JP7805587B2 - Steering lock device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a steering lock device for locking and unlocking a steering wheel.

Motorcycles and other vehicles are typically equipped with a steering lock device that prevents theft by engaging and locking a lock bar with the steering (the pivot point of the handlebars, etc.). However, the present applicant has proposed a steering lock device that can extend and retract a lock bar by driving a motor, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2017-81347 A

The above-mentioned conventional steering lock device uses a motor as the drive source for the lock bar, but the applicant has considered using a solenoid instead of a motor in order to improve the lock bar's response speed, etc. However, because a solenoid displaces the plunger using magnetic force generated by passing current through a coil, there is a risk of the coil overheating if current is passed through the coil continuously for a long period of time if the lock bar is not properly engaged with the steering.

The present invention was made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a steering lock device that can move the lock bar using a solenoid and can prevent the solenoid from overheating by avoiding continuous current flow to the coil even if the lock bar is not properly engaged with the steering.

The invention of claim 1 provides a steering lock device that includes a lock bar attached to a case member, and that can be moved forward to a protruding state to engage with the steering wheel of a vehicle and lock the steering, and that can be moved backward to a retracted state to release the lock from the steering wheel and unlock the steering lock. The steering lock device is equipped with a biasing member that holds the lock bar in the protruding state, a self-holding solenoid that has a plunger that can be displaced by a magnetic force generated by energizing a coil and a magnetic force of a permanent magnet, the plunger being connected to the lock bar and holding the lock bar in the retracted state by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet, and detection means that detects the position of the lock bar, and that when current is passed through the coil to attract the plunger, the detection means detects that the lock bar is in the protruding state, and if the lock bar does not move from the protruding state to the retracted state due to poor engagement of the lock bar with the steering wheel, the coil can be repeatedly energized a predetermined number of times to eliminate the poor engagement of the lock bar with the steering wheel .

The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the steering lock device of claim 1, the self-holding solenoid has a pipe-shaped member that houses the plunger and to which the permanent magnet is attached.

The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the steering lock device of claim 1, the detection means has a contact attached so as to be interlocked with the lock bar, and a contact plate on which an electrical circuit is formed according to the contact position with the contact, and the position of the lock bar can be detected based on the electrical circuit formed between the contact and the contact plate.

The invention described in claim 4 is the steering lock device described in claim 3, characterized in that the contact plate is made of a metal member insert-molded into the case member.

The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the steering lock device of claim 3, a connecting member is provided that connects the plunger and the lock bar in the longitudinal direction and moves the lock bar in the direction of displacement of the plunger, and the contact is attached to the connecting member.

The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the steering lock device of claim 3, it is provided with a connecting member that connects the plunger and the lock bar in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the plunger and moves the lock bar in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the plunger, and the contact is attached to the connecting member.
The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that, in the steering lock device of any one of claims 1 to 6, it further comprises control means capable of energizing the coil of the solenoid, and when the control means energizes the coil to attract the plunger, and the detection means detects that the lock bar is in the extended state, and further when the lock bar does not change from the extended state to the retracted state due to poor engagement of the lock bar with the steering, the control means alternately energizes the coil in the reverse direction and the forward direction a predetermined number of times, thereby eliminating poor engagement of the lock bar with the steering.

According to claim 1, the invention comprises a biasing member that holds the lock bar in an extended position, a self-retaining solenoid with a plunger that is displaceable by magnetic force generated by energizing a coil and magnetic force of a permanent magnet, the plunger being connected to the lock bar and holding the lock bar in a retracted position by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet, and detection means for detecting the position of the lock bar. The coil is energized to attract the plunger, and when the detection means detects that the lock bar is in an extended position, the coil is energized a predetermined number of times. This allows the lock bar to be moved by the solenoid, and even if the lock bar is not properly engaged with the steering, continuous energization of the coil is avoided, preventing overheating of the solenoid.

According to the invention of claim 2, the self-holding solenoid has a pipe-shaped member that houses the plunger and has a permanent magnet attached to it, allowing for smooth displacement of the plunger and ensuring that the permanent magnet is securely attached in a predetermined position.

