Steering Mechanism With Switch Patents (Class 70/252)
  • Patent number: 11697451
    Abstract: An electric powered recirculating ball assembly includes a shaft having a plurality of sector teeth extending therefrom. The assembly also includes an eccentric sleeve defining a bore containing a portion of the shaft, the eccentric sleeve comprising an upper sleeve segment and a lower sleeve segment that are separate components, the eccentric sleeve defining an opening that the sector teeth extend through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher R. Case Myers, Eric D. Pattok, Brian J. Magnus, Travis L. Palmer, Ryan D. Harris
  • Patent number: 11680426
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a motor is provided. The locking mechanism includes a detent mounted on a shaft coupled to the motor, and a solenoid including an electromagnetic coil, a plunger, and a spring that holds the plunger at an extended state. The plunger engages the detent at the extended state when no voltage is applied, and the spring is configured to exert a predetermined force for the plunger to engage the detent to lock the shaft. The plunger retracts away from the detent to allow rotation of the motor shaft when a voltage is applied to the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Vikas Markanday, Bala Sridhar, Daniel Antoniades, Ryan Rawnsley
  • Patent number: 11584426
    Abstract: A steering system includes a steering column for rotation between at least a center position and a range of second positions and defining a central axis. The steering system also includes an actuator assembly in operative communication with the steering column to provide steering assistance, the actuator assembly comprising a pair of plates, each plate including a first helical track and a second helical track. The steering system further includes a spring element arranged with the actuator assembly to bias movement of one of the pair of plates along the central axis to influence the steering column to move to the center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan D. Harris, Jeremy A. Bonkowski, Laura F. Stock, Joel A. Bickel
  • Patent number: 11554825
    Abstract: To provide an attachment structure of a smart key unit for a motorcycle that can reduce a size of an attachment structure of a smart key unit around a head pipe. In an attachment structure of a smart key unit for a motorcycle that can cause an engine of a motorcycle to be in a startable state under a condition that an ID code transmitted from a smart key K that can be carried by a driver matches a normal ID code, the smart key unit is attached at a position in the rear of a head pipe included in a vehicle, and the smart key unit is arranged in a state in which a longitudinal direction M thereof is substantially orthogonal to a back and forth direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nabhayatra Pratuangman, Rungroj Saravichai, Wisarut Nunavarattanakul
  • Patent number: 11312335
    Abstract: A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a slip clutch mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a cylindrical body including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be configured to rotate about the second portion. The locking mechanism can be configured to engage based on rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a first direction, and disengage based on a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a second direction. The slip clutch mechanism can be configured to prevent the locking mechanism from further engaging from rotation in the first direction relative to the second portion based on a magnitude of force applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Keep Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Moeller, Rahul Maran, Aditya Chavan
  • Patent number: 11286691
    Abstract: The cylinder lock according to the invention includes a body and, inside it, an inner cylinder unit provided with an inner cylinder. The cylinder lock also includes a generator for generating electricity from the movement of a key inserted in the cylinder lock. The electricity generated is used to identify the key, and the electricity generated is also used in the electric device if opening the cylinder lock is allowed on the basis of the identification of the key. In connection with the generator are also generator shaft system, a channel axis and transmission parts from the channel axis to the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ABLOY OY
    Inventors: Antti Kurki, Pauli Havukainen, Matthias Daubitz, Markus Wahl
  • Patent number: 11242102
    Abstract: A driving device for an electric vehicle includes a pedal shaft, first and second electric motors, an output shaft, and a superposition transmission whose gear ratio is steplessly adjustable by way of the electric motors. The transmission also couples the pedal shaft and the output shaft to each other. A torque generated by the first electric motor and/or the second electric motor can be at least partially transmitted to the output shaft. The driving device further includes an electronic anti-theft device used to lock the bicycle. When locked, at least one of the electric motors is operable to generate a torque that counteracts a rotation of the pedal shaft in a forward direction of rotation to inhibit theft of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Brose Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Berlin
    Inventor: Christfried Weigel
  • Patent number: 10843660
    Abstract: A portable device executes wireless communication with an in-vehicle device in a vehicle to thereby permit the in-vehicle device to perform control relating to locking or unlocking of a door in the vehicle. The portable device includes a circuit board on which a function for executing control is mounted, a housing, and a side cover. The housing is achieved by combining an upper case and a lower case configured to separate in an up and down direction that is a direction orthogonal to the circuit board. The side cover is attached to a side surface on an outside of the housing to bring the upper case and the lower case into close contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiaki Saito
