Key cylinder device for vehicle door

Abstract

To provide a key cylinder device for a vehicle door connected via a traction member to a door lock device, for suppressing an increase in its size.SOLUTION: A key cylinder device 20 includes a key cylinder 32 for switching a door lock device 10 into a locked state or an unlocked state, a turning mechanism 34 to be turned in linkage with the turn of the key cylinder 32, and a traction member 27 for transmitting the operation force of the key cylinder 32 with key operation, via the turning mechanism 34 to the door lock device 10, the turning mechanism 34 having a first lever 35 which is turnable integrally with the key cylinder 32, and a second lever 36 which is turned in linkage with the turn of the first lever 35, one end of the traction member 27 being connected to the second lever 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a key cylinder device for a vehicle door. [Background technology]

[0002] A key cylinder device is known for switching a door lock device installed in a vehicle door from a locked state to an unlocked state. When the door lock device is in the unlocked state, the door can be opened by operating the handle installed on the door. When the door lock device is in the locked state, the door cannot be opened even by operating the handle.

[0003] The key cylinder device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cable for transmitting the operating force of the key cylinder to a door lock device. One end of the cable's wire (pulling member) is connected to a transmission lever provided on the key cylinder. The other end of the wire is connected to the door lock device. This causes the transmission lever to rotate integrally with the key cylinder, and the wire is pulled in accordance with the amount of rotation of the transmission lever, thereby unlocking the door lock device. As a result, the door lock device switches from a locked state to an unlocked state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-25965 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the key cylinder device of Patent Document 1, in order to ensure the stroke required to unlock the door lock device, it is necessary to ensure the advancement and retreat stroke of the pulling member made of a wire. Furthermore, to ensure the advancement and retreat stroke of the pulling member, it is necessary to ensure the distance from the rotation axis of the transmission lever to the connection between the transmission lever and the pulling member. As a result, the overall length of the transmission lever becomes longer, which disadvantageously increases the size of the key cylinder device.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to prevent an increase in the size of a key cylinder device of a vehicle door connected to a door lock device via a traction member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a key cylinder device for a vehicle door, comprising: a key cylinder that is rotatable by key operation for switching a door lock device from a locked state to an unlocked state; a rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the key cylinder; and a pulling member that transmits the operating force of the key cylinder caused by the key operation to the door lock device via the rotation mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism has: a first lever attached to the key cylinder so as to extend radially of the key cylinder and rotatable integrally with the key cylinder; and a second lever that is disposed adjacent to the first lever so as to be allowed to rotate about a second rotation axis that extends in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis of the first lever and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first lever, and one end of the pulling member is connected to the second lever.

[0008] The rotation mechanism, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the key cylinder, includes a first lever that rotates integrally with the key cylinder and a second lever that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first lever, and one end of the pulling member is connected to the second lever. This allows the rotational force of the key cylinder generated by key operation to be converted into a pulling force of the pulling member via the first and second levers and transmitted to the door lock device.

[0009] Furthermore, the second lever is positioned adjacent to the first lever so as to be able to rotate about a second rotation axis that extends in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis of the first lever. This allows the advancement and retreat stroke of the traction member to be secured without increasing the overall length of the first lever, ensuring the stroke required for unlocking the door lock device. Furthermore, compared to a case in which the operating force of the key cylinder is transmitted by a single transmission lever, the key cylinder device can be kept small and the degree of freedom in its installation layout on the vehicle door can be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an increase in size of a key cylinder device of a vehicle door connected to a door lock device via a traction member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a vehicle door using a key cylinder device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the door lock device, the handle, and the key cylinder device in FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of line VV in Figure 3. [Figure 6A] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotation mechanism in an initial state in the cylinder unit. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rotation mechanism in the cylinder unit in an unlocking operation state. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a rod is connected to the door lock device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a key cylinder device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a vehicle door 1, and switches a door lock device 10 attached to the same door 1 from a locked state to an unlocked state, allowing the door 1 to be opened by operating a handle 5.

