JP3597802B2 - Key device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a key device, and more particularly, to a key device configured to prevent use of a duplicate key.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various anti-theft devices for automobiles have been proposed. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 4-15141, a key for operating an ignition switch, and a key cylinder provided on a vehicle body side are disclosed. When a key is inserted into a key cylinder, a magnetic circuit is formed between the two coils to send and receive electrical signals to determine whether the key is legitimate. There is a known configuration that performs the following.
[0003]
In the key of the conventional configuration described above, the key-side coil is wound around a shaft-shaped core mounted between the key shank and the gripping portion, and when the key is inserted into the key cylinder, the key cylinder side The axial core on the key side contacts the annular core of the coil provided at the two positions to form a magnetic circuit.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to this structure, since the key shank and the gripping portion are separated by the axial core, it is difficult to increase the coupling rigidity between the key shank and the gripping portion. Attempting to secure them has a problem in that the grip portion becomes large and assembly of the coil becomes troublesome.
[0005]
The present invention has been devised in order to solve such problems of the prior art, and its main object is to reduce the strength of the signal transmission / reception device without lowering the assemblability and increasing the size of the gripping portion. Another object of the present invention is to provide a key device configured to increase rigidity.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, a key cylinder side signal transmitting / receiving means (coil 6) provided on the key cylinder (3) and a key side signal transmitting / receiving means provided on the grip portion (5) of the key (1). (Transponder 7), and determines whether or not the key is a legitimate key by transmitting and receiving a radio signal between the signal transmitting and receiving means when the key is inserted into the key cylinder. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the key-side signal transmitting / receiving means is received inside a holding member (14), and the key blank (4a) of the key has one side (for example, the axial direction of the key shank ). A notch (reception recess 13) opened toward one end) is formed, and a pair of flanges (14b) are formed in the holding member so as to sandwich the inner peripheral edge of the notch from both sides. cage, the one And it shall be characterized by engaging the inner periphery of the notch portion between the pair of flange portions by Luo slide.
[0007]
With this configuration, the key-side signal transmission / reception unit is protected by the holding member, so that the load applied to the key-side signal transmission / reception unit can be reduced and the assemblability to the key is improved.
[0008]
Further, in the invention according to the second aspect, a flat insertion hole (15e) having an opening surface having a larger horizontal dimension than a vertical dimension and the key side signal transmitting / receiving means are inserted for inserting the key shank portion of the key. Holding holes (15c) are provided such that their central axes extend in parallel with each other on substantially the same plane parallel to a surface along the lateral direction of the insertion holes, and are separate from the gripping portions. The key-side signal transmission / reception means is inserted into the holding hole, and the key shank portion is inserted into the insertion hole so as to be integrated with the key. It is characterized in that a holding member is disposed on the grip portion of the key.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0010]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an essential part of a basic form of an automobile key device to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a key 1 is configured to operate an ignition switch, and is formed integrally with a key shank 4 inserted into a key hole 3 a of a key cylinder 3 provided in a steering column 2 and one end of the key shank 4. And a holding portion 5 formed by insert-molding the key blank 4a.
[0011]
The key cylinder 3 has a “LOCK” position for fixing the steering wheel, an “OFF” position in which the ignition is off, an “ACC” position for enabling a part of the on-vehicle equipment, similarly to a known automobile ignition switch, An "ON" position for turning on an ignition switch and an "ST" position for driving a starter motor are set, and are engaged with a mechanical contact that opens and closes according to the turning position of the key 1 and a steering shaft. It is connected to a lock mechanism.
