Automotive vehicle steering column lock mechanism
US5906120A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 25, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/5956
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automotive vehicle steering column lock assembly is disclosed for use with a steering wheel connected to a steering column passing through a steering column housing to which an ignition switch is mounted. The assembly has a lock ring adapted to be mounted to the steering column and having at least one lock recess on an end thereof and a lock pawl movable between a lock position engaged in the lock recess and an unlock position disengaged from the at least one lock recess. A tray is adapted for slidable movement within the steering column housing generally parallel to the steering column, the tray having a lock pawl bed allowing the lock pawl to slide therein generally parallel to the steering column. Tray control means operatively connecting the ignition switch and the tray move the tray between at least two positions in which the lock pawl alternately engages and disengages the lock ring to prevent and allow, respectively, rotation of the steering column. A lock lever, fixed with respect to the steering column housing, is movable between a blocking position preventing the lock pawl from moving into the at least one lock recess on the lock ring, and an unblocking position allowi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.