Steering lock device

Abstract

To provide a steering lock device configured so that degrees of freedom of layout of a mounting position of the device in a vehicle and of the vicinity of a steering can be enhanced.SOLUTION: A steering lock device 1, which comprises a lock bar R mounted on a case member 2 and makes the lock bar R lock to a steering of a vehicle to perform steering lock by advancing the rock bar R so that the bar protrudes, and can release the locking to the steering to release the steering lock, by retreating the lock bar R so that the bar is embedded, is mounted on a bracket B through which front forks of the vehicle are connected, where the lock bar R is mounted to be movable in a direction which is nearly parallel to a rotating shaft N of the steering of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering lock and a steering lock device for unlocking the same.

Background Art

[0002] In a two-wheeled vehicle or the like, a steering lock device is usually provided to prevent theft of the vehicle by locking a lock bar to a steering (such as a rotation axis of a handlebar). However, the applicant has proposed a steering lock device capable of protruding and retracting a lock bar by driving a motor, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional steering lock device, since the lock bar is movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the steering of the vehicle, there is a problem that the mounting position of the steering lock device on the vehicle and the layout in the vicinity of the steering are restricted. In addition, depending on the vehicle, there is almost no space for moving the lock bar in a direction substantially orthogonal to the steering.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a steering lock device capable of improving the degree of freedom in the mounting position of the device on the vehicle and the layout in the vicinity of the steering.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a steering lock device comprising a lock bar attached to a case member, wherein the lock bar can be advanced to a protruding state to engage with the steering of the vehicle and engage with the steering, and the lock bar can be retracted to a retracted state to release the engagement with the steering and release the steering lock, wherein a bracket connecting the front fork of the vehicle bottom to A recess is formed that conforms to the shape of the case member, and the case member is fitted into the recess. The lock bar is mounted so as to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the steering axis of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lock bar protrudes when it moves forward upward, locking the steering, and retracts when it moves backward downward, releasing the steering lock. It is characterized by the following:

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is a steering lock device according to claim 1, The case member has an upper opening that is covered by a cover member, and the cover member has a fastening member formed therein for attaching the steering lock device to the bracket of the vehicle. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] Claim 3 The invention described is a steering lock device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a biasing member that holds the lock bar in a protruding state, a plunger that is displaceable by the magnetic force generated by energizing a coil and the magnetic force of a permanent magnet, and a self-holding solenoid in which the plunger is connected to the lock bar and holds the lock bar in a retracted state by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet.

[0010] Claim 4 The invention described is, 3 The steering lock device described above is characterized by comprising a connecting member that connects the plunger and the lock bar in substantially orthogonal directions and moves the lock bar in a direction substantially orthogonal to the displacement direction of the plunger. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the invention of claim 1, the steering lock device is mounted on a bracket connecting the front forks of the vehicle, and the lock bar is mounted so as to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the vehicle's steering. Therefore, the steering lock device can be easily positioned near the steering wheel using the bracket, and the degree of freedom in the mounting position of the device and the layout near the steering wheel on the vehicle can be improved. Furthermore, since no member is required to mount the steering lock device, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and since the steering lock device is mounted on a bracket with high strength and rigidity, the steering lock device can be simplified and made lighter.

[0012] Also ,bracket bottom A recess is formed in the bracket that conforms to the shape of the case member, and the case member is fitted into this recess, so that the steering lock device can be stably fixed to the bracket. Furthermore, since the steering lock device is fitted into a bracket with high strength and rigidity, the strength and rigidity of the steering lock device can be relied on the bracket, making the steering lock device simpler and lighter.

[0013] moreover, The lock bar extends upward to engage the steering lock and retracts downward to release the steering lock, allowing for smooth up-and-down movement of the lock bar to engage and release the steering lock.

[0014] Claim 3 According to this invention, the lock bar is provided with a biasing member that holds the lock bar in a protruding state, a plunger that is displaceable by the magnetic force generated by energizing the coil and the magnetic force of a permanent magnet, and a self-holding solenoid in which the plunger is connected to the lock bar and holds the lock bar in a retracted state by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. As a result, the lock bar can be moved by the solenoid, and the protruding and retracted states of the lock bar can be maintained without energizing the coil.

