Steering lock device

Abstract

To improve reliability.SOLUTION: In an ST lock device 10, a lock-up member 60 is configured to include a part 61 to be guided that is guided by a lock-up storage part 28 and a general part 62 which is a part other than the part 61 to be guided. A load absorbing part 63 is formed in the general part 62, where when loads on a front side which are above a predetermined value are applied to a cover 30, the load absorbing part 63 deforms to absorb the loads inputted to the cover 30, so that the part 61 to be guided is suppressed from deforming. This can suppress the part 61 to be guided from getting stuck with an inner peripheral surface of a guide hole 28A of the lock-up storage part 28, when actuating the lock-up member 60. Therefore, even if the loads on the front side are applied to a rear wall of the cover 30 during unauthorized access, the lock-up member 60 can be appropriately moved to a rear side, so as to actuate an auxiliary lock member 52, when detaching the cover 30 from a frame 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering lock device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the steering lock device described in Patent Document 1 below, the lock rod moves to a locked position and engages with the steering shaft, locking the steering shaft. The steering lock device is also configured to maintain the locked state of the lock rod even if the steering lock device is accessed unauthorizedly. Specifically, a long, plate-shaped lock control member is movably housed within the frame body and engages with a lock pin configured to be engageable with the lock rod. If the cover is removed from the frame body through unauthorized access, the lock control member held in the cover moves due to the biasing force of the release spring. As the lock control member moves, the lock pin moves toward the lock rod, engaging the lock pin with the lock rod. This allows the lock rod to remain locked even if the steering lock device is accessed unauthorizedly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-120204 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the steering lock device of Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in the following respects. For example, if an external force is applied to the case in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the lock control member in order to destroy the case during unauthorized access, the external force may be input to the lock control member, causing it to buckle. If the lock control member buckles, it may get caught on the frame body when it moves to remove the cover, preventing the lock pin from operating properly. This could reduce the reliability of the steering lock device.

[0005] In consideration of the above, the present invention provides a steering lock device that can improve reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention include a locking member configured to be movable between a locked position that restricts rotation of a steering shaft and an unlocked position that allows rotation of the steering shaft; an auxiliary locking member that, when activated, moves to an engagement position that engages with the locking member in the locked position, thereby maintaining the locking member in the locked position; a lockup member that is disposed in an initial position that engages with the auxiliary locking member to maintain the auxiliary locking member in a non-activated state, and that allows activation of the auxiliary locking member by moving from the initial position to one side in a transverse direction that intersects with the movement direction of the auxiliary locking member; a frame that houses the locking member, the auxiliary locking member, and the lockup member, and has a guide portion that guides movement of the lockup member to one side in the transverse direction; a cover that covers the frame, against which the lockup member abuts to restrict movement of the lockup member to one side in the transverse direction; and a lockup biasing spring that biases the lockup member to one side in the transverse direction, wherein the lockup member is The plate is formed in a long plate shape extending in the intersecting direction, a guided portion that is guided by the guide portion and a portion other than the guided portion; This forms one end portion of the lock-up member in the transverse direction.and a general portion, wherein a load absorbing portion is formed in the general portion, and when a load of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the other side in the intersecting direction to the cover, the load absorbing portion deforms to absorb the load and suppress deformation of the guided portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention may provide improved reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a steering lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above; [Figure 2] 2 is a front view of the steering lock device shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the front side. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan view showing the steering lock device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the steering lock device shown in FIG. 3 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2) showing the inside of the steering lock device shown in FIG. 2 as seen from above. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5) showing the lockup member shown in FIG. 5 housed in the frame, as viewed from the right side. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6) seen from the front side, showing the state in which the auxiliary locking member and the lockup member shown in FIG. 6 are engaged with each other. [Figure 8] 5A is an enlarged rear view of the lockup housing of the frame shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the lockup housing of FIG. 5A as seen from the rear right. [Figure 9] 7A is a side view of the lockup member shown in FIG. 6 as seen from the right side, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the lockup member of FIG. 6A as seen from diagonally forward right. [Figure 10]9B. FIG. 9C is a perspective view showing a modification in which a hole is added to the lockup member shown in FIG. 9B, as viewed from diagonally forward right. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first variation of the load absorbing portion of the lockup member shown in FIG. 9(B), as viewed obliquely from the front right. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second variation of the load absorbing portion of the lockup member shown in FIG. 9(B), as viewed obliquely from the front right. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third variation of the load absorbing portion of the lockup member shown in FIG. 9(B), as viewed obliquely from the front right. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A steering lock device 10 according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "ST lock device 10") will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrows UP, FR, and RH shown as appropriate in the drawings respectively indicate the upper side, front side, and right side of the ST lock device 10. In the following description, when the up / down, front / rear, and left / right directions are used, they refer to the up / down direction, front / rear direction, and left / right direction of the ST lock device 10 unless otherwise specified.

