Locks – Special application – For control and machine elements
Patent
1994-10-24
1996-11-05
Meyers, Steven N.
Locks
Special application
For control and machine elements
70252, B60R 2502
Patent
active
055705995
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to lock devices, and more particularly, to a steering lock device that provides significant resistance to destruction, damage or tampering.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the conventional cylinder lock devices, the proper key can be rotated to the locked position or the unlocked position in a key cylinder having tumblers which are engaged with grooves formed within a case. In a conventional steering lock device that prevents the rotation of the key cylinder by means of the tumblers engaged with the grooves within the case, there is a danger that unauthorized unlock will occur as a result of damage to the tumblers. Thus, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 1-315569, a free-turn type cylinder lock has been proposed, wherein a key cylinder is designed, so that it can be freely rotated against an unauthorized attempt to unlock when rotational force is applied to the key cylinder. This cylinder lock is provided with a sleeve rotatably arranged in a case and the key cylinder rotatably supported within the sleeve.
When the proper key is inserted into the key cylinder, tumblers within the key cylinder are disengaged from grooves formed within the sleeve, and thereby the key cylinder can be rotated relative to the sleeve, so that a sliding ring engages with a lock-piece operating member to actuate the lock. If a foreign key is inserted into the key cylinder, as the key cylinder is kept in the condition that it is engaged with the sleeve by means of the tumblers, the key cylinder rotates together with the sleeve. Thus, the lock-piece operating member is prevented from rotating, and thereby the lock device cannot be actuated.
In case a foreign key is used in this kind of free-turn type cylinder lock, the key cylinder freely rotates. Therefore, since excessive rotation force that might break down the tumblers cannot be given to the lock, significant resistance can be given to the lock against damage or destruction.
However, the lock device disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 1-315569 cannot be applied to a steering lock device. In order to apply the free-turn type cylinder lock to a steering lock device, it is further necessary to develop the technology concerned.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantage and to provide a steering lock device with a key cylinder which is capable of freely rotating without fail in case of an unauthorized attempt to unlock.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The steering lock device according to the present invention includes a frame; a sleeve rotatably arranged in the frame; a key cylinder rotatably arranged in the sleeve; tumblers capable of engaging with hooking parts of the sleeve and slidably arranged in the key cylinder; a first rotor which is capable of rotating, capable of moving in the axial direction respect to the sleeve, and connected with the key cylinder by a cam; and a second rotor which is connected with a locking rod and an ignition switch in operation. When the key cylinder is rotated relative to the sleeve, the first rotor moves axially and is connected with the second rotor, and after that, the key cylinder, the first rotor and the second rotor are rotated together as one unit, then the locking rod is moved to the unlocked position from the locked position.
A sleeve holding device is arranged to prevent the rotation of the sleeve, and when the key cylinder is rotated under the condition of the engagement between the tumblers and the sleeve, the sleeve is rotated against the elasticity of the sleeve holding device. Also, the sleeve is rotatably arranged in a housing provided within the frame. A rotor spring is arranged between the first rotor and the second rotor. A connector is arranged between the first rotor and the second rotor. The connector prevents the second rotor from rotating when the first rotor is rotated together with the sleeve, and after the first rotor is axially moved, the second rotor is rotated to
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Alpha Corporation
Meyers Steven N.
Millner Monica E.
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