Latching Bolt Patents (Class 70/186)
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Patent number: 7302817Abstract: An activation restricting apparatus for an engine starting system that may be produced with a compact size. The apparatus includes an operating mechanism, an actuator, and a control unit. The operating mechanism starts and stops the engine and has a plurality of positions including a LOCK position. The operating mechanism includes a first stopper prohibiting movement of the operating mechanism from the LOCK position and a second stopper prohibiting movement of the operating mechanism to the LOCK position. The control unit enables the engine to be started when the operating mechanism is in the LOCK position and a first ID code sent from a portable device matches a second ID code. The control unit enables the operating mechanism to be moved to the LOCK position when the operating mechanism is not in the LOCK position and the vehicle is not moving.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Kiyokazu Ohtaki, Shoichi Harada, Masanari Okuno, Osamu Shoji
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Patent number: 7299669Abstract: A steering column locking device has an electromagnetic key interlock function that operates a solenoid to prevents a key knob from being undesirably moved to a lock position, as well as a mechanical key interlock function to conduct the key interlock function even when the solenoid malfunctions. The device includes the key knob and a plunger coupled to the key knob, so that when a user manipulates the key knob to start the vehicle, the plunger both moves axially and rotates. A cam shaft is coupled to the plunger, and a return spring is provided between the plunger and the cam shaft to bias the plunger towards the key knob. A stroke restrictor restricts a stroke of the plunger in the axial direction, and a push release functioning mechanism mechanically prevents the plunger from rotating from an accessory position to a lock position when the key interlock function fails.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jin-Sang Chung, Sung-Ook Choi
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Patent number: 7260963Abstract: An electric steering lock device which can prevent a motor from being overloaded and can increase the drive force of the motor. The electric steering lock device of the present invention has a lock bar that moves according to the movement of a lift member. In a state where female threads provided on the lift member are threadably engaged with male threads provided on a rotary shaft, the lift member moves along the axis of the rotary shaft according to the rotation of the rotary shaft, which is driven by an electric motor. The female threads of the lift member can be disengaged from the male threads according to the rotation of the rotary shaft. When the female threads are disengaged from the male threads, rotation of the rotary shaft is permitted.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Tomoyuki Funayama, Toshio Asahi, Tomoo Kakegawa
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Patent number: 7251968Abstract: A steering lock that is easy to assemble includes an ECU case having a first terminal. The first terminal has an end for directly contacting an input terminal of a motor. A component for connecting the first terminal of the ECU case and the input terminal of the motor is not necessary. The other end of the first terminal is directly connected to an electric circuit of a steering lock ECU. This eliminates the need for an additional component connecting the first terminal and the steering lock ECU.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Hiroyasu Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7234328Abstract: A steering lock device including a sleeve assembly, a rear shaft rotated when a steering wheel is operated, and a lock bar for locking the steering shaft when engaged with a seat member fixed to the rear shaft. A sleeve assembly including an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve is shortened when the outer sleeve moves along the inner sleeve. The distal portion of the lock bar includes a slope that is abut against an open end of the inner sleeve. When the open end pushes the slope, the lock bar smoothly moves away from the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Masanari Okuno, Takeshi Murakami, Mitsuo Murakami
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Patent number: 7174755Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting structure of a steering column locking device which makes it possible for the steering column locking device to be rotated upwards with respect to a steering column by an impact when part of a driver's body bumps against the steering column locking device in an accident, thereby minimizing injury to the driver. The mounting structure of the steering column locking device according to the present invention includes a connection housing which is mounted at a first end thereof to a steering column, with a coupling slot formed in a second end of the connection housing. The mounting structure of the steering column locking device further includes a coupling protrusion which is provided on the steering column locking device so that the coupling protrusion is movable inserted into the coupling slot of the connection housing, and a locking pin which is fitted into the coupling slot to support the coupling protrusion such that the coupling protrusion remains a stationary state.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Sung-Ook Choi, Jin-Sang Chung
