing 20, and the worm wheel 33 is rotatably supported by the boss portion 20D of the housing 20.On the outside at one end of the worm wheel 33, a plurality of teeth 33A are formed to mesh with the worm gear 32A of the above-described worm 32. The teeth 33A are formed on the entire circumference of the worm wheel 33. With this arrangement, the worm wheel 33 rotates about its axis when the motor 31 is driven and its rotation shaft 31B rotates.A pair of receiving grooves 33B extending along the axial direction of the worm wheel 33 are formed on the inner side at the other end of the worm wheel 33. This pair of receiving grooves 33B are provided spaced 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the worm wheel 33. The receiving grooves 33B are substantially semicircular as viewed in the axial direction of the worm wheel 33, and are opened to the radially inner side of the worm wheel 33. In the receiving grooves 33B, spherical balls (steel balls) 34 are respectively received approximately halfway, which are movable relative to each other.< Cam Element 35>The cam element 35 is substantially circular cylindrical, wherein the height direction of the steering lock 10 serves as the cylinder axis. The cam member 35 is disposed coaxially with the worm wheel 33, and is accommodated in the boss portion 20D of the housing 20 as well as the worm wheel 33. On the outside circumferentially on the cam element 35, spiral-like driver grooves 35A are formed, within which the balls 34 are accommodated approximately half way. Thus, the cam member 35 is coupled to the worm wheel 33 and relatively movable therewith. More specifically, when the worm wheel 33 rotates about its axis, the balls 34 slide within the cam grooves 35A, and the cam member 35 moves in the axial direction relative to the worm wheel 33.Further, a pair of guide protrusions 35B are integrally formed at one end of the cam member 35. The guide protrusions 35B are formed corresponding to the guide recesses 20F of the above-described housing 20 and accommodated inside the guide recesses 20F. Thus, when the worm wheel 33 rotates, the cam member 35 moves in the axial direction, whereas the rotation of the cam member 35 is suppressed.< Locking Member 36>The locking element 36 is formed as a substantially rectangular plate, wherein the second direction corresponds to the direction of the plate thickness and the axial direction of the cam element 35 corresponds to the longitudinal direction. One end of the locking member 36 (the end in the arrow direction B in FIGS. 4 to 6 ) is disposed inside the receiving hole 20E of the housing 20, and the other end of the locking member 36 is disposed inside the cam member 35. At the widthwise center at the other end of the lock member 36, a coupling hole 36A is continuously formed, and a coupling pin 37 clamped at one end of the cam member 35 is inserted into this coupling hole 36A. Thus, the locking member 36 is integrally movable with the cam member 35. That is, when the worm wheel 33 rotates, the lock member 36 moves together with the cam member 35 and the coupling pin 37 in the axial direction of the cam member 35.When the steering lock 10 is not in operation, the end of the locking member 36 is disposed inside the insertion hole 20E of the housing 20 and is disposed at a position not protruding from the housing 20 toward the front side (the position shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 6(A); hereinafter, this position is referred to as "unlocking position"). On the other hand, when the steering lock 10 is in operation, the worm wheel 33 is rotated by the motor 31, and the lock member 36 is moved from the unlock position to one side to the lock position together with the cam member 35 (see FIG. 6(B) ). In the locking position, one end of the locking member 36 protrudes from the insertion hole 20E of the housing 20 toward the front side (i.e., toward the steering shaft 80) and engages the steering shaft 80.At one end in the width direction of the locking member 36 (on the side in the first direction), an engaging portion 36B is formed. This engagement portion 36B is a recess that is open in the first direction and pierces the locking member 36 in the thickness direction.Furthermore, on the other side of the locking element 36, a spring 38 is provided, which is designed as a helical compression spring. One end of the spring 38 is locked to the other end of the locking member 36, whereas the other end of the spring 38 is locked to the lid 60. The spring 38 is arranged in the compressed state between the locking element 36 and the cover 60. Thereby, the locking member 36 is urged toward one side by the spring force of the spring 38, and the inner circumferential surface of the coupling hole 36A of the locking member 36 abuts on the coupling pin 37.< Mechanism 50>The lock mechanism 50 includes a holding case 52, a lock bar 54, and a spring 56 serving as a spring member.