[0012]
This key device transmits and receives a radio signal between the key cylinder 3 and the key 1 when the key 1 is inserted into the key cylinder 3 and turned to the "ON" position, and a code signal emitted from the key 1 side is transmitted to the vehicle side. It is configured to collate with a pre-stored password code, and if the codes match each other, determine that the key is a legitimate key and enable the engine. As means therefor, a key cylinder side coil 6 is provided so as to surround the entrance end side of the key hole 3 a of the key cylinder 3, and a transponder for transmitting and receiving a radio signal to and from the key cylinder side coil 6. 7 is provided on the grip 5 of the key 1.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transponder 7 provided on the key 1 side includes an antenna 7a as a key side coil, a transmitting / receiving circuit 7b electrically connected to the antenna 7a, and an IC connected to the transmitting / receiving circuit 7b. It consists of a chip 7c and is received inside a closed glass tube with rounded ends (see FIG. 5). A controller 8 is connected to the key cylinder side coil 6 provided on the vehicle body side. The controller 8 includes a transmission / reception circuit 8a electrically connected to the key cylinder side coil 6, and a transmission / reception circuit 8a. And a memory circuit 8c connected to the control circuit 8b. The control circuit 8b is connected to an ON position detection switch SW that is linked to the key cylinder 3.
[0014]
In the key device configured as described above, when the key shank 4 is inserted into the key hole 3a of the key cylinder 3 and rotated to the "ON" position, the control circuit detects that the ON position detection switch SW is closed. 8b, the controller 8 is driven, and a radio wave is transmitted from the key cylinder side coil 6 via the transmission / reception circuit 8a. When the antenna 7a in the transponder 7 receives this radio wave, an electromotive force is generated in the antenna 7a by the electromagnetic induction. This power is converted into direct current and supplied to the transmission / reception circuit 7b and the IC chip 7c to drive both circuits 7b and 7c. Then, a radio signal corresponding to the unique code stored in advance in the IC chip 7c is transmitted from the antenna 7a.
[0015]
When the key cylinder side coil 6 receives the unique code signal transmitted from the antenna 7a, it is input to the control circuit 8b via the transmission / reception circuit 8a. The control circuit 8b compares the personal identification code stored in the memory circuit 8c in advance with the unique code signal from the antenna 7a. When the unique code and the password match, the controller 8 outputs a permission signal to an engine control circuit (not shown) to enable the operation of the engine. The engine control circuit has a function of turning on a starter circuit, a fuel circuit, an ignition circuit, and the like.
[0016]
On the other hand, if the codes do not match, the engine is not operated. Note that the engine operable state may be at least valid until the key 1 is removed, but the key 1 is removed and then held for a certain period of time, or the vehicle is held until the door is locked by getting off. Is also good. This eliminates the need to perform the code comparison process again when the key 1 is unplugged and restarts, which is effective for power saving.
[0017]
At one end of the key shank 4 of the key 1, a key blank 4a widened to such an extent that it is easy to grasp when rotating the key 1 is integrally formed. A trapezoidal receiving hole 11 in which a part of the key blank 4a is cut away to narrow the key shank side is opened in an intermediate portion of the key blank 4a, and a synthetic resin material is formed in a space defined by the receiving hole 11. A holding member 12 is received. At the end of the key blank 4a on the side opposite to the key shank 4 side, a vertically long hole 9 for passing a metal fitting of a key holder or the like is provided.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 3 showing a cross section along the line III-III of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 showing a cross section along the line IV-IV of FIG. And a brim portion 12b which is larger than the receiving hole 11 on one side of the main portion 12a. A holding hole 12c through which the transponder 7 can be inserted is formed in the main portion 12a of the holding member 12 so as to penetrate the holding member 12 in the longitudinal direction. The holding hole 12c is formed at a position aligned with the axis of the key shank 4 with the holding member 12 attached to the receiving hole 11.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 4, on the inner peripheral surface of the holding hole 12 c, ridges 12 d along the axial direction of the holding hole 12 c are provided at positions where the circumference is equally divided (for example, into three equal parts). I have. The amount of protrusion of these ridges 12d is such that when the transponder 7 is inserted into the holding hole 12c (see the arrow A in FIG. 5), the transponder 7 can be resiliently supported with the elasticity of the material of the holding member 12 itself. Has been.