According to the invention of claim 3, the detection means has a contact attached so as to be interlocked with the lock bar, and a contact plate on which an electrical circuit is formed according to the contact position with the contact. The position of the lock bar can be detected based on the electrical circuit formed between the contact and the contact plate. This eliminates the need for a sensor to confirm the positioning of the lock bar, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

According to the invention of claim 4, the contact plate is made of a metal member that is insert-molded into the case member, preventing misalignment of the contact plate relative to the case member and enabling the position of the lock bar to be detected with high accuracy.

According to the invention of claim 5, a connecting member is provided that connects the plunger and lock bar in the longitudinal direction and moves the lock bar in the direction of plunger displacement, and contacts are attached to the connecting member, so the position of the lock bar can be accurately detected while the lock bar reliably follows the connecting member.

According to the invention of claim 6, a connecting member is provided that connects the plunger and lock bar in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of plunger displacement, and moves the lock bar in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of plunger displacement. Furthermore, contacts are attached to the connecting member, so the lock bar can be reliably moved by the connecting member, and the position of the lock bar can be accurately detected.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a steering lock device (with a lock bar protruding) according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 4A and 4B are views showing the appearance of the steering lock device; Cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the steering lock device (with the lock bar in a recessed state); FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the steering lock device with the lock bar in a recessed state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the steering lock device with a case member removed. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a cover member, a self-holding solenoid, a lock bar, a connecting member, contacts, and the like in the steering lock device. 3A and 3B are three-view diagrams showing a case member in the steering lock device; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a self-holding solenoid in the steering lock device; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a connecting member and a contact point in the steering lock device. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a contact plate in the steering lock device; FIG. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a steering lock device (with a lock bar protruding) according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 4A and 4B are views showing the appearance of the steering lock device; Cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the steering lock device (with the lock bar in a recessed state); FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the steering lock device with the lock bar in a recessed state. FIG. 4 is a four-view diagram showing a state in which a case member is removed from the steering lock device. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the steering lock device with the case member removed and the lock bar protruding. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the steering lock device with the case member removed and the lock bar in a retracted state. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a case member in the steering lock device. 4-view diagram showing the case member FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fixed terminal plate in the steering lock device; 1A and 1B are plan and rear views showing the fixed terminal board; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a connecting member in the steering lock device.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The steering lock device 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to a vehicle such as a motorcycle, and is used to lock and unlock the steering wheel. It has a lock bar R attached to a case member 2, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lock bar R can be moved forward to a protruding state to engage with the steering wheel of the vehicle and lock the steering, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lock bar R can be moved backward to a retracted state to release the engagement with the steering wheel and release the steering lock.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 13, the steering lock device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a lock bar R, a biasing member 5 that holds the lock bar R in a protruding state, a self-retaining solenoid S having a plunger P that can be displaced when energized, a case member 2 made of a box-shaped molded product, a cover member 3 that covers the opening of the case member 2, a connecting member 6, a control means 11, and a detection means 12.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lock bar R consists of a shaft-shaped member attached to the case member 2, and is moved forward or backward by the force of the plunger P displaced by energizing the self-holding solenoid S and the biasing force of the biasing member 5, placing it in a protruding state (see Figure 1) or a retracted state (see Figure 4). When the lock bar R is in the protruding state, as shown in Figure 3, the tip of the lock bar R engages with a recess K formed in the steering wheel W of the vehicle, thereby locking the steering. When the lock bar R is in the retracted state, as shown in Figure 5, the tip of the lock bar R moves away from the recess K, releasing its engagement with the recess K in the steering wheel W and disengaging the steering lock.

As shown in Figure 3, the biasing member 5 is a coil spring attached between the connecting member 6 and the cover member Fa that constitutes the self-retaining solenoid S. The biasing force of this spring urges the lock bar R to the left in Figure 3, thereby holding it in a protruding state. The biasing member 5 is not limited to a coil spring, and may be another type of spring (such as a torsion coil spring) or an elastic body (such as elastic rubber or resin).

The self-holding solenoid S is an actuator that is attached to a predetermined position on the case member 2 and can displace the plunger P when current is applied. As shown in FIG. 10, it is composed of a coil C, a plunger P, permanent magnets Ma and Mb, a pipe-shaped member 9, and a frame portion F. The self-holding solenoid S of this embodiment has a plunger P that can be displaced by the magnetic force generated when current is applied to the coil C and the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb, and the plunger P is connected to a lock bar R, which can hold the lock bar R in a immersed state by the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb.