< Holding Case 52>The holding case 52 has a substantially rectangular box shape opened in the direction opposite to the first direction, and is accommodated inside the second lock member accommodating portion 20B of the case 20. On both side walls thereof in the width direction (second direction) of the holding case 52, a pair of engaging claws 52A are integrally formed at positions corresponding to the engaging grooves 20B1 of the second lock member accommodating portion 20B. The engaging claws 52A extend outwardly from the holding case 52 in the widthwise direction as viewed from the opening side of the holding case 52, and are bent toward the opening side of the second ratchet receiving portion 20B while being elastically deformable in the second direction. The engaging claws 52A are disposed within the engaging grooves 20B 1 of the second ratchet receiving portion 20B, and the front end of the engaging claws 52A is engaged with a not-shown step portion within the engaging grooves 20B 1.On a pair of side walls in the height direction of the holding case 52 (more specifically, on side walls opposing each other in the height direction of the steering lock 10), rectangular holes 52B are continuously formed substantially at the center. As shown in FIG. 1, in the bottom wall of the holding case 52, a bearing part 52C for supporting the later-described spring 56 is formed. This support part 52C is substantially circular column-shaped and protrudes from the bottom wall toward the opening side of the holding case 52.<Der Latch 54>As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the lock bar 54 has a substantially elongated plate shape extending in the first direction, and is disposed such that the second direction corresponds to the direction of plate thickness. The front end of the lock bar 54 is disposed within the connection groove 20H of the housing 20, and the rear end of the lock bar 54 is bent in the second direction and accommodated within the holding housing 52. Further, when the lock bar 54 is received within the retaining housing 52, the lock bar 54 is slidable in the first direction. When the lock mechanism 50 is not in operation, the front end of the lock bar 54 is spaced apart from the lock member 36 in the first direction. And, when the lock mechanism 50 is operated when the lock member 36 is in the lock position, the lock bar 54 slides in the direction opposite to the first direction by the spring force of the later-explained spring 56, whereby the front end of the lock bar 54 is inserted into the engaging portion 36B of the lock member 36. Thereby, the locking member 36 and the lock bar 54 are interlocked, and the locking state of the locking mechanism 30 is maintained.As shown in FIG. 1, the spring 56 is formed as a compression coil spring and is fitted on the bearing part 52C in the holding case 52. One end of the spring 56 is locked to the rear end of the lock bar 54, while the other end of the spring 56 is locked to the bottom wall of the holding case 52. The spring 56 is accommodated in the holding housing 52 in the compressed state. The locking latch 54 is thus prestressed counter to the first direction (i.e. toward the locking element 36) by the spring force of the spring 56.When the lock mechanism 50 is not in operation, the front end of the below-explained lock member 70 is inserted into the holding case 52 through the hole 52B, and is disposed on the opposite side to the first direction adjacent to the rear end of the lock bar 54. Thereby, the lock bar 54 and the locking member 70 are engaged with each other, and the movement of the lock bar 54 in the direction opposite to the first direction is restricted. That is, the non-operating state of the lock mechanism 50 is maintained.Lid 60As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lid 60 is plate-shaped with the height direction of the steering lock 10 corresponding to the thickness direction, and has a shape corresponding to the opening of the housing 20 in plan view. That is, at the end of the lid 60 in the second direction, a protrusion 60A corresponding to the protrusion 24 of the housing 20 and protruding in the first direction is formed. The peripheral edge of the lid 60 is placed on the step surface 20J of the housing 20, and when the opening of the housing 20 is closed, it is fixed to the housing 20 with screws S 2 (see FIG. 2(B) ).As shown in FIG. 6, a part of the lid 60 in the first direction is provided with a bearing portion 60B protruding toward the front side of the lid 60. On the bottom wall of this bearing portion 60B, a substantially circular column-shaped bearing bolt 60C is integrally formed. This support bolt 60C projects from the bottom wall of the support portion 60B toward the rear side, and is disposed coaxially with the cam member 35. When the cover 60 is assembled into the housing 20, the other end of the spring 38 is mounted on the support bolt 60C, and the spring 38 is supported on the support bolt 60C. Further, inside the bearing portion 60B, the other end of the worm wheel 33 is disposed.At a circumferential portion on the back side of the lid 60, positioning protrusions 60D are formed at positions corresponding to the positioning recesses 20K of the lid 20. When the lid 60 is assembled into the housing 20, the positioning protrusions 60D are fitted into the positioning recesses 20K.Next, the locking member 70 and a holding portion 62 for holding the locking member 70 which are important aspects of the invention will be explained.Holding portion 62As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the holding portion 62 is formed on the rear side of the protrusion 60A in the lid 60, and is disposed inside the