[0014] The key cylinder device 20 of this embodiment is used in a left side door whose hinge axis extends in the vehicle height direction. However, the key cylinder device 20 may also be used in a right side door, a sliding door, or a back door.

[0015] In the accompanying drawings, the X direction is the vehicle length direction, with the arrow pointing in the direction of the front side and the opposite direction of the arrow pointing in the direction of the rear side. The Y direction is the vehicle width direction, with the arrow pointing in the direction of the inside (inside the vehicle) and the opposite direction of the arrow pointing in the direction of the outside (outside the vehicle). The Z direction is the vehicle height direction, with the arrow pointing in the direction of the top side and the opposite direction of the arrow pointing in the direction of the bottom side.

[0016] 1 and 2, the key cylinder device 20 is mechanically connected to a door lock device 10. The door lock device 10 is communicatively connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 6 mounted on the vehicle. The ECU 6 is connected to an antenna 7 for wireless communication with an electronic key (not shown) carried by a user, and an authentication unit 8 for key authentication.

[0017] The ECU 6 has a calculation unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit, none of which are shown, and reads out a program pre-stored in the storage unit and executes information processing according to the steps instructed by the program. When key authentication by the authentication unit 8 is successful, the ECU 6 electrically activates the door lock device 10 based on an input signal from the handle 5. On the other hand, when key authentication by the authentication unit 8 is unsuccessful, the ECU 6 does not activate the door lock device 10 even if a signal is input from the handle 5.

[0018] To provide an overview of the door latch device 10, the door lock device 10 is disposed along the end panel 4 in a space defined by the outer panel 2, inner panel 3, and end panel 4 of the door 1. The door lock device 10 includes a latch mechanism 11, an actuator 12, a latch switching mechanism 13, a lock mechanism 14, an actuator 15, and a lock switching mechanism 16.

[0019] The latch mechanism 11 includes a fork and a claw, and can be switched between a latched state and an unlatched state. In the latched state, the fork holds the striker on the vehicle body, keeping the door 1 closed. In the unlatched state, the fork releases the striker, allowing the door 1 to be opened.

[0020] The locking mechanism 14 is composed of multiple levers and can be switched between an unlocked state and a locked state. In the unlocked state, the latching mechanism 11 can be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state via the latch switching mechanism 13. In the locked state, the latching mechanism 11 cannot be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state via the latch switching mechanism 13.

[0021] The latch mechanism 11 is switched from the unlatched state to the latched state by the striker entering the fork when the open door 1 is closed. The latch mechanism 11 is switched from the latched state to the unlatched state from outside the vehicle by the ECU 6 electrically operating the latch switching mechanism 13 in response to a signal input from the switch 5a that detects the normal open operation of the handle 5 during normal operation when the actuator 12 is operable. On the other hand, during an emergency when the actuator 12 is inoperable, the latch mechanism 11 is switched from the latched state to the unlatched state from outside the vehicle manually by the user operating the handle 5 for emergency opening via the lock mechanism 14 and the latch switching mechanism 13.

[0022] Switching (locking) of the lock mechanism 14 from the unlocked state to the locked state from outside the vehicle is performed electrically by the ECU 6 in response to a signal input from the switch 5b that detects the locking operation of the handle 5 under normal circumstances when the actuator 15 is operable. Switching (unlocking) of the lock mechanism 14 from the locked state to the unlocked state from outside the vehicle is performed electrically by the ECU 6 in response to a signal input from the switch 5a that detects the normal opening operation of the handle 5 under normal circumstances. On the other hand, in an emergency when the actuator 15 is inoperable, switching of the lock mechanism 14 from the locked state to the unlocked state from outside the vehicle is performed manually via the lock switching mechanism 16 by the user performing an emergency operation (unlocking operation) of the key cylinder device 20.

