The present disclosure relates to automotive components. In particular, the present disclosure relates to steering locks for automotive vehicles.
Background
Vehicles are equipped with steering means such as a steering handle or a steering wheel to steer the vehicle. The steering means are often in the form of a rotatable handle or steering wheel that can turn the vehicle. The steering means are further coupled with the wheels of the vehicle. When the steering is rotated, the wheels turn correspondingly to give direction to a moving vehicle.
One of the common ways to secure the vehicle from unauthorised use is locking the steering means. Locking of the steering means prevents the steering means from movement. The steering means are coupled to the wheels using a steering shaft, passing through a steering column. Generally, the steering locks are attached to the steering column. The steering locks use a metal bar to lock the steering shaft’s angular movement, thus locking the steering means.
Steering locks with mechanical actuation and motorised actuation are known in the art. The steering locks with mechanical actual often include components such as lock bar, rotor, cam, lock cylinder, etc. The rotor is moved using a key (in cylinder lock) or a knob in manual steering locks. The movement in the key or the knob is converted into linear motion of the lock bar. Thus, the lock bar is moved between a lock position and an unlock position.
Modern locks, which are operated by buttons, often involve movement of the lock bars using electric motors. The input received from the lock button triggers the electric motor. The rotary motion of the motor shaft is converted into linear movement of the lock bar using the appropriate mechanism. Indian patent application no. 201711032627 discloses a handlebar lock utilising an electric motor and a set of ring gears and sun gears to actuate a linear movement in the lock bar. Such steering locks often have complex mechanisms that involve a high number of components and result in higher manufacturing costs. Such steering locks may often be bulky, requiring a more significant amount of space for installation and operation.
The present disclosure is directed to address the abovementioned problems and other problems associated with the art.
Summary
A steering lock assembly is disclosed. The steering lock assembly includes a lock bar, an actuator solenoid and a retaining means. The actuator solenoid is coupled with the lock bar for movement of the lock bar between a lock position and an unlock position. The retaining means is configured to engage the lock bar to retain the lock bar in the lock position or the unlock position.
In an embodiment, the retaining means may include a retaining seat and retaining member. The retaining seat may be provided in the lock bar corresponding to the lock position or the unlock position of the lock bar. The retaining member may be configured for engagement with the retaining seat for retaining the lock bar in the lock position or the unlock position.
In an embodiment, the retaining member may be a plunger coupled to a retainer solenoid.
In an embodiment, the retaining seat may be a groove in the lock bar, and the retaining member may be a spring-loaded ball configured to be received in the groove. The spring-loaded ball may be biased to move inside the groove for retaining the lock bar in the lock position or the unlock position.
In an embodiment, the retaining member may be a magnetic collar attached to the lock bar. The magnetic collar may be configured to move with the lock bar. The retaining seat may be a magnetic element positioned stationary relative to the steering column. The magnetic element may correspond to the lock position or the unlock position of the lock bar. The actuator solenoid may be of reversible polarity for movement of the lock bar between the lock position and the unlock position. A magnetic force between the magnetic collar and the magnetic element may retain the lock bar in the lock position or the unlock position.
In an embodiment, the actuator solenoid may be coupled with the lock bar through a cam element.
In an embodiment, the steering lock assembly may have a connecting plate attached to the lock bar. The connecting plate may be coupled with the cam element for movement of the lock bar between the lock position and the unlock position. The retaining means may include a retainer plate configured to engage the connecting plate to retain the lock bar in the lock position or the unlock position and a retainer solenoid coupled with the retainer plate to move the retainer plate to engage or disengage the retainer plate with the connecting plate.
In an embodiment, the steering lock assembly may include a microswitch positioned for actuation by the connecting plate. The micro-switch may indicate the lock position or the unlock position of the lock bar.
In an aspect, the steering lock assembly may be adapted for a two-wheeled vehicle.

Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the main components of the lock assembly in the unlock position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the main components of the lock assembly in lock position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the main components of the lock assembly in the unlock position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the main components of the lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the main components of the lock assembly in the lock position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the main components of the lock assembly in the lock position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates a lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 illustrates a lock assembly in lock position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 illustrates the lock assembly of FIG. 9 in unlock position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the drawings, the same or similar components or elements are denoted with identical reference numerals.

Description
A steering lock assembly (10) for automobile vehicles is disclosed. The steering lock assembly (10), hereinafter referred to as the lock assembly (10), may be used for locking or unlocking a steering column (12) of a vehicle. The lock assembly (10) as disclosed may be deployed in any two-wheeled, three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle, as appropriate.
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the lock assembly (10) includes an actuator solenoid (22), a lock bar (16) coupled to the solenoid, and a spring-ball mechanism (56). The spring ball mechanism (56) includes a spring (58) and a ball (60). The spring (58) biases the ball (60) towards the lock bar (16).
The lock bar (16) is configured to be received in a corresponding recess in the steering column (12) to lock or unlock the vehicle’s steering. The lock bar (16) may be the plunger of the actuator solenoid (22). In an embodiment, a separate lock bar (16) may be used, and such lock bar (16) may be coupled with the plunger of the actuator solenoid (22) for actuation between the lock position and the unlock position.
In the lock bar (16), a first groove (62) and a second groove (64) are provided, corresponding to the lock position and the unlock position of the lock assembly (10). The ball (60) is biased to move inside the first groove (62) or the second groove (64). When the ball (60) is received in the first groove (62) or the second groove (64), it retains the lock bar (16) in the lock position or the unlock position, respectively. The actuation power of the solenoid, the biasing force on the ball (60) and the shape and depth of the first groove (62) or the second groove (64) may be optimised for a seamless intended operation of the lock assembly (10). In an embodiment, suitable guides may be provided on the lock bar (16) for movement of the ball (60) between the first groove (62) and the second groove (64). In the embodiment, as shown, the ball (60) is used. In another embodiment, any other suitable mating member may be used to mate with the groove depending on the shape and size of the groove.
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate another embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the actuator solenoid (22) is used for the actuation of the lock bar (16), and a set of magnetic elements are used to retain the lock bar (16) in the lock position or the unlock position. As shown, the lock assembly (10) includes an actuator solenoid (22), a lock bar (16), a first magnetic element (66), a second magnetic element (68) and a magnetic collar (70) attached to the lock bar (16). The actuator solenoid (22) may be of reversible polarity for moving the lock bar (16) between the lock position and the unlock position.
The first magnetic element (66) and the second magnetic element (68) are mounted on a stationary part such as housing (14) or the body of the solenoid or the steering column, such that the lock bar (16) and the magnetic collar (70) move relative to the first magnetic element (66) or the second magnetic element (68). The magnetic collar (70) is attached to the lock bar (16) and configured to move with the lock bar (16). The first magnetic element (66) is positioned corresponding to the lock position, i.e. when the lock bar (16) moves to the lock position, the magnetic collar (70) comes in proximity with the first magnetic element (66), and the magnetic force between the magnetic collar (70) and the first magnetic element (66) retains the lock bar (16) in the lock position. For movement of the lock bar (16) to unlock position, the polarity of the solenoid is reversed. The actuator solenoid (22) generates sufficient force to pull the magnetic collar (70) of the lock bar (16) away from the first magnetic element (66). Once the lock bar (16) moves to the unlock position, the magnetic collar (70) comes in proximity with the second magnetic element (68). The magnetic force between the magnetic collar (70) and the second magnetic element (68) retains the lock bar (16) in the unlock position.
