Steering column lock apparatus and method
US6516640B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/5956
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a manner in which a lock bolt can be engaged and secured in locked and unlocked positions with respect to a steering column. In some preferred embodiments, a pawl is movable into and out of engagement with the lock bolt in two different locations on the lock bolt corresponding to two different positions of the lock bolt relative to the steering column: a position in which the lock bolt is extended to lock the steering column and a position in which the lock bolt is retracted to unlock the steering column. The pawl can be movable into and out of engagement with the lock bolt in a number of different manners, but preferably is pivotable about a pivot pin. Preferably, the pawl is connected to an actuator for actuating the pawl into and out of engagement with the lock bolt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.