The frame portion F forms the housing of the self-holding solenoid S, and as shown in Figures 6 and 7, is made of a metal part bent into a U-shape. The coil C, plunger P, permanent magnets Ma and Mb, and pipe-shaped member 9 are attached to the frame portion F, which is fixed in a predetermined position on the cover member 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, a plate-shaped lid member Fa is fixed to the end of the frame portion F by crimping or the like.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cover member 3 is made of a metal part bent into an L-shape, and the part formed by the bending process has an opening 3b through which the lock bar R can be inserted to move it forward or backward. Furthermore, when the steering lock device 1 is installed on the vehicle, the cover member 3 is positioned downward, and a drain hole 3a is formed in a predetermined position, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 7.

The coil C is electrically conductive via wiring h (see Figures 7 and 10), which generates magnetism when energized, displacing the plunger P via its magnetic force. The plunger P is housed within the pipe-shaped member 9, and is assembled with its base end positioned within the coil C. A receiving member 10 (see Figure 7) is attached to the frame portion F, to which the base end of the pipe-shaped member 9 is fixed and which is capable of receiving the base end Pb of the plunger P.

The pipe-shaped member 9 is made of a cylindrical metal part with high electrical conductivity, such as brass, and displaceably houses the plunger P inside, with permanent magnets Ma and Mb attached. The permanent magnets Ma and Mb are a combination of two magnets with the same polarity (south poles or north poles), and are fixed between the outer surface of the pipe-shaped member 9 and the inner surface of the frame portion F.

However, in this embodiment, a connecting member 6 is provided that connects the plunger P and lock bar R in the longitudinal direction (substantially in a straight line) and moves the lock bar R in the direction of displacement of the plunger P. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, a groove Pa is formed in the circumferential direction at the tip of the plunger P, and a groove Ra is formed in the circumferential direction at the base end of the lock bar R, as shown in the same figure. The grooves Pa and Ra of the plunger P and lock bar R are engaged with the engaging portions 6a and 6b of the connecting member 6, thereby connecting the plunger P and lock bar R.

When coil C is not energized, the magnetic attraction of plunger P caused by the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb is set to be greater than the biasing force of biasing member 5, and as shown in Figure 5, the plunger P is maintained in an attracted state, and the lock bar R is maintained in a retracted state. When current is passed through coil C in a predetermined direction from this retracted state (forward current flow), the magnetic force generated in coil C and the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb cancel each other out, and as shown in Figure 3, the biasing force of biasing member 5 causes plunger P to slide within pipe-shaped member 9, causing lock bar R to protrude.

Furthermore, when current is passed through coil C in the opposite direction to the specified direction (reverse current flow) from this extended state, the magnetic force generated by coil C and the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb act in the same direction, and as shown in Figure 5, the magnetic force generated by coil C and the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb cause plunger P to slide within pipe-shaped member 9, bringing lock bar R into a retracted state. When current flow is stopped in this retracted state, the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb maintains lock bar R in a retracted state.

Therefore, with the self-holding solenoid S, when the coil C is not energized, the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb maintains the retracted state of the lock bar R. Applying a current in a predetermined direction to the coil C (forward current flow) moves the lock bar R to the extended state, and applying a current in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction to the coil C (reverse current flow) moves the lock bar R to the retracted state.

The case member 2 is a cup-shaped member that opens downward, and as shown in Figures 8 and 9, is formed with a connector portion 2a to which the tip of a wire extending from the vehicle body can be connected. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the case member 2 houses a self-holding solenoid S, lock bar R, connecting member 6, etc., and the housing space is closed by a cover member 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, a fastening member 4 is attached to one end of the case member 2 and cover member 3, and the steering lock device 1 is attached to a predetermined position on the vehicle using the fastening member 4.

As previously mentioned, the connecting member 6 connects the plunger P and the lock bar R, and as shown in Figures 7 and 11, the contact 7 is attached so that the contact 7 can slide on the top surface T of the case member 2 when the lock bar R moves between the extended and retracted states. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, a contact plate 8 is formed on the top surface T of the case member 2. This contact plate 8 is made of a metal member (conductive member) insert-molded into the top surface T of the case member 2, and is composed of a first contact plate 8a, a second contact plate 8b, a third contact plate 8c, a fourth contact plate 8d, and a fifth contact plate 8e, as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

The first contact plate 8a and the second contact plate 8b are connected to wiring h extending from the positive and negative terminals of the self-holding solenoid S via terminals f and g, and can be connected to control means 11 via terminals a and b. The control means 11 is comprised of a microcomputer or the like installed on the vehicle body, and is electrically connected to the self-holding solenoid S via terminals a, b, f, and g, and wiring h, allowing current to flow through the coil C of the self-holding solenoid S at any time.