first lock member accommodating portion 20A. More specifically, the holding portion 62 is disposed adjacent to one of the positioning protrusions 60D formed in the lid 60 in the direction opposite to the first direction, and is disposed on the opening side 20 of the housing 20 as viewed from the above-described lock bar 54 of the lock mechanism 50 and the support hole 20B 2 of the housing 20. The holding portion 62 has a substantially C-shaped shape when viewed from the first direction, which is open toward the rear of the lid 60. More specifically, the holding portion 62 includes a base portion 62A protruding from the rear side of the lid 60, a pair of side walls 62B protruding from the both widthwise ends (along the second direction) of the base portion 62A toward the rear side of the lid 60, and a pair of roof walls 62C extending inward from the front ends of the side walls 62B in the widthwise direction of the base portion 62A. The holding portion 62 further includes stopper wall portions 62D that extend from the end of the roof walls 62C toward the base portion 62A in the direction opposite to the first direction and are connected to the base portion 62A.Thus, in the holding portion 62, a receiving portion 62E that is open toward the first direction is formed. This holding portion 62E extends in the width direction (second direction) of the holding portion 62, and the holding portion 62 has a holding groove 62F formed between the two roof walls 62C and the stopper wall portions 62D, the holding groove 62F being connected to the center, in the width direction, of the holding portion 62E. That is, the center, in the width direction, of the accommodating portion 62E is opened to the bottom wall of the housing 20 and the opposite side to the first direction, respectively, through the holding groove 62F. Further, the opening in the first direction in the receiving portion 62E is provided with a chamfer 62G.Locking element 70The lock member 70 is formed of a metal sheet and has a substantially elongated plate shape with the height direction of the steering lock 10 corresponding to the longitudinal direction, and is accommodated in the first lock member accommodating portion 20A of the housing 20. The locking member 70 has a flat plate portion 70A that forms the rear end of the locking member 70. This flat plate portion 70A is disposed parallel to the lid (more specifically, the surface of the base portion 62A of the holding portion 62 that is part of the accommodating portion 62E), and has a substantially rectangular plate shape, the second direction corresponding to the width direction. Further, the locking member 70 includes a locking rod 70B bent at the end, on the opposite side to the first direction, of the flat plate portion 70A and extending from the widthwise center of the flat plate portion 70A toward the bottom wall. In other words, the lock rod 70B extends in the height direction of the steering lock 10, the first direction corresponding to its thickness direction. Both widthwise ends of the plate portion 70A are disposed outside the lock rod 70B in the widthwise direction.The width of the receiving portion 62E in the above-described holding portion 62 is slightly larger than the width of the flat plate portion 70A. And, the height of the receiving portion 62E is slightly larger than the plate thickness of the flat plate portion 70A. Further, the width of the holding groove 62F of the holding portion 62 is slightly larger than the width of the lock rod 70B.The flat plate portion 70A is inserted into the receiving portion 62E of the holding portion 62 from the first direction. Before the lid 60 is assembled into the housing 20, and when the flat plate portion 70A is inserted into the receiving portion 62E, the flat plate portion 70A is slidably disposed in the receiving portion 62E in the first direction, and the lock rod 70B is slidably disposed in the holding groove 62F in the first direction.On the other hand, when the lid 60 is assembled into the housing 20, the opening of the accommodating portion 62E is closed by the stopper wall 24A. Thereby, the flat plate portion 70A abuts against the stopper wall 24A, thereby limiting the movement of the flat plate portion 70A in the first direction. Further, in the direction opposite to the first direction of the flat plate portion 70A, the stopper wall portions 62D of the holding portion 62 is provided so that the flat plate portion 70A abuts the stopper wall portion 62D, and thus the movement of the flat plate portion 70A in the direction opposite to the first direction is restricted. Thus, when the lid 60 is assembled into the housing 20, the movement of the flat plate portion 70A in the first direction as well as in the direction opposite to the first direction is restricted by the holding portion 62 and the housing 20.Further, the footprint of the above-described support hole 20B 2 of the housing 20 is slightly larger than the footprint of the lock bar 70B. And, when the lid 60 is assembled into the housing 20, the front end of the lock rod 70B is inserted into the support hole 20B 2 and is supported by the support hole 20B 2. Further, the front end of the lock rod 70B is inserted into the hole 52B in the holding case 52 of the lock mechanism 50, and is disposed adjacent to the rear end