The first magnetic element (66) and the second magnetic element (68) may be ring-shaped and configured to receive the lock bar (16) in the hole of the ring shape. The first magnetic element (66), the second magnetic element (68), and the magnetic collar (70) may be made of magnets, neodymium magnets or iron, or any combination of these materials may be used as suitable. In an embodiment, the magnetic collar (70) may be made of a magnet, and the first magnetic element (66) and the second magnetic element (68) may be made of iron.
In an embodiment, the springs may be used instead of magnetic elements to retain or bias the lock bar (16) towards the lock position or the unlock position. Yet, in an embodiment, a combination of spring and magnetic elements may be used to actuate and retain the lock bar (16) in the lock or unlock position. E.g. a spring may be used to bias the lock bar towards the unlock position, and a magnetic element may be used to retain the lock bar in the lock position or vice versa. In such an embodiment, a solenoid with single polarity may be used.
The strength of the magnetic element, the compression/expansion force of the spring, the actuation force of the actuator solenoid (22), and the actuator solenoid's polarity may be optimised to achieve the intended operation of the lock assembly (10).
In an embodiment, the lock assembly (10) may use two solenoids and a cam actuation mechanism to operate the lock assembly (10). FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the lock assembly (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lock assembly (10) has a housing (14), a lock bar (16) and a connector (18). The housing (14) may be provided with mounting holes (20). The mounting holes (20) may be configured to receive fastening elements used to mount the lock assembly (10) on the vehicle as appropriate. The overall shape of the housing (14) may be configured according to the components of the lock assembly (10) and/or according to the design requirements of the vehicle on which such lock assembly (10) is to be fitted.
The connector (18) may be used to connect the lock assembly and its components with other electronic components, such as an ECU, peripheral locks, dashboard, etc.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the components of the lock assembly (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the lock assembly (10) has an actuator solenoid (22), a cam element (24), a retainer solenoid (26), a retainer plate (28), a connecting plate (30), the lock bar (16) and a microswitch (32).
As shown in Figs 2-7, the cam element (24) is pivotally coupled with the housing (14) by an axis rod (34) of the cam element (24). The cam element (24) rotates relative to the housing (14) about an axis A-A’. Further, the cam element (24) is coupled to a first plunger (36) of the actuator solenoid (22). The cam element (24) may be coupled using a connecting rod (38) (labelled in FIG. 3). The connecting rod (38) may be pivotally coupled with the first plunger (36) at one end and the cam element (24) at the other end. When actuated, the actuator solenoid (22), through the first plunger (36) and the connecting rod (38), is configured to rotate the cam element (24) about the axis rod (34).
The cam element (24) further has a first engagement member (40) (also referred to as a retaining member) that engages the connecting plate (30). The first engagement member (40) is positioned at a distance from the rotary axis A-A’ of the cam element (24). Thus, the first engagement member (40) moves angularly when the cam element (24) rotates. The first engagement member (40) may be made integrally with the cam element (24).
The connecting plate (30) has a first seat (42) (also referred to as a retaining seat) for receiving the first engagement member (40). The first engagement member (40) is retained in the first seat (42), as shown in Figs 2-7. The actuator solenoid (22) actuates the cam element (24). When the cam element (24) rotates about the axis rod (34), the first engagement member (40) imparts linear movement in the connecting plate (30). This way, the actuator solenoid (22) imparts linear motion in the connecting plate (30). The actuator solenoid (22) may be a solenoid with reversible polarity for movement of the lock bar between the lock position and the unlock position. In an embodiment, wherein the actuator solenoid is not of a reversible polarity, the lock bar (16) may be biased to move towards the unlock position. Any suitable biasing mechanism can be used for biasing the lock bar (16) towards the unlock position. As shown in FIG. 4, an actuator spring (37) may be provided for biasing the lock bar (16) towards the open or unlock position. The actuator spring (37) may be placed on the actuator solenoid (22) surrounding the first plunger (36) of the actuator solenoid (22), thus biasing the first plunger (36) towards an extended position. In another embodiment, the spring may be used to bias one or more of the cam elements, connecting plate or the lock bar.
In an embodiment, suitable guide channels (not shown) may be provided in the housing (14) to guide the linear movement of the connecting plate (30). The connecting plate (30) may be coupled with such guide channels for guiding linear movement of the connecting plate (30).
