JP2002295089A - Engine start permission mechanism with key cylinder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an engine start permission mechanism with a key cylinder enabling its internal structure to be shared with a smart ignition device. SOLUTION: A rotor 42 is rotatably housed in a rotor case 41 which constitutes the key cylinder 11. A plurality of tumblers 45 are disposed along the axial direction of the rotor 42. The upper end edges 45a of the tumblers 45 are aligned by a portable machine 61. The upper end edges 45a are aligned also by an alignment means 71 which is actuated on condition that ID codes match. As a result, the rotor 42 is rendered rotatable.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an engine start permitting mechanism having a key cylinder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to prevent a vehicle from being stolen, a key cylinder has been used which mechanically matches a mechanical key when starting an engine.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a key cylinder 51 includes a rotor case 52, a rotor 53, and a tumbler 5.
4 is provided. The rotor case 52 is mounted on a vehicle. Inside the rotor case 52, the rotor 53
Are rotatably accommodated. A plurality of tumblers 54 are provided on the rotor 53 along the axial direction of the rotor 53. The edges 54a of each tumbler 54 are aligned by a mechanical key 55 carried by the user. As a result, the rotor 53 becomes rotatable.

[0004]

However, in recent years,
As a mechanism for improving operability, a smart ignition device that enables the engine to be started simply by operating a switch while a driver holds an electronic key has been used. However, if the smart ignition device goes down, the current mechanical key 55 must be used to start the engine. Therefore, even if the smart ignition device is used, the current key cylinder 51 must be kept. Further, since the mechanisms of the key cylinder 51 and the smart ignition device are different from each other, the internal structure cannot be shared. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to newly make a device having the internal structure of the key cylinder 51 and the internal structure of the smart ignition device,
There was a problem that it led to higher costs.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an engine start permission mechanism having a key cylinder whose internal structure can be shared with a smart ignition device.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a rotor case mounted on a vehicle, a rotor rotatably housed in the rotor case, A key cylinder provided with at least one tumbler arranged along the axial direction of the rotor and having its edges aligned so that the rotor is rotatable by collating means carried by a user; A predetermined ID code included in a transmission signal transmitted from the collating means, and an ID preset in a communication control device provided in the vehicle.
The gist of the invention is that an alignment means for aligning the edges of the tumblers is provided on condition that the codes match.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the aligning means includes a tumbler pressing means for pressing an edge of each of the tumblers in a central axis direction of the rotor, and the ID code. The gist of the present invention is to have a smart collation actuator that presses the tumbler pressing unit on condition that they match.

Hereinafter, the "action" of the present invention will be described. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the rims of the tumblers are aligned by the alignment means on condition that the ID codes match. As a result, the rotor becomes rotatable. Therefore, the smart ignition device can be retrofitted to the conventional key cylinder. Therefore, the internal structure of the key cylinder can be shared with the internal structure of the smart ignition device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the edges of the tumblers are aligned by being pressed by the tumbler pressing means. Therefore, the configuration for pressing the edge of each tumbler can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost required for configuring the alignment means. In addition, the tumbler pressing means physically comes into contact with the edge of each tumbler. Therefore, the edges of each tumbler can be reliably aligned.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of an engine start permitting mechanism having a key cylinder for an automobile embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, an engine start permitting mechanism 12 mounted on a vehicle has a metal cylinder 4. The immobilizer amplifier 3 is attached to the lower surface of the cylinder 4. The cylinder 4 is provided with a through hole 5 extending in the left-right direction in FIG. The through hole 5 includes a cam housing 5a and a key cylinder housing 5b. A bar insertion hole 5c is provided in the cam housing 5a perpendicular to the through hole 5. In the key cylinder housing 5b,
A plunger insertion hole 5 d is provided perpendicular to the through hole 5. Further, the cylinder 4 is provided with a first storage section 6 and a second storage section 7.