[0023] As described above, the key cylinder device 20 is not used during normal operation when the actuator 15 is operable. Therefore, the key cylinder 32 included in the key cylinder device 20 is disposed at the lower end 2a of the outer panel 2, which is below the user's eye level, so as not to impair the design of the door 1. The lower end 2a is an area below half of the overall height of the outer panel 2, and is a portion that slopes inward in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the bottom.

[0024] The key cylinder device 20 of this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0025] 1, 3, and 4, the key cylinder device 20 includes a cylinder unit (cylinder mechanism) 30, a connection unit (connection mechanism) 40, and a cable 25 that mechanically connects the cylinder unit 30 and the connection unit 40.

[0026] The rest of the key cylinder device 20, other than the tip of the key cylinder 32 provided in the cylinder unit 30, is disposed in the space between the outer panel 2 and inner panel 3 of the door 1 and is not visible from outside the door 1. Only the tip of the key cylinder 32 of the key cylinder device 20 can be exposed to the outside of the vehicle. Normally, the tip of the key cylinder 32 is preferably covered by a decorative member of the door 1 and is exposed by operation by the user.

[0027] (Cable configuration) 1, 3, and 4, cable 25 includes a flexible tube 26 and a wire (pulling member) 27. Wire 27 is a transmission member for transmitting the operating force of key cylinder 32 to door lock device 10 via connection unit 40. Wire 27 is movably inserted into tube 26 and can move forward and backward in conjunction with the rotation of key cylinder 32. Wire ends 28 are fixed to both ends of wire 27. Of the pair of wire ends 28, the one located at the lower end is connected to cylinder unit 30, and the one located at the upper end is connected to connection unit 40.

[0028] (Cylinder unit configuration) 3 to 5, the cylinder unit 30 is configured to operate the door lock device 10 to unlock the door from outside the door 1 shown in Fig. 1. The cylinder unit 30 includes a casing 31, a key cylinder 32, a rotation mechanism 34, an anti-theft cover 37, a waterproof cover 38, and a waterproof cap 39. Of these, the rotation mechanism 34 includes a plurality of levers, and in this embodiment, is configured of a drive lever 35 (first lever) and a driven lever (first lever) 36.

[0029] The casing 31 is configured to mount the cylinder unit 30 to the outer panel 2 shown in Fig. 1. The casing 31 includes a main body portion 31a, a mounting portion 31b, and a shaft portion 31c.

[0030] The main body 31a is cylindrical and rotatably supports the key cylinder 32 therein. The axis A of the main body 31a is inclined outward in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the bottom, but extends in the vehicle height direction as a whole. The mounting portion 31b is configured for mounting to the outer panel 2 shown in FIG. 1 and protrudes from the main body 31a on both sides in the vehicle length direction. The shaft portion 31c is configured for mounting the driven lever 36 and protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the main body 31a. The axis B of the shaft portion 31c extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis A of the main body 31a.

[0031] The key cylinder 32 has a key hole 32a into which a regular mechanical key (not shown) can be inserted. The key cylinder 32 is rotatably attached to the main body 31a of the casing 31 so that the key hole 32a faces downward (toward the road surface), and is disposed at the lower end 2a of the outer panel 2 shown in FIG.

[0032] By operating the mechanical key, the key cylinder 32 can be rotated between an initial position (non-operated position) shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and an unlocked position (operated position) rotated a set angle in direction D1 (clockwise in FIG. 1) from the initial position as shown in FIG. 4. When the key cylinder 32 is rotated to the initial position, the lock mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 2 cannot be switched. When the key cylinder 32 is rotated from the initial position to the unlocked position, the lock mechanism 14 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state via the lock switching mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 2. The transmission of the operating force of the key cylinder 32 to the lock mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The key cylinder 32 is biased from the unlocked position to the initial position by a spring (first biasing member) 33. One end of the spring 33 is engaged with the casing 31, and the other end of the spring 33 is engaged with the key cylinder 32.