[0015] Claim 4 According to the invention of claim, since a connecting member is provided which connects the plunger and the lock bar in a direction substantially orthogonal to each other and moves the lock bar in a direction substantially orthogonal to the displacement direction of the plunger, the displacement direction of the plunger and the movement direction of the lock bar can be easily made different, and the degree of freedom in layout in the vicinity of the steering of the vehicle can be further improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] External perspective view showing a steering lock device (lock bar in a protruding state) according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Four-sided view showing the appearance of the same steering lock device [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 [Figure 4] External perspective view showing the same steering lock device (lock bar in a retracted state) [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view showing the same steering lock device with the lock bar in a retracted state [Figure 6] Four-sided view showing the state where the case member of the same steering lock device is removed [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the state where the case member of the same steering lock device is removed and the lock bar is in a protruding state [Figure 8] Perspective view showing the state where the case member of the same steering lock device is removed and the lock bar is in a retracted state [Figure 9] Perspective view showing the case member of the same steering lock device [Figure 10] Four-sided view showing the same case member [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the fixed terminal board of the same steering lock device [Figure 12] Plan view and back view showing the same fixed terminal board [Figure 13] Perspective view showing the connecting member of the same steering lock device [Figure 14] Front view showing the steering lock device installed on a scooter-type small vehicle. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing the steering lock mechanism on the small vehicle with the lock bar protruding, indicating that the steering lock is engaged. [Figure 16] A bottom view showing the bracket of a vehicle to which the steering lock device is installed. [Figure 17] Sectional view of line XVII-XVII in Figure 16 [Figure 18] Front view showing the steering lock device installed on a large, saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 19] A bottom view showing the bracket of a vehicle to which the steering lock device is installed. [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view along line XX-XX in Figure 19 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. The steering lock device 1 according to this embodiment is attached to a vehicle such as a motorcycle and is used to lock and release the steering. It comprises a lock bar R attached to a case member 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lock bar R can be advanced to a protruding state to engage with the steering of the vehicle and lock the steering, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lock bar R can be retracted to a retracted state to release the engagement with the steering and release the steering lock.

[0018] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 13, the steering lock device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a lock bar R, a biasing member 5 that holds the lock bar R in a protruding state, a self-holding solenoid S having a plunger P that can be displaced by energization, a case member 2 made of a box-shaped molded product, a cover member 3 that covers the opening of the case member 2, a connecting member 6, a control means 12, and a detection means 13.

[0019] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lock bar R consists of a shaft-shaped member attached to the case member 2. When the self-holding solenoid S is energized, the plunger P is displaced and the biasing force of the biasing member 5 causes the lock bar R to move forward or backward, resulting in a protruding state (see Figure 1) or a retracted state (see Figure 4). When the lock bar R is in the protruding state, as shown in Figure 3, the tip of the lock bar R engages with a recess K formed in the steering wheel W of the vehicle, thereby locking the steering. When the lock bar R is retracted, as shown in Figure 5, the tip of the lock bar R separates from the recess K, releasing the engagement of the steering wheel W with the recess K and releasing the steering lock.

[0020] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the case member 2 consists of a cup-shaped member with an upward opening, and a drain hole 2a is formed in the bottom surface, with the upper opening covered by the cover member 3. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cover member 3 consists of a plate-shaped metal part, and an opening 3a is formed in a predetermined part thereof through which the lock bar R can be inserted and moved forward or backward. Furthermore, the cover member 3 is positioned above the steering lock device 1 when it is assembled to the vehicle.

[0021] As shown in Figures 6-8, a self-holding solenoid S, a lock bar R, a connecting member 6, etc., are attached to the cover member 3, and the housing space is closed by the case member 2. As shown in Figures 1-5, a fastening member 4 is attached to the cover member 3, and the steering lock device 1 is attached to a predetermined position on the vehicle by the fastening member 4.

[0022] As shown in Figure 6, the biasing member 5 consists of a torsion coil spring, and its biasing force biases the lock bar R in the protruding direction (upward in Figure 3), thereby holding it in the protruding state. The biasing member 5 is not limited to a torsion coil spring, but may be other types of springs (such as coil springs) or elastic materials (such as elastic rubber or resin).

[0023] The self-holding solenoid S is an actuator that is mounted at a predetermined position on the case member 2 and can displace a plunger P by energizing it. As shown in Figures 3, 5-8, it is composed of a coil C, a plunger P, permanent magnets Ma and Mb, a pipe-shaped member 10, and a frame F. Furthermore, the self-holding solenoid S according to this embodiment has a plunger P that can be displaced by the magnetic force generated by energizing the coil C and the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb, and the plunger P is connected to a lock bar R so that the lock bar R can be held in a retracted state by the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb.

[0024] The frame section F constitutes the housing of the self-holding solenoid S. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, it consists of a metal part bent into a U-shape, and the coil C, plunger P, permanent magnets Ma and Mb, and pipe-shaped member 10 are attached to it, and it is fixed to a predetermined position on the cover member 3. A plate-shaped cover member Fa is fixed to the end of the frame section F by crimping or the like, as shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8.

