JP2543845Y2 - Ignition key device - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ignition key device in which a key rotor is automatically returned to an on position in response to releasing a key rotation operation in a state where the key rotor is rotated to a start position.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an ignition key device of a vehicle, a key is inserted in a state where a key rotor is at a "LOCK" position (off position), and the key rotor is moved to an "ACC" position and an "ON" position (on position) by the key. When the engine is started via the ignition switch by turning to the "START" position (start position) via
The key rotor is automatically returned to the "ON" position together with the key by the urging force of the return spring provided on the ignition switch side.

[0003]

In this type of key device, a plurality of tumblers are movably arranged on a key rotor.

The tumbler is urged in one direction by a spring, and one end is formed on the inner periphery of the rotor case with the key rotor rotated to the "LOCK" position and the key removed from the key rotor. When the key is inserted into the key rotor in a normal state by moving to the engagement position where the key groove is engaged with the engagement groove, the both ends of the key rotor are opposed to the urging force of the spring. The key rotor is moved to a non-engagement position stored in the inside thereof to allow rotation of the key rotor.

By the way, in this type of key device, for example, a small foreign matter enters between the key and the key rotor,
If the key is not inserted to the proper insertion position, the end of the tumbler comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rotor case, so that the key rotor moves from the "START" position to the "ON" position. Automatic return may not be performed smoothly.

In this type of key device, a cover having an opening having a key insertion hole is mounted on the front surface of a rotor case, and a projection is provided on a side portion of the key. When the key rotor is turned from the "LOCK" position to the "ON" position, the key protrusions correspond to the inner surface of the cover to prevent the key from coming off. Is considered.

[0007] Even in such a configuration, if a small foreign object enters between the key and the key rotor, for example, and the key is not inserted to the proper insertion position, as in the case described above, the key will not be inserted. It is conceivable that the end of the projection comes into contact with the inner surface of the cover, and the automatic return of the key rotor from the “START” position to the “ON” position cannot be performed smoothly.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an ignition key device capable of always smoothly returning the key rotor from the start position to the ON position.

[0009]

A first means of the present invention is as follows.
A rotor case, a key rotor rotatably disposed in the rotor case and rotated by an inserted key, and an ignition switch whose state is switched between off, on, and start based on the rotation of the key rotor. An engagement groove formed in an inner peripheral portion of the rotor case, and one end portion of the key rotor is provided to urge the key rotor in a direction protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the rotor case, and the key rotor is turned to an off position; With the key removed from the key rotor, one end moves to the engagement position where it engages with the engagement groove to prevent rotation of the key rotor, and both ends are inserted when the key is inserted into the key rotor in a proper state. A tumbler for allowing the key rotor to rotate by moving to a disengaged position stored in the key rotor, and rotating the key rotor to a start position by a key. When the key rotor is rotated between the start position and the ON position in the ignition key device in which the key rotor is automatically returned to the ON position with the release of the key rotation operation in the state where the key rotor is released. A feature is that a groove for tumbler escape is formed in an inner peripheral portion of the rotor case corresponding to an end of the tumbler.

[0010] The second means of the present invention is that a rotor case,
A key rotor rotatably disposed in the rotor case and rotated by an inserted key, an ignition switch that is switched between off, on, and start based on the rotation of the key rotor; and the rotor case. A cover formed with an opening having a key insertion hole for allowing key insertion in a state where the key rotor is in an off position, provided on a side portion of the key so as to protrude laterally. The key rotor is inserted into the cover through the key insertion hole, and the key rotor is rotated from the off position to the on position. With the key rotated to the start position, the key rotor is automatically returned to the ON position with the key by releasing the key rotation operation. In the ignition key device described above, when the key rotor rotates between a start position and an ON position, a groove for projecting a convex portion is formed on an inner surface of the cover corresponding to an end on the front side of the convex portion. It is characterized by

[0011]

In the first means, when the key rotor is rotated to the start position, the key is not inserted to the proper insertion position, and the end of the tumbler slightly protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the key rotor. However, since the tumbler escape groove is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the rotor case corresponding to the end of the tumbler, when the key rotor automatically returns from the start position to the on position, the end of the tumbler is rotated. It is possible to prevent the rotation of the key rotor from being hindered by contacting the inner peripheral portion of the case.