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Patent number: 7151324Abstract: The invention relates to an electric steering lock wherein a permanent magnet (20) and two different Hall sensors (21,22) are used to recognise a locking and an unlocking position. The pole transition (23) of the magnet (20) is oriented in the direction of the lift (14). In order to increase efficiency, one sensor (21) is south-pole active and the other (22) is north-pole active. The sensors (21,22) are arranged in an intermediate area (25) between both end positions (10.1, 10.2) of the pole transition (23) of the permanent magnet (20) and are disposed at a defined end distance (38, 39) from both end positions (10.1, 10.2). At said end distance (10.1), the N-active sensor (21) is oriented towards the north pole and the S-active sensor (22) is oriented towards the south pole of the permanent magnet. Said end distance (38, 39) corresponds to the distance at which the magnetic flow density (30.1) of the permanent magnet (20) is at least identical to the threshold value (21.1) required to turn on (28.1, 29.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignees: Huf Hülsbeck +Fürst GmbH & Co, KG, Siemens AGInventors: Stefan Neuhoff, Reiner Buchner
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Patent number: 7140213Abstract: A lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to improved lock bolt motion. The cam can have a gradual ramp surface to extract a lock bolt even in binding conditions of the lock bolt.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Strattec Security CorporationInventors: Michael G. Feucht, David C. Janssen, William P. Schuster, III
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Patent number: 7121126Abstract: A locking bolt for irrotationally locking a motor-vehicle steering shaft is axially movable inside a housing between locked and release positions, and is fixable in the locked position by means of a spring-loaded securing pin axially movable in the housing that cooperates with a lateral recess in the bolt. The bolt is fixed in the event a part of the housing fitted with a retaining arm retaining the securing pin against the action of its spring load is removed, thereby releasing the securing pin to fix the bolt. The securing pin is not manipulable after its release by removal of the housing part and the retaining arm because it is neither visible nor accessible through the cavity in the housing through which the retaining arm extends.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co KGInventor: Horst Zillmann
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Patent number: 7111480Abstract: Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention have a lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some preferred embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to produce smooth and controlled lock bolt camming action with little to no jarring motion. In order to significantly reduce manufacturing and assembly time and cost, some or all of the power transmission assembly can be assembled prior to installation in the lock assembly frame. More preferably, some or all of the power transmission assembly is integrally formed. Preferably, part or all of the lock assembly can be assembled without turning, flipping, or otherwise re-orienting the lock assembly during assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Strattec Security CorporationInventors: Steven J. Dimig, Larry R. Grimmer, Russell J. Winberg, Michael Malich, Michael P. Baker, Cynthia M. Brey, Brian M. Keller
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Patent number: 7107801Abstract: An anti-theft locking device for vehicles includes an annular locking sleeve mounted concentrically about and normally in frictional engagement with the vehicle steering shaft. The locking sleeve includes a body portion having a serpentine cross-sectional configuration, thereby defining on the inner periphery of the sleeve a plurality of alternate smooth convex projections and concave valleys. The convex projections are in frictional engagement with the circumferential surface of the steering shaft by a predetermined frictional force that is greater than the rotational torque force produced during normal steering operation of the vehicle. A plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth extend radially outwardly from the locking sleeve, thereby to define between the teeth a plurality of locking slots one of which is arranged to receive the free extremity of the locking arm of a locking device.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Nacam France S.A.Inventors: Michel Chartrain, Arnaud Janvier
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Patent number: 7104097Abstract: A device for irrotationally locking a motor vehicle's steering shaft (1) using a locking element (2) located within a housing (8) and displaceable to-and-fro between a locking and a release position. The housing (8) is detachably affixed to a tubular casing (5) enclosing the steering shaft (1) and comprising a receptacle (18) that receives the housing (8) being inserted therein. According to the invention and for the sake of easy assembly and disassembly and high security against theft and easy manufacture, the housing (8) is pushed into the receptacle (18) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (10) of the tubular casing (5).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Horst Zillmann