[0034] As the key cylinder 32 rotates, the drive lever 35 rotates integrally with the key cylinder 32 around the axis A in the same direction as the key cylinder 32 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). Specifically, the drive lever 35 is attached to the upper end 32b of the key cylinder 32 so as not to be able to move relative to the key cylinder 32 in either the axial or circumferential direction. The rotation axis (first rotation axis) of the drive lever 35 coincides with the axis A of the casing 31 and the rotation axis of the key cylinder 32. In the following description, the axis A of the casing 31 may be referred to as the rotation axis A of the drive lever 35.

[0035] The drive lever 35 is provided with an engagement portion 35a that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction and engages with the driven lever 36. The engagement portion 35a is U-shaped when viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis A extends. The drive lever 35 including the engagement portion 35a extends from the rotation axis A in the radial direction of the key cylinder 32.

[0036] The driven lever 36 is disposed adjacent to the drive lever 35 and is rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of the drive lever 35 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). Specifically, the driven lever 36 is disposed on the outer side of the casing 31 in the vehicle width direction and is attached to the shaft portion 31c. This allows the driven lever 36 to rotate around the axis B of the shaft portion 31c in the casing 31. Furthermore, the rotation axis (second rotation axis) of the driven lever 36 coincides with the axis B of the shaft portion 31c and extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A of the drive lever 35. In the following description, the axis B of the shaft portion 31c may be referred to as the rotation axis B of the driven lever 36.

[0037] The driven lever 36 is provided with an engaged portion 36a that protrudes upward toward the drive lever 35 and engages with the engaging portion 35a. The engaged portion 36a is rod-shaped and is inserted into the internal space of the U-shaped engaging portion 35a. As a result, when the key cylinder 32 is operated to unlock in direction D1 shown in FIG. 4, the driven lever 36 rotates integrally with the drive lever 35 in the same direction D1, causing the driven lever 36 to rotate in direction D2. A minimum gap necessary to allow rotation of the driven lever 36 is secured between the engaging portion 35a and the engaged portion 36a.

[0038] A wire connection portion 36b is provided on the driven lever 36 so that the wire 27 is pulled downward when the driven lever 36 rotates in direction D2. The wire connection portion 36b has a hole to which the wire end 28 at the lower end of the wire 27 is connected. The wire connection portion 36b protrudes rearward in the vehicle length direction so as to rotate downward when the driven lever 36 rotates in direction D2.

[0039] Here, the driving lever 35 and the driven lever 36 that constitute the rotation mechanism 34 will be described in more detail.

[0040] As described above, the driving lever 35 has a U-shaped engaging portion 35a, and the driven lever 36 has a rod-shaped engaged portion 36a that engages with the engaging portion 35a. The rotation axis A of the driving lever 35 and the rotation axis B of the driven lever 36 are perpendicular to each other. As shown in FIG. 6A, the portion where the engaging portion 35a and the engaged portion 36a engage (contact) is defined as an engagement portion Pc. The overall length of the driving lever 35 including the engaging portion 35a, the overall length of the driven lever 36 including the engaged portion 36a, and the positional relationship between these rotation axes A and B are configured as follows:

[0041] 6A and 6B, the rotation angle (second rotation angle) θ2 of the driven lever 36, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive lever 35, is configured to be larger than the rotation angle (first rotation angle) θ1 of the drive lever 35. To achieve this configuration, when the drive lever 35 is rotated to its initial position, the length (first length) L1 of the drive lever 35 from the rotation axis A to the engagement part Pc is set to be longer than the length (second length) L2 of the driven lever 36 from the rotation axis B to the engagement part Pc (L1>L2). As a result, the rotation angle θ2 of the driven lever 36 in direction D2 is configured to be larger than the rotation angle θ1 of the drive lever 35 in direction D1.

