Latching Bolt Patents (Class 70/186)
  • Patent number: 11434663
    Abstract: An interchangeable electronic lock mechanism provides selective access to a motor controlled latching system including a motorized pin to lock and unlock a knob assembly. The lock mechanism may be used to replace key operated locking cores, on the exterior of a storage unit, with a plug and optional adapter inserted into a remaining shell housing, and a driver to control access to a storage unit. Manual rotation of the knob activates the drive assembly to control access to the storage unit. An optional break away security feature in the knob inhibits unauthorized unlatching of the lock. When the lock is unlatched, the knob rotates the drive assembly including the plug and adapter within the shell housing, and in turn, activates the driver to operate the lock assembly in the storage unit. An optional modular chassis assembly includes a removable array of components for testing, maintenance and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: 2603701 ONTARIO INC.
    Inventors: Theodore Ullrich, John McLeod, Tonino Sabelli, Dean Dipietro, Pepin Gelardi
  • Patent number: 10710551
    Abstract: An ignition device for a motor of an automotive vehicle is provided that the device includes a rotor configured to receive a key and mounted in rotation on a bracket, the rotor including a retainer configured to retain the rotor in translation relative to the bracket, and a first push back device configured to apply a linear force between the bracket and the rotor along an axis parallel to the axis of the rotation of the rotor. The bracket and the retainer are configured to cooperate so as to inhibit the rotation of the rotor in a predetermined direction from a predetermined angular position and to allow the rotation of the rotor beyond the predetermined angular position in the predetermined direction upon preliminarily applying a force on the rotor in an opposite direction to the direction of the linear force applied by the first push back device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: U-SHIN FRANCE
    Inventors: Philippe Demptos, Christophe Perrin
  • Patent number: 10501137
    Abstract: The present invention provides a handlebar lock system which (i) can be used for a moving body whose traveling direction is changed with a handlebar and (ii) includes a handlebar locking device which makes it difficult to unlock the handlebar by a forcible method such as breaking. The handlebar lock system includes: a handlebar locking device (20); and a user interface (8) which notifies a user of an operation state of the handlebar locking device (20), which operation state includes at least a lock state of the handlebar (5). The handlebar locking device (20) is provided in a frame of a bicycle so as to be not viewable from outside of the bicycle. The control section (100) identifies the operation state, and then outputs, via a communication section (101), information indicative of the operation state thus identified. A control section (8a) of the user interface (8) receives, from the handlebar locking device (20), the information indicative of the operation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunji Mori, Hiroyuki Onitsuka, Hiroaki Takeya, Ryoji Shimizu, Masashi Sato, Hideaki Kojima
  • Patent number: 10464622
    Abstract: The present invention provides a handlebar lock system which (i) can be used for a moving body whose traveling direction is changed with a handlebar and (ii) includes a handlebar locking device which makes it difficult to unlock the handlebar by a forcible method such as breaking. The handlebar lock system includes: a handlebar locking device (20); and a user interface (8) which notifies a user of an operation state of the handlebar locking device (20), which operation state includes at least a lock state of the handlebar (5). The handlebar locking device (20) is provided in a frame of a bicycle so as to be not viewable from outside of the bicycle. The control section (100) identifies the operation state, and then outputs, via a communication section (101), information indicative of the operation state thus identified. A control section (8a) of the user interface (8) receives, from the handlebar locking device (20), the information indicative of the operation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunji Mori, Hiroyuki Onitsuka, Hiroaki Takeya, Ryoji Shimizu, Masashi Sato, Hideaki Kojima
  • Patent number: 10465422
    Abstract: An interchangeable electronic lock mechanism provides selective access to a motor controlled latching system including a motorized pin to lock and unlock a knob assembly. The lock mechanism may be used to replace key operated locking cores, on the exterior of a storage unit, with a plug and optional adapter inserted into a remaining shell housing, and a driver to control access to a storage unit. Manual rotation of the knob activates the drive assembly to control access to the storage unit. An optional break away security feature in the knob inhibits unauthorized unlatching of the lock. When the lock is unlatched, the knob rotates the drive assembly including the plug and adapter within the shell housing, and in turn, activates the driver to operate the lock assembly in the storage unit. An optional modular chassis assembly includes a removable array of components for testing, maintenance and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: 2603701 ONTARIO INC.
