Steering lock system inspection device

• US 20060021402A1
• Filed: 07/06/2005
• Published: 02/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
• Inventors: Kai, Mitsuhiro
• Granted Patent: US 7,267,018 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/252
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/02121 comprising safety devices avoiding locking until removal of the key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5956 Steering mechanism with switch
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/8027 Condition indicators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/8405 Combination finders

Abstract

A steering lock system includes at least an ignition switch and a locking mechanism capable of inhibiting the turning of a steering shaft. In a state in which the steering lock system is retained by a retaining means on a support table, a movable table is moved toward the support table, a turnable shaft which includes a key chuck means retaining a key at its tip end is rotatably driven by a driving means, thereby rotatably driving a rotor of the steering lock system. By examining the change in the switching mode of the ignition switch in accordance with the turning of the rotor by a switch signal checking means and examining the operational state of the locking mechanism by a locking operation examining means, the inspection can be conducted continuously and automatically on the operation of at least the ignition switch and the locking mechanism of the steering lock system. Thus, it is possible to inspect the operation of the steering lock system, while reducing the number of operating steps and the operating space.

Claims

1. A steering lock system inspection device for inspecting an operational state of a steering lock system which includes at least:

an ignition switch which changes a switching mode in response to turning of a rotor adapted to be turned to pass sequentially through a LOCK position, an ACC position, an ON position and a START position in response to-turning operation of a key inserted into a keyhole; and

a locking mechanism which is switched over in response to turning of the rotor between a locking state for inhibiting turning of a steering shaft and an unlocking state for permitting the turning of the steering shaft,

wherein the inspection device comprises;

a stationary support table;

a retaining means mounted on the support table to be capable of releasably retaining the steering lock system in a predetermined position;

a switch signal checking means disposed on the support table to be capable of checking a signal output from the ignition switch;

a locking operation examining means disposed on the support table to be capable of examining an operational state of the locking mechanism in a state in which the steering lock system is retained by the retaining means;

a movable table capable of moving toward and away from the steering lock system retained by the retaining means in a direction along an axis of the rotor;

a turnable shaft support means mounted on the movable table and rotatably carrying a turnable shaft having an axis extending in a direction of movement of the movable table;

a key chuck means mounted at a tip end of the turnable shaft so as to releasably retain the key thereon; and

a driving means mounted on the movable table to turnably drive the turnable shaft.

2. A steering lock system inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising an energization control means disposed on the support table so as to control an energized state of a solenoid adapted to be energized at any shift position other than a parking position, in order to examine operation of an interlocking mechanism which is mounted on the steering lock system so as to inhibit the turning of the rotor from the ACC position to the LOCK position in response to the operation of the solenoid.