[0010] 1 and 2, the ST locking device 10 is disposed radially outward of the steering shaft SF of a vehicle (automobile) and is fixed to the body of the vehicle. The ST locking device 10 is configured as a device that operates when the engine of the vehicle (automobile) is stopped to limit the rotation of the steering shaft SF.

[0011] The ST locking device 10 includes a frame 20 that forms the framework of the ST locking device 10, a cover 30 that covers the rear of the frame 20, and a locking mechanism 40 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and an auxiliary locking mechanism 50 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) housed within the frame 20. Each component of the ST locking device 10 will be described below.

[0012] (About frame 20) 1 to 7, the frame 20 is configured to include a main body frame 22 and a lock frame 24, and the lock frame 24 is assembled to the main body frame 22 to form the frame 20. The main body frame 22 has a base portion 22A that forms the front end of the main body frame 22. The base portion 22A is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate with its thickness direction in the front-to-rear direction, and the right end of the base portion 22A protrudes forward.

[0013] The main frame 22 has an inner frame portion 22B for accommodating a locking mechanism 40 and an auxiliary locking mechanism 50, which will be described later. When viewed from the rear, the inner frame portion 22B is formed in a generally T-shaped block shape with its thickness extending in the up-down direction, and extends rearward from the base portion 22A (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the inner frame portion 22B includes a first inner frame portion 22B1 that constitutes the upper portion of the inner frame portion 22B, and a second inner frame portion 22B2 that constitutes the lower portion of the inner frame portion 22B, with the second inner frame portion 22B2 protruding downward from a middle portion of the first inner frame portion 22B1 in the left-right direction.

[0014] A gear accommodating section 22C (see FIG. 3) that accommodates a worm wheel 43 (described later) is formed in the left portion of the first inner frame section 22B1. The gear accommodating section 22C is formed in a concave shape that is open upward and is generally circular in plan view from above. A motor accommodating section 22D (see FIG. 3) that accommodates a motor 41 (described later) is formed in the right portion of the first inner frame section 22B1. The motor accommodating section 22D is formed in a concave shape that is open upward and is generally inverted T-shaped in plan view. The motor accommodating section 22D extends in a direction that slopes leftward toward the rear in plan view, and the rear end of the motor accommodating section 22D communicates with the outer periphery of the rear end of the gear accommodating section 22C. An inner cover 26 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) is attached to the upper end of the inner frame section 22B, and the gear accommodating section 22C and the motor accommodating section 22D are closed by the inner cover 26.

[0015] The lock frame 24 is formed in a generally rectangular pillar shape with its axis extending in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the lock frame 24 is attached to a left-right intermediate portion of the lower part of the base portion 22A, so that the lock frame 24 protrudes forward from the base portion 22A. Specifically, the lock frame 24 is disposed in front of the second inner frame portion 22B2. A shaft accommodating portion 24A (see FIGS. 2 and 5) that accommodates a lock shaft 46 (described later) is formed within the lower part of the lock frame 24. The shaft accommodating portion 24A is formed as a hole that penetrates in the front-rear direction and is formed in a generally rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the front. An auxiliary lock accommodating portion 24B (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that accommodates an auxiliary lock member 52 (described later) is formed in a front-rear intermediate portion of the right end of the lock frame 24. The auxiliary lock accommodating portion 24B is formed as a hole that is open to the bottom, and is formed in an approximately rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction when viewed from below, and the left end portion of the auxiliary lock accommodating portion 24B is connected to the shaft accommodating portion 24A.