    Inventors: Theodore Ullrich, John McLeod, Tonino Sabelli, Dean DiPietro, Pepin Gelardi
  • Patent number: 10093276
    Abstract: A fragile part (15) which is set to have lower load resistance than other positions of a frame (10) is provided on a guide part (12) at a position that overlaps with a linkage portion (50a) between a hanger (52) and a lock body (51) of a lock member (50) positioned in a steering lock release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: ALPHA CORPORATION, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichiro Sugimoto, Kenjirou Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10017961
    Abstract: A key cylinder device includes a rotor case that encloses a rotor operable to rotate by a mechanical key, the rotor being inserted into the rotor case from a direction opposite to an insertion direction of the mechanical key, a holding member including a pair of leg portions held by the rotor case, and a fixing member that protrudes from the holding member. The rotor case includes a fixing member-holding structure that the fixing member is held by the leg portions of the holding member at a temporary assembly position for temporarily assembling the fixing member in a retracted state without inwardly protruding beyond an inner surface of the rotor case and at an assembly position for assembling the fixing member in a state of inwardly protruding from the inner surface of the rotor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 10017152
    Abstract: An electrical steering column lock for an automotive vehicle capable of locking and unlocking the steering column is disclosed. The electrical steering column lock includes a bolt intended to move for locking and for unlocking the steering column, a cam wheel intended to rotate according a first rotation axis and to cooperate with the bolt for controlling the bolt movement, a gear intended to rotate according to a second rotation axis and disposed so as to drive the rotation of the cam wheel, where the cam wheel and the gear are placed sensibly in a common plane have parallel rotation axes which are also parallel to the movement of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: U-Shin Deutschland Zugangssyteme GmbH
    Inventors: Anthony Laval, Norbert Lehmeier
  • Patent number: 9827948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for an anti-theft device for a motor vehicle steering column comprising a rotor (5), a stator head (4), a lug (13) and a complementary profile (14), one supported by the rotor (5) and the other by the stator head (4), the complementary profile (14) being shaped such that the engagement of same with the lug (13) blocks the rotation of the rotor (5) in a predetermined direction of rotation (AR) from a predetermined angular position (PIA) and allows the rotation of the rotor (5) by pushing the rotor (5) in beforehand. The complementary profile (14) is also shaped so that the engagement of the complementary profile (14) and the lug (13) guides the assembly of the rotor (5) in the stator head (4) according to a push-rotated assembly in which the rotor (5) is axially retained in the stator head (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventors: Alix Della Fiorentina, Nicolas Pichelin, Patrice Poggi
  • Patent number: 9796357
    Abstract: An ignition switch includes a rotor into which a vehicle key can be inserted, a switch body rotationally accommodating the rotor, and a key interlock mechanism integrally coupled to the switch body. The key interlock mechanism prevents removal of the vehicle key when the vehicle is traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsuruta, Hiroki Mizushima
  • Patent number: 9745776
    Abstract: A key cylinder device includes a rotor resiliently mounting tumblers that are aligned by insertion of a mechanical key, a rotor case rotatably housing the rotor that is inserted in a direction opposite to an insertion direction of the mechanical key, and a cylindrical sleeve arranged around an outer peripheral surface of the rotor and fixed to an inner surface of the rotor case. The sleeve includes a hole that allows the tumblers to be disengaged when the mechanical key is inserted and to be engaged when the mechanical key is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 9731681
    Abstract: A steering lock locks a steering member with a lockbolt movable along an axis between locking and unlocking positions. A first member having a first cam surface is rotatable by an actuator in a first direction for locking the lockbolt. A second member having a second cam surface is engaged with the first cam surface. The second member is translatable along the axis in a locking direction by rotation of the first member. An unlocking spring is compressible through a range of movement of the second member in the first direction to store increasing potential energy. The cam surfaces are engaged such that unlocking of the lockbolt is carried out by the stored energy in the unlocking spring, which is released in a continuously increasing manner controlled by the actuator as the first member is rotated by the actuator in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jon W. Behrens, Michael D. Fink
