Patent ID: 8234894

Claim:
An electric steering lock device, comprising a column pipe, a steering shaft pivotably passed through the interior of the column pipe, and an electric lock unit comprising a plurality of components including an electric motor and a drive shaft, said drive shaft having an axis parallel with an axis of the steering shaft; wherein said electric lock unit is operable to switch in response to operation of the electric motor between a locked state in which pivoting of the steering shaft is prevented, and an unlocked state in which pivoting of the steering shaft is permitted, wherein said electric lock unit is provided integrally with the steering shaft; wherein said steering shaft is rotatably supported on the column pipe via bearings; and said electric motor of the electric lock unit is mounted on said steering shaft inside said column pipe; wherein said electric lock unit is entirely disposed within said column pipe, is fixed to said steering shaft, and rotates together with said steering shaft; wherein said steering shaft comprises a pair of shaft portions which are rotatably supported on the column pipe via said bearings, and an intermediate portion arranged between the pair of shaft portions, said electric lock unit being mounted on said intermediate portion; and wherein said drive shaft is operable to receive a drive force from the electric motor, said drive shaft having an eccentric cam provided thereon, and said eccentric cam being in abutment against a lock member which is capable of engaging with the column pipe in said locked state.