When the contact 7 moves together with the connecting member 6, the third contact plate 8c, fourth contact plate 8d, and fifth contact plate 8e form an electrical circuit corresponding to the contact position with the contact 7, and are connected to the detection means 12 via terminals c to e. Similar to the control means 11, the detection means 12 is comprised of a microcomputer or the like installed on the vehicle body side, and is connected to the third contact plate 8c, fourth contact plate 8d, and fifth contact plate 8e, respectively.

When the lock bar R is in a protruding state and the contact 7 is in position H1 (see Figure 12), an electrical circuit is formed by electrical continuity between the third contact plate 8c and the fifth contact plate 8e, and when the lock bar R is in a retracted state and the contact 7 is in position H2 (see Figure 12), an electrical circuit is formed by electrical continuity between the fourth contact plate 8d and the fifth contact plate 8e.

The detection means 12 is therefore connected to the third contact plate 8c, the fourth contact plate 8d, and the fifth contact plate 8e, respectively, and is therefore able to detect the position of the lock bar R based on the electrical circuit formed between the contact 7 and the contact plates 8 (the third contact plate 8c, the fourth contact plate 8d, and the fifth contact plate 8e). This makes it possible to detect the protruding or retracted state of the lock bar R without the need for a separate sensor, such as a non-contact sensor.

However, for example, if the lock bar R is not properly locked and an inadvertent load is applied, preventing it from retracting, the protruding state will be maintained even if current is passed through the coil C in the reverse direction to move the lock bar R from the extended state to the retracted state. Therefore, in this embodiment, when current is passed through the coil C (in the reverse direction) to attract the plunger P and the detection means 12 detects that the lock bar R is in the extended position, the control means 11 controls the coil C to repeatedly pass current a predetermined number of times.

In this way, in this embodiment, by detecting the position of the lock bar R using the detection means 12, it is possible to determine if the lock bar R will not change from the extended state to the retracted state due to a locking failure or other reason. Therefore, by repeatedly energizing the coil C a predetermined number of times using the control means 11 (e.g., once per second, multiple times), the locking failure can be resolved and the lock bar R can be retracted.

In this case, it is effective to have the control means 11 repeatedly energize the lock bar R in the reverse direction a predetermined number of times, but it is also possible to energize the lock bar R in the forward direction (to move the lock bar R to the extended state) between multiple energizations in the reverse direction (to move the lock bar R to the retracted state). By energizing the lock bar R in the forward direction in addition to energizing the lock bar R in the reverse direction, it is expected that the lock bar R will vibrate slightly, which will more smoothly help to resolve the locking failure.

According to the first embodiment, a connecting member 6 is provided that connects the plunger P and the lock bar R in the longitudinal direction and moves the lock bar R in the displacement direction of the plunger P. Furthermore, contacts 7 are attached to the connecting member 6, so the position of the lock bar R can be detected with high accuracy while the lock bar R reliably follows the connecting member 6.

Next, a steering lock device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The steering lock device 13 according to the second embodiment is attached to a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle, and is used to lock and unlock the steering wheel. It has a lock bar R attached to a case member 14, and as shown in Figures 14 to 16, the lock bar R can be moved forward to a protruding state to engage with the steering wheel of the vehicle and lock the steering, and as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the lock bar R can be moved backward to a retracted state to release the engagement with the steering wheel and release the steering lock.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 14 to 26, the steering lock device 13 according to this embodiment is configured to include a lock bar R, a biasing member 17 that holds the lock bar R in a protruding state, a self-retaining solenoid S having a plunger P that can be displaced when energized, a case member 14 formed from a box-shaped molded product, a cover member 15 that covers the opening of the case member 14, a connecting member 18, a control means 11, and a detection means 12 (see Figures 19 and 25). Note that parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 16 and 18, the lock bar R consists of a shaft-shaped member attached to the case member 14, and is moved forward or backward by the force of the plunger P displaced by energizing the self-holding solenoid S and the biasing force of the biasing member 17, placing it in a protruding state (see Figures 14-16) or a retracted state (see Figures 17 and 18). When the lock bar R is in the protruding state, as shown in Figure 16, the tip of the lock bar R engages with a recess K formed in the vehicle's steering wheel W, thereby locking the steering. When the lock bar R is in the retracted state, as shown in Figure 18, the tip of the lock bar R moves away from the recess K, releasing its engagement with the recess K in the steering wheel W and disengaging the steering lock.