A cam shaft 81 is housed in the cam housing 5a. An ignition switch 83 is connected to a tip of the camshaft 81. A first cam 20a is provided on the distal end side of the camshaft 81, and a second cam 20b is provided on the proximal end side of the camshaft 81.
Is provided. A lock bar 82 is provided on the first cam 20a.
Are linked. The lock bar 82 is inserted through the bar insertion hole 5c to engage with a steering shaft (not shown). The lock bar 82 is
The second spring 82a provided in the housing portion 7 is urged in a direction to engage with the steering shaft. The lock bar 82 has an AC
When rotated to the position C, the first cam 20a lifts the upper side as shown in FIG. Thereby, the engagement between the lock bar 82 and the steering shaft is released.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second cam 20b
The locked portion 20c is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the. The locked portion 20c prevents the cam shaft 81 from rotating to the LOCK position by locking the cam shaft 81 with the lock pin 29a. The lock pin 29a is arranged so as to extend in the up-down direction in the first housing portion 6. The lock pin 29a is always urged upward by the first spring 29b in FIG. A key interlock solenoid 29 is disposed above the lock pin 29a. The key interlock solenoid 29 is arranged to be detachable from the camshaft 81. Specifically, when the camshaft 81 is rotated from the LOCK position to the ACC position, the camshaft 81 is configured to rotate against the urging force of the first spring 29b. When the camshaft 81 is rotated from the ACC position to the LOCK position, the key interlock solenoid 29 is turned on and the lock pin 29 is turned on.
If a is not sucked, the camshaft 81 does not rotate.

As shown in FIG. 1, a key cylinder 11 is accommodated in the key cylinder accommodating portion 5b. The key cylinder 11 includes a substantially cylindrical rotor case 41. In FIG. 1, a substantially annular spacer 8 is provided between the left end face of the rotor case 41 and the key cylinder accommodating portion 5b.
Are arranged. A substantially rectangular tumbler pressing hole 41 a is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the rotor case 41. A step 41b is provided around the tumbler pressing hole 41a.

A rotor 42 is rotatably housed in the rotor case 41. The rotor 42 has a rotor head 43
And a tumbler accommodating portion 44. Rotor head 4
3 is provided with a key plate hole 43a. Also,
The key plate hole 43a is provided with a key shutter 47 shown in FIG.
Is to be closed by. Key shutter 47
Are biased by a shutter biasing spring 48. The key shutter 47 is covered by a cover 49. The cover 49 is covered by the knob 46. The knob 46 is connected to the rotor head 43.

The tumbler accommodating portion 44 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a connecting portion 44a is protruded from the tip thereof. Connection part 44
a is fitted in the fitting recess 81a of the camshaft 81. Therefore, the rotor 42 works with the camshaft 81. A plurality of tumbler housing holes 44b are opened in the outer peripheral portion of the tumbler housing section 44. A plurality of tumblers 45 are provided in the tumbler housing portion 44 along the axial direction of the rotor 42. At this time, each tumbler 45 is accommodated in each tumbler accommodation hole 44b. As shown in FIG. 2, each tumbler 45 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. At substantially the center of each tumbler 45, a substantially rectangular key insertion hole 45c is provided. Further, a protruding portion 45 d is provided on one side of each tumbler 45. A spring 45b that is biased upward in FIG. 1 is attached to each protrusion 45d.
Therefore, each tumbler 45 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the tumbler housing 44. Upper edge 4 of each tumbler 45
5a has an arc shape. The curvature of each upper edge 45a is
It has the same size as the curvature of the tumbler housing 44. The upper edge 45a of each tumbler 45 is
c, a mechanical key portion 61a of the portable device 61 as a matching means.
Are inserted along the axial direction of the rotor 42 so as to be aligned. At this time, each upper edge 45a
Will not protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the tumbler accommodating portion 44. As a result, the rotor 42 becomes rotatable. Note that the portable device 61 includes a transponder 63.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the key cylinder 1
1 is provided with alignment means 71. Alignment means 71
Operates under the condition that a predetermined ID code included in a transmission signal transmitted from the portable device 61 matches an ID code preset in the communication control device 62 provided in the vehicle. . As a result, the upper edges 45a of the tumblers 45 are aligned. The alignment means 71
It has a tumbler pressing plate 72 as tumbler pressing means and a smart verification solenoid 28 as a smart verification actuator. The tumbler pressing plate 72 has a substantially rectangular shape and is formed in a plate shape. Tumbler pressing plate 72
Is provided with a hooking portion 72a on the outer periphery. In FIG. 1, a hook 72 a is provided at an upper end of the tumbler pressing plate 72. Alignment surface 72b of tumbler pressing plate 72
Is located on the opposite side of the surface of the tumbler pressing plate 72 pressed by the smart collation solenoid 28. The alignment surface 72b directly presses the upper edge 45a of the tumbler 45 in the direction of the central axis of the rotor 42. Between the engaging portion 72a and the step portion 41b of the rotor case 41,
A spring 73 is provided as urging means. The spring 73 is provided with the engaging portion 72 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the tumbler pressing plate 72 presses the upper edge 45 a of the tumbler 45.
a is energized. Further, the smart collation solenoid 28 is attached to the outer surface of the cylinder 4. The smart collation solenoid 28 includes a plunger 28a. The plunger 28a is inserted through the plunger insertion hole 5d and presses the upper surface of the tumbler pressing plate 72.