  • Patent number: 10563425
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for a lock assembly in which rotation of an indicator barrel having different indicator symbols is facilitated via magnetic forces. Upon locking of the lock assembly, such as via a push button assembly, an actuator is linearly displaced in a first direction, thereby causing an activation pin that is connected to the actuator to push an activation carrier in the first direction. The activation carrier can also be rotated so that a first pole of a first magnet that is coupled to the activation carrier is linearly and rotatably brought into closer proximity to a similar first pole of a second magnet that is coupled to the indicator barrel. Such displacement of the first magnet can cause a repelling force to be provided between the first and second magnets that facilitates the rotation of the indicator barrel about the lever from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Drake Lunday
  • Patent number: 10501136
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a driving member pivotably mounted in a frame and interlocks with a tappet. The driving member and a follower member pivot jointly when a follower pin is in a first position. The follower member is independently pivotable when the follower pin is in a second position. When the tappet is moved by a lock head from a front position to a rear position, an engaging member is moved to an engagement position engaged with the lock head to thereby lock the lock head, and the follower pin is in the first position. When the follower pin is moved to the second position, a return spring biases the follower member to independently pivot relative to the driving member to move the engaging member to a disengagement position, the tappet moves from the rear position to the front position, and the lock head is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: I-TEK METAL MFG. CO., LTD
    Inventor: Chun-Meng Shen
  • Patent number: 10501050
    Abstract: A vehicle ignition system includes an ignition cylinder housing defining an exterior portion, an interior portion and a channel extending at least partially through the interior portion. An ignition cylinder is at least partially received by and adjustable relative to the ignition cylinder housing. The ignition cylinder includes an elongate body defining an exterior portion and an interior portion. A cam member is at least partially received in the channel of the ignition cylinder housing and includes a clutch disposed adjacent to and engaging a portion of the ignition cylinder. A locking mechanism cooperates with the ignition cylinder housing and ignition cylinder includes a locking member having a projection extending therefrom that releasably engages a portion of the ignition cylinder housing when the locking mechanism is placed in the at least one second position to prevent adjustment of the ignition cylinder relative to the ignition cylinder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, Richard J. Lange
  • Patent number: 10434983
    Abstract: A lock for an antitheft device for a motor vehicle steering column is provided and includes a stator having a stator head with an opening, a rotor rotatably mounted about an axis with respect to the stator having an annular flange, a cam to rotate as one with the rotor, and an elastic element arranged between the cam and the rotor in order to exert a thrust load axially on the rotor. The opening of the stator is designed to engage with the annular flange to prevent the rotor from rotating in a predetermined rotation direction from a predetermined angular position and allows the rotor to rotate beyond the predetermined angular position by prior depression of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: U-SHIN FRANCE
    Inventors: Christophe Perrin, Patrice Poggi, Philippe Demptos, Patrick Tapin
  • Patent number: 10112578
    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, and an assembly for determining the rotational position of the cam wheel while the cam wheel is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: U-SHIN DEUTSCHLAND ZUGANGSSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventors: Norbert Lehmeier, Lukas Kaliebe, Helmut Neubauer
  • Patent number: 10040472
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may comprise a steering column jacket with a jacket surface having a retaining segment. The retaining segment may at least partially surround a bearing for rotatably mounting a steering spindle about an axis of rotation. The retaining segment may have at least one tab that secures the bearing in the steering column jacket in a direction of the axis of rotation. The tab may be connected to the retaining segment of the steering column jacket along a bending edge. The bending edge may form a projection angle of at maximum 45° with a projected axis of rotation. The free end of the tab is bent around the bending edge towards the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Hansjörg Sulser, Sebastian Forte, Richard Wiebe, Mathias Senn
  • Patent number: 9789852
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft device (1) for a steering column of a motor vehicle, said device (1) comprising: a bolt (7) mounted such that it can move in translation in the device (1) between a position in which the steering column is locked and a position in which the column is released, and a means (15) for controlling the movement of the bolt (7). The device also comprises a drive means (9) connecting the control means (15) and the bolt (7), said drive means (9) including a housing (20) that receives at least part of a locking element (19) when the locking element (19) is in the rest and active positions. The aforementioned locking element (19) is configured to co-operate with the control means such as, in the active position, to lock the drive means (9) when the bolt (7) is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventor: Christophe Perrin
