Patent ID: 8176760

Claim:
A key interlock device for a steering column lock device, comprising: a key interlock switch configured to detect whether a gear shift lever is in a P range; a Personal Identification Card Electronic Control Unit (PIC ECU) for receiving a signal from the key interlock switch; a Mechatronic Steering Column Lock (MSCL) controller configured to be controlled by the PIC ECU; a solenoid configured to be controlled by the MSCL controller; a locking lever configured to be operated by the solenoid; a cam shaft having a cam, wherein the locking lever selectively locks the cam; an axially slidable plunger engaged to the cam shaft to rotate the cam shaft; a knob coupled to the plunger; a slider radially movable away from and toward the plunger in response to axial movement or rotational movement of the plunger; a knob switch configured to be turned on when the slider moves away from the plunger to send a signal to the MSCL controller to activate the solenoid to unlock the cam; and a control groove formed in the plunger for guiding the slider toward the plunger and turning off the knob switch when the knob is in a LOCK position, for guiding the slider away from the plunger and turning on the knob switch when the knob is in an ACC position, and for guiding the slider toward to the plunger and turning off the knob switch when the knob is in an ON state.