  • Patent number: 9566942
    Abstract: In a mechanical steering lock for vehicles, an angular locking nib of a steering shaft is movable away from and towards a releasing position, in which the free rotation of the steering shaft is allowed, and is withheld in this releasing position by two retaining means arranged parallel to each other and one of which comprises a stop element movable away from and towards a retaining position, in which it cooperates abutting against an axial shoulder of the nib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Daniele Graglia
  • Patent number: 9555770
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering lock device that can prevent improper access to a cylinder lock due to the deformation of a mounting hole formed in a cut-out shape. The steering lock device comprises: a frame (4) that is provided with a cylindrical section (1) open at one end, and that houses a lock body (3) which moves in and out of a steering column as a result of the manipulation of a cylinder lock (2) secured in the cylindrical section (1); and a mounted member (6) that is mounted in a mounting hole (5), one end of which opens to the open end of the cylindrical section (1) and is formed in a cut-out shape. At both side ends of the mounting hole (5), to-be-locked sections (9) are provided that regulate the widthwise deformation of the mounting hole (5) by locking circumferentially with locking sections (8) of an inserted member (7) which is inserted into the cylindrical section (1) within the frame (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Kiso, Takashi Yoshizawa, Yoshio Watanuki
  • Patent number: 9475458
    Abstract: A locking device for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel column has a housing, a worm wheel cover, a blocking bolt that locks a steering wheel shaft in the steering wheel column, wherein the blocking bolt is movable between a first and a second position, a drive that moves the blocking bolt from the first position to the second position, a latching element that latches the blocking bolt, a mechanical activation mechanism that activates the latching element, and that has a trigger element, and a pushing element. In the first position, the blocking bolt is in blocking engagement with the steering wheel shaft. In the second position, the blocking bolt is disengaged from the steering wheel shaft. The latching element comprises a pin, and an opening is disposed in the blocking bolt for engagement with the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thilo Marx, Damien Vagney, Kenjirou Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9463773
    Abstract: A protruding wall section 17 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of a steering column 2b around a lock hole 11a, a concave groove 20 that engages with the protruding wall section 17 is provided in a portion that surrounds a guide section 13a of a butting surface 19 of a lock unit 12a, and by engaging the protruding wall section 17 with the concave groove 20, and preferably, by engaging concave sections 18 that are provided in the steering column 2b with convex sections 21 that are provided on the lock unit 12a so that the lock unit 12a is supported by and fastened to the steering column 2b, the occurrence of damage such as cracking of the steering column 2b is prevented even when there is an attempt to rotate a steering wheel by large force when an ignition key is turned OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Tooru Matsushima, Kiyoshi Sadakata
  • Patent number: 9440619
    Abstract: A steering lock device includes a lock bolt configured to correspond to rotation of a key cylinder and to unlock a steering shaft, and an ignition switch configured to correspond to the rotation of the key cylinder and to perform switch operation. In the steering lock device, the lock bolt is provided to a rear side of a body in a direction of a body side orthogonal to a rotation axis of the key cylinder. Also, the ignition switch includes a first switch and a second switch and is arranged to a side part of the body in a direction different from the forward movement direction of the lock bolt. The first switch is configured as the ignition switch and the second switch is configured as a key detection switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: U-SHIN LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Sugihara
  • Patent number: 9393932