[0016] A slider accommodating portion 22E (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that accommodates a slider 44 (described later) is formed at the left end of the second inner frame portion 22B2. The slider accommodating portion 22E is formed in a cylindrical shape that penetrates in the front-rear direction, and the front end of the slider accommodating portion 22E communicates with the shaft accommodating portion 24A. The slider accommodating portion 22E is located below the gear accommodating portion 22C, and an upper communication portion 22F that communicates between the gear accommodating portion 22C and the slider accommodating portion 22E is formed in the upper wall of the inner frame portion 22B. The upper communication portion 22F is formed in a groove shape that extends in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the upper communication portion 22F is open to the rear. A lower communication portion 22G is formed in the inner frame portion 22B to accommodate a magnet holding portion 44B of the slider 44 (described later). The lower communication portion 22G is formed in a groove shape extending in the front-rear direction, and the rear end portion of the lower communication portion 22G is open to the rear side.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 , the frame 20 is provided with a lockup accommodating portion 28 for accommodating a lockup member 60, which will be described later. The lockup accommodating portion 28 extends in the front-rear direction and is formed at the right end of the second inner frame portion 22B2 and the lock frame 24. The lockup accommodating portion 28 has a guide hole 28A serving as a guide portion that is open to the rear, and the guide hole 28A is formed across the inner frame portion 22B and the lock frame 24. That is, the front end of the guide hole 28A is formed in the lock frame 24, and the rear end of the guide hole 28A is formed in the second inner frame portion 22B2 and opens to the rear. The guide hole 28A is located to the right of the shaft accommodating portion 24A in the lock frame 24, and the front end of the guide hole 28A communicates with the right portion of the auxiliary lock accommodating portion 24B. When viewed from the rear, the guide hole 28A is formed in a generally rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction extending up and down.

[0018] A spring accommodating recess 28B that is open to the rear is formed above the guide hole 28A in the rear portion of the lockup accommodating portion 28 (a portion formed in the second inner frame portion 22B2). The spring accommodating recess 28B is disposed so as to overlap the upper portion of the guide hole 28A formed in the second inner frame portion 22B2, and is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the rear. The front end portion of the second inner frame portion 22B2 that forms the bottom surface of the spring accommodating recess 28B is configured as a spring receiving portion 28C that receives an auxiliary lock biasing spring 54, which will be described later, and where the spring receiving portion 28C is formed, the upper portion of the guide hole 28A is divided into front and rear portions by the spring receiving portion 28C (see FIG. 6).

[0019] A first opening 28D is formed penetrating in the left-right direction at the rear of the lockup accommodating portion 28 for opening a portion of the lower part of the guide hole 28A to the right. The first opening 28D is formed in a groove shape extending in the front-rear direction, and the front end surface of the first opening 28D is disposed flush with the front end surface of the spring accommodating recess 28B. The first opening 28D is located above the lower surface of the guide hole 28A. In addition, a second opening 28E is formed penetrating in the left-right direction at the rear of the lockup accommodating portion 28, rearward of the first opening 28D, for opening substantially the entire rear end portion of the guide hole 28A to the right, and the second opening 28E is in communication with the first opening 28D.

[0020] (About Cover 30) 1, 2, 5, and 6, the cover 30 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape that is open to the front. The cover 30 is attached to the main body frame 22 from the rear and fixed to the main body frame 22 by a claw engagement. When the cover 30 is attached to the main body frame 22, the inner frame portion 22B is housed within the cover 30, and the opening of the cover 30 is closed by the base portion 22A of the main body frame 22.

[0021] (Regarding the locking mechanism 40) 2 to 7, the locking mechanism 40 includes a motor 41, a worm wheel 43, a slider 44, and a locking member such as a locking shaft 46. When the locking mechanism 40 is activated, it transitions between an unlocked state in which the steering shaft SF is permitted to rotate, and a locked state in which the locking mechanism 40 engages with the steering shaft SF and restricts the rotation of the steering shaft SF.

[0022] (Regarding motor 41) The motor 41 is disposed along the extension direction of the motor housing portion 22D of the frame 20 in a plan view and is housed in the motor housing portion 22D. The output shaft 41A of the motor 41 extends rearward from the motor main body 41B, and a worm 42 is provided at the tip end portion of the output shaft 41A so as to be able to rotate integrally with the output shaft 41A. The worm 42 is exposed on the gear housing portion 22C side, and a worm gear is formed on the outer periphery of the worm 42.

[0023] A substrate 32 is provided below the inner frame portion 22B, and is disposed with its thickness in the up-down direction. The substrate 32 is fixed to the inner frame portion 22B and housed within the cover 30. A motor 41 is electrically connected to the substrate 32. A connector 34 is provided on the substrate 32, and the connector 34 is exposed to the outside from the cover 30. A vehicle-side connector (not shown) is fitted into the connector 34, and the motor 41 is electrically connected to a control unit of the vehicle via a vehicle-side harness (not shown).