  • Patent number: 9234370
    Abstract: An article including a key comprising a key head that slides along a key shaft, said key head being affixable to said key shaft with a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventors: Moshe Dolev, Eyal Artsiely
  • Patent number: 9108585
    Abstract: An ignition lock steering column lock includes a locking unit including a lockbolt selectively engageable with a steering member to prevent its rotation. A driver is operable to rotate about an axis in response to rotation of a key cylinder via a matched key. A solenoid assembly selectively prevents rotation of the driver. An armature of the solenoid assembly is movable toward a core when electric current is conducted through a coiled wire. The armature has a shape generally defining a plane and includes an axial end face configured to selectively interfere with an abutment of the driver such that force on the armature from the abutment in response to attempted rotation of the driver is directed generally along the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott M. Town, Paul C. Waller, Gregory J. Organek, Alan Ritz
  • Patent number: 9085274
    Abstract: A motorized steering-column lock for a steering column of a motor vehicle, the lock includes a bolt configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position of a steering column and an electric motor for driving the bolt between the unlocked position and the locked position. The bolt is mounted to be movable in a direction parallel to the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Sicherheitssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Anthony Laval, Lukas Kaliebe
  • Patent number: 9050705
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for surface blasting of workpieces includes a base seat, a following assembly and a linking assembly. The following assembly is mounted on the base seat. The linking assembly is mounted on the following assembly, in which the linking assembly includes a lower rod, an upper rod, at least two linking bars and a plurality of loading members; the lower rod, the upper rod and the at least two linking rods cooperatively forming a four-bar linkage mechanism. The plurality of loading members are fixed to the at least two linking bars, such that the plurality of loading members are capable of turning over workpieces for surface blasting without requiring any positional readjustment of the workpieces by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shi-Fu Shen, Shu-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 9027432
    Abstract: A motor cover (80) includes an edge portion (84) located outside an inner side surface of a frame cover (20) with the motor cover (80) being disposed inside a housing chamber (12), configured to push the frame cover (20) wider when the frame cover (20) is mounted onto a frame (10), and configured to be pressed by the frame cover (20) from an opened surface of the frame (10) with the frame cover (20) being mounted on the frame (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Takano, Takahiro Okada
  • Publication number: 20150114054
    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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Tooru Matsushima, Tooru Kamei, Tadashi Hibino
  • Publication number: 20150107315
    Abstract: An ignition lock steering column lock includes a locking unit including a lockbolt selectively engageable with a steering member to prevent its rotation. A driver is operable to rotate about an axis in response to rotation of a key cylinder via a matched key. A solenoid assembly selectively prevents rotation of the driver. An armature of the solenoid assembly is movable toward a core when electric current is conducted through a coiled wire. The armature has a shape generally defining a plane and includes an axial end face configured to selectively interfere with an abutment of the driver such that force on the armature from the abutment in response to attempted rotation of the driver is directed generally along the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Scott M. Town, Paul C. Waller, Gregory J. Organek, Alan Ritz
  • 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: 8960030
    Abstract: An actuator (A) of a steering lock device includes a tubular member (17) that is fitted around an outer periphery of a lock pin (14) and is rotated by an electric motor (19), a helical cam groove (14e) is provided, among an inner peripheral face of the tubular member (17) and an outer peripheral face of the lock pin (14), in the outer peripheral face of the lock pin (14), a ball (21) is disposed between the cam groove (14e) and a ball retaining groove (17a, 17a) of the tubular member (17), and a guide pin (23) implanted in the lock pin (14) opposes a cam face (17d) formed on the inner peripheral face of the tubular member (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Asakura
  • Patent number: 8955361
    Abstract: In a steering device having a steering lock device, stress applied to a base portion of a flange section is reduced. Relief portions have round corners formed where the relief portions meet the outer periphery of the outer column, respectively. With the relief portions concave by ?3 from the mounting surface, radius R1 of each of the round corners of the relief portions can be made larger than radius R2 of a round corner of the mounting surface. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the relief portions and the corner at an inner end, in the vehicle width direction, of the right clamping surface of the steering lock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Tanaka
  • 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: 8925415