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Patent number: 7096882Abstract: A valve security device for releasably securing a fluid flow valve in an inoperable position including an inner body adapted to be disposed about the valve actuator such that rotation of the inner body effects corresponding rotation of the actuator to open and close the valve and an outer body rotatably mounted about the inner body. A valve cap defining a secondary actuator is mounted on the outer body. An operating pin assembly is carried by the outer body which, in an extended position, operatively couples the outer body to the inner body such that the valve can be controlled by the secondary actuator. In a retracted position, the pin assembly uncouples the outer and inner bodies such that the outer body is freely rotatable on the inner body. A lock secures the operating pin assembly in the retracted position thereby releasably securing the valve in an inoperable position.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Flow Security Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
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Patent number: 7086256Abstract: A steering lock that is easy to assemble includes a lock mechanism provided with a lock bar carrier. The lock bar carrier is a single member including a support column, a stopper projection, and a cylindrical body having a female-threaded portion. Thus, the lock mechanism is easy to assemble, and the steering lock can be efficiently manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Hiroyasu Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7069754Abstract: In a steering lock device, a lock bar is disposed so as to be offset parallel to a key cylinder along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle (i.e., a central axis of the lock bar and a central axis of the key cylinder are parallel), and is disposed so as to be adjacent to the key cylinder along the central axis of the key cylinder. Further, a proximal end of the lock bar and a rear end of the key cylinder are disposed so as to overlap one another. In accordance with the steering lock device, an amount of projection from a steering column (i.e., a rectilinear distance from an outer peripheral surface of the steering column to a center of a key insertion opening of a key rotor) can be kept small. Degrees of freedom in design of an outer shape of a column cover are thereby increased.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Seishi Imai
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Patent number: 7062944Abstract: The invention provides a locking pin for a steering column lock assembly. The locking pin includes a dual taper defined by the first and second truncated cone portions. The first truncated cone portion narrows at a first angle and the second truncated cone portion narrows at a second angle, wherein the first and second angles are different from one another. The second angle can be less than the first angle. The dual taper of the locking pin reduces the likelihood that extreme torsion will not induce camming forces urging the locking pin out of engagement with a locking plate connected to the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerald A. Gaeth, Gregory P. Ruth
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Patent number: 7055351Abstract: An electrically-driven steering lock device is provided having a lock body that, if broken while a vehicle is parked, the lock body is divided into a main body portion and a guide portion. A lock pin is inserted through a through-hole of a movable plate and fits into a fit-in hole formed in a lock stopper such that movement of the lock stopper is impeded. A locked state of a steering shaft is thereby maintained. Further, movement of the movable plate in a direction of being pulled-out also is impeded by the lock pin, and an interior of the guide portion is prevented from being exposed. Moreover, the lock pin is provided within the guide portion, and even if the guide portion is viewed from an exterior, it is difficult to learn of a mechanism and a position of the lock pin. Therefore, it is difficult to cancel a locked state. Thus an electrically-driven steering lock device is provided in which it is difficult to cancel the locked state by an illegal act, and which has a good antitheft quality.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Masanari Okuno, Tomohiro Fukatsu
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Patent number: 7028515Abstract: An improved burglarproof locking device for a vehicle is disclosed. The locked status of the locking device is not released by a strong impact or by an external magnetic force, thereby preventing the car from being stolen. Thus the reliability of the locking device is improved.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jin-Sang Chung
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Patent number: 7024895Abstract: An electrical steering lock device and a related method are disclosed wherein a plate cam 17 has a contoured profile determined such that a lock shaft 15 moves inside a lock groove 13 at a travel speed (first speed) lower than a travel speed (second speed) at which the lock shaft 15 moves outside the lock groove 13, enabling the lock shaft 15 to disengage from the lock groove 13 with increased torque. This results in a capability of reliably disengaging the lock shaft 15 from the lock groove 13.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., LTDInventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Ryuichi Yoshida, Katsuji Konii
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Patent number: 7021093Abstract: An antitheft system for a vehicle has an electrically-driven steering lock device. In the lock device, due to a lock arm, which is formed integrally with a helical gear, being driven to rotate by a motor, a lock stopper and a lock bar are moved toward a steering shaft and are set in a locked state. Usually, locking is released by the lock stopper and the lock bar being moved toward a side opposite the steering shaft due to elastic urging force of a spring. In a case in which the lock bar catches on an engagement groove and the lock stopper cannot be moved only by the urging force of the spring, a cam, which is rotated integrally with the helical gear, pushes the lock stopper upward such that locking is released.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Tomohiro Fukatsu, Masanari Okuno, Noriyuki Suzuki, Shozo Kito