[0024] (About worm wheel 43) The worm wheel 43 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom that is open upward, and is housed in the gear housing portion 22C of the inner frame portion 22B. A support hole 43A is formed through the center of the bottom of the worm wheel 43. A support shaft (not shown) formed in the inner cover 26 is inserted into the worm wheel 43 and the support hole 43A, and the worm wheel 43 is rotatably supported by the support shaft. A gear portion formed by a plurality of external teeth is provided on the outer periphery of the worm wheel 43, and this gear portion meshes with the worm gear of the worm 42. In addition, a cam (not shown) for operating a slider, which will be described later, is formed on the underside of the motor 41.

[0025] (Regarding slider 44) The slider 44 is formed in a generally rectangular pillar shape extending in the front-rear direction and is housed in the slider housing portion 22E of the inner frame portion 22B so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. A connecting protrusion 44A (see FIG. 4) protruding upward is provided at the rear end of the slider 44. The connecting protrusion 44A is inserted into the upper communicating portion 22F of the inner frame portion 22B and abuts against the cam of the worm wheel 43 from the rear side by the biasing force of a lock biasing spring 47 (described later). The shape of the cam of the worm wheel 43 is set so that when the motor 41 rotates forward or backward, causing the worm wheel 43 to rotate in one direction or the other, the slider 44 moves back and forth in the front-rear direction. Specifically, when the locking mechanism 40 is in the unlocked state, the slider 44 is positioned at the unlocked position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5), and when the locking mechanism 40 is in the locked state, the slider 44 is positioned at the locked position (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5), which is advanced from the unlocked position.

[0026] A magnet holding portion 44B (see FIG. 4) that protrudes downward is integrally formed at the rear end of the slider 44. A magnet (not shown) is held in the magnet holding portion 44B, and the magnet is disposed above a detection portion (not shown) that is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 32. The detection portion is configured with a Hall IC or the like, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnetic flux density of the magnet. This detects the position of the slider 44, thereby detecting the locked or unlocked state of the locking mechanism 40. An engagement groove 44C (see FIG. 5) is formed at the front end portion of the slider 44, and the engagement groove 44C is formed in a groove shape that is open to the right and extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0027] (Regarding Lock Shaft 46) As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 7, the lock shaft 46 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape with its thickness extending vertically and its length extending longitudinally. It is accommodated in the shaft accommodating portion 24A of the lock frame 24 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. A first notch 46A is formed in the rear end portion of the left portion of the lock shaft 46, opening to the left and extending in the longitudinal direction. An engagement protrusion 46B protruding to the left is formed in the rear end of the lock shaft 46, and the engagement protrusion 46B is inserted into the engagement groove 44C of the slider 44. A second notch 46C is formed in the rear end portion of the right portion of the lock shaft 46, opening to the right and rear. A lock biasing spring 47 is disposed in the second notch 46C. The lock biasing spring 47 is configured as a compression coil spring and biases the lock shaft 46 forward. As a result, the engagement protrusion 46B of the lock shaft 46 comes into contact with the front end of the engagement groove 44C of the slider 44, and the lock shaft 46 moves in the front-to-rear direction in conjunction with the front-to-rear movement of the slider 44. In other words, the lock shaft 46 is configured to move between an unlocked position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5) and a locked position (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5).

[0028] When the lock mechanism 40 (ST lock device 10) is in the unlocked state, the front end of the lock shaft 46 is disposed within the lock frame 24 and is positioned so as not to protrude forward from the lock frame 24. On the other hand, when the lock mechanism 40 (ST lock device 10) is in the locked state, the front end of the lock shaft 46 protrudes forward from the lock frame 24 and engages with the steering shaft SF.

[0029] A first lock groove 46D is formed in the right end of the lock shaft 46 in the middle in the front-to-rear direction. The first lock groove 46D is formed as a groove that opens upward and to the right, and is configured to be located on the left side of the auxiliary lock accommodating portion 24B when the lock shaft 46 is in the unlocked position (see FIG. 5). A second lock groove 46E is formed in the right end of the lock shaft 46, rearward of the first lock groove 46D. The second lock groove 46E is formed as a groove that penetrates in the up-down direction and opens to the right, and is configured to be located on the left side of the auxiliary lock accommodating portion 24B when the lock shaft 46 is in the locked position.