Next, the electrical configuration of the engine start permission mechanism 12 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG.
The portable device 61 includes a receiving circuit 13, a microcomputer (microcomputer) 14, a transmitting circuit 15, and a transponder control unit 63a.

The receiving circuit 13 includes a communication control device 6 described later.
2 is a circuit for receiving a request signal from the microcomputer 2 and inputting the signal to the microcomputer 14. The microcomputer 14
This is a circuit for outputting a transmission signal (ID code signal) including a predetermined ID code when a request signal from the reception circuit 13 is input. The transmission circuit 15 is a circuit for modulating the transmission signal into a radio wave of a predetermined frequency and transmitting it to the outside. The receiving circuit 13
The antennas 16 and 17 are connected to the transmitting circuit 15 and the transmitting circuit 15, respectively.

The transponder control section 63a outputs a transponder signal including a predetermined transponder ID code (transponder code) when receiving sufficient energy by the electromagnetic wave. Specifically, the transponder control unit 63a
Upon receiving a transponder driving radio wave from the communication control device 62, a transponder signal of a predetermined frequency is automatically output.

On the other hand, the communication control device 62 is mounted on a vehicle. The communication control device 62 includes a transmission circuit 21, a first reception circuit 22, a second reception circuit 24, a switching circuit 30, and a microcomputer (microcomputer) 23.

The microcomputer 23 is connected to the smart collation solenoid 28, the electronic fuel injection device 32, and the door courtesy switch 31. The door courtesy switch 31 is a switch provided on the door, detects the open / closed state of the door, and outputs the detection result to the microcomputer 23. The microcomputer 23 is connected to a first receiving circuit 22, a transmitting circuit 21, and a second receiving circuit 24. The antenna 27 is connected to the first receiving circuit 22. Further, a switching circuit 30 is connected to the transmission circuit 21 and the second reception circuit 24, and the immobilizer amplifier 3 and the antenna 26 are connected to the switching circuit 30. The switching circuit 30 includes an immobilizer amplifier 3
And a circuit for selectively connecting the antenna 26 to the transmission circuit 21 or the second reception circuit 24. The immobilizer amplifier 3 is for amplifying the transponder signal received by the antenna 26 and outputting the amplified signal to the second receiving circuit 24.

The first reception circuit 22 receives the transmission signal (ID code signal) output from the portable device 61 via the antenna 27, demodulates the ID code signal into a pulse signal, and converts the first reception signal into a pulse signal. Is to be generated. At the same time, the first reception circuit 22 outputs the first reception signal to the microcomputer 23.

The transmitting circuit 21 is connected to an antenna 25 mounted in the vehicle interior. The transmission circuit 21
A request signal is output to the vehicle interior via the antenna 25. The transmitting circuit 21 converts a transponder operation signal output from the microcomputer 23 into a radio wave of a predetermined frequency (134 kHz in this embodiment) to generate a transponder driving radio wave, and outputs the generated radio wave via the antenna 26. I have.

The second receiving circuit 24 can receive a transponder signal from the portable device 61 via the antenna 26. This second receiving circuit 24
The transponder signal is demodulated into a pulse signal to generate a second reception signal, and the second reception signal is output to the microcomputer 23.