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Patent number: 7007525Abstract: An electric steering lock device which can prevent a motor from being overloaded and can increase the drive force of the motor. The electric steering lock device of the present invention has a lock bar which moves according to the movement of a cam follower. The cam follower relatively moves in a spiral cam groove in accordance with the rotation of a rotary plate driven by an electric motor, thereby the cam follower moves along the radial direction of the rotary plate. The cam follower can be disengaged from the cam groove via the end portions of the cam groove according to the rotation of the rotary plate. When the cam follower is disengaged from the cam groove, the rotation of the rotary plate is permitted.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Masanari Okuno, Tomoyuki Funayama, Toshio Asahi, Tomoo Kakegawa
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Patent number: 6994106Abstract: A locking device to inhibit unauthorized operation of a fire hydrant includes a locking plug having a bottom opening that fits over an actuating nut of the hydrant. The locking plug has a cylindrically-shaped body formed with an upper actuator nut. A peripheral groove in a sidewall of the plug body is located above a set of inward extending, threaded bores for set screws to affix the locking plug to the hydrant actuating nut. Fitting over the plug is a cap having a passageway that intersects tangentially with the plug groove. A locking pin on a hasp bracket then is inserted into the cap passageway to form an interference fit with the plug groove. Rotating the bracket upward positions a staple post on the cap in a slot in the hasp bracket. A padlock then secures the position of the hasp bracket to inhibit access to the plug actuator nut and operatively connected hydrant actuating nut.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignees: Plasticsworks, Inc., Utility Supply of America, Inc.Inventors: Charles L. Hackley, Gerald J. Weiland, King C. Embry
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Patent number: 6941779Abstract: In a steerage locking system for a vehicle, including a control knob mounted to a rotor capable of being turned from a LOCK position via an ACC position and an ON position to a START position, the control knob is detachably fastened to a front end of the rotor by a screw member from axially outside the rotor. Thus, the maintenance such as exchange of the control knob is facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuyoshi Shigeyama, Takeshi Taniguchi, Mitsuo Sasaki, Kentaro Yoshimura, Tomoaki Nakai, Kenichi Takizawa, Masashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6941781Abstract: An electrically-operated steering lock device includes a protrusion blocking mechanism that blocks protrusion of a lock shaft of a solenoid or the like, and is arranged to prevent malfunctions of the protrusion blocking mechanism even if current is passed through the protrusion blocking mechanism during running of the vehicle. A lock shaft is movable between a protrusion position where a steering shaft is locked and a retracted position where the steering shaft is unlocked, and a lock shaft moving mechanism is coupled to an electric motor and serves to move the lock shaft. The protrusion blocking mechanism is electrically driven and, when the lock shaft is placed at a retracted position, engages with an engagement portion formed in the lock shaft to block protrusion of the lock shaft. A holding device holds the protrusion blocking mechanism in a position where protrusion of the lock shaft is blocked.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.Inventor: Keisuke Fukushima
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Patent number: 6931896Abstract: A steering lock apparatus is composed of: a rotational member having an engagement member; an operating portion positioned on a front side of and connected to the rotational member; a holder for holding the rotational member rotatably in forward and backward directions, and for holding the same rotatably in a rear position; an actuator driven by a signal transmitted by a controller upon detection of the rotational member being operated toward a rear side; and a lock member that is operated by the actuator to be engaged with the engagement member of the rotational member in LOCK position for preventing rotation of the rotational member. The rotational member is held rotatably in a rear position and disabled from moving to a front position when the rotational member is operated to a rear position to release engagement between the engagement member of the rotational member and the lock member.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.Inventor: Isao Ochi