[0025] Coil C is configured to be energized via wiring h1 and h2 (see Figure 6), and when energized, it generates a magnetism that can displace plunger P. Plunger P is housed within the pipe-shaped member 10, and its base end is positioned within coil C. A receiving member 11 (see Figures 3 and 5) is attached to the frame F, and the base end of the pipe-shaped member 10 is fixed to the receiving member 11, which is also capable of receiving the base end P2 of plunger P.

[0026] The pipe-shaped member 10 is made of a cylindrical metal part with high electrical conductivity, such as brass, and houses a plunger P inside in a displaceable manner, with permanent magnets Ma and Mb attached to it. The permanent magnets Ma and Mb are a combination of two magnets with the same poles (both south poles or both north poles) and are fixed between the outer surface of the pipe-shaped member 10 and the inner surface of the frame part F.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3, 5, 7, and 8, the connecting member 6 according to this embodiment connects the plunger P and the lock bar R of the self-holding solenoid S in a substantially orthogonal direction, and moves the lock bar R in a direction substantially orthogonal to the displacement direction of the plunger P. As shown in Figure 13, it is configured to have a first connecting groove 6a, a second connecting groove 6b, and an insertion hole 6c.

[0028] The first connecting groove 6a allows connection to the plunger P by inserting a projection L1 formed on the tip of the plunger P, and the second connecting groove 6b allows connection to the lock bar R by inserting a projection L2 formed on the lock bar R. In addition, the insertion hole 6c allows a projection L3 formed on the cover member 3 to be inserted, and the connecting member 6 is made swingable relative to the cover member 3. An insertion hole P1 is formed on the tip of the plunger P, and the projection L1 is inserted through this insertion hole P1, and the base end P2 of the plunger P is supported by the receiving member 11.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the connecting member 6 according to this embodiment has a contact 7 attached to a predetermined location. This allows the contact 7 to move as the connecting member 6 swings around the protruding portion L3. A fixed terminal plate 8 having a first contact plate 9a, a second contact plate 9b, and a third contact plate 9c is attached to a position opposite the contact 7, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0030] The fixed terminal plate 8 allows the contact 7 to slide on one of its surfaces, and wirings h3 to h5 extend from the first contact plate 9a, the second contact plate 9b, and the third contact plate 9c, respectively. These wirings h3 to h5 are connected to the detection means 13. The detection means 13 consists of a microcontroller or the like installed on the vehicle body side. When the lock bar R is in a protruding state and the contact 7 is in position H1 (see Figure 12), an electrical circuit is formed by conducting electricity between the first contact plate 9a and the third contact plate 9c. When the lock bar R is in a retracted state and the contact 7 is in position H2 (see Figure 12), an electrical circuit is formed by conducting electricity between the second contact plate 9b and the third contact plate 9c.

[0031] Therefore, since the detection means 13 is connected to the first contact plate 9a, the second contact plate 9b, and the third contact plate 9c, respectively, the position of the lock bar R can be detected based on the electrical circuit formed between the contact 7 and the first contact plate 9a, the second contact plate 9b, and the third contact plate 9c. This allows for the detection of the protruding or retracted state of the lock bar R without the need for a separate sensor, such as a non-contact sensor.

[0032] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the self-holding solenoid S and the control means 12 can be connected via wirings h1 and h2. The control means 12 consists of a microcontroller or the like installed on the vehicle body side, and is electrically connected to the self-holding solenoid S via wirings h1 and h2, and can energize the coil C of the self-holding solenoid S at any desired timing.

[0033] When coil C is not energized, the attractive force of the plunger P due to the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb is set to be greater than the biasing force of the biasing member 5. As shown in Figure 5, the state in which the plunger P is attracted is maintained, and the retracted state of the lock bar R is kept. When current is passed through coil C in a predetermined direction (forward energization) from this retracted state, the magnetic force generated in coil C and the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb cancel each other out. As shown in Figure 3, the biasing force of the biasing member 5 causes the plunger P to slide inside the pipe-shaped member 10, and the lock bar R is made to protrude.

[0034] Furthermore, when current is passed through coil C in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction from this protruding state (reverse current flow), the magnetic force generated in coil C and the magnetic forces of permanent magnets Ma and Mb act in the same direction. As shown in Figure 5, the magnetic force generated in coil C and the magnetic forces of permanent magnets Ma and Mb cause plunger P to slide inside the pipe-shaped member 10, and lock bar R is retracted. When the current is stopped in this retracted state, the retracted state of lock bar R is maintained by the magnetic forces of permanent magnets Ma and Mb.