[0030] (Auxiliary locking mechanism 50) As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the auxiliary locking mechanism 50 includes an auxiliary locking member 52 and a lock-up member 60. As shown in FIGS.

[0031] (Regarding the auxiliary locking member 52) 6 and 7, the auxiliary locking member 52 is formed in a generally plate-like shape extending vertically with its thickness aligned in the front-to-rear direction. It is inserted into the auxiliary lock accommodating portion 24B of the lock frame 24 from below. When the auxiliary locking member 52 is in an inactive state, it is positioned in a retracted position (position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 7) spaced above the right end of the lock shaft 46. When the auxiliary locking member 52 is activated, it is positioned in an engaged position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7) where it moves downward from the retracted position. The lower end of the auxiliary locking member 52 is positioned in the first lock groove portion 46D or the second lock groove portion 46E of the lock shaft 46, engaging the auxiliary locking member 52 with the lock shaft 46 in the front-to-rear direction. As a result, when the auxiliary locking mechanism 50 is activated, the lock shaft 46 is maintained in the locked or unlocked position. When the ST locking device 10 is installed on the vehicle, the vehicle body side member is inserted into the auxiliary lock accommodating portion 24B from below, and the vehicle body side member prevents the auxiliary locking member 52 from moving downward when in the engaged position.

[0032] A lock engagement portion 52A that protrudes to the right is integrally formed at the lower end of the auxiliary lock member 52, and the lower end of the lock engagement portion 52A protrudes downward further than the lower end of the auxiliary lock member 52. The lock engagement portion 52A engages with a lockup member 60, which will be described later, to limit downward movement of the auxiliary lock member 52 in the retracted position. An auxiliary lock biasing spring 54 is provided above the lock engagement portion 52A. The auxiliary lock biasing spring 54 is configured as a compression coil spring and biases the lock engagement portion 52A downward.

[0033] (Regarding the lockup member 60) 4 to 7 and 9, lockup member 60 is formed in a generally elongated plate shape with its thickness extending in the left-right direction and its length extending in the front-rear direction. A notch 60A is formed in the upper part of the front part of lockup member 60 (one side part in the width direction), and this notch 60A is formed in a concave shape that is open upward and to the front and extends in the front-rear direction. In other words, notch 60A makes the width dimension of the front part of lockup member 60 smaller than the width dimension of the rear part of lockup member 60, and a step 60B is formed in the longitudinal middle part of lockup member 60.

[0034] The lockup member 60 is accommodated in the guide hole 28A of the lockup accommodation portion 28 of the frame 20 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, and the position of the lockup member 60 accommodated in the lockup accommodation portion 28 is its initial position. In the initial position of the lockup member 60, the front end of the lockup member 60 is disposed within the auxiliary lock accommodation portion 24B of the lock frame 24 and adjacent to the lower side of the auxiliary lock member 52. This maintains the auxiliary lock member 52 in a deactivated state. In addition, the stepped portion 60B of the lockup member 60 is disposed spaced apart from the rear side of the spring receiving portion 28C. Furthermore, the rear end of the lockup member 60 is disposed adjacent to the front side of the cover 30, and the cover 30 restricts the rearward movement of the lockup member 60.

[0035] A lockup biasing spring 70 is housed in the front portion of spring accommodating recess 28B of lockup accommodating portion 28, in front of stepped portion 60B of lockup member 60. Lockup biasing spring 70 is configured as a compression coil spring and biases stepped portion 60B rearward, thereby holding lockup member 60 in its initial position.

[0036] Furthermore, when auxiliary lock mechanism 50 is activated, lockup member 60 moves rearward while being guided by guide hole 28A of lockup accommodating portion 28. Specifically, lockup member 60 is set to be guided by a portion of lockup accommodating portion 28 that is forward of second opening 28E. That is, when viewed from the right side, the portion of lockup member 60 that is forward of second opening 28E is configured as guided portion 61 (see FIGS. 5 and 9) that is guided by lockup accommodating portion 28, and the portion of lockup member 60 other than guided portion 61 is configured as a general portion 62 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