As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the case member 14 is a cup-shaped member that opens upward, with a drain hole 14a formed in the bottom surface and a cover member 15 that covers the upper opening. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the cover member 15 is made of a plate-shaped metal part, and at a specified location, an opening 15a is formed through which the lock bar R can be inserted to move forward or backward. The cover member 15 is positioned at the top when the steering lock device 13 is installed in the vehicle.

As shown in Figures 19 to 21, the self-holding solenoid S, lock bar R, connecting member 18, etc. are attached to the cover member 15, and the storage space is closed by the case member 14. As shown in Figures 14 to 18, fastening members 16 are attached to the cover member 15, and the steering lock device 13 is attached to a predetermined position on the vehicle using the fastening members 16.

As shown in Figure 19, the biasing member 17 is made of a torsion coil spring, and its biasing force biases the lock bar R in the protruding direction (upward in Figure 16), thereby holding it in a protruding state. The biasing member 17 is not limited to a torsion coil spring, and may be another type of spring (such as a coil spring) or an elastic body (such as elastic rubber or resin).

As shown in Figures 16, 18, 20, and 21, the connecting member 18 in this embodiment connects the plunger P of the self-holding solenoid S to the lock bar R in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the plunger P, and moves the lock bar R in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the plunger P. As shown in Figure 26, the connecting member 18 is configured with a first connecting groove 18a, a second connecting groove 18b, and an insertion hole 18c.

The first connecting groove 18a can be connected to the plunger P by inserting a protrusion L1 formed on the tip of the plunger P, and the second connecting groove 18b can be connected to the lock bar R by inserting a protrusion L2 formed on the lock bar R. Furthermore, the insertion hole 18c is inserted into the protrusion L3 formed on the cover member 15, allowing the connecting member 18 to swing freely relative to the cover member 15. An insertion hole P1 is formed in the tip of the plunger P, and the protrusion L1 is inserted into the insertion hole P1, allowing the base end P2 of the plunger P to be received by the receiving member 10.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26, the connecting member 18 according to this embodiment has a contact point 19 attached to a predetermined location. This allows the contact point 19 to move as the connecting member 18 swings around the protrusion L3. Attached opposite the contact point 19 is a fixed terminal plate 20 having a first contact plate 21a, a second contact plate 21b, and a third contact plate 21c, as shown in Figures 24 and 25.

The fixed terminal plate 20 allows the contact 19 to slide on one surface, and wires h3 to h5 extend from the first contact plate 21a, second contact plate 21b, and third contact plate 21c, respectively. These wires h3 to h5 are connected to the detection means 12. The detection means 12 is composed of a microcomputer or the like installed on the vehicle body. When the lock bar R is extended and the contact 19 is in position H1 (see Figure 25), an electrical circuit is formed by electrical continuity between the first contact plate 21a and the third contact plate 21c. When the lock bar R is retracted and the contact 7 is in position H2 (see Figure 25), an electrical circuit is formed by electrical continuity between the second contact plate 21b and the third contact plate 21c.

The detection means 12 is therefore connected to the first contact plate 21a, the second contact plate 21b, and the third contact plate 21c, respectively, and can detect the position of the lock bar R based on the electrical circuit formed between the contact 19 and the first contact plate 21a, the second contact plate 21b, and the third contact plate 21c. This makes it possible to detect the protruding or retracted state of the lock bar R without the need for a separate sensor, such as a non-contact sensor.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 19, the self-holding solenoid S and the control means 11 can be connected via wires h1 and h2. The control means 11 is made up of a microcomputer or the like installed on the vehicle body side, is electrically connected to the self-holding solenoid S via wires h1 and h2, and can energize the coil C of the self-holding solenoid S at any time.