[0042] More specifically, the displacement amount (first circumferential length) of the engagement portion Pc of the drive lever 35 around the rotation axis A due to the rotation of the key cylinder 32 and the displacement amount (second circumferential length) of the engagement portion Pc of the driven lever 36 around the rotation axis B are substantially the same. When the circumferential lengths are the same, the larger the rotation radius, the smaller the rotation angle, and vice versa. The length (second length) L2 of the driven lever 36 from the rotation axis B to the engagement portion Pc is set shorter than the length (first length) L1 of the drive lever 35 from the rotation axis A to the engagement portion Pc. This allows the rotation angle θ2 of the driven lever 36, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive lever 35, to be larger than the rotation angle θ1 of the drive lever 35.

[0043] The driven lever 36 is configured so that the displacement (third circumferential length) of the wire connecting portion 36b about the rotation axis B due to rotation of the driven lever 36 is greater than the displacement (second circumferential length) of the engagement portion Pc about the rotation axis B. To achieve this configuration, the length (third length) L3 of the driven lever 36 from the rotation axis B to the wire connecting portion 36b is set to be longer than the length L2 from the rotation axis B to the engagement portion Pc (L3 > L2). Here, the length L3 is defined as the distance from the rotation axis B to the portion of the wire connecting portion 36b with which the wire end 28 abuts. As a result, the circumferential length of displacement of the wire connecting portion 36b due to rotation of the driven lever 36 is longer than the circumferential length of displacement of the engagement portion Pc. As a result, the advance / retract stroke of the wire 27 caused by the displacement of the wire connecting portion 36b is ensured.

[0044] In the rotation mechanism 34 configured in this manner, the rotation angle of the driven lever 36 can be made larger relative to the rotation angle of the drive lever 35, and therefore, compared to when the operating force of the key cylinder 32 is transmitted by a single transmission lever, the rotation mechanism 34 of this embodiment can ensure a longer advance / retract stroke of the wire 27. On the other hand, if the advance / retract stroke of the wire 27 by a single transmission lever and the advance / retract stroke of the wire 27 by the rotation mechanism 34 of this embodiment are made the same, the individual levers 35, 36 can be made smaller in the rotation mechanism 34 of this embodiment.

[0045] The anti-theft cover 37 is configured to prevent unauthorized operation of the drive lever 35, driven lever 36, and wire 27 by a third party. The anti-theft cover 37 is attached to the outer side of the casing 31 in the vehicle width direction, and covers the casing 31 including the key cylinder 32, the drive lever 35, the driven lever 36, and the lower end of the wire 27. This prevents the drive lever 35, the driven lever 36, and the wire 27 from being directly operated by a member intended for lock picking. The anti-theft cover 37 is provided with a holding portion 37a that positions and holds a tube end (not shown) attached to the end of the tube 26.

[0046] The waterproof cover 38 is provided to prevent water from entering the casing 31. The waterproof cover 38 covers the main body 31a of the casing 31 including the key cylinder 32, the drive lever 35, the driven lever 36, and the lower end of the wire 27. This prevents water that has entered the door 1 between the outer panel 2 and the inner panel 3 from adhering to the drive lever 35, the driven lever 36, and the lower end of the wire 27.

[0047] Waterproof cap 39 is configured to prevent water from entering key cylinder 32 through key hole 32a. Waterproof cap 39 is a cylindrical body with one end open and the other end closed, and is detachably attached to the outer end of main body 31a of casing 31 that includes key cylinder 32.

[0048] (Connection unit configuration) 3, 4, and 7, the connection unit 40 is configured to connect the cylinder unit 30 to the door lock device 10 via the wire 27. The connection unit 40 is disposed above the cylinder unit 30 with a gap therebetween within the door 1 shown in FIG. 1, and is attached at the same height as the door lock device 10. The connection unit 40 includes a support member 41, a rod (connection member) 42, and a connection lever 44.

[0049] The support member 41 is configured to rotatably support the rod 42 and to attach the connection lever 44 including the rod 42 to the attachment panel 3a (see FIG. 8) joined to the inner panel 3 shown in FIG. 1. The support member 41 includes a main body portion 41a, an attachment piece 41b, and a holding portion 41c.