[0037] A load absorbing portion 63 is formed in a longitudinally intermediate portion of the general portion 62. When viewed in the width direction of the lockup member 60, the load absorbing portion 63 is formed in a concave shape that protrudes to the right and opens to the left relative to the lockup member 60, and the open end of the load absorbing portion 63 is connected to the general portion 62. More specifically, the load absorbing portion 63 is bent in a substantially V-shape, and a bent portion 63A (which is broadly understood as a deformation origin portion) is formed in a longitudinally intermediate portion of the load absorbing portion 63. The width dimension of the load absorbing portion 63 and the thickness dimension of the lockup member 60 are set so that when a forward external force of a predetermined value or greater is input to the rear end of the lockup member 60 via the cover 30, the load absorbing portion 63 bends and deforms with the bent portion 63A as the origin. In other words, the lockup member 60 is configured so that the load input to the lockup member 60 is absorbed by the load absorbing portion 63, thereby suppressing deformation of the guided portion 61.

[0038] (Action and effect) Next, the operation of the ST locking device 10 will be described, along with the functions and effects of this embodiment.

[0039] When the ST locking device 10 is in the unlocked state, the lock shaft 46 and slider 44 are positioned in the unlocked position. When the vehicle engine is stopped, the motor 41 is driven by control from the control unit, and the output shaft 41A of the motor 41 rotates forward. This causes the worm 42 provided on the output shaft 41A to rotate, and the worm wheel 43 meshed with the worm 42 to rotate in one direction. When the worm wheel 43 rotates, the cam of the worm wheel 43 moves the slider 44 and lock shaft 46 forward from the unlocked position to the locked position, and the front end of the lock shaft 46 engages with the steering shaft SF. As a result, the locking mechanism 40 enters a locked state in which rotation of the steering shaft SF is restricted.

[0040] In this state, if the ST locking device 10 is accessed illegally and the cover 30 is removed from the frame 20, the lockup member 60 will move rearward from its initial position due to the biasing force of the lockup biasing spring 70. This disengages the lockup member 60 from the auxiliary locking member 52, and the auxiliary locking member 52 is actuated by the biasing force of the auxiliary lock biasing spring 54 and moves downward. As a result, the lower end of the auxiliary locking member 52 engages with the second lock groove portion 46E of the lock shaft 46, restricting movement of the lock shaft 46 in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the locked state of the locking mechanism 40 is maintained.

[0041] Furthermore, unauthorized access to the ST locking device 10 may involve, for example, applying a forward external force to the rear wall of the cover 30, thereby destroying the cover 30. In this case, a forward load acts on the rear end of the lockup member 60 via the cover 30. Because the lockup member 60 is formed in a generally elongated plate shape extending in the front-to-rear direction, when a forward load acts on the rear end of the lockup member 60, the lockup member 60 may buckle in the front-to-rear direction. If the lockup member 60 buckles in the front-to-rear direction, when the cover 30 is removed from the frame 20, the lockup member 60 may get caught on the inner circumferential surface of the guide hole 28A of the frame 20, preventing the lockup member 60 from moving rearward from its initial position. In other words, the auxiliary locking member 52 may remain in an inactivated state.

[0042] In the ST locking device 10, the lockup member 60 includes a guided portion 61 guided by the lockup accommodating portion 28 and a general portion 62 other than the guided portion 61. The general portion 62 is formed with a load absorbing portion 63. When a forward load of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the cover 30, the load absorbing portion 63 deforms, absorbing the load input to the cover 30 and suppressing deformation of the guided portion 61. This prevents the guided portion 61 from getting caught on the inner circumferential surface of the guide hole 28A of the lockup accommodating portion 28 when the lockup member 60 is activated. As a result, even if a forward load is applied to the rear wall of the cover 30 during unauthorized access, the lockup member 60 can be reliably moved rearward when the cover 30 is removed from the frame 20, thereby activating the auxiliary locking member 52. This improves the reliability of the ST locking device 10.

[0043] Furthermore, the load absorbing portion 63 constitutes a longitudinally intermediate portion of the general portion 62 of the lockup member 60 and is formed in a concave shape that is open to the left. Specifically, the load absorbing portion 63 is formed in a V-shape that is open to the left when viewed in the width direction of the lockup member 60, and a bent portion 63A is formed in a longitudinally intermediate portion. When a forward load of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the cover 30, the load absorbing portion 63 bends and deforms starting from the bent portion 63A, and the load absorbing portion 63 deforms inward in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the load input to the cover 30 can be absorbed by the load absorbing portion 63 with a simple configuration.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the load absorbing portion 63 is formed in a V-shape that opens to the left when viewed in the width direction of the lockup member 60, but the load absorbing portion 63 may also be formed in a substantially U-shape that opens to the left. The longitudinal length and width dimensions of the load absorbing portion 63 may be set appropriately so that when a forward load of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the cover 30, the load absorbing portion 63 bends and deforms starting from the curved bent portion.