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Patent number: 6920894Abstract: A valve security device for releasably securing a fluid flow valve in an inoperable position including an inner body adapted to be disposed about the valve actuator such that rotation of the inner body effects corresponding rotation of the actuator to open and close the valve and an outer body rotatably mounted about the inner body. A valve cap defining a secondary actuator is mounted on the outer body. An operating pin assembly is carried by the outer body which, in an extended position, operatively couples the outer body to the inner body such that the valve can be controlled by the secondary actuator. In a retracted position, the pin assembly uncouples the outer and inner bodies such that the outer body is freely rotatable on the inner body. A lock secures the operating pin assembly in the retracted position thereby releasably securing the valve in an inoperable position.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Flow Security Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
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Patent number: 6915671Abstract: Apparatus to lock a motor-vehicle steering shaft against rotation using a locking bolt axially reciprocable by a to-and-fro rotatable control element between a locked position and a release position, the bolt being fixable in its locked position by a displaceably supported, spring-loaded securing element driven by the spring load into a lateral recess of the locking bolt and which cooperates with the control element of the locking bolt in order to be moved out of the lateral recess against the action of the spring load. The control element is rotatable about an axis running parallel to the locking bolt's longitudinal axis. The securing element comprises an axially displaceable securing pin the longitudinal axis of which runs in a plane perpendicular to the locking bolt's longitudinal axis and which by its spring load rests against a control surface of the control element that extends around the axis of rotation of the control element.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co KGInventor: Horst Zillmann
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Patent number: 6880374Abstract: In a steering lock device wherein engagement and disengagement of a lock pin to and from a steering shaft can be selected by the rotation of a rotor, the steering lock device comprises: interlocking structure provided between a cylinder body and a joint so that when the cylinder body is pulled out from a housing, the interlocking structure causes the joint to move in an axial direction together with the cylinder body; an axial movement preventing member disposed in the housing so as to be moveable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the joint to engage the joint and thereby prevent the axial movement of the joint when the joint is pulled out a predetermined distance; and a rotation preventing portion provided to the housing so as to engage an outer circumferential surface of the joint to thereby prevent rotation of the joint in a state that the axial movement preventing member engages the joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda LockInventors: Jin Yukihara, Katsusada Okusu, Tatsuro Yamashita
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Patent number: 6862907Abstract: An electronic steering wheel lock apparatus having high reliability. The electronic steering wheel lock apparatus (11) includes a lock pin (12) for locking a steering shaft (21). The lock pin (12) is moved by a motor or a plate cam (41). When an engine is activated and the steering shaft is unlocked, a solenoid (31) is engaged with the plate cam (41) to restrict the movement of the plate cam (41).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Masaki Hayashi, Hirokazu Shamoto, Masaki Yoshino, Toshihiro Nagae
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Publication number: 20040250577Abstract: An electrical steering lock device and a related method are disclosed wherein a plate cam 17 has a contoured profile determined such that a lock shaft 15 moves inside a lock groove 13 at a travel speed (first speed) lower than a travel speed (second speed) at which the lock shaft 15 moves outside the lock groove 13, enabling the lock shaft 15 to disengage from the lock groove 13 with increased torque. This results in a capability of reliably disengaging the lock shaft 15 from the lock groove 13.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Yoshio Watanuki, Ryuichi Yoshida, Katsuji Konii
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Patent number: 6826934Abstract: The invention provides a motor vehicle antitheft system of the type in which the latch bolt (36, 222) is held radially in the pulled-in retracted position by a member (254) for retaining the latch bolt (36, 222) which is mounted to move between an effaced or retracted position and an active latch bolt retaining position toward which it is elastically urged (262) and in which a retaining finger (252) belonging to the latch bolt retaining member (254) is accommodated in a complementary notch (250) of the latch bolt, wherein the member (254) for retaining the latch bolt (36, 222) is mounted to slide in the housing of the antitheft system (52, 54) parallel to the axis (A) of displacement and of rotation of a manual control member (24, 26, 38), and wherein the finger (252) for retaining the latch bolt (36, 222) is formed at the front free end of the latch bolt retaining member.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Valeo Securite HabitacleInventor: Louis Canard
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Patent number: 6810701Abstract: A lock assembly having a short key recess for reducing a length of an ignition key for a vehicle includes, a locking lever, a stopper plate and a push rod placed in a steering shaft. Thereby, a modulation of a crush pad and an instrument panel can be easily established. As the structure and an operation mechanism of the lock assembly are improved, there are advantages in that the length of the ignition key can be reduced while it is possible to provide a convenience to a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Shinchang Electronics Co.Inventors: Jae Gui Lee, Byung Mun Lim