of the lock bar 54 in the direction opposite to the first direction. Thereby, the front end of the lock rod 70B engages the rear end of the lock bar 54, and the non-operating state of the lock mechanism 50 is maintained (see FIG. 1 ).Operation of the steering lock 10Next, the operation of the steering lock 10 will be described. When the steering lock 10 is not in operation, the locking member 36 is in the unlocking position as shown in FIG. 6(A), and the front end of the locking member 36 does not protrude from the insertion hole 20E of the housing 20. This enables rotation of the steering shaft 80 (not shown in FIG. 6(A)).Then, when the motor of the vehicle is stopped, the motor 31 is controlled by the controller, and the rotating shaft 31B of the motor 31 rotates. Thereby, the worm 32 provided on the rotation shaft 31B rotates, and the worm wheel 33 engaged with the worm 32 rotates about its own axis. When the worm wheel 33 rotates, the cam member 35 moves to one side opposite to the worm wheel 33, and the lock member 36 coupled to the cam member 35 through the coupling pin 37 also moves to one side. Thereby, the locking member 36 is brought into the locking position as shown in FIG. 6(B), and the one end of the locking member 36 is engaged with the steering shaft 80 (not shown in FIG. 6(B)). As a result, the lock mechanism 30 is locked, thereby locking rotation of the steering shaft 80.Operation of Lock Mechanism 50Next, the operation of the lock mechanism 50 will be described. When the lid 60 is detached from the housing 20 in the locked state of the locking mechanism 30, the locking member 70 held on the holding member 62 of the lid 60 is detached from the housing 20 together with the lid 60. Therefore, when the front end of the locking member 70 is removed from the hole 52B of the holding case 52, this front end is removed from the support hole 20B 2 of the case 20 toward the first locking member accommodating portion 20A side. Thus, the engagement between the lock bar 54 and the lock member 70 is released.When the engagement between the lock bar 54 and the lock member 70 is released, the lock bar 54 moves toward the lock member 36 due to the spring force of the spring 56. Thereby, the front end of the lock bar 54 is inserted into the engaging portion 36B of the locking member 36 and is engaged with the engaging portion 36B. Thus, the movement of the locking member 36 in its longitudinal direction is suppressed. As a result, the engagement state (locking state) of the locking member 36 with the steering shaft 80 is maintained, and the locking state of the locking mechanism 30 that prevents rotation of the steering shaft 80 is also maintained. Consequently, with the steering lock 10, an anti-theft function can be achieved when the cover 60 is removed from the housing 20.Surgical EffectNext, the operational effect of this embodiment will be explained together with the procedure for installing the lid 60 in the case 20.First, before the lid 60 is assembled into the case 20, the flat plate portion 70A of the locking member 70 is provisionally held on the holding portion 62 of the lid 60. More specifically, the flat plate portion 70A of the locking member 70 is disposed in the first direction as viewed from the receiving portion 62E of the holding portion 62 (see FIG. 7 ). Then, the locking member 70 is moved in the direction opposite to the first direction (in the arrow direction D in FIG. 7 ), and the locking rod 70B is inserted into the retaining groove 62F of the retaining portion 62. Thus, the position of the locking member 70 relative to the holding portion 62 in the width direction of the holding portion 62 is fixed. In this state, the flat plate portion 70A is inserted into the receiving portion 62E of the flat plate portion 70A while the lock rod 70B is slid along the retaining groove 62F in the direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, the locking member 70 is provisionally held on the holding member 62.Then, in this state where the locking member 70 is provisionally held, the lid 60 is assembled to the housing 20 so as to close the opening of the housing 20. More specifically, the locking member 70 is accommodated in the first locking member accommodating portion 20A of the housing 20, and the front end of the locking rod 70B is disposed on the opening side of the housing 20 as viewed from the support hole 20B 2 of the housing 20. This state is the state before the lid 60 is completely assembled to the housing 20, so that the locking member 70 is provisionally held. At this time, while the locking member 70 is provisionally held, the locking member 70 (or the flat plate portion 70A of the locking member 70) is slidable in the first direction against the lid 60 (or the holding member 62 of the lid 60). Therefore, in the state before the lid 60 is completely assembled to the housing 20, the front end of the lock rod 70B is inserted into the support hole 20B 2 of the housing 20, while the position of the lock member 70 can be adjusted along the first direction.Then, the lid 60 is placed on the step surface 20J of the housing 20, and the positioning protrusions 60D are fitted into the positioning recesses 20K of the housing 20. Thereby, the opening of the housing 20 is closed with the lid 60. In this state, the cover 60 is