[0045] 10, a hole 63B for dividing the load absorbing portion 63 in the width direction of the lockup member 60 may be formed so as to penetrate the middle of the load absorbing portion 63 in the width direction. In this case, the hole 63B may be formed as an elongated hole along the front-rear direction of the lockup member 60, and may be formed to extend over the entire longitudinal length of the load absorbing portion 63. This makes it possible to easily set the rigidity of the load absorbing portion 63 in the front-rear direction, for example, by appropriately changing the shape of the hole 63B.

[0046] (Variation 1 of the load absorbing portion 63 of the lock-up member 60) Next, a first variation of the load absorbing portion 63 of the lockup member 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . In the first variation of the load absorbing portion 63, similar to the present embodiment, the load absorbing portion 63 constitutes a central portion in the front-rear direction of the general portion 62 of the lockup member 60. The load absorbing portion 63 is formed in a generally crank shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the lockup member 60. Specifically, the lockup member 60 includes a first arm portion 63C extending forward from the upper end of the rear end of the general portion 62, a second arm portion 63D extending rearward from the lower end of the front end of the general portion 62, and a connecting portion 63E connecting the distal ends of the first arm portion 63C and the second arm portion 63D to each other. The connection portion between the first arm portion 63C and the second arm portion 63D and the connecting portion 63E is configured as a curved portion 63F. The connecting portion 63E is slightly inclined rearward as it extends downward (to one widthwise side of the lockup member 60). As a result, angle A of bent portion 63F when viewed in the thickness direction of lockup member 60 (the angle between first arm portion 63C or second arm portion 63D and connecting portion 63E) is set to an acute angle.

[0047] The width dimension and the like of the load absorbing portion 63 are set so that when a forward load of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the cover 30, the load absorbing portion 63 deforms starting from the bent portion 63F. As a result, similar to the present embodiment, when a forward load is applied to the rear wall of the cover 30 during unauthorized access, the load absorbing portion 63 deforms, and the load input to the cover 30 is absorbed by the load absorbing portion 63, thereby suppressing deformation of the guided portion 61. Therefore, when the cover 30 is removed from the frame 20, the lockup member 60 can be moved rearward satisfactorily, and the auxiliary locking member 52 can be activated.

[0048] Furthermore, in variation 1 of the load absorbing section 63, the angle A of the curved section 63F of the load absorbing section 63 is set to an acute angle. Therefore, when a load is input to the load absorbing section 63 toward the front, the load absorbing section 63 can be easily deformed starting from the curved section 63F, compared to when the angle A of the curved section 63F is set to a right angle or an obtuse angle.

[0049] (Variation 2 of the load absorbing portion 63 of the lockup member 60) Next, variation 2 of the load absorbing section 63 of the lockup member 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . In variation 2 of the load absorbing section 63, the load absorbing section 63 forms the rear end of the general section 62. The load absorbing section 63 is bent to the right (one side in the thickness direction of the lockup member 60) and, when viewed in the width direction of the lockup member 60, is linearly inclined to the right as it moves toward the rear. That is, a bent section 63G is formed at the front end of the load absorbing section 63, and the load absorbing section 63 is bent to the right. Furthermore, in variation 2 of the load absorbing section 63, a hole 63H is formed through the center of the lockup member 60 in the width direction, and the hole 63H extends in the front-to-rear direction so as to straddle the general section 62 and the load absorbing section 63. As a result, the front end of the load absorbing section 63 is divided in the width direction by the hole 63H, and the load absorbing section 63 and the general section 62 are connected by the pair of bent sections 63G.

[0050] The width dimension and the like of the bent portion 63G are set so that when a forward load of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the cover 30, the load absorbing portion 63 bends and deforms starting from the bent portion 63G. As a result, similar to the present embodiment, when a forward load is applied to the rear wall of the cover 30 during unauthorized access, the load absorbing portion 63 deforms, and the load input to the cover 30 is absorbed by the load absorbing portion 63, thereby suppressing deformation of the guided portion 61. Therefore, when the cover 30 is removed from the frame 20, the lock-up member 60 can be moved rearward satisfactorily, and the auxiliary locking member 52 can be activated.