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Patent number: 6810700Abstract: An engine starting apparatus including a lock body, a camshaft rotatably arranged in the lock body, and a knob connected to the camshaft. A lock pin restricts the rotation of the camshaft by engaging the camshaft. A solenoid moves the lock pin between a position in which the lock pin is engaged with the camshaft and a position in which the lock pin is disengaged from the camshaft. A tab is attached to the actuator and has a hole. The lock body has a cavity associated with the hole. A fastening pin is inserted in the hole and the cavity to fasten the solenoid to the lock body. This structure prevents the solenoid from being easily removed.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Masanari Okuno
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Publication number: 20040206139Abstract: In a steering lock device, a lock bar is disposed so as to be offset parallel to a key cylinder along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle (i.e., a central axis of the lock bar and a central axis of the key cylinder are parallel), and is disposed so as to be adjacent to the key cylinder along the central axis of the key cylinder. Further, a proximal end of the lock bar and a rear end of the key cylinder are disposed so as to overlap one another. In accordance with the steering lock device, an amount of projection from a steering column (i.e., a rectilinear distance from an outer peripheral surface of the steering column to a center of a key insertion opening of a key rotor) can be kept small. Degrees of freedom in design of an outer shape of a column cover are thereby increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventor: Seishi Imai
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Patent number: 6796153Abstract: A steering lock apparatus comprises: rotational members 1, 2 having an engagement recess portion 3; an operating portion 21 positioned connected to the rotational members 1, 2; a holder 4 for holding the rotational members 1, 2 movably in forward and backward directions and for holding the same rotatably in a rear position; an actuator 9 driven by a signal transmitted by a controller upon detection of the rotational members 1, 2 being operated to a rear side; and a lock member 11 that is operated by the actuator 9 and inserted into the engagement recess portion 3 of the rotational members 1, 2 for preventing rotation of the rotational members 1, 2.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.Inventor: Isao Ochi
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Publication number: 20040182121Abstract: An antitheft system for a vehicle has an electrically-driven steering lock device. In the lock device, due to a lock arm, which is formed integrally with a helical gear, being driven to rotate by a motor, a lock stopper and a lock bar are moved toward a steering shaft and are set in a locked state. Usually, locking is released by the lock stopper and the lock bar being moved toward a side opposite the steering shaft due to elastic urging force of a spring. In a case in which the lock bar catches on an engagement groove and the lock stopper cannot be moved only by the urging force of the spring, a cam, which is rotated integrally with the helical gear, pushes the lock stopper upward such that locking is released.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventors: Tomohiro Fukatsu, Masanari Okuno, Noriyuki Suzuki, Shozo Kito
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Patent number: 6779371Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a steering column lock with improved break-up safety. To this end, a spring-loaded locking pin (30) is integrated into the peripheral cam (12), said locking pin being co-rotated when a rotor (10) pertaining to the steering column lock is rotated. In the test position (30.1) of the locking pin (30), the pin is aligned with a locking recess (38) in the housing (1) while in a working position of the motor (10) that is obtained by access authorization means, it is not. Normally, the locking pin (30) is inactive since it is maintained in a retracted position by a spring-loaded (47) feeler (40). When the rotor (10) is missing, the feeler (40), due to its spring load (27), releases the locking pin (30). If in this case the rotor (10) is in the rest position, the locking pin (30) engages in the locking recess (38) of the housing (11) and blocks rotation.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Friedrich Pieper
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Publication number: 20040148983Abstract: In an electrically-driven steering lock device of the present invention, when a lock body is broken while a vehicle is parked, the lock body is divided into a main body portion and a guide portion, a lock pin is inserted through a through-hole of a movable plate and fits into a fit-in hole formed in a lock stopper such that movement of the lock stopper is impeded. A locked state of a steering shaft is thereby maintained. Further, movement of the movable plate in a direction of being pulled-out also is impeded by the lock pin, and an interior of the guide portion is prevented from being exposed. Moreover, the lock pin is provided within the guide portion, and even if the guide portion is viewed from an exterior, it is difficult to learn of a mechanism and a position of the lock pin. Therefore, it is difficult to cancel a locked state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Masanari Okuno, Tomohiro Fukatsu