    Abstract: On at least either one of an inside of an opening edge of a cover (2) and an outside of an opening edge of a frame (3), an inclined portion (95) is formed, and on the other of the inside of the opening edge of the cover (2) and the outside of the opening edge of the frame (3), an inclination receiving portion (96) is formed. In such a way, in an event where external force is applied to the inclined portion (95) from an outside, the inclination receiving portion (96) slides on the inclined portion (95), and positionally shifts or falls off the cover (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Okada, Kenjirou Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8925416
    Abstract: An auxiliary lock mechanism that locks a lock member (6) at a steering lock position is provided. In the auxiliary lock member, a slide plate (91) thereof engages with an auxiliary engagement portion (95) of the lock member (6) located at the steering lock position in such a manner that engagement between a holding member (21) and a holding/receiving portion (93) thereof is disengaged. On a more rear end side of the lock member (6) than the auxiliary engagement portion (95), a fragile portion (74) is provided, in which a load is set smaller than a load tolerable by the slide plate (91). In a case where a load of a set value or more is applied to the lock member (6), the lock member (6) is torn at the fragile portion (74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Alpha Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Okada, Kenjirou Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8882149
    Abstract: A steering device is provided that includes an aluminum-alloy column bolted with a steering lock apparatus, that prevents destruction of a flange to be bolted, and that prevents the bolt from being loosened by applying shock to a bolt head section through the use of a special tool. A counterbore is formed so deep that a slant plane is higher than a top end of a disk-shaped member of a bolt. A thief can hardly apply shock to the disk-shaped member of the bolt using a special tool. It is difficult to rotate and loosen the bolt. A vehicle can be prevented from being stolen by removing a steering lock apparatus from an outer column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Tomaru, Shinji Okada, Daiki Orihara
  • Publication number: 20140318197
    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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: U-SHIN LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi SUGIHARA
  • 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: 8833121
    Abstract: The invention relates to an antitheft device for a motor vehicle steering column, comprising: a housing (3) in which a movable bolt (5), configured so as to prevent the steering column from rotating, and a lock (7) for controlling the movement of said bolt (5), are arranged; a clamping collar (9) configured so as to be mounted on the steering column (2) and having a first half-collar (9a) rigidly connected to the housing (3), and a second half-collar (9b): a first end (11) of which is pivotably mounted relative to the first half-collar (9a) along a pivotal movement axis (A1) that is substantially parallel to the steering column; and a second end (13) of which is configured so as to be attached to the first half-collar (9a) when mounted on the steering column via a clamping means (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Ludovic Fenayon, Christophe Perrin
  • 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: 8826768
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a bracket for securely fixing a steering lock mechanism to the shroud of the steering shaft. The lock mechanism includes a bolt that projects in a locked position to act upon the shaft to limit rotation. The bracket is secured to the shroud in such a way that it is free to move relative to the shroud against a spring force. This helps the lock resist an attack using a high impact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventors: Nic Davies, Mark Wilkes
  • Patent number: 8825296
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a control system (63) of a motorcycle (60), which moves an electromechanical steering lock (10) from an unlocked position (1) to a locked position (2) and vice-versa, with an ignition system (62) to start the engine of the motorcycle (60), which is controlled by the control system (63), an authentication (70), in which an ID-generator (64) maintains a data link with the control system (63), wherein after a positive authentication (70) in an operational step (71a,71b), the steering lock (10) is brought into the appropriate position (1,2). According to the invention, it is provided that the first actuator element (31) has a signal connection with the control system (63), which is accessible to the user, and the operational step (71a,71b) commences only after positive authentication (70) via intentional activation of the first actuator element (31), which occurs after the authentication (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Mönig, Mirko Schindler, Matthias Klein, Jörg Simon
  • Patent number: 8803657
    Abstract: The RFID-mechanical dual-mode entry key includes a key blade attached to and extending away from a housing. A double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch is disposed on the key blade housing. A microantenna disposed in the housing is connected to the switch. An unlock passive Radio Frequency microcircuit disposed in the key blade housing is operably connected to a first pole of the DPDT switch to activate the unlock passive RF microcircuit when the switch is thrown to the first pole, exclusively connecting the unlock passive RF microcircuit to the microantenna. A lock passive Radio Frequency microcircuit disposed in the key blade housing is operably connected to a second pole of the DPDT switch to activate the lock passive RF microcircuit when the switch is thrown to the second pole, exclusively connecting the lock passive RF microcircuit to the microantenna, The key supports remote/mechanical locking/unlocking of a vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Fawzi Q. M. A. O. A. Behbehani