In the second means, the key is not inserted to the proper insertion position while the key rotor is rotated to the start position, and the end of the convex portion of the key contacts the inner surface of the cover. Even in such a state, since the convex portion escape groove is formed on the inner surface of the cover corresponding to the end of the convex portion, when the key rotor automatically returns from the start position to the on position, the groove is formed. It is possible to prevent the protrusion of the key from abutting on the inner surface of the cover and hindering the rotation of the key rotor.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
First, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the body 1 has a tubular shape, and is attached to a steering column portion of an automobile (not shown). A key cylinder 2 is mounted on one end side (the right side in FIG. 2) which is the front side of the body 1.

A housing 4 extending in the axial direction is formed in the rotor case 3 of the key cylinder 2, and a key rotor 5 is rotatably disposed in the housing 4. The key rotor 5 has a key insertion hole 6 extending in the axial direction thereof, and a large-diameter portion 5a integrally formed on the front side. Thus, the key rotor 5 is rotated between the “LOCK” position and the “START” position by the key 7 inserted into the key insertion hole 6.

A plurality of tumblers 8 are provided on the key rotor 5 so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the key insertion holes 6, and each tumbler 8 is attached in the direction of arrow A by a compression coil spring 9 (see FIG. 1). It is being rushed. When the key rotor 5 is
In the state of being at the “CK” position, engagement grooves 10, 10 extending in the axial direction are formed in the inner peripheral portion of the rotor case 3 corresponding to both ends of each tumbler 8.

Each tumbler 8 has a key rotor 5 of "LOC".
When the key 7 is removed from the key rotor 5 at the “K” position, the one end 8 a moves to the engagement position protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the rotor case 3 and engages with one of the engagement grooves 10. Prevents the rotation of the key rotor 5, and
When the key 7 is inserted into the key insertion hole 6 of the key rotor 5 in a regular state, the both ends 8a and 8b are substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the key rotor 5 by the key 7 as shown in FIGS. The key rotor 5 is moved to a disengaged position stored in the key rotor 5 so as to allow the key rotor 5 to rotate.

At the tip of the key rotor 5, a steering lock device 11 of a known configuration is provided. As is well known, the steering lock device 11 includes a camshaft (not shown) that rotates integrally with the key rotor 5. When the key rotor 5 is rotated to the “LOCK” position, the steering lock and the steering wheel are rotated. The rotation is locked, and the lock is released when the key rotor 5 is rotated to a position other than the “LOCK” position.

An ignition switch 12 is provided on the distal end side of the steering lock device 11, which is the distal end side of the key rotor 5. The ignition switch 12 is operated based on the rotation of the camshaft of the steering lock device 11, and is operated by the key rotor 5.
Are the “LOCK” position, “ACC” position, “ON” position,
And, by being turned to the "START" position, the state is switched to each of the OFF, ACC, ON, and START states.

Although not shown, the ignition switch 12 is provided with a return spring. When the operating force is released while the key rotor 5 is turned to the "START" position by the key 7, the return is performed. The key rotor 5 is returned to the "ON" position together with the key 7 by the urging force of the spring.

As shown in FIG. 1, at the inner peripheral portion of the rotor case 3, the key rotor 5 is set to "START".
A groove 13 for tumbler escape is formed at a position corresponding to the other end 8b of each tumbler 8 when the tumbler 8 is rotated between the position and the "ON" position. The groove 13 is formed shallower than the engagement groove 10.