    Abstract: A steering lock apparatus is provided that can protect a steering column 2e from damage, such as cracking, even when a steering wheel is forcibly rotated with the ignition key off. Protrusions 24 in the circumferential direction are provided at a plurality of locations in the axial direction of peripheral edge portions on both sides in the circumferential direction, which is a rotational direction of the steering wheel, of a peripheral edge of a lock through hole 16d. The protrusions 24 in the circumferential direction absorb the large force, that is applied to the peripheral edge portions of the lock through hole 16d in an attempt to rotate the steering wheel with the ignition key off by plastically deforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Tooru Matsushima, Tooru Kamei, Tadashi Hibino
  • Patent number: 9376838
    Abstract: In a cylinder lock having a pivot member pivoted in response to pivoting by a legitimate mechanical key inserted into a key hole, a first rotor is linked to an outer cylinder relatively non-pivotably but movably along an insertion direction of a mechanical key, and a second rotor abuts against the first rotor from a side opposite to a rotor-receiving part provided on a housing and the outer cylinder and is linked to a pivot member relatively non-pivotably but movably along the insertion direction, and during pivoting of the outer cylinder in response to an unauthorized pivoting operation of an inner cylinder, the first rotor and the second rotor move so as to detach from the rotor-receiving part due to a cam mechanism provided between the first rotor and the housing, thereby releasing engagement of the inner cylinder with the second rotor linked to the pivot member relatively non-pivotably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Shinichirou Ino, Takashi Ishitsuka
  • Patent number: 9278669
    Abstract: A steering lock device includes a lock body attached to a column post that rotatably supports a steering shaft, and a steering lock unit that restricts or releases a rotation of the steering shaft by turning a key cylinder unit housed in the lock body. The steering lock unit includes a locking bar engageable with the steering shaft, a lock stopper holding the locking bar, a camshaft to convert a rotary motion of the key cylinder unit into a linear motion of the lock stopper, and a lock holder configured such that the lock stopper, the cam shaft and the locking bar are installed therein by being inserted thereinto in a same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Takumi Tamezane
  • Patent number: 9248804
    Abstract: In a steering device having a steering lock device and a telescopic clamp device, the strength of a column in a key-locked state and the force of telescopic clamping are secured. A flange section and ribs are formed between a through hole which a lock pin comes in and leaves and a slit for reducing the inner circumferential diameter of an outer column so as to increase the strength of the outer column. Hence, both the strength of the outer column against the bending moment applied to the lock pin in a key-locked state and the strength of the outer column against telescopic clamping effected by reducing the inner peripheral diameter of the outer column can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9073507
    Abstract: An auxiliary lock structure (6) includes: an auxiliary lock member (61) arranged inside a frame (2) and configured to shift between an auxiliary lock position to engage with a lock member (5) and prevent a shift of the lock member (5) and an auxiliary lock release position to allow the shift of the lock member (5); an auxiliary biasing unit (62) configured to bias the auxiliary lock member (61) from the auxiliary lock release position toward the auxiliary lock position; and a trigger (31) provided on an inner surface of a cover (3) mounted to the frame (2), and configured to engage with the auxiliary biasing unit (62) and hold the auxiliary lock member (61) in the auxiliary lock release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ALPHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichiro Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 9032769
    Abstract: The invention relates to an antitheft device (2) for the steering column of a vehicle, comprising: a locking portion (6) including a bolt for locking the steering column, and a mobile member (22) capable of controlling the locking-in-position of the bolt; and an access portion (4) including a latch and carrying a pivoting rocker arm (34) bearing against the mobile member (22) and against the locking portion (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventors: Victor Villagrasa, Donatien Frot, Christophe Perrin, Guillaume Lesueur
  • Patent number: 8978811
    Abstract: An antitheft device for the steering column of a motor vehicle, in which a movable indexer includes a return spring for returning the movable indexer such that the indexer engages with at least one profile of a cam of the antitheft device, and in which the return spring of the indexer and a return spring of a bolt of the antitheft device are separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Sicherheitssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Anthony Laval, Lukas Kaliebe
  • Patent number: 8966948