screwed with screws S2. Thus, the lid 60 is completely attached to the housing 20.In this way, with the steering lock 10 of the present embodiment, the lock member 70 is held on the lid 60 that constitutes an outer side of the steering lock 10. Thus, when the cover 60 is removed from the housing 20, the locking element 70 is removed together with the cover 60. Thereby, the lock mechanism 50 is operated and the lock state of the lock mechanism 30 is maintained.The flat plate portion 70A of the locking member 70 is slidably inserted into the receiving portion 62E of the holding portion 62 in the first direction. Therefore, when the lid 60 is assembled to the housing 20, the front end of the lock rod 70B can be inserted into the support hole 20B 2 while the lock member 70 slides (moves relative to) the lid 60 in the first direction. Thus, even if the lid holding portion 62 is displaced against the housing support hole 20B 2, this displacement can be compensated for by a displacement (relative movement) of the locking member 70 against the lid 60. Consequently, the front end of the locking member 70 can be pushed into the support hole 20B 2 and the lid 60 can be assembled to the housing 20 while the size of the support hole 20B 2 can be prevented from being provided larger than necessary.Since the size of the support hole 20B 2 is made not larger than necessary, it is difficult to get the lock bar 54 through the support hole 20B 2 after the lid 60 (or the lock member 70) is removed from the housing 20. Thereby, even after the lock member 70 is removed from the steering lock 10, the state in which the lock bolt 54 is locked to the lock member 36 can be prevented from being unpermissibly released. Consequently, the anti-theft function of the steering lock 10 can be maintained.Further, when the lid 60 has been assembled to the housing 20, displacement of the flat plate portion 70A in the first direction is restricted by the stopper wall 24A of the housing, and displacement of the flat plate portion 70A in the opposite direction in the first direction is restricted by the stopper wall portion 62D of the holding portion 62. Thus, after the lid 60 is completed to the case 20, the locking member 70 can be properly held by the holding portion 62 and the case 20 even if the flat plate portion 70A of the locking member 70 is slidably inserted into the holding portion 62 of the lid 60.Thus, while maintaining the anti-theft function of the steering lock 10, the installation of the lid 60 into the housing 20 can be simplified.Further, as described above, after the lid 60 is completely assembled to the housing 20, the opening of the receiving portion 62E of the holding portion 62 is closed by the stopper wall 24A of the housing 20, and the displacement of the flat plate portion 70A in the first direction is restricted. Thus, by utilizing the housing 20, even without separately providing a member for limiting the displacement of the flat plate portion 70A in the first direction, a relative movement between the locking member 70 and the lid 60 can be limited. Consequently, an increase in cost of the steering lock 10 can be prevented.Further, between the roof walls 62C at the widthwise center of the holding portion 62, a holding groove 62F extending in the first direction is formed. The receiving portion 62E of the holding portion 62 is open to the bottom wall of the housing 20 through this holding groove 62F, and the lock rod 70B is disposed in this holding groove 62F. Therefore, both widthwise ends of the flat plate portion 70A of the locking member 70 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 62E, and are held clamped between the roof walls 62C and the base portion 62A of the holding portion. Thereby, the locking member 70 can be held more balanced than with an arrangement in which only the one widthwise end of the flat plate portion 70A is held by the holding portion 62.Further, the lock rod 70B is disposed inside the holding groove 62F, so that movement of the lock rod 70B (or the lock member 70) in the width direction can be restricted by the pair of roof walls 62C.Thus, an advantageous mounting with respect to the locking element 70 can be achieved.Furthermore, the blocking element 70 is manufactured from a metal sheet. This contributes to downsizing of the locking member 70, while securing the strength of the locking member 70.Further, the lock rod 70B is disposed in the opposite direction to the first direction with respect to the flat plate portion 70A when viewed from the opening of the housing 20. In other words, the lock rod 70B is located from the flat plate portion 70A in the direction in which the flat plate portion 70A is inserted into the receiving portion 62E (i.e., in the direction of installation). Therefore, when the flat plate portion 70A is inserted into the receiving portion 62E, first, the lock rod 70B is inserted into the retaining groove 62F. Thus, the lock rod 70B is passed through the pair of roof walls 62C. In other words, when the flat plate portion 70A of the locking member 70 is inserted into the receiving portion 62E, the two roof walls 62C function as guide members. Consequently, the locking member 70 can be built even more easily into the holding portion 62.And, when the lock bar 54 is biased by the spring 56 in the