A cover 14 is mounted on the front side of the rotor case 3. On this cover 14, "LOCK", "ACC",
Each of the characters “ON” and “START” is displayed, and an opening 16 having a key insertion hole 15 corresponding to the key insertion hole 6 of the key rotor 5 is formed. In this case, both ends of the key insertion hole 15 are formed to be larger than the circular opening 16.

On both sides of the main body 7a of the key 7 inserted into the key insertion hole 15 on the base end side, there are formed projections 17, 17 so as to protrude laterally from other portions of the main body 7a. Is formed. When the key 7 is inserted into the key insertion hole 15, the projections 17 are inserted into the cover 14 through the key insertion hole 15, and the key 7 is inserted into the key rotor 5 by the key 7.
Is rotated from the "LOCK" position to the "ON" position, the cover 7 faces the inner surface of the cover 14 with a predetermined gap 18 therebetween, so that the key 7 is prevented from coming off.

When the key rotor 5 is rotated between the "START" position and the "ON" position on the inner surface of the cover 14, the front ends 17a, 17a of the convex portions 17, 17 of the key 7 are formed. At portions corresponding to 17a, grooves 19, 19 for projecting relief are formed (see FIG. 4).

In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, when the key rotor 5 is in the "LOCK" position and the key 7 is not inserted into the key rotor 5, each tumbler 8 of the key rotor 5 The key rotor 5 is prevented from rotating by moving to the engagement position by the urging force and engaging one end 8a of each tumbler 8 with one engagement groove 10. Further, in this state, the rotation of the steering shaft and thus the rotation of the steering wheel is locked by the steering lock device 11.

In this state, the tip of the key 7 is
Through the key insertion hole 15 of the key rotor 5
When the key 7 is inserted into a normal state,
As shown in FIG. 7, each tumbler 8 is moved to the non-engagement position by the key 7, and the rotation of the key rotor 5 is allowed. Also, with the insertion of the key 7, the projection 1
7 and 17 are located in the cover 14 through the key insertion holes 6.

In this state, the key rotor 5 is rotated from the "LOCK" position in the direction of arrow B by the key 7, and the "AC
When the ignition switch 12 is turned to the "START" position via the "C" position and the "ON" position, the ignition switch 12 is switched to the start state, and accordingly, the engine is started via a starter (not shown). Further, with the rotation of the key 7 in the direction of the arrow B, the convex portions 17 of the key 7 face the inner surface of the cover 14, while the steering wheel is unlocked by the steering lock device 11. Become.

Then, the key rotor 5 is moved to "S"
When the operating force on the key 7 is released while the key rotor 5 is rotated to the “TART” position, the key rotor 5
Is automatically returned to the "ON" position.

At this time, for example, in FIG. 2, foreign matter such as dust is present in the C portion between the step 6a of the key insertion hole 6 in the key rotor 5 and the step 7b on the side of the main body 7a of the key 7. If the key 7 is pinched, the key 7 may not be inserted to the proper insertion position due to the foreign matter.

In such a state, the other end 8b of the tumbler 8 is connected to the key rotor 5 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG.
May be slightly protruded from the outer peripheral surface of the lens. Even in such a state, in the present embodiment, since the groove 13 for tumbler escape is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the rotor case 3 corresponding to the other end 8b of the tumbler 8, the key rotor is formed. When the key 5 is automatically returned from the “START” position to the “ON” position, the end of the tumbler 8 does not abut on the inner peripheral portion of the rotor case 3 and hinders the rotation of the key rotor 5. Rotate smoothly.

If the key 7 is not inserted to the proper insertion position due to foreign matter, the gap 18 between the end 17a of the projection 17 of the key 7 and the inner surface of the cover 14 may not be formed. . Even in such a state, in the present embodiment, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the inner surface of the cover 14 corresponding to the end portion 17a of the convex portion 17 of the key 7 has a convex escape hole. Since the groove 19 is formed, when the key rotor 5 automatically returns from the “START” position to the “ON” position, the projection 17 of the key 17 is formed.
Does not come into contact with the inner surface of the cover 14 and hinders the rotation of the key rotor 5, so that the key rotor 5 also rotates smoothly.