[0020]
A plurality of (for example, two on one side) ridges 12e are also provided at appropriate positions on the side surface of the main portion 12a of the holding member 12. When the main portion 12a is inserted into the receiving hole 11 (see arrow B in FIG. 5), the amount of protrusion of the ridge 12e is also increased by the elasticity of the material itself of the holding member 12 so that the inner surface of the receiving hole 11 is resilient. It is set to the extent that it can be abutted.
[0021]
When assembling the key 1 configured as described above, first, the transponder 7 is inserted into the holding hole 12c of the holding member 12 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. As a result, the transponder 7 is held in the holding hole 12c in a press-fit state by the action of each ridge 12d. Next, the main part 12a of the holding member 12 holding the transponder 7 is inserted into the receiving hole 11 of the key blank 4a in the direction of arrow B in FIG. Then, the main portion 12a is held in the receiving hole 11 in a press-fit state by the action of each ridge 12e. Here, the position of the collar portion 12b is set such that the collar portion 12b abuts on the surface of the key blank 4a in a state where the axes of the holding hole 12c and the key shank 4 match each other. That is, when the holding member 12 is mounted on the key blank 4a, the antenna 7a in the transponder 7 is disposed coaxially with the axis of the key shank 4.
[0022]
As described above, the transponder 7 is held in a floating state in the holding member 12 via the ridge 12d, so that the transponder 7 is protected from external force and the shock resistance increases. The outer surface of the key blank 4a is resin-molded so as to cover the transponder 7 together with the holding member 12, so that the grip portion 5 is molded. Therefore, the transponder 7 can be securely fixed in the grip portion 5.
[0023]
FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the key device according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. The description is omitted by attaching the reference numerals. In the embodiment of the present invention, a receiving recess 13 is formed in a U-shape so as to surround three sides of a holding member 12 holding a transponder 7 in a key blank 4 a integrally formed at one end of the key shank 4. I have. That is, the receiving recess 13 is formed in the key blank 4a as a cutout portion opened toward one axial end of the key shank 4.
[0024]
The holding member 14 for holding the transponder 7 is formed such that its main portion 14a is substantially tightly received in the receiving recess 13, and the collar portion 14b is formed in the receiving recess 13 as shown in FIG. The inner peripheral edge is provided so as to be sandwiched from both sides. The structure for holding the transponder 7 by the holding holes 14c and the ridges 14d of the holding member 14 is the same as in the above-described basic embodiment.
[0025]
Also in this embodiment, the metal key blank 4a extends on both sides of the transponder 7, and the holding portion 5 is integrally formed by resin-molding the key blank 4a. 7 can be prevented from being applied with an excessive load.
[0026]
The assembling of this embodiment is performed with the holding member 14 holding the transponder 7 in a state in which the groove formed between the pair of flanges 14b on one side is engaged with the opposite edge on the open end side of the receiving recess 13. This is performed by sliding the holding member 14 toward the depth of the receiving recess 13, that is, along the axis of the key shank 4. Thereafter, the key blank 4a is inserted into a mold together with the holding member 14 and resin-molded, so that the grip portion 5 having the same shape as that of the basic form is integrally formed. Also in the present embodiment, the axes of the holding hole 14c and the key blank 4a are made to coincide with each other, and the position of the transponder 7 with respect to the key cylinder side coil 6 is advantageous in the power conversion efficiency by the electromagnetic induction action. Are the same as in the above-described basic mode.
[0027]
8 and 9 show another embodiment of the key 1 according to the present invention. In the third embodiment, the key shank 4 and the key blank 4a intersect in a T shape. The holding member 15 holding the transponder 7 has an insertion hole 15e for the key shank 4 formed in parallel with the holding hole 15c of the transponder. In the case of this embodiment, the key shank 4 and the key blank 4a are inserted in a state where the key shank 4 is inserted into the insertion hole 15e and the end of the holding member 15 is brought into contact with the connection portion of the key blank 4a with the key shank 4. The holding portion 15 is formed by insert-molding the connection portion of FIG. The structure for holding the transponder 7 by the holding holes 15c and the ridges 15d of the holding member 15 is the same as in each of the above embodiments.