The connecting plate (30) is attached to the lock bar (16). Therefore, the linear movement of the connecting plate (30) is transferred to the lock bar (16). The lock bar (16) is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the lock bar (16) juts out of the housing (14) to be received in a corresponding recess in a steering shaft of the steering column (12) to block the angular movement of a steering shaft (not shown). The steering shaft may have corresponding mating grooves for engagement with the lock bar (16). In the unlock position, the lock bar (16) retreats into the housing (14) to unblock the angular movement of the steering shaft. The black ring (44) shown in FIGs 2-7 on the lock bar (16) represents the opening in the housing (14) through which the lock bar (16) reciprocates when it moves between the lock position and the unlock position.
The microswitch (32) is provided to detect and indicate the position of the lock bar (16). As shown in FIG. 2, a switch plate (46) is provided on the microswitch (32). The switch plate (46) is positioned such that, when the lock bar (16) moves to unlock position, the connecting plate (30) engages the switch plate (46) and forces the switch plate (46) to actuate a button (48) of the microswitch (32). The switch plate (46) is biased to move away from the button (48). When the connecting plate (30) moves to the lock position, the connecting plate (30) moves away from the switch plate (46), and the switch plate (46) moves away from the button (48), thus releasing the button (48). Accordingly, the switch plate (46) automatically releases the button (48) when the connecting plate (30) disengages with the switch plate (46).
The retainer plate (28) is attached with a second plunger (50) of the retainer solenoid (26). The linear movement of the second plunger (50) of the retainer solenoid (26) is directly transferred to the retainer plate (28), thus moving the retainer plate (28) linearly on actuation of the retainer solenoid (26). The retainer solenoid (26) may be configured to move the retainer plate (28) between a retain position and a release position.
The retainer plate (28) has a second engagement member (52). In the retain position, the second engagement member (52) is configured to engage a second seat (54) (also referred to as retaining seat) provided in the connecting plate (30). FIG. 7 illustrates the retainer plate (28) in the retain position. The second engagement member (52) is in the form of a lug extending from the retainer plate (28), and the second seat (54) is in the form of a recess in the connecting plate (30). When the second engagement member (52) (also referred to as retaining member) is received in the second seat (54) in the retain position, the second engagement member (52) prevents linear movement of the connecting plate (30) in at least one direction and blocks movement of the connecting plate (30) from the lock position to the unlock position.
When the lock bar (16) is in unlock position and the retainer plate (28) is in the retain position, the retainer plate (28) may be configured to block the movement of the connecting plate (30) or the lock bar (16) from the unlock position to the lock position. The retainer plate (28) or the retainer solenoid (26) may be biased to move towards the retain position. Any suitable biasing mechanism, e.g., spring, can be used for biasing the retainer plate (28) towards the retain position.
An electronic control unit (ECU) may be provided for the operation of the lock assembly (10) as disclosed herein. The ECU may be the ECU of the vehicle. Alternatively, a dedicated ECU may be provided with the lock assembly (10). Such a dedicated ECU may be adapted for coupling with the main ECU of the vehicle.
The ECU may be operatively coupled with the actuator solenoid (22). The ECU may also be operatively connected to the retainer solenoid (26). The ECU may further be associated with the microswitch (32). The ECU may be configured to operate the actuator solenoid (22) and the retainer solenoid (26) for moving the lock bar (16) between the lock position and the unlock position. The ECU may be configured to perform the actuation of the actuator solenoid (22) and the retainer solenoid (26) based on input from the microswitch (32). The ECU may further be electronically coupled with a security or an authentication system of the vehicle to enable movement of the lock bar (16) to unlock position after proper authorisation to prevent any unauthorised use of the vehicle.
The microswitch (32) may detect the position of the lock bar (16) and provide input to the ECU. Based on the input from the microswitch (32), the ECU may operate the actuator solenoid (22) and/or the retainer solenoid (26) for movement of the lock bar (16) between the lock position and the unlock position.
Operation of the lock assembly (10) is described as follows:
Movement of the lock bar (16) from the unlock position to the lock position.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 illustrate the lock assembly (10) or the lock bar (16) in the unlock position. In the unlock position, the retainer plate (28) is in the retain position, and the lock bar (16) is retracted in the housing (14) in the unlock position. To initiate movement of the lock assembly (10) from the unlock position to the lock position, the retainer plate (28) is moved from the retain position to the release position. In the release position, the second engagement member (52) of the retainer plate (28) moves away from the second seat (54), thereby releasing the connecting plate (30) for allowing movement of the connecting plate (30) from the unlock position to the lock position. FIG. 5 illustrates the retainer plate (28) in the release position and the lock bar (16) in the unlock or open position.
