JPH0547229Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Purpose of the invention] <Industrial application field> The present invention provides a key for operating a mechanical locking device, and a locking mechanism that locks the locking device when the key is inserted into the locking device. an electrode that contacts the provided contact;
The present invention relates to a key device having a grip part incorporating an electronic circuit connected to the electrode.

<Prior Art> Various key devices have been proposed in which a lock device is operated using a combination of a mechanical code (outline shape of the key) and an electrical code (digital pulse). According to this, it is made difficult to use or pick a duplicate key (unauthorized unlocking), and theft prevention can be further ensured, and it is also possible to remotely control a locking device such as a door.

It is desirable for such a key device to be able to lock and unlock a mechanical lock device such as a cylinder lock in the same way as a conventional key, and that it does not interfere with carrying. The electronic circuit that generates the electronic code is built into the key grip.

On the other hand, as a power supply means for electronic circuits,
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 1659/1983 has proposed a configuration in which when a key is inserted into the key hole of the ignition switch, power is received from the on-vehicle battery from the ignition switch side.

<Problem to be solved by the invention> In such a configuration, since the key is usually formed of a metal plate, the electrode is provided after being insulated from the key, and the lead terminal of the electrode is A structure is required that can prevent water from seeping in from the introduction part. Furthermore, it is desirable that the size of the key be as small as possible.

The present invention was developed to solve these problems, and its main purpose is to easily provide an insulated electrode, and to further ensure that water does not infiltrate into the housing section of the circuit board. An object of the present invention is to provide a key device configured to prevent the above.

[Structure of the invention] <Means for solving the problem> According to the invention, the object is to provide a key that operates a mechanical lock device, and a key that activates the lock when the key is inserted into the lock device. An electrode that contacts a contact provided on the device side, a cylindrical case body with a bottom to house an electronic circuit connected to the electrode, and an insertion hole through which the key is inserted to close the opening of the case body. a lid body made of an insulating material, and a gripping part, the electrodes extending from the outer periphery of a leg piece protruding from the lid body along each of both side edges of the key. A lead terminal of the electrode is provided on the surface and extends into the case inside a recess formed at the inner opening of the key insertion hole in the lid, and extends inside the recess. This is achieved by providing a key device characterized in that a gap around the key is filled with a sealing material.

<Function> In this way, if the electrodes are provided on the component side of the key holding part, the key yank and the electrodes are manufactured separately, and then the key and the electrodes are manufactured in a series of steps in which circuit boards and the like are assembled. It can be configured so that it can be integrated with the At the same time, if the lead terminal of the electrode is introduced into the recess at the inner opening of the key insertion hole in the lid and the inside of this recess is filled with a sealing material, water will not enter the inside of the case. can be reliably prevented. Moreover, since the electrode can be provided close to the key, the size of the key can be reduced.

<Embodiments> Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 to 3 show a vehicle key device constructed based on the present invention. This key device 1 includes a key yank 2 formed with a predetermined key thread 2a for locking/unlocking a lock device made of a known cylinder lock, a circuit board 3 provided at the base 2b of the key, It consists of a case body 4 for covering the entire surface of the circuit board 3, and a lid body 6 that closes an opening 5 of the case body 4 and connects the case body 4 and the key shank 2.

The key yank 2 is made of a metal plate, and is basically the same as a conventional mechanical key, but the above-described circuit board 3 is pasted on both sides of the base 2b, which corresponds to the grip of a conventional key. It is worn.
Further, a notch 2c is formed at the axial end of the base 2b on the key yank 2 side, and at the same time, a portion of the printed circuit board 3 corresponding to this notch 2c has a portion overhanging the notch 2c. A tongue-like piece 3a is formed.

The circuit board 3 includes electronic components such as an IC chip 7 in which a code transmission circuit and the like are incorporated, and a push button switch 8.
It is made of a flexible film-like printed circuit board on which is mounted, and is folded so as to cover both sides of the base 2b. A power source section including a chargeable and dischargeable built-in battery 9 is formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the IC chip 7 and the like are mounted.