[0050] The main body 41a is cylindrical and rotatably supports the rod 42 therein. The axis C of the main body 41a slopes downward toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, but extends in the vehicle width direction as a whole. The mounting pieces 41b are configured to be attached to the mounting panel 3a shown in FIG. 8, and are provided in plurality at intervals in the circumferential direction on the end of the main body 41a on the inside in the vehicle width direction. The holding portions 41c are configured to position and hold a tube end (not shown) attached to the end of the tube 26, and protrude downward from the main body 41a toward the connection unit 40.

[0051] 3, 4, and 8, the rod 42 is configured to be connected to the same connection receiving portion 16a as the conventional one provided in the door lock device 10. The rod 42 is rod-shaped and attached to the main body 41a of the support member 41 so as to be able to rotate about the axis C. The axis of the rod 42 is aligned with the axis C of the main body 41a by being attached to the support member 41. The overall length of the rod 42 is longer than the overall length of the main body 41a. Both ends of the rod 42 protrude from both ends of the main body 41a.

[0052] A connection portion 42a is provided at the inner end of the rod 42 in the vehicle width direction. The connection portion 42a is connectable to a connection receiving portion 16a of the lock switching mechanism 16 shown in Fig. 2. The connection portion 42a has a plurality of protrusions that protrude radially outward from the rod 42 and can transmit the rotational force of the rod 42 to the lock switching mechanism 16. With reference to Figs. 3, 4, and 7, an attachment portion 42b for attaching a connection lever 44 is provided at the outer end of the rod 42 in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] The connection lever 44 is a conversion member for converting the movement of the wire 27 in the forward and backward directions into the rotation of the rod 42. The connection lever 44 is provided with an attachment hole 44a into which the attachment part 42b can be inserted. The rotation of the lever 44 relative to the attachment part 42b is restricted by, for example, passing a connecting pin (not shown). This allows the connection lever 44 to rotate integrally with the rod 42.

[0054] The connecting lever 44 has a connecting portion 44b for connecting the wire end 28 at the upper end of the wire 27. The connecting portion 44b protrudes radially outward from the rod 42, which is a direction perpendicular to the axis C. A hole into which a connecting jig 45 can be attached is formed in the connecting portion 44b. The wire end 28 is attached to the hole of the connecting portion 44b via the connecting jig 45 so that it is difficult to remove. It is preferable that the connecting jig 45 also be used for the wire connecting portion 36b of the cylinder unit 30.

[0055] The connection lever 44 configured in this manner can be rotated between the initial position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and an operating position rotated by a set angle in direction D3 (clockwise in FIG. 4) by unlocking the locking mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 2.

[0056] A spring (second biasing member) 46 that biases the connection lever 44 from the operating position to the initial position is disposed between the connection lever 44 and the support member 41. One end of the spring 46 is engaged with the support member 41, and the other end of the spring 46 is engaged with the connection lever 44.

[0057] Next, the operation of the key cylinder device 20 will be described.

[0058] When the key cylinder 32 is rotated in direction D1 by key operation, the drive lever 35 rotates therewith in direction D1, and the driven lever 36 rotates in direction D2 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The rotation of the driven lever 36 then pulls the wire 27 downward (first direction). As a result, the connection lever 44 rotates in direction D3, and the rod 42 rotates together with the connection lever 44 in direction D3. In this manner, the operating force of the key cylinder 32 is transmitted to the lock switching mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 2, switching the lock mechanism 14 from the locked state to the unlocked state. In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 34, which is made up of the drive lever 35 and the driven lever 36, ensures the forward / backward stroke of the wire 27, ensuring a sufficient stroke for unlocking the lock mechanism 14.

[0059] When the key operation is stopped, the key cylinder 32 rotates from the unlocked position to the initial position due to the biasing force of the spring 33. The rod 42 and the connecting lever 44 rotate from the operating position to the initial position due to the