In the next step, the actuator solenoid (22) is actuated to move the cam element (24), thus imparting movement to the first engagement member (40). The first engagement member (40), in turn, moves the connecting plate (30) and the lock bar (16) linearly from the unlock position to the lock position. The movement of the lock bar (16) from the unlock position to the lock position may be against the biasing force as discussed hereinbefore.
In the next step, the retainer plate (28) is again moved from the release position to the retain position to engage the connecting plate (30) and retain the connecting plate (30) in the lock position. The movement of the retainer plate (28) from the release position to the retain position may be under the biasing force as discussed hereinbefore. Therefore, the movement of the retainer plate (28) from the release position to the retain position may be achieved by releasing or de-energizing the retainer solenoid (26). This way, the lock bar (16) is moved from unlock position to the lock position and then retained in the lock position. FIG. 7 illustrates the lock bar (16) in the lock position and the retainer plate (28) in the retain position.
Movement of the lock bar (16) from the lock position to the unlock position:
FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 illustrate the lock assembly (10) in the lock position. In the lock position, the retainer plate (28) is in the retain position, and the lock bar (16) juts outside the housing (14) in the lock position to block the steering movement. To initiate movement of the lock assembly (10) from the lock position to the unlock position, the retainer plate (28) moves from the retain position to the release position. In the release position, the second engagement member (52) of the retainer plate (28) moves away from the connecting plate (30), thereby releasing the connecting plate (30) for allowing movement of the connecting plate (30) from the lock position to the unlock position.
In the next step, the actuator solenoid (22) is actuated to move the cam element (24), thus imparting angular movement in the first engagement member (40). The first engagement member (40), in turn, moves the connecting plate (30) and the lock bar (16) linearly from the lock position to the unlock position. The movement of the lock bar (16) from the lock position to the unlock position may be under the biasing force, as discussed before.
In the next step, the retainer plate (28) is again moved from the release position to the retain position to retain the connecting plate (30) and the lock bar (16) in the unlock position. The movement of the retainer plate (28) from the release position to the retain position may be under the biasing force of a spring as discussed hereinbefore. Therefore, the movement of the retainer plate (28) from the release state to the retain state may be achieved by releasing the retainer solenoid (26). This way, the lock bar (16) is moved from the lock position to the unlock position and then retained in the lock position.
The ECU may be configured to perform the selective actuation of the actuator solenoid (22) and the retainer solenoid (26) as discussed hereinbefore. Necessary programming and circuitry may be deployed for proper operation and functioning of the lock assembly (10).
Further, in an embodiment, the ECU may be configured to check the actual position of the lock bar (16) based on input from the microswitch (32) and then actuate the lock assembly (10) as described hereinbefore.
The actuator solenoid (22) or the retainer solenoid (26) may be powered by a battery of the vehicle. Further, any suitable authentication system may be used to actuate the actuator solenoid (22) or the retainer solenoid (26). A few examples of the authentication mechanisms may be key-based, electronic key-based, fingerprint reader-based, etc. Any suitable authentication mechanism may be used to authenticate the user and then lock or unlock the steering column (12) based on input from the authentication system. A suitable electric/electronic circuit may be designed and deployed to operate the lock assembly (10).
It may be understood that there may be other components in the lock assembly (10) that are not discussed or shown in the specification. For simplicity, only details sufficient to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed and displayed in the drawings.
The lock assembly (10), as disclosed, is simple in construction and cost-effective in manufacturing. The lock assembly (10) also provides for a reduction in the number of parts. Further, the lock assembly (10), as disclosed herein, can easily be deployed with the modern electronic authentication systems that secure automobiles against unauthorised access to vehicles.
This disclosure incorporates within its scope minor modifications in the assembly and its components described herein, without substantially departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Any minor modifications that may be apparent and obvious for achieving the same/similar functions of the components described herein without any creative ingenuity are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