  • 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: 8712647
    Abstract: A steering lock driving circuit includes: a microcomputer that, based on a detected condition of a vehicle, outputs one of a lock command for restricting rotation of a steering shaft by a rock member to carry out steering lock and an unlock command for releasing the steering lock; a latch circuit that, when an unlock signal indicating that the lock member is located in an unlock position is input to the latch circuit, holds the unlock signal; an OR circuit to which a logical NOT signal of a signal output from the latch circuit and a parking signal indicating that a shift position is a parking position are input; and an AND circuit to which one of the lock command and the unlock command, a signal output from the OR circuit and a condition coincidence signal generated when information detected from the vehicle satisfies a predetermined condition are input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeo Endo
  • 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: 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: 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: 8635892
    Abstract: An outside locking lever of a lever mechanism section in a lock mechanism of a vehicle door lock apparatus includes a hub portion being rotatable relative to a housing and having a connection subportion to which an inner end portion of a rod is connected in a torque transmittable manner; an arm portion extending radially outward from the hub portion and linked to an active lever; a hub-side engagement subportion provided on the hub portion and engaged in the vehicle interior-exterior direction with a first support portion of the housing; an arm-side engagement subportion provided on the arm portion and engaged in the vehicle interior-exterior direction with a second support portion of the housing; and a fragile portion provided between the two engagement portions and being breakable with a force of a predetermined value or greater. A space for allowing breakage at the fragile portion is provided within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Suzumura, Takashi Nishio, Nobuko Watanabe, Masayuki Tomochika, Masanari Iwata, Yasuhiko Sono, Ryujiro Akizuki
  • Patent number: 8615346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a blocking member (11) of a functional component (30), particularly of a steering column (30) of a motor vehicle, particularly of a motorcycle, having a drive (20) by which the blocking member (11) can be moved into a locking position (1) and into an unlocking position (2) and vice versa, wherein the blocking member (11) engages mechanically with the functional component (30) when in the locking position (1), releases from the functional component (30) when in the unlocking position (2), and the locking process is started via a defined triggering action on the part of the operator, the blocking member (11) being moved from the unlocking position (2) into the locking position (1) during said locking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Monig, Dirk Wittwer, Armin Geurden, Jorg Simon, Mirko Schindler, Matthias Klein, Joachim Schneider
  • Patent number: 8548645
    Abstract: A keyless ignition start system in which authentication of a coded key fob is carried out twice, first to activate the ignition switch to allow starting the engine and second at the time when the brake pedal is depressed to put the car in a drive gear. The two step authentication prevents driving off a car which has been started without having the key fob for security purposes and also to avoid inconvenient situations that can otherwise occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Donna Long
  • Patent number: 8534104
    Abstract: A portable wireless key having an emergency key includes a body in which the emergency key is held. The body has an operation surface and a protrusion action portion. The operation surface defines a part of an outer side surface of the body. The protrusion action portion has a hook that is held in the body under a condition that the emergency key is held in the body. One push to the operation surface causes the protrusion action portion to perform a protrusion action. The protrusion action causes the protrusion action portion to protrude outward from the body in such a manner that the hook of the protrusion action portion is exposed outside the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tokio Shimura, Mitsuru Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8528688
    Abstract: A lock device that restricts movement of a movable body includes: a lock member that is engageable with an engagement portion formed at the movable body; an urging member that urges the lock member in a direction away from the engagement portion; and an actuator that moves the lock member toward the engagement portion to engage the lock member with the engagement portion against an urging force generated by the urging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Mori, Yoshiyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 8511121
    Abstract: A key holding device includes a key cylinder capable of retaining an auxiliary key which is a vehicle key that is not a master key. A rotor is rotatably arranged in the key cylinder. The auxiliary key is insertable into the rotor. A tumbler is rotatable with the rotor in the key cylinder. The tumbler holds the auxiliary key in a manner irremovable from the key cylinder in accordance with the rotational position of the rotor. A key lock mechanism is capable of locking the rotor in a state in which the tumbler holds the auxiliary key in a manner irremovable from the key cylinder. A control unit selectively switches the rotor between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling the key lock mechanism so as to permit removal of the auxiliary key when the rotor is in the unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsuruta
  • 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