[0051] (Variation 3 of the load absorbing portion 63 of the lockup member 60) Next, variation 3 of the load absorbing section 63 of the lockup member 60 will be described using Figure 13. In variation 3 of the load absorbing section 63, similar to variation 2, the load absorbing section 63 forms the rear end of the general section 62. The load absorbing section 63 is bent to the right (one side in the thickness direction of the lockup member 60) and is formed in a substantially C-shape that is open to the front when viewed in the width direction of the lockup member 60.

[0052] When a forward load equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the cover 30, the load absorbing portion 63 is set to bend and deform starting from the connection portion with the general portion 62. As a result, similar to the present embodiment, when a forward load is applied to the rear wall of the cover 30 during unauthorized access, the load absorbing portion 63 deforms, and the load input to the cover 30 is absorbed by the load absorbing portion 63, thereby suppressing deformation of the guided portion 61. Therefore, when the cover 30 is removed from the frame 20, the lock-up member 60 can be moved rearward effectively, and the auxiliary locking member 52 can be activated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10. Steering lock device 20 frames 28A Guide hole (guide part) 46 Lock shaft (lock member) 52 Auxiliary locking member 60 Lock-up member 61 Guided part 62 General section 63 Load absorption section 63A Bend part 63B Hole 63F bend 70 Lock-up bias spring A Angle of the bend SF steering shaft

Claims

1. a locking member configured to be movable between a locked position that restricts rotation of the steering shaft and an unlocked position that allows rotation of the steering shaft; an auxiliary locking member that is activated to move to an engaging position where it engages with the locking member at the locking position and maintains the locking member in the locked position; a lock-up member that is disposed at an initial position where it engages with the auxiliary locking member to maintain the auxiliary locking member in a non-operated state, and that allows operation of the auxiliary locking member by moving from the initial position to one side in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the auxiliary locking member; a frame that houses the locking member, the auxiliary locking member, and the lock-up member and has a guide portion that guides movement of the lock-up member to one side in the intersecting direction; a cover that covers the frame and that the lock-up member abuts against to limit movement of the lock-up member to one side in the intersecting direction; a lockup biasing spring that biases the lockup member toward one side in the intersecting direction; Equipped with the lockup member is formed in a long plate shape extending in the transverse direction, and is configured to include a guided portion that is guided by the guide portion, and a general portion that is a portion other than the guided portion and configures one end portion of the lockup member in the transverse direction, A load absorbing portion is formed in the general portion, and when a load of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the cover toward the other side in the intersecting direction, the load absorbing portion deforms to absorb the load and suppress deformation of the guided portion.

2. A steering lock device as described in claim 1, wherein the load absorbing portion is formed in a concave shape that protrudes to one side in the thickness direction of the lock-up member and is open to the other side in the thickness direction, and when the load is applied to the cover, the load absorbing portion is bent and deformed in the intersecting direction.

3. A bent portion bent in a V-shape that is open to the other side in the thickness direction of the lock-up member is formed at the middle portion of the load absorbing portion in the cross direction, 3. The steering lock device according to claim 2, wherein when the load is applied to the cover, the load absorbing portion is bent and deformed starting from the bent portion.

4. A steering lock device as described in Claim 3, wherein the general portion has a hole portion formed therein that divides the load absorbing portion in the width direction of the lock-up member.

5. A steering lock device as described in claim 1, wherein the load absorption portion is formed in a crank shape having a pair of curved portions when viewed from the thickness direction of the lock-up member, and when the load is applied to the cover, the load absorption portion deforms starting from the curved portions.

6. A steering lock device as described in Claim 5, wherein the angle of the bent portion is an acute angle when viewed from the thickness direction of the lock-up member.

7. The load absorbing portion constitutes one end portion of the general portion in the cross direction, and is bent in a direction inclined toward one side in the thickness direction of the lock-up member as it moves toward one side in the cross direction, 2. The steering lock device according to claim 1, wherein when the load is applied to the cover, the load absorbing portion is bent and deformed toward the other side in the intersecting direction.

8. A steering lock device as described in Claim 7, wherein the load absorption portion is formed in a U-shape that is open to one side in the intersecting direction when viewed from the width direction of the lock-up member.

Images