[0028]
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show still another embodiment of the key 1. Also in the fourth embodiment, the key shank 4 and the key blank 4a intersect in a T-shape, but in this embodiment, the holding member 16 in which the transponder 7 is received is heat-sealed to the rear end of the key blank 4a. After the fixing, the grip 5 is molded. In this embodiment, since the key blank 4a does not surround the transponder 7, the influence on the magnetic circuit can be reduced. In this case, the required torsional strength can be secured by forming the grip portion 5 with a synthetic resin material having high rigidity. The structure for holding the transponder 7 with respect to the holding member 16 is the same as in the above embodiments.
[0029]
Although the axes of the transponder 7 and the key shank 4 are not coaxial, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, if the holding member 17 is arranged along one surface of the key blank 4a, The strength of the grip 5 can be increased. Note that, also in the case of this embodiment, the holding structure of the transponder 7 with respect to the holding member 17 is the same as in each of the above embodiments.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the transponder, which is the key-side signal transmitting / receiving means, is disposed on the key holding portion while being received inside the holding member. Since the stress acting on the signal transmitting / receiving means can be reduced, the strength and rigidity can be increased without forming a special shape, and the central axis of the key shank and the transponder has a flat plate-shaped key shank. Combined with the fact that they are placed on substantially the same plane along the surface, the gripper can be easily miniaturized. In particular, by adopting a configuration in which the holding member is engaged by sliding from the open end side to the notch formed in the key blank of the key, the protection effect of the key-side signal transmission / reception means without impairing the assemblability. Can be further increased by a key blank. In addition, by assembling the holding member integrated with the key to the holding portion of the key by inserting the key shank portion into the insertion hole formed in the holding member into which the transponder is inserted, assembling the holding member to the key. Can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front view of a key device to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a key device to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a key according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front view of a key showing another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary front view showing a key according to still another embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG.
FIG. 12 is an essential part front view showing a key according to a modified embodiment, partially cut away;
FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12;
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 key 2 steering column 3 ignition key cylinder 3a key hole 4 key shank 4a key blank 5 gripper 6 key cylinder side coil 7 transponder 7a antenna (key side coil)
7b transmission / reception circuit 7c IC chip 8 controller 8a transmission / reception circuit 8b control circuit 8c memory circuit 9 hole 11 receiving hole 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 holding member 12a, 14a main portion 12b, 14b collar portion 12c, 14c holding hole 12d, 12e, 14d ridge 13 receiving recess

Claims (2)

A key cylinder-side signal transmission / reception means provided on the key cylinder, and a key-side signal transmission / reception means provided on the key gripping portion, between the two signal transmission / reception means when the key is inserted into the key cylinder; A key device configured to determine whether the key is a legitimate key by transmitting / receiving a radio signal,
The key side signal transfer means is inserted inside the holding member,
In the key blank of the key, a cutout portion opened toward one side is formed,
The holding member is formed with a pair of flanges so as to sandwich the inner peripheral edge of the notch from both sides,
Key and wherein the benzalkonium slide engaging the inner periphery of the notch portion between the pair of flange portions from said one. A key cylinder-side signal transmission / reception means provided on the key cylinder, and a key-side signal transmission / reception means provided on the key gripping portion, between the two signal transmission / reception means when the key is inserted into the key cylinder; A key device configured to determine whether the key is a legitimate key by transmitting / receiving a radio signal,
Open surface in order to insert the key shank section and a holding hole and the insertion hole forming a flat shape transverse dimension greater Ru is inserting the key-side signal transfer means than the vertical dimension of the key, these central axis A holding member is provided so as to extend in parallel with each other on substantially the same plane parallel to a surface along the lateral direction of the insertion hole, and has a holding member formed as a separate member from the grip portion,
Inserting the key-side signal transmitting / receiving means into the inside of the holding hole and inserting the key shank portion into the insertion hole to dispose the holding member integrated with the key in the holding portion of the key. Key device characterized.

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