direction opposite to the first direction, the front end of the lock rod 70B is pushed in the direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, a front part of the lock rod 70B abuts against and is held by the inner circumferential surface of the support hole 20B 2. Consequently, the locking member 70 can be held stably.Further, on the lid 60, a positioning protrusion 60D is disposed in the first direction of the holding portion 62, and this positioning protrusion 60D is fitted into the corresponding positioning recess 20K of the housing. Therefore, the positioning of the lid 60 with respect to the housing 20 near the holding portion 62 is ensured. Thus, relative displacement of the holding portion 62 of the lid 60 against the support hole 20B 2 of the housing 20 can be effectively suppressed. Consequently, this can contribute to easier installation of the lid 60 into the housing 20.LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS10 Steering lock 20 Housing 20A First ratchet receiving portion 20B Second ratchet receiving portion 20B 1 Engaging groove 20B 2 Support hole (through hole) 20B 2 aFading 20C First gear receiving portion 20D Boss portion 20E Insertion hole 20F Guide recess 20G Second gear receiving portion 20H Connecting groove 20J Step surface 20K Positioning recess 20L Aperture 22 Mounting portion 24 Protrusion 24A Stopper wall 30 Locking mechanism 31 Motor 31A Motor main body 31B Rotation shaft 32 Worm 32A Worm gear 33 Worm wheel 33A Teeth 33B Receiving groove 34 Ball 35 Cam member 35A Cam groove 35B Guide protrusion 36 Locking member 36A Coupling hole 36B Engaging portion 37 Coupling pin 38 Spring 40 Holding plate 40A Axle bearing 41 Base plate 42 Connector 50 Locking member 52 Holding housing 52A Engaging claw 52B Hole 52C Bearing part 54 Locking bar 56 Spring (spring member) 60 Cover 60A Protrusion 60B Bearing portion 60C Bearing bolt 60D Positioning protrusion 62 Holding portion 62A Base portion 62B Side wall 62C Roof wall 62D Stopper wall portion 62E Receiving portion 62F Holding groove 62G Chamfer 70 Locking member 70A Flat plate portion (rear end of the locking member) 70B Locking rod 80 Steering shaft S 1 Screw S 2 Screw

Claims

A steering lock (10) comprising: a box-shaped housing (20) having an opening; a lid (60) that closes the opening of the housing (20); a locking member (36) that is accommodated inside the housing (20) and movable between a locking position in which rotation of a steering shaft (80) is blocked and an unlocking position in which rotation of the steering shaft (80) is possible; a lock bolt (54) that is disposed relative to the locking member (36) in a first direction when viewed from the opening of the housing (20), engages the locking member (36) in the locking position when operated, and maintains a state in which the locking member (36) is in the locking position; a holding portion (62) disposed on the back side of the lid (60) toward the opening of the housing (20) as viewed from the lock bar (54) and having a receiving portion (62E) opened toward the first direction; and a locking member (70) held by the holding portion (62) being engaged with the lock bar (54) and thus maintaining the non-operating state of the lock bar (54), and permitting operation of the lock bar (54) by cancelling the engagement with the lock bar (54), the locking member (70) comprising: a rear end (70A) slidably inserted into the receiving portion (62E) in the first direction; and a lock bar (70B) extending from the rear end (70A) toward the lock bar (54) and having a front end inserted into a through hole (20B2) formed in the housing (20), the lock bar (70B) being engaged with the lock bar (54); wherein a displacement of the rear end (70A) in the first direction is restricted by the housing (20), and a displacement of the rear end (70A) in the direction opposite to the first direction is restricted by the holding portion (62).The steering lock (10) according to claim 1, wherein when a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is adopted as the width direction, the holding portion (62) is disposed such that, as viewed from the opening of the housing (20), in the width direction center of the holding portion (62), the receiving portion (62E) is opened toward the bottom wall of the housing (20), and a holding groove (62F) extending along the first direction is formed, and the lock rod (70B) is disposed in the holding groove (62F).The steering lock (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking member (70) is made of metal sheet; the rear end (70A) of the locking member (70) is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the lid (60) and has the shape of a plate disposed parallel to the lid (60); and the locking rod (70B) has an elongated plate shape bent from the rear end (70A) toward the bottom wall of the housing (20).The steering lock (10) according to claim 3, wherein the lock rod (70B) is disposed on the opposite side from the rear end (70A) from the opening of the housing (20) to the first direction.The steering lock (10) according to claim 4, wherein the lock bar (54) is biased toward the lock member (36) by a spring member (56), and the front end of the lock rod (70B) is pushed in the direction opposite to the first direction.

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