Steering shaft lock actuator

A steering shaft lock actuator system comprising:

• a steering shaft lock actuator comprising:
• at least one motor having an output shaft;
• a drive train coupled to said output shaft;
• a locking pawl coupled to said drive train;
• at least one locking pin coupled to said drive train;
• and
• a housing for at least partially enclosing said at least one motor, said drive train, said locking pawl and said at least one locking pin, said housing comprising a locking pawl guide portion;
• and
• a steering shaft interface comprising an opening for receiving a steering shaft and a receptacle opening configured for receiving said locking pawl guide portion of said housing,
• said drive train being configured to linearly urge said locking pawl and said at least one locking pin between a locked position wherein said locking pawl extends at least partially out of said locking pawl guide portion and said at least one locking pin extends at least partially out of said housing, and an unlocked position wherein said locking pawl and said at least one locking pin are retracted toward said housing relative to said locked position,
• said locking pawl being positioned adjacent said opening to prevent rotational movement of said steering shaft when in said locked position, and
• said at least one locking pin being positioned adjacent said receptacle opening to interfere with said steering shaft interface and lock said steering shaft lock actuator to said steering shaft interface when in said locked position.

A system comprising:

• a vehicle steering shaft;
• and
• a steering shaft lock actuator comprising:
• at least one motor having an output shaft,
• a drive train coupled to said output shaft,
• a locking pawl coupled to said drive train,
• at least one locking pin coupled to said drive train, and
• a housing for at least partially enclosing said at least one motor, said drive train, said locking pawl and said at least one locking pin, said housing comprising a locking pawl guide portion, and
• a steering shaft interface comprising an opening for receiving said steering shaft and a receptacle opening configured for receiving said locking pawl guide portion of said housing,
• said drive train being configured to linearly urge said locking pawl and said at least one locking pin between a locked position wherein said locking pawl extends at least partially out of said locking pawl guide portion and said at least one locking pin extends at least partially out of said housing and unlocked position wherein said locking pawl and said at least one locking pin are retracted toward said housing relative to said locked position,
• said locking pawl being positioned adjacent said opening to prevent rotational movement of said steering shaft when in said locked position, and
• said at least one locking pin being positioned adjacent said receptacle opening to interfere with said steering shaft interface and lock said steering shaft lock actuator to said steering shaft interface when in said locked position.