The microcomputer 23 includes a C (not shown)
It is a CPU unit composed of PU, ROM, and RAM,
Outputs the request signal intermittently. In addition, microcomputer 2
3 stores a predetermined ID code that is set in advance, and when the first reception signal is input, its own ID code is stored.
The D code is compared with the ID code included in the first received signal. When the ID codes match, the microcomputer 23 outputs an operation signal to the smart collation solenoid 28 and the electronic fuel injection device 32.

More specifically, if the ID code signal from the portable device 61 responds to the request signal output from the antenna 25, the microcomputer 23 determines that the portable device 61 is in the vehicle compartment and performs smart verification. Solenoid 2
Activate 8 As a result, the tumbler pressing plate 72 is pressed, and the upper edge 45a of the tumbler 45 coincides. Therefore, the rotor 42 becomes rotatable.

When the second reception signal is input to the microcomputer 23, the microcomputer 23 compares its own ID code with the ID code included in the second reception signal.
When the ID codes match, the microcomputer 23 outputs an operation signal to the electronic fuel injection device 32.

Specifically, when the portable device 61 is inserted into the rotor 42, the engine can be started if the transponder signal from the portable device 61 responds to the transponder driving radio wave.

Next, the operation of the engine start permitting mechanism 12 will be described. As shown in FIG.
Then, the microcomputer 23 determines whether or not the door courtesy switch 31 detects the open state of the door. When the open state of the door is detected, the microcomputer 23 proceeds to the process in step S2. If the open state of the door is not detected in step S1, the microcomputer 23 performs the process of step S1 again. That is, the processing in step S1 is as follows:
This operation is repeatedly performed until the door courtesy switch 31 detects the open state of the door.

In step S2, a request signal is transmitted from the microcomputer 23 to the portable device 61. In step S3, the receiving circuit 13 receives the request signal by the CPU provided in the microcomputer 14 constituting the portable device 61. Then, in step S4, an ID code signal including the ID code is transmitted from the microcomputer 14 to the communication control device 62.
Sent to. The ID code signal is transmitted for a predetermined time after the receiving circuit 13 receives the request signal. In step S5, the CP provided in the microcomputer 23 constituting the communication control device 62
U causes the first receiving circuit 22 to receive the ID code signal.

Then, in step S6, the microcomputer 23
Is the ID code included in the ID code signal and the microcomputer 23
Is compared with a predetermined ID code set in advance. If it is determined that the ID codes match, the microcomputer 23 proceeds to step S8. In addition, ID
If it is determined that the codes do not match, the microcomputer 23 ends the processing here.

In step S8, the microcomputer 23
The smart collating solenoid 28 and the electronic fuel injection device 32 are operated on condition that the ID codes match. As a result, the upper edges 45a of the tumblers 45 are aligned. Therefore, the rotor 42 can be turned. Then, when the knob portion 46 is rotated, the engine is started (the insertion of the portable device 61 is unnecessary).

When the portable device 61 is inserted into the rotor 42, the upper edges 45a of the tumblers 45 are aligned without operating the smart collating solenoid 28.
That is, the collation for making the rotor 42 rotatable is performed mechanically.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) On condition that the ID codes match, the solenoid 28 for smart collation is operated, and the tumbler pressing plate 72 presses the upper edge 45a of each tumbler 45. As a result, the upper edges 45a of the tumblers 45 are aligned, and the rotor 42 can rotate. Therefore, the smart ignition device can be retrofitted to the conventional key cylinder 51. Therefore, the internal structure of the key cylinder 11 can be shared with the internal structure of the smart ignition device.

(2) The upper edge 45a of each tumbler 45 is
They are aligned by being pressed by the tumbler pressing plate 72. Therefore, the mechanism for pressing the upper edge 45a of each tumbler 45 can be simplified. Therefore, the cost required to configure the alignment means 71 can be reduced. Further, a tumbler pressing plate 72 physically contacts the upper edge 45a of each tumbler 45. Therefore, the upper edges 45a of the tumblers 45 can be reliably aligned.

(3) A spring 73 is provided between the step portion 41b of the rotor case 41 and the tumbler pressing plate 72. Therefore, when the smart collation solenoid 28 is not operated, the tumbler pressing plate 72 can be reliably retracted from the upper edge 45a of each tumbler 45.