When the key rotor 5 is turned to the "LOCK" position by operating the key rotor 5 in the direction opposite to the arrow B while the key rotor 5 is turned to the "ON" position, the ignition is started. The switch 12 is turned off, the engine is stopped, and the steering wheel is locked by the steering lock device 11,
Further, the key insertion hole 6 of the key rotor 5 corresponds to the key insertion hole 15 of the cover 14 so that the key 7 can be removed.

When the key 7 is removed, as described above, each tumbler 8 of the key rotor 5 moves to the engaging position and engages with the engaging groove 10, so that the rotation of the key rotor 5 is prevented. Become.

[0033]

According to the ignition key device of the present invention, when the key rotor rotates between the start position and the ON position, the tumbler escapes to the inner peripheral portion of the rotor case corresponding to the end of the tumbler. Since the key groove is formed, the key rotor can be always smoothly rotated when the key rotor automatically returns from the start position to the ON position.

According to the ignition key device of the second aspect, when the key rotor rotates between the start position and the ON position, the key rotor is formed on the inner surface of the cover corresponding to the end of the projection formed on the key. Since the groove for projecting the convex portion is formed, an excellent effect that the rotation of the key rotor when the key rotor automatically returns from the start position to the ON position can always be smoothly performed as described above is achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an essential part taken along line II in FIG. 2 showing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view.

FIG. 3 is a front view

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part taken along a roll line in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in a state where the key rotor is turned to the “ON” position.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 is a rotor case, 5 is a key rotor, 7 is a key, 8 is a tumbler, 10 is an engagement groove, 12 is an ignition switch, 13 is a groove for tumbler escape, 14 is a cover,
Reference numeral 5 denotes a key insertion hole, 16 denotes an opening, 17 denotes a projection, and 19 denotes a groove for releasing the projection.

Claims (2)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. A rotor case, a key rotor rotatably disposed in the rotor case, and rotated by an inserted key, and turned off, on, and started based on the rotation of the key rotor. An ignition switch to be switched; an engagement groove formed in an inner peripheral portion of the rotor case; and an end portion provided on the key rotor so as to urge the key rotor in a direction protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the rotor case. In the state where the key is rotated and the key is removed from the key rotor, one end moves to the engagement position where the key is engaged with the engagement groove to prevent the rotation of the key rotor, and the key is inserted into the key rotor in a proper state. A tumbler that allows both ends to move to a disengaged position accommodated in the key rotor to allow rotation of the key rotor, and that the key rotor is swung by a key. The key rotor is automatically returned to the ON position with the release of the key rotation operation in the state where the key rotor is rotated to the ON position, wherein the key rotor is moved between the start position and the ON position. An ignition key device, wherein a tumbler escape groove is formed in an inner peripheral portion of the rotor case corresponding to an end of the tumbler when rotating. 2. A rotor case, a key rotor rotatably disposed in the rotor case and rotated by an inserted key, and turned off, on, and started based on the rotation of the key rotor. An ignition switch that can be switched; a cover mounted on a front surface of the rotor case and having an opening having a key insertion hole that allows a key to be inserted when the key rotor is in an off position; and a side portion of the key. It is provided so as to protrude to the side, is inserted into the cover through the key insertion hole, and prevents the key from falling off corresponding to the inner surface of the cover as the key rotor is rotated from the off position to the on position. The key rotor is released by releasing the key rotation operation in a state where the key rotor is rotated to the start position by the key. The key rotor is automatically returned to the on position. When the key rotor rotates between the start position and the on position, the key rotor has a convex surface on the inner surface of the cover corresponding to the front end of the convex portion. An ignition key device having a groove for part escape.