    Abstract: An electrical steering column lock includes a locking guide that advances and retreats with respect to a lock ring by a driving part, and a lock bar that advances and retreats toward and from the locking guide within a predetermined distance in the same direction as that of the locking guide. The lock bar has a leading end disposed toward the lock ring, and is elastically biased toward the locking guide in a lock ring direction. One side of the locking guide is provided with a protrusion. A slider that advances toward the locking guide or retreats from the locking guide is positioned facing the protrusion, and the slider is provided with a grooved part into which the protrusion is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Hoon Gweon
  • Patent number: 8943863
    Abstract: An ignition lock steering column lock includes a locking unit of the type having a lockbolt, a lockbolt carrier, and a spring-biased carrier pin engageable by a post slidably provided on a rotatable driver. The carrier pin is positioned on a steering column side of the driver. The operational positions of the lock are provided by detents formed on the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Town, Paul C. Waller, Gregory J. Organek, Alan Ritz
  • Patent number: 8881563
    Abstract: An electric steering wheel lock device including a lock bar which moves between a lock position, at which the lock bar prohibits rotation of a steering shaft, and an unlock position, at which the lock bar permits rotation of the steering shaft. An electric motor generates drive force for moving the lock bar. A motor holding member for holding the electric motor includes a motor fastening portion having two contact portions, which face toward each other, to clamp a casing of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Fukatsu, Masanari Okuno, Nobuhisa Inoue
  • Patent number: 8869575
    Abstract: An antitheft steering lock device with an insertable bolt particularly for a motor vehicle, including an antitheft lock body including a first portion with a locking mechanism capable of immobilizing a movable steering element, and a second portion where a bolt is inserted and positively connected inside the second portion, and wherein the bolt is capable of controlling the use of the locking means, wherein the antitheft lock device further includes blocking means capable of inhibiting the use of the locking means when the bolt is removed after the bolt has been positively connected inside the second portion of the antitheft lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Guillaume Lesueur, Frédéric Maltaverne
  • Patent number: 8857231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering lock antitheft device for a motor vehicle comprising: an antitheft body (3) intended to house a lock (2) capable of turning between a neutral position (STOP) and a start position (DEM) via an intermediate position (MARCHE), a cam (4) intended to rotate as one with the lock (2) to actuate locking means of the antitheft device (1) according to the position of the lock (2), a nonreturn means to prevent the said cam (4) from turning in the opposite direction towards the start position (DEM) once it has reached the intermediate position (MARCHE) when moving from the start position (DEM) towards the neutral position (STOP) without first of all moving via the neutral position (STOP), characterized in that a cam profile (5) is formed in a radial wall of the said cam (4) and in that the said antitheft device (1) further comprises a control finger (6) and a means of elastically returning the said control finger (6) against the action of the said cam profile (5), the said cam profile
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Christophe Perrin, Donatien Frot
  • Patent number: 8833119
    Abstract: An electric steering lock device includes: a shaft which includes a male threaded portion and which is rotationally driven by an electric motor; a slider which includes a female threaded portion threadedly engaging with the male threaded portion and which advances and retreats in response to the rotation of the shaft; a lock member which is turnable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to the advancement and retreat of the slider; a stopper which holds the lock member at the unlocked position by engaging with an engagement portion provided in the lock member, the stopper being movable in a direction orthogonal to a turning plane of the lock member; and a spring for biasing the stopper in an engagement direction. The stopper engages with and disengages from the engagement portion of the lock member by being moved by an operation portion provided in the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Noma
  • Patent number: 8838341