The case body 4 has a flat bottomed cylindrical shape and is integrally molded from a synthetic resin material, etc., and has an opening 5 facing the end of the base 2b to which the circuit board 3 is attached. The whole can be housed inside it. Further, a touch portion 1 formed of a highly flexible material such as rubber material is provided at a portion of the peripheral wall of the case body 4 corresponding to the push button switch 8.
0 is provided so that the push button switch 8 can be pressed from the outer surface of the case body 4.

The lid body 6 is made of a translucent resin material,
A flat hole 11 through which the key yank 2 can be inserted is formed in the center thereof, and a seal part 12 which can fit relatively closely into the opening 5 of the case body 4 is formed on one side, and the side of the key yank 2 is formed on the other side. A pair of leg pieces 13 are provided protruding along the edge. An electrode 16 having a partially cylindrical shape is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the leg piece 13. Moreover, on the mutually opposing surfaces of both leg pieces 13,
A groove 17 is formed so as to be able to engage with a protrusion 18 formed on the side edge of the key shank 2 on the base side. The engagement ends A on the free end side of the leg piece 13 between the concave groove 17 and the protrusion 18 are made at an acute angle to each other as shown in FIG.
is prevented from deforming outward.

Both leg pieces 13 on the inside of the seal part 12 of the lid body 6
Recesses 12a are formed on the base side of each of the recesses 12a, and light emitting elements 14 such as LEDs are respectively received in the recesses 12a via holders 15 made of a resin material. This holder 15 has cylindrical protrusions 15b that protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of an oval plate part 15a to fit into the recesses 12a inside the lid 6. A holding hole 15c formed in the holding hole 15c holds the light emitting part of the light emitting element 14 at a prescribed angle, and an insertion hole 15d into which the key shank 2 can be inserted is provided in the center thereof.

IC chip 7, push button switch 8 and case body 4
A reinforcing barrier member 19 made of hard resin is interposed between the inner surface and the inner surface. This barrier member 19 is
It has a generally U-shaped cross section, and its upper wall 19a is along the inner surface of the case body 4, and the lower edge of its side wall 19b is in contact with the surface of the printed circuit board 3, which allows the IC chip 7 and the push button switch 8 to It is designed to cover each. A rectangular hole 19c capable of receiving the upper part of the push button switch 8 is formed in a portion of the upper wall 19a of the barrier member 19 corresponding to the push button switch 8, and a rectangular hole 19c is formed in the surface facing the touch portion 10. Disc spring 19 in circular depression 19d
e is retained. In this way, the operating force applied to the touch portion 10 is transmitted to the push button switch 8 via the disc spring 19e.

As shown in FIG. 5, a partition wall 19h separates a receiving portion 19f of the IC chip 7 and a receiving portion 19g of the push button switch 8 on the inner surface of the barrier member 19, and the receiving portion 19g of the push button switch 8 is separated from the receiving portion 19f of the IC chip 7 on the inner surface of the barrier member 19. The part to do is
For example, a sealing material S made of silicone rubber or the like is filled from above in FIG. In addition, the code 19k in FIGS. 1 and 5
is a positioning pin for fixing the barrier member 19 to the key base 2b.

When assembling the key device 1 formed in this way, the O-ring 20 is attached to the diameter-reducing stepped portion 12b formed at the end of the seal case portion 12, and then the holder 14 is assembled with the light emitting element 14 in advance. 15 to cover body 6
It fits into the recess 12a. At this time, the lead terminal 16a of the electrode 16 protruding from the lid 6 is inserted into the insertion hole 15d. Further, the optical axis center L of the light emitting element 14 with respect to the axis of the key yank 2 is
As shown by reference numeral B in the figure, it is arranged at a predetermined angle that points somewhat toward the diffusion direction.