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Patent number: 6755058Abstract: A lock includes a locking element and a control element displaceable to-and-fro between a locked and an unlocked position and a control element also rotatable to-and-fro by a drive to axially displace in either direction a locking element or a drive element cooperating with the locking element. The control element encloses the locking element for the drive element and includes two helical inner grooves, bevels or a thread which cooperates with one or two radially extending protrusions of the locking element. Each groove, bevel or thread merges into an end surface located in a plane extending orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the control element and may include an intermediate surface also located in a plane extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the control element.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Horst Zillmann
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Patent number: 6751991Abstract: A steering lock device 10 includes a movable member 32 that blocks an engagement groove 30 on a rotor 18 to prevent a lock lever 28 from re-engaging with the engagement groove 30 once engagement of the lock lever 28 with the engagement groove 30 is released with activation of a solenoid 26 and that terminates the prevention of the re-engagement when the rotor 18 is pulled forward. In this device, the rotor 10 is prevented from being unnecessarily locked, without requiring long-term activation of the solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: U-Shin, Ltd.Inventor: Tomonori Tamukai
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Patent number: 6748774Abstract: A steering lock mechanism having an actuator communicating with a lock bolt is provided allowing for more space in the vicinity where a steering wheel is supported by an upper steering shaft. Additionally, a bolt engaging device is supported adjacent a lower end of the upper steering shaft in a position to engage a lock bolt such that any torque forces transmitted through the bolt engaging device will not cause damage to either the device or other components of the steering column. The actuator is rotated about an axis from a first position to a second position to cause the lock bolt communicating with the actuator to advance towards the lower end of the upper steering shaft from a locked position to an unlocked position, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Daniel Dubay, Frank Robert Keipert, Thomas M Glowacki
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Publication number: 20040107750Abstract: An electrically-operated steering lock device, having a lock bolt which is movable between a protrusion position where the steering shaft is locked and a retreat position where the steering shaft is unlocked, and a cam member which is rotated by an electric motor to actuate the lock bolt, is further provided with rotation blocking means which is electrically driven and which, when the lock bolt is placed at the retreat position, engages with a first engagement portion formed in the cam member to block rotation of the cam member, and holding means for holding the rotation blocking means in a state that rotation of the cam member is blocked. In the electrically-operated steering lock device, the steering shaft is not locked during a running of vehicle even if any electrically-operated member has malfunctioned due to noise or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventor: Keisuke Fukushima
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Publication number: 20040107749Abstract: In a steering lock device wherein engagement and disengagement of a lock pin to and from a steering shaft can be selected by the rotation of a rotor, the steering lock device comprises: interlocking means provided between a cylinder body and a joint so that when the cylinder body is pulled out from a housing, the interlocking means causes the joint to move in an axial direction together with the cylinder body; an axial movement preventing member disposed in the housing so as to be moveable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the joint to engage the joint and thereby prevent the axial movement of the joint when the joint is pulled out a predetermined distance; and a rotation preventing portion provided to the housing so as to engage an outer circumferential surface of the joint to thereby prevent rotation of the joint in a state that the axial movement preventing member engages the joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA HONDA LOCKInventors: Jin Yukihara, Katsusada Okusu, Tatsuro Yamashita
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Publication number: 20040099024Abstract: A steering lock apparatus comprises: rotational members 1, 2 having an engagement recess portion 3; an operating portion 21 positioned connected to the rotational members 1, 2; a holder 4 for holding the rotational members 1, 2 movably in forward and backward direction and for holding the same rotatably in a rear position; an actuator 9 driven by a signal transmitted by a controller upon detection of the rotational members 1, 2 being operated to a rear side; and a lock member 11 that is operated by the actuator 9 and inserted into the engagement recess portion 3 of the rotational members 1, 2 for preventing rotation of the rotational members 1, 2.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Isao Ochi