[0035] Therefore, with the self-holding solenoid S, when the coil C is not energized, the retracted state of the lock bar R is maintained by the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb, and the lock bar R can be moved to the protruding state by applying a current to the coil C in a predetermined direction (forward energization), and the lock bar R can be moved to the retracted state by applying a current to the coil C in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction (reverse energization).

[0036] However, if, for example, the locking of the lock bar R is faulty and an inadvertent load is applied, preventing it from becoming fully retracted, then even if the coil C is energized in the reverse direction to move the lock bar R from the protruding state to the retracted state, the protruding state will be maintained. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the coil C is energized (in the reverse direction) to attract the plunger P, and the detection means 13 detects that the lock bar R is in the protruding state, the control means 12 controls the coil C to be energized repeatedly a predetermined number of times.

[0037] Thus, in this embodiment, by detecting the position of the lock bar R with the detection means 13, it is possible to understand that the lock bar R does not retract from the protruding state due to a locking failure or the like. Therefore, by repeatedly energizing the coil C a predetermined number of times with the control means 12 (for example, once per second, multiple times), the locking failure can be resolved, and the lock bar R can be retracted.

[0038] In this embodiment, the steering lock device 1 is attached to a bracket B that connects the front forks D of the vehicle, as shown in Figures 14 to 17, and the lock bar R is mounted so as to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the pivot axis N of the vehicle's steering (the vertical direction in Figure 17). The steering W of the vehicle is composed of the vehicle's handlebars J, the pivot axis N that rotates in conjunction with the operation of the handlebars J, and the outer cylinder T that houses the pivot axis N.

[0039] In this embodiment, the system is applied to a motorcycle, for example, a small scooter, and the steering lock device 1 is attached to a predetermined position (for example, a position on the vehicle side of the pivot axis N on the bracket B) of the bracket B that connects the front fork D. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the bracket B has a recess Ba formed therein that conforms to the shape (external shape) of the case member 2 of the steering lock device 1, and the case member 2 is fitted into this recess Ba.

[0040] However, when the steering lock device 1 is attached to the bracket B, the lock bar R is configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to the pivot axis N (up and down direction) by energizing or de-energizing the coil C of the solenoid S. When the lock bar R moves forward upward and becomes protruding, as shown in Figure 15, the tip of the lock bar R engages with the protruding part Ta formed at the lower part of the outer cylinder T, thereby locking the steering. When the lock bar R moves backward downward and becomes retracted, the tip of the lock bar R separates from the protruding part Ta, and the steering lock is released.

[0041] According to the steering lock device 1 of this embodiment, since it is attached to a bracket B that connects the front forks D of the vehicle, the steering lock device 1 can be easily positioned near the steering wheel using the bracket B, and the degree of freedom in the mounting position of the steering lock device 1 and the layout near the steering wheel can be improved.

[0042] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since no member is required to attach the steering lock device 1, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Moreover, since the steering lock device 1 is attached to the bracket B, which has high strength and rigidity, the steering lock device 1 can be simplified and made lighter. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in routing the wire harness near the steering can be improved. That is, wire harnesses for electrical components attached to the handlebar J are routed near the steering, but by attaching the steering lock device 1 to the bracket B, the degree of freedom in arranging guide members and protective members for routing the wire harness can be increased, or these members can be eliminated.

[0043] Furthermore, a recess Ba is formed in the bracket B that conforms to the shape of the case member 2, and the case member 2 is fitted into the recess Ba. The lock bar R protrudes when it moves forward upward to lock the steering, and retracts when it moves backward downward to release the steering lock. This allows the steering lock device 1 to be stably fixed to the bracket, and the lock bar R can be smoothly moved up and down to lock and release the steering. In addition, since the case member 2 of the steering lock device 1 is fitted into the bracket B, which has high strength and rigidity, the strength and rigidity of the steering lock device 1 can be relied on the bracket B, making the steering lock device 1 simpler and lighter.

[0044] Furthermore, the device includes a biasing member 5 that holds the lock bar R in a protruding state, a plunger P that is displaceable by the magnetic force generated by energizing the coil C and the magnetic force of permanent magnets (Ma, Mb), and a self-holding solenoid S to which the plunger P is connected to the lock bar R and which holds the lock bar R in a retracted state by the magnetic force of the permanent magnets (Ma, Mb). As a result, the lock bar R can be moved by the solenoid, and the protruding and retracted states of the lock bar R can be maintained without energizing the coil C.

[0045] In addition, the device is equipped with a connecting member 6 that connects the plunger P and the lock bar R in substantially orthogonal directions and moves the lock bar R in a direction substantially orthogonal to the displacement direction of the plunger P. This makes it easy to make the displacement direction of the plunger P and the movement direction of the lock bar R different, thereby further improving the freedom of layout near the steering of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the movement direction of the plunger P and the movement direction of the lock bar R are substantially orthogonal, but they may be parallel or in directions with a predetermined angle different from orthogonal.

[0046] Furthermore, since the self-holding solenoid S has a pipe-shaped member 10 that houses the plunger P and has permanent magnets (Ma, Mb) attached to it, the displacement of the plunger P can be performed smoothly and the permanent magnets (Ma, Mb) can be reliably attached to the predetermined position. In addition, the detection means 13 has a contact 7 that is attached in conjunction with the lock bar R and a contact plate on which an electrical circuit is formed according to the contact position with the contact 7, and the position of the lock bar R can be detected based on the electrical circuit formed between the contact 7 and the contact plate, so that a sensor for confirming the position of the lock bar R is not required and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0047] Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may, for example, be attached to a large saddle-type vehicle as shown in Figures 18 to 20. In this case, similar to the above embodiment, the steering W of the vehicle is composed of a handlebar J, a pivot shaft N that rotates in conjunction with the operation of the handlebar J, and an outer cylinder T that houses the pivot shaft N, and the steering lock device 1 is attached to the lower part of the bracket A (under bracket) that connects the front fork D.

[0048] However, when the steering lock device 1 is attached to the bracket A, the lock bar R is configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to the pivot axis N (up and down direction) by energizing or de-energizing the coil C of the solenoid S. When the lock bar R moves forward upward and becomes protruding, as shown in Figure 20, the tip of the lock bar R engages with the protruding part Ta formed at the lower part of the outer cylinder T, thereby locking the steering. When the lock bar R moves backward downward and becomes retracted, the tip of the lock bar R separates from the protruding part Ta, and the steering lock is released.

[0049] Furthermore, although the steering lock device 1 according to this embodiment uses a self-holding solenoid S as the drive source for the lock bar R, other forms of solenoid S that do not have permanent magnets (Ma, Mb), or other drive sources such as a motor may be used. While this embodiment is applied to a motorcycle, it may also be applied to other types of vehicles. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] If the steering lock device is mounted so that the lock bar is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the vehicle's steering, it may have a different external shape or have other functions added. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1. Steering lock device 2 Case components 2a Drainage hole 3 Cover component 3a opening 4 Fastening members 5. Biasing member (torsion coil spring) 6. Connecting Members 6a 1st connection groove 6b 2nd connection groove 6c Through hole 7 contacts 8 Fixed terminal board 9a 1st contact plate 9b 2nd contact plate 9c 3rd contact plate 10 Pipe-shaped member 11 Receiving member 12 Control means 13 Detection means S Self-holding solenoid C coil F Frame section Fa Lid Member P plunger R Lock Bar W Steering K recess Ma, Mb permanent magnets h1~h5 Wiring La~Lc shaft L1~L3 protrusion J Handlebar N Rotating axis T Outer cylinder part Ta protrusion B bracket Ba recess D Front Fork

Claims

1. A steering lock device comprising a lock bar attached to a case member, wherein the lock bar can be advanced to a protruding state to engage with the steering of the vehicle and engage with the steering, and the lock bar can be retracted to a retracted state to release the engagement with the steering and release the steering lock, A steering lock device characterized in that a recess conforming to the shape of the case member is formed on the lower surface of a bracket connecting the front forks of a vehicle, the case member is fitted into the recess and attached, the lock bar is mounted so as to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the steering of the vehicle, and the lock bar protrudes when it moves forward upward to lock the steering, and retracts when it moves backward downward to release the steering lock.

2. The steering lock device according to Claim 1, wherein the case member has an upper opening covered by a cover member, and the cover member has a fastening member formed thereon for attaching the steering lock device to the bracket of the vehicle.

3. A biasing member that holds the lock bar in a protruding state, A self-holding solenoid having a plunger that can be displaced by the magnetic force generated by energizing a coil and the magnetic force of a permanent magnet, wherein the plunger is connected to the lock bar and the magnetic force of the permanent magnet holds the lock bar in a retracted state, The steering lock device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following:

4. The steering lock device according to claim 3, further comprising a connecting member that connects the plunger and the lock bar in substantially orthogonal directions and moves the lock bar in substantially orthogonal directions to the displacement direction of the plunger.

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