    Abstract: An electric drive steering locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes an electric motor, a motor driving control unit that allows the motor to perform locking actuation or unlocking actuation, a lower-level microcomputer that outputs an unlocking actuation signal and a locking actuation signal to the motor driving control unit, a first switching unit that electrically connects and disconnects a power supply route from the motor driving control unit to the motor, a checking power supply that applies a predetermined voltage to the electric motor; a switch unit that electrically connects and disconnects the checking power supply and the motor; a first diagnostic unit that outputs a voltage corresponding to an internal resistance of the electric motor; and a motor breakdown determination unit (lower-level microcomputer) that determines a breakdown of the electric motor by the voltage input from the first diagnostic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Kumano
  • Patent number: 8756962
    Abstract: A key interlock device includes a solenoid that holds a plunger when the solenoid is excited, and a link member that includes a shaft around which the link member is rotatable, and engages with the plunger so as to transmit a restraining force opposing an operation force of a key when the solenoid is excited. The shaft of the link member is disposed on a virtual line extending from a line of force of the operation force of the key. The key interlock device may include an engaging part through which the key interlock device is attached to a body of a steering lock device and which is disposed behind the shaft to which the operation force of the key applies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takumi Tamezane, Hiroshi Yoshida, Daisuke Nomichi
  • Patent number: 8689593
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft device for the steering column of a motor vehicle, comprising a locking device including: a sensor (4) located close to the input of the rotor (2) such that it can be biased by the key (3) once it has been introduced into the rotor (2), and a retractable retaining member which can move between a locked position in which it acts on the control finger (7) in order to prevent the longitudinal movement of the slide (6) in the direction of the cam (8) counter to elastic means and an unlocked position in which the slide is released and can move under the action of the elastic means. In addition, coupling means between the sensor (4) and the retaining member enable said retaining member to be moved into: the locked position when the rotor (2) is in the rest position and the key (3) is engaged therein, and the unlocked position when the rotor (2) is in the rest position and the key is removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Fabrice Giacomin
  • Patent number: 8666598
    Abstract: A method of controlling a yawing movement of an aircraft running along the ground, the aircraft comprising at least one first landing gear with a steerable bottom part bearing wheels. The method comprises the steps of (1) on the basis of a yaw rate setpoint {dot over (?)}c, determining a wheel-steering prepositioning angle ?p; and (2) using closed-loop control which as its input has the yaw rate setpoint and which generates a command to steer the bottom part in order to steer it through a steering angle ?c equal to the sum of this prepositioning angle ?p and of an angle ?z which is determined taking account of an error between the yaw rate setpoint {dot over (?)}c and the measured yaw rate {dot over (?)}m when the steerable bottom part is steered by the steering angle ?c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: David Lemay, David Frank, Michel Basset, Yann Chamaillard
  • Patent number: 8646295
    Abstract: A steering lock device includes a main frame, a lock insertion hole formed on the main frame, a lock member slidably disposed in the lock insertion hole, a pin insertion portion formed on the lock member, a stopper housing portion formed on the main frame, a stopper pin housed in the stopper housing portion, and a trigger detachably disposed on the main frame. The stopper pin is urged toward a latch position by a stopper, and engaged, in a state of positioning at the latch position, with the pin insertion portion of the lock member positioning at the lock position. The trigger holds, in a state of being attached on the main frame, the stopper pin at an unlatch position by contacting with the stopper pin. First stepped portions for engaging with the stopper pin positioning at the latch position are disposed in a side of the unlock position, around an opening of the stopper housing portion and on a wall surface of the lock insertion hole facing to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 8646296
    Abstract: A steering locking device (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) includes: a locking member (6) including a first face (B) parallel to an axial direction of a steering shaft, a second face (C) perpendicular to the first face (B), and a protrusion (62) protruding from the second face (B); and a sliding plate (91) extending from the first face (B) in a plate thickness direction (D) of the locking member (6), arranged outside the first face (B), and engageable with the protrusion (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Okada, Takeshi Sakano, Kenjirou Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8561442