List of Reference Numerals
Steering Lock Assembly (10)
Steering Column (12)
Housing (14)
Lock Bar (16)
Connector (18)
Mounting Holes (20)
Actuator Solenoid (22)
Cam Element (24)
Retainer Solenoid (26)
Retainer Plate (28)
Connecting Plate (30)
Microswitch (32)
Axis Rod (34)
First Plunger (36)
Connecting Rod (38)
First Engagement Member (40)
First Seat (42)
Black Ring (44)
Switch Plate (46)
Button (48)
Second Plunger (50)
Second Engagement Member (52)
Second Seat (54)
Spring Ball Mechanism (56)
Spring (58)
Ball (60)
First Groove (62)
Second Groove (64)
First Magnetic Element (66)
Second Magnetic Element (68)
Magnetic Collar (70)

We claim:

1. A steering lock assembly (10) for a steering column of a vehicle, the steering lock assembly (10) comprising:
a lock bar (16);
an actuator solenoid (22) coupled with the lock bar (16) for movement of the lock bar (16) between a lock position and an unlock position;
a retaining means configured to engage the lock bar (16) to retain the lock bar (16) in the lock position or the unlock position.

2. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises:
a retaining seat provided in the lock bar (16), the retaining seat corresponding to the lock position or the unlock position of the lock bar (16);
a retaining member configured for engagement with the retaining seat to retain the lock bar (16) in the lock position or the unlock position.

3. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the retaining member is a plunger coupled to a retainer solenoid (26).

4. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the retaining seat is a groove in the lock bar (16) and the retaining member is a spring-loaded ball (60) configured to mate with the groove, the spring-loaded ball (60) is biased to move inside the groove for retaining the lock bar (16) in the lock position or the unlock position.

5. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
the retaining member is a magnetic collar (70) attached to the lock bar (16), the magnetic collar (70) configured to move with the lock bar (16); and
the retaining seat is a magnetic element positioned on a member stationary relative to the steering column, the magnetic element corresponds to the lock position or the unlock position of the lock bar (16);
wherein the actuator solenoid (22) is of reversible polarity for movement of the lock bar (16) between the lock position and the unlock position, and the lock bar (16) is retained in the lock position or the unlock position by a magnetic force between the magnetic collar (70) and the magnetic element.

6. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator solenoid (22) is coupled with the lock bar (16) through a cam element (24).

7. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 6, comprising
a connecting plate (30) attached to the lock bar (16), the connecting plate (30) coupled with the cam element (24) for movement of the lock bar (16) between the lock position and the unlock position; and
the retaining means comprises:
a retainer plate (28) configured to engage the connecting plate (30) to retain the lock bar (16) in the lock position or the unlock position; and
a retainer solenoid (26) coupled with the retainer plate (28) to move the retainer plate (28) to engage or disengage the retainer plate (28) with the connecting plate (30).

8. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a microswitch (32) for indicating a position of the lock bar (16), the microswitch (32) positioned for actuation by the connecting plate (30).

9. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, comprises an actuator spring (37) to bias the lock bar (16) towards the unlock position.

10. The steering lock assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering lock assembly (10) is adapted for a two-wheeled vehicle.