Next, the key yank 2 is inserted into the hole 11 of the lid 6 and the insertion hole 15d of the holder 15, and the protrusion 18 on the side edge of the key yank is engaged with the groove 17 of the leg piece 13. At this time, the side edge of the base 2b is
It comes into contact with both ends of the plate portion 15a at the same time. As a result, the relative positions of the key yank 2, the lid body 6, and the holder 15 are determined, and at the same time, the lead terminals 14a of the light emitting element 14, the lead terminals 16a of the electrodes 16, and the printed pattern 3b on the circuit board 3 are electrically connected to each other. connected. By soldering in this state, each lead terminal 14a, 16a
is fixed on the printed circuit board 3.

A recess 11 a is formed in the opening of the insertion hole 11 in the lid 6 on the case body 4 side so as to create a gap between the insertion hole 11 and the general surface of the key yank 2 . At the same time, there is a similar gap in the insertion hole 15d of the holder 15, and the inside of this gap is filled with a sealing material S such as silicone rubber from above in FIG. 3.

Next, after appropriately injecting an adhesive such as epoxy resin into the bottom of the inside of the case body 4,
The opening 5 of the case body 4 is fitted to the outer periphery of the seal part 12 of the lid body 6. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion 4a formed on the opening edge of the case body 4 and the lid body 6
The case body 4 and the lid body 6 are coupled to each other by the corresponding recesses 6a formed in the case body 4 being engaged with each other, thereby preventing the case body 4 from deforming outward. Further, between the inward step portion 4b formed on the inner surface of the opening of the case body 4 and the end surface of the seal portion 12 of the lid body 6, the flange-shaped outer peripheral portion of the plate portion 15a of the holder 15 further extends. Fixed firmly.

In this way, the key yank 2 and the case body 4 are
and the holding body 15 are integrally coupled via the lid body 6.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a part of a vehicle engine control circuit using the key device 1 described above.
A steering column 21 of the vehicle is provided with a key switch 22 as an ignition switch that is integrated with a steering lock.

The key switch 22 has a pair of terminals 23 provided so as to be able to elastically contact both electrodes 16 located at the base of the key yank 2 in the inserted state, and a pair of terminals 23 provided to receive light from the light emitting element 14. It has a light receiving element 24 made of, for example, a phototransistor. These terminals 23 and light receiving element 24 are respectively connected to a control unit 25 provided in the vehicle. and control unit 25
includes an on-vehicle battery 26 as a power source, a starter circuit 27 for starting the engine, and an ignition circuit 28 for controlling engine rotation.
are connected to each other.

The key switch 22 has a "LOCK" button, similar to a known type of vehicle key switch, in order to operate the starter circuit 27, ignition circuit 28, and other in-vehicle equipment (not shown).
Each position of "OFF", "ACC", "ON", and "ST" is set, and it has a mechanical contact that closes according to the rotational position of the key device 1. Further, the light receiving element 24 is arranged, for example, at a "LOCK" position.

When operating the key switch 22 configured in this way, the key device 1 is connected to the key switch 22.
When inserted, the electrode 16 provided on the leg piece 13 of the lid 6 and the terminal 23 of the key switch 22 come into contact with each other. Then, a light emission command is issued from the control unit 25 to the code transmitting circuit 7 provided inside the lid 6 via the terminal 23 and the electrode 16. This allows the coded light emission signal to be transmitted to the light emitting element 1.
Sent from 4. This code signal is sent to the light receiving element 2.
4 receives the code signal, and the control unit 25 compares this code signal with the code stored in the control unit 25. If it is confirmed that these match, the control unit 25 sends a message to the starter circuit 27 and the ignition circuit 28.
An auxiliary on signal is output. This allows the key switch 22 to correspond to the position of the key yank 2.
Each circuit operates according to the closing of the switch circuit,
The engine starts. At this time, if the code signal of the light emitting element 14 and the code stored in the control unit 25 do not match, the auxiliary ON signal is not output and an alarm is issued. The above-mentioned auxiliary ON signal is maintained until the key device 1 is pulled out from the key switch 22.

Further, when the key switch 22 is in the "ON" position, the voltage of the battery 26 is applied to the built-in battery 9 on the key device 1 side via the control unit 25 due to the contact between the electrode 16 and the terminal 23.
Charging current is supplied to.

