Steering column lock apparatus and method

US7111480B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Steven J. Dimig · Plymouth, US
• Larry R. Grimmer · Sussex, US
• Russell J. Winberg · Wauwatosa, US
• Michael Malich · Greenfield, US
• Michael P. Baker · Round Rock, US
• Cynthia M. Brey · Peoria, US
• Brian M. Keller · Menasha, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 2003
• Grant date: Sep 26, 2006
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T70/7113
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention have a lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some preferred embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to produce smooth and controlled lock bolt camming action with little to no jarring motion. In order to significantly reduce manufacturing and assembly time and cost, some or all of the power transmission assembly can be assembled prior to installation in the lock assembly frame. More preferably, some or all of the power transmission assembly is integrally formed. Preferably, part or all of the lock assembly can be assembled without turning, flipping, or otherwise re-orienting the lock assembly during assembly.