When coil C is not energized, the magnetic attraction of plunger P caused by the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb is set to be greater than the biasing force of biasing member 17, and as shown in Figure 18, the plunger P is maintained in an attracted state, and the lock bar R is maintained in a retracted state. When current is passed through coil C in a predetermined direction from this retracted state (forward current flow), the magnetic force generated in coil C and the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb cancel each other out, and as shown in Figure 16, the biasing force of biasing member 17 causes plunger P to slide within pipe-shaped member 9, causing lock bar R to protrude.

Furthermore, when current is passed through coil C in the opposite direction to the specified direction (reverse current flow) from this extended state, the magnetic force generated by coil C and the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb act in the same direction, and as shown in Figure 18, the magnetic force generated by coil C and the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb cause plunger P to slide within pipe-shaped member 9, bringing lock bar R into a retracted state. When current flow is stopped in this retracted state, the magnetic force of permanent magnets Ma and Mb maintains lock bar R in a retracted state.

Therefore, with the self-holding solenoid S, when the coil C is not energized, the magnetic force of the permanent magnets Ma and Mb maintains the retracted state of the lock bar R. Applying a current in a predetermined direction to the coil C (forward current flow) moves the lock bar R to the extended state, and applying a current in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction to the coil C (reverse current flow) moves the lock bar R to the retracted state.

However, for example, if the lock bar R is not properly locked and an inadvertent load is applied, preventing it from retracting, the protruding state will be maintained even if current is passed through the coil C in the reverse direction to move the lock bar R from the extended state to the retracted state. Therefore, in this embodiment, when current is passed through the coil C (in the reverse direction) to attract the plunger P and the detection means 12 detects that the lock bar R is in the extended position, the control means 11 controls the coil C to repeatedly pass current a predetermined number of times.

In this way, in this embodiment, by detecting the position of the lock bar R using the detection means 12, it is possible to determine if the lock bar R will not change from the extended state to the retracted state due to a locking failure or other reason. Therefore, by repeatedly energizing the coil C a predetermined number of times using the control means 11 (e.g., once per second, multiple times), the locking failure can be resolved and the lock bar R can be retracted.

In this case, it is effective to have the control means 11 repeatedly energize the lock bar R in the reverse direction a predetermined number of times, but it is also possible to energize the lock bar R in the forward direction (to move the lock bar R to the extended state) between multiple energizations in the reverse direction (to move the lock bar R to the retracted state). By energizing the lock bar R in the forward direction in addition to energizing the lock bar R in the reverse direction, it is expected that the lock bar R will vibrate slightly, which will more smoothly help to resolve the locking failure.

According to the second embodiment, a connecting member 18 is provided that connects the plunger P and lock bar R in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the plunger P, and moves the lock bar R in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the plunger P. Furthermore, a contact 19 is attached to the connecting member 18, so the position of the lock bar R can be detected with high accuracy while the lock bar R reliably follows the connecting member 18.

According to the first and second embodiments, the system includes a biasing member (5, 17) that holds the lock bar R in a protruding position, a self-retaining solenoid S that has a plunger P that can be displaced by the magnetic force generated by energizing the coil C and the magnetic force of the permanent magnets (Ma, Mb), and the plunger P is connected to the lock bar R so that the magnetic force of the permanent magnets (Ma, Mb) holds the lock bar R in a retracted position, and a detection means 12 that detects the position of the lock bar R. When the coil C is energized to attract the plunger P, and the detection means 12 detects that the lock bar R is in a protruding position, the coil C is energized a predetermined number of times. This allows the solenoid S to move the lock bar R, and even if the lock bar R is not properly engaged with the steering wheel W, continuous energization of the coil C can be avoided, preventing the solenoid S from overheating.

In addition, the self-holding solenoid S has a pipe-shaped member 9 that houses the plunger P and has permanent magnets (Ma, Mb) attached to it, allowing the plunger P to be displaced smoothly and the permanent magnets (Ma, Mb) to be securely attached in the specified position.

Furthermore, the detection means 12 includes contacts (7, 19) attached to the lock bar R so as to be interlocked with the lock bar R, and a contact plate on which an electrical circuit is formed according to the contact position with the contacts (7, 19). The position of the lock bar R can be detected based on the electrical circuit formed between the contacts (7, 19) and the contact plate. This eliminates the need for a sensor to confirm the positioning of the lock bar R, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. In particular, according to the first embodiment, the contact plate 8 is made of a metal member insert-molded into the case member 2, preventing misalignment of the contact plate 8 relative to the case member 2 and enabling accurate detection of the position of the lock bar R. Additionally, the contact plate 8 according to the first embodiment is formed on the top surface T of the cup-shaped case member 2, which opens downward, preventing it from being submerged in rainwater and other liquids, thereby avoiding electrical malfunctions.