For door locks, trunk lids, etc., place a light receiving element near the key hole.
The light emitting element 1 is activated by the signal of the push button switch 8 which is output by pressing the touch part 10 of the base body 4.
A code signal can be transmitted from 4, and the locking device can be locked and unlocked by an actuator not shown separately.

Now, in the key device 1 having the above configuration, since the key yank 2 passes through the insertion hole 11 of the lid body 6, it is necessary to prevent moisture from entering through the gap between the key yank 2 and the insertion hole 11. At the same time, in order to promote miniaturization, it is preferable to make the key yank 2 part and the electrode 16 part as close as possible. However, the key yank 2 and the electrode 16
In addition, the lead terminal 16a must be introduced into the case body 4 at a position that avoids interference with the light emitting element 14, and it is extremely difficult to seal this part. It was hot.

Therefore, in the present invention, a recess 11a is formed in the opening of the insertion hole 11 in the lid 6 facing the inner surface of the case body.
is recessed, and the lead terminal 16 is inserted from within this recess 11a.
a extends toward the inside of the case, and this recess 11
It is assumed that a sealing material S is filled in the space a. In this way, it is possible to liquid-tightly seal both the gap between the key yank 2 and the insertion hole 11 and the introduction portion of the lead terminal 16a.

The pair of light emitting elements 14 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the key yank 2, but this is to make the insertion direction of the key yank 2 reversible. Further, in the above embodiments, a case with a built-in rechargeable battery has been described, but it goes without saying that this can be similarly applied to a case where the battery is replaceable.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail for operating the ignition switch of a vehicle, the present invention can also be used as a key switch for other control devices, or for houses, storage sheds, etc. It is possible.

[Effects of the invention] As described above, according to the invention, the interval interference between the electrode and the key yank can be minimized, and the lead terminal can be arranged to avoid interference with the light emitting element, and the lead terminal can be suitably placed in the same area. Can be filled with sealing material. Therefore, it is possible to promote miniaturization of the key device and to improve the waterproofness inside the case body, which is highly effective.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a key device based on the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing the key device with a portion thereof cut away, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the key device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of application of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the barrier member viewed from the side facing the printed circuit board. 1...Key device, 2...Key shank, 2a...
...key mountain, 2b...base, 2c...notch, 3...
...Circuit board, 3a...Tongue, 3b...Print pattern, 4...Case body, 4a...Protrusion, 4b
...Inward step, 5...Opening, 6...Lid, 6a
...Recessed part, 7...IC chip, 8...Push button switch, 9...Built-in battery, 10...Touch part, 11...
...Insertion hole, 11a...Recessed part, 12...Seal part, 1
2a... recess, 12b... step, 13... leg piece,
14...Light emitting element, 14a...Lead terminal, 15
...Holding body, 15a...Plate portion, 15b...Protrusion,
15c... Holding hole, 15d... Insertion hole, 16...
Electrode, 16a...Lead terminal, 17...Concave groove, 1
8... Projection, 19... Barrier member, 19a... Upper wall, 19b... Side wall, 19c... Rectangular hole, 19d
...Recess, 19e...Disc spring, 19f...IC receiving part, 19g...Push button receiving part, 19h...Partition wall,
19k...Positioning pin, 20...O ring, S
... Sealing material, 21 ... Steering column, 2
2... Key switch, 23... Terminal, 24... Light receiving element, 25... Control unit, 26... Battery, 27... Starter circuit, 28... Ignition circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] A key that operates a mechanical lock device, an electrode that comes into contact with a contact provided on the lock device when the key is inserted into the lock device, and a key that is connected to the electrode. A key having a gripping portion consisting of a case body having a cylindrical shape with a bottom to house an electronic circuit, and a lid body made of an insulating material and having an insertion hole through which the key is inserted to close an opening of the case body. In the device, the electrode is provided on the outer peripheral surface of a leg protruding from the lid along each of both side edges of the key, and a lead terminal of the electrode is provided on the outer peripheral surface of a leg protruding from the lid. a recess formed at an inner opening of the insertion hole of the key, extending inward into the case body, and a gap around the key in the recess is filled with a sealing material. key device.