    Abstract: A steering shaft lock actuator may include a motor having an output shaft, a drive train, and a lost motion device. The drive train may be coupled to the output shaft and may linearly urge a locking member to an unlocked position when the motor is energized. The lost motion device may be configured to store energy when the locking member is in the unlocked position and utilize the stored energy to drive the locking member toward a locked position with a steering shaft when the motor is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: William Farmer, Sumit Sharma, William Fort, Brian Ganter, Todd Meaney
  • Patent number: 8505346
    Abstract: An electric steering lock device includes a worm wheel (8) that is rotated, in an unlock direction and a lock direction by the drive of a motor (6), a first cam member (9) and a second cam member (10) that are disposed in the worm wheel (8), a lock member (11) that follows the first cam member (9) and shifts between a lock position and an unlock position, and a holding lever (12) that follows the second cam member (10) and shifts between a standby position and a holding position. A detected part (24) is disposed in the first cam member (9), and first and second position sensors (S1, S2) that regard the detected part (24) as a detection target are disposed. The detection outputs of the first position sensor (S1) and the second position sensor (S2) detect the lock position and the unlock position of the lock member (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 8499596
    Abstract: The invention relates to an antitheft device (2) for the steering column of a vehicle, comprising: a locking portion including a bolt for locking the steering column, and a mobile member capable of controlling the locking-in-position of the bolt; and an access portion including a latch, wherein said device includes a rocker arm for converting a movement of the mobile control member into the release of a super-lockout element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Frédéric Maltaverne, Christophe Perrin
  • Patent number: 8474291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for the locking and/or unlocking of a component essential for the function of a vehicle with a casing, which more preferably serves for the fastening of the locking device to the component essential for the function and a moveable locking member, which can assume at least two positions, namely a locking position, in which the locking member protrudes from the casing through an opening and is actively connected with the component essentially for the function and an unlocking position, in which the locking member is not actively connected with the component essential for the function and an arresting part which in an arresting position arrests the locking member in the locking position in the event that the locking device is opened without authorization. To this end it is provided according to the invention that the arresting part is positively held in the arresting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH Co. KG, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Werner Trischberger, Kenjirou Hayashi, Yoshio Watanuki
  • Patent number: 8424348
    Abstract: An actuation device for a steering lock is operable to selectively lock a rotary steering member against rotation. A lockbolt is movable along a first axis between a steering member-locking position and a steering member-unlocking position. A shuttle is movable between a non-blocking position in which the shuttle does not obstruct movement of the lockbolt from the steering member-locking position to the steering member-unlocking position and a blocking position in which the shuttle obstructs movement of the lockbolt from the steering member-locking position to the steering member-unlocking position. An actuator is coupled to the shuttle and operable to move the shuttle from at least one of the non-blocking position and the blocking position to the other of the non-blocking position and the blocking position. The actuator has an output defining a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, Jon W. Behrens, Michael D. Fink
  • Patent number: 8417419
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locking (D) the steering column of a motorcycle (M), which includes a first module (200) secured to the rotating column and a second module (100) secured to the frame of the vehicle (M), which is stationary with respect to said column, said frame mechanically limiting the angular amplitude of rotation of said column, a module (200) including a locking bolt (211) projecting toward the other module (100), and the other module (100) including two flat bolts (110) projecting toward the other module (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: LDL Technology S.A.S.