While this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connecting member connecting the plunger P and lock bar R may be of other shapes, such as one that connects the plunger P and lock bar R in a straight line in the longitudinal direction, one that connects the plunger P and lock bar R in a direction that is approximately perpendicular, or one that connects the plunger P and lock bar R in a direction at a predetermined angle. While this embodiment is applied to a motorcycle, it may also be applied to other types of vehicles.

A steering lock device that includes a biasing member that holds the lock bar in an extended position, a self-retaining solenoid with a plunger that is displaceable by magnetic force generated by energizing a coil and magnetic force of a permanent magnet, the plunger being connected to the lock bar and holding the lock bar in a retracted position by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet, and a detection means that detects the position of the lock bar, and that attracts the plunger by energizing the coil, and when the detection means detects that the lock bar is in an extended position, energizes the coil a predetermined number of times. The device may have a different appearance or additional functions.

1 steering lock device 2 case member 2a connector portion 3 cover member 3a drain hole 3b opening 4 fastening member 5 biasing member (coil spring)
6 Connecting members 6a, 6b Locking portion 7 Contact point 8 Contact plate 9 Pipe-shaped member 10 Receiving member 11 Control means 12 Detection means 13 Steering lock device 14 Case member 14a Water drain hole 15 Cover member 15a Opening 16 Fastening member 17 Urging member (torsion coil spring)
18 Connecting member 18a First connecting groove 18b Second connecting groove 18c Insertion hole 19 Contact 20 Fixed terminal plate 21a First contact plate 21b Second contact plate 21c Third contact plate S Self-holding solenoid C Coil F Frame portion Fa Cover member P Plunger Pa Groove Pb Base end P1 Insertion hole P2 Base end R Lock bar Ra Groove T Top surface W Steering K Recesses Ma, Mb Permanent magnet h Wiring La to Lc Shaft portions L1 to L3 Protrusion

Claims (7)

A steering lock device includes a lock bar attached to a case member, and the lock bar is moved forward to a protruding state to engage with the steering wheel of a vehicle and lock the steering, and the lock bar is moved backward to a retracted state to release the engagement with the steering wheel and release the steering lock,
a biasing member that holds the lock bar in a protruding state;
a self-holding solenoid having a plunger that can be displaced by a magnetic force generated by energizing a coil and a magnetic force of a permanent magnet, the plunger being connected to the lock bar so that the lock bar is held in a immersed state by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet;
a detection means for detecting the position of the lock bar;
wherein current is passed through the coil to attract the plunger, and when the detection means detects that the lock bar is in the extended position and the lock bar does not change from the extended state to the retracted state due to poor engagement of the lock bar with the steering wheel, current is passed through the coil repeatedly a predetermined number of times to resolve the poor engagement of the lock bar with the steering wheel. The steering lock device of claim 1, characterized in that the self-holding solenoid has a pipe-shaped member that houses the plunger and to which the permanent magnet is attached. The steering lock device described in claim 1, characterized in that the detection means has a contact attached to be interlocked with the lock bar and a contact plate on which an electrical circuit is formed according to the contact position with the contact, and is capable of detecting the position of the lock bar based on the electrical circuit formed between the contact and the contact plate. The steering lock device of claim 3, wherein the contact plate is made of a metal member insert-molded into the case member. The steering lock device of claim 3 further comprises a connecting member that connects the plunger and the lock bar in the longitudinal direction and moves the lock bar in the direction of displacement of the plunger, and the contact is attached to the connecting member. The steering lock device of claim 3 further comprises a connecting member that connects the plunger and the lock bar in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the plunger and moves the lock bar in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the plunger, and the contact is attached to the connecting member. 7. A steering lock device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a control means capable of energising a coil of the solenoid, wherein when the control means energises the coil to attract the plunger, the detection means detects that the lock bar is in the extended position, and when the lock bar does not change from the extended state to the retracted state due to poor engagement of the lock bar with the steering, the control means alternately energises the coil in the reverse direction and the forward direction a predetermined number of times, thereby enabling to resolve the poor engagement of the lock bar with the steering.