(4) The upper edge 45a of each tumbler 45 is
Pressed simultaneously by the tumbler pressing plate 72. Therefore, the number of smart collation solenoids 28 required to press the tumbler pressing plate 72 can be reduced.

The present embodiment may be modified as follows. In the above-described embodiment, the alignment means 71 is provided with each tumbler 45
Has a tumbler pressing plate 72 that presses the upper edge 45a of the, and a smart collating solenoid 28 that presses the tumbler pressing plate 72. However, the tumbler pressing plate 72 may be omitted, and the upper edge 45a of each tumbler 45 may be directly pressed by the plunger 28a of the solenoid 28 for smart collation. Further, a non-contact suction unit such as a coil may be used as the alignment unit 71. Specifically, each tumbler 45 is formed of a magnetic material, and the coil is arranged below each tumbler 45 in FIG. When the ID codes coincide with each other, the coil is turned on, and each tumbler 4 is turned on by the magnetic force of the coil.
The upper edges 45a may be aligned by sucking 5.

In the above embodiment, the spring 73 is provided between the step 41b of the rotor case 41 and the hook 72a provided on the tumbler pressing plate 72.
However, instead of using the spring 73, urging means such as rubber may be used.

In the embodiment, the solenoid 28 for smart collation and the solenoid 29 for key interlock are used. However, smart collation solenoid 2
At least one of the solenoid 8 and the key interlock solenoid 29 may be changed to an actuator using air such as an air cylinder.

Next, the technical idea grasped by the above embodiment and another example will be described below. (1) A rotor case attached to a vehicle, a rotor rotatably housed in the rotor case, and a plurality of rotors arranged along the axial direction of the rotor and collating means carried by a user, In an engine start permission mechanism including a key cylinder including a tumbler whose edges are aligned so that the rotor is rotatable, a predetermined ID code included in a transmission signal transmitted from the verification unit And arranging means for aligning the tumblers so that the rotor is rotatable on condition that an ID code preset in a communication control device provided in the vehicle matches. An engine start permission mechanism provided with a key cylinder.

(2) A rotor case mounted on a vehicle, a rotor rotatably accommodated in the rotor case, and a plurality of collations provided along the axial direction of the rotor and possessed by a user. Means for controlling the engine start permitting mechanism including a key cylinder having a tumbler whose edges are aligned so that the rotor is rotatable. A key cylinder, wherein the rims of the tumblers are aligned by an aligning means on condition that an included predetermined ID code matches an ID code preset in a communication control device provided in the vehicle. The control method of the engine start permission mechanism provided with.

[0044]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the internal structure of the key cylinder can be shared with the internal structure of the smart ignition device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost required for configuring the alignment means. In addition, the edges of each tumbler can be reliably aligned.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an engine start permission mechanism according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a key cylinder.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of an engine start permission mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a key cylinder according to the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... key cylinder, 12 ... engine start permission mechanism, 2
8: Smart collating solenoid as smart collating actuator, 41: Rotor case, 42: Rotor,
45: tumbler, 45a: upper edge as an edge, 61 ...
Portable device as collating means, 62 ... communication control device, 71 ...
Alignment means, 72 ... Tumbler pressing plate as tumbler pressing means.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2E250 AA21 BB08 BB66 DD06 FF27 FF36 HH01 JJ03 KK01 KK03 LL00 PP15 QQ00 QQ03 SS02 SS04

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A rotor case mounted on a vehicle, a rotor rotatably housed in the rotor case, and at least one provided along an axial direction of the rotor and held by a user. An engine start permitting mechanism including a key cylinder having a tumbler whose edges are aligned so that the rotor is rotatable by the checking means, wherein the transmission signal transmitted from the checking means is included. A key cylinder provided with alignment means for aligning the edges of the tumblers on condition that a predetermined ID code matches an ID code preset in a communication control device provided in the vehicle. The engine start permission mechanism equipped with. 2. The tumbler pressing means for pressing the edge of each tumbler in the direction of the center axis of the rotor, and the smart means for pressing the tumbler pressing means on condition that the ID codes coincide with each other. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a collating actuator.
An engine start permission mechanism provided with the key cylinder described in (1).