    Inventor: Philippe Lefaure
  • Patent number: 8353185
    Abstract: In a vehicle handle locking apparatus, a locking member that can operate between a locked position and an unlocked position and a holding member that operates together with the locking member are resiliently urged toward the unlocked position side; and an engaging member that engages with a holding member in the locked position and holds the locking member in the locked position is operated by operation of an electric actuator toward the side to release the engagement with the holding member. Forced unlocking drive device forcibly drives the holding member toward the unlocked position side in response to the operation of the electric actuator in a state in which the locking member is in the locked position. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a vehicle handle locking apparatus that releases, even when a force in a rotating direction is applied to a steering handle, engagement of a locking member with the steering handle or a linkage member so that an unlocked state is reliably achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Yuhi, Takashi Ishitsuka, Katsuhisa Yamada, Hiroshi Nishijima, Yoshiaki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8340850
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle in which a fixed speed change mode can be realized by the locking of a rotational element, the mislocking of the rotational element is prevented. A hybrid drive apparatus which has an engine, a MG1 and a MG2 and which functions as a power unit of a hybrid vehicle is provided with a brake mechanism of a cam-lock type which can control the MG1 in a lock state and a non-lock state by changing the state of a sun gear between the lock state and the non-lock state. In mislocking prevention control, an ECU calculates MG1 angular acceleration D?g, which is the absolute value of angular acceleration of the motor generator MG1, on the basis of a MG1 rotational speed Ngm1 and judges that the sun gear S1 is in a mislocking state if the MG1 angular acceleration D?g is greater than a criterion value D?gth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichiro Muta, Hiroyuki Ogura, Naofumi Magarida
  • Patent number: 8281627
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for actuating a locking member (10) of a functionally essential component (40), particularly a steering column (40) of a motor vehicle, having a gear box (20), being operatively connected to the locking member (10), wherein the locking member (10) can be moved into a locked position (1) and into a released position (2), and vice versa, wherein the locking member (10) engages into the functionally essential component (40) in the locked position (1), the locking member (10) is released from the functionally essential component (40) in the released position (2), an actuation device (30) is provided that can be accessed by a user, said actuation device being signal-connected to the gear box (20) during normal operation, by means of which an electronic actuation of the gear box (20) can be effected via an intentional actuation of the actuation device (30), said gear box moving the locking member (10) into the respective position (1, 2) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Mönig, Mirko Schindler, Matthias Klein, Jörg Simon
  • Patent number: 8272239
    Abstract: An anti-theft locking device for a vehicle steering wheel includes, specially an anti-theft locking device locking the steering column (10) so that it cannot rotate when it is arranged on the rotation shaft (15) of the steering column (10). The anti-theft locking device includes a limit unit (30) and a locking unit (40). The locking unit (40) may be actuated by a driving unit (50). After affirming the signal is correct through electrical detection, the driving unit (50) makes the locking unit (40) be selectively locked or disengaged relative to the limit unit (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Jian-Jhong Fong
  • Patent number: 8234894
    Abstract: An electric steering lock device is provided that includes a column pipe, a steering shaft pivotably passed through the interior of the column pipe, and an electric lock unit that has an electric motor and that can switch in response to operation of the electric motor between a locked state, in which pivoting of the steering shaft is prevented, and an unlocked state in which pivoting of the steering shaft is permitted, wherein the electric lock unit is disposed within the column pipe. This arrangement can advantageously make breakage or unauthorized unlocking of the electric lock unit difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Takeshi Taniguchi, Takushi Matsuto
  • Patent number: 8234895
    Abstract: There is provided a key apparatus, including: a key cylinder that is rotatable when a vehicle key is inserted; and an accommodating portion in which an assembling member is assembled in a body member, the body member and the assembling member form an inner surface, and the key cylinder is accommodated in the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yuji Nakamoto, Hirofumi Goshima, Tomonori Kawachi
  • Patent number: 8186190
    Abstract: A regulating member, an allowing member and an urging member are easily assembled to a subject to which these members are assembled. When assembling of an interlock unit is carried out, with a fitting convex portion of a link being fitted into a fitting concave portion of a release link, a torsion spring (particularly, a connecting portion) is temporarily elastically deformed, and a pair of spiral portions of the torsion spring are mounted to spring holding shafts of the link and the release link, respectively. As a result, the link, the release link and the torsion spring can be brought into a temporarily assembled state, and can be easily assembled to a unit box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yuji Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 8176760
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a key interlock device for a steering column lock device realizes rapid and smooth operation so as not to inconvenience a user, and, when a gear shift lever is switched between a P range and R range, does not generate noise due to performance of a key interlock function in the key interlock device implemented in the steering column lock device of a smart key system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jin-Sang Chung