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Publication number: 20040074266Abstract: Apparatus to lock a motor-vehicle steering shaft against rotation using a locking bolt axially reciprocable by a to-and-fro rotatable control element between a locked position and a release position, the bolt being fixable in its locked position by means of a displaceably supported, spring-loaded securing element driven by the spring load into a lateral recess of the locking bolt and which cooperates with said control element of the locking bolt in order to be moved out of the lateral recess against the action of the spring load. The control element is rotatable about an axis running parallel to the locking bolt's longitudinal axis. The securing element comprises an axially displaceable securing pin the longitudinal axis of which runs in a plane perpendicular to the locking bolt's longitudinal axis and which by its spring load rests against a control surface of the control element that extends around the axis of rotation of the control element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: Horst Zillmann
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Patent number: 6722168Abstract: A steering locking device has an annular clearance provided between a steering shaft and a collar surrounding the steering shaft. A spacer is press-fitted in the annular clearance, to form a circular arc shape surrounding the steering shaft. The spacer is wound around the steering shaft from the outside of the collar through the opening of the collar. When a locking member supported on a locking device main body is at a locked position, the collar is prevented from being rotated. When a torque applied to the steering shaft is not more than a predetermined torque, the spacer prevents the relative rotation between the steering shaft and the collar.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Etsurou Kitami, Tomohiro Maekawa, Terukazu Nakajima, Takaya Akiyama
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Publication number: 20040069027Abstract: An electrically-operated steering lock device which is capable of unlocking the steering shaft even when steering wheel torque is applied to the steering shaft. The electrically-operated steering lock device comprises the lock bolt for locking the steering shaft. The lock bolt is composed of a first lock bolt which is pivotably held on one radial side in a neighborhood of the steering shaft and which has a protruding piece to be engaged on its inner peripheral side with a receiving portion of the steering shaft, and a second lock bolt which is pivotably held on the other radial side in the neighborhood of the steering shaft, which is rotatable to a protrusion position and a retreat position along with the first lock bolt and which has a protruding piece to be engaged on its inner peripheral side with the receiving portion of the steering shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: Keisuke Fukushima
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Publication number: 20040069025Abstract: A steering lock mechanism having an actuator communicating with a lock bolt is provided allowing for more space in the vicinity where a steering wheel is supported by an upper steering shaft. Additionally, a bolt engaging device is supported adjacent a lower end of the upper steering shaft in a position to engage a lock bolt such that any torque forces transmitted through the bolt engaging device will not cause damage to either the device or other components of the steering column. The actuator is rotated about an axis from a first position to a second position to cause the lock bolt communicating with the actuator to advance towards the lower end of the upper steering shaft from a locked position to an unlocked position, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Kurt Daniel Dubay, Frank Robert Keipert, Thomas M. Glowacki
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Publication number: 20040069026Abstract: An electrically-operated steering lock device which is prevented from malfunctions of protrusion blocking means that blocks protrusion of a lock shaft of a solenoid or the like even if a current is passed through the protrusion blocking means during a running of the vehicle. The electrically-operated steering lock device, having a lock shaft which is movable between a protrusion position where a steering shaft is locked and a retreat position where the steering shaft is unlocked, and lock shaft moving means coupled to an electric motor and serving for moving the lock shaft, is further provided with protrusion blocking means which is electrically driven and which, when the lock shaft is placed at a retreat position, engages with an engagement portion formed in the lock shaft to block protrusion of the lock shaft, and holding means for holding the protrusion blocking means to a position where protrusion of the lock shaft is blocked.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: Keisuke Fukushima
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Patent number: 6718805Abstract: A steering wheel locking device is attached to a smart ignition system to lock a steering shaft. The device has a key cylinder having a key insertion portion. The key cylinder is rotated between a locked position and an actuation position. A switch knob rotates the key cylinder. A lock bar locks the steering shaft. When the key cylinder is rotated from the locked position to the actuation position, the lock bar releases the lock of the steering shaft. When the key cylinder is rotated from the locked position to the actuation position, a locking lever maintains the lock bar unlocked. A slide body is moved by a key inserted in the key insertion portion. When the key cylinder is rotated from the actuation position to the locked position, the locking lever maintains the lock bar unlocked by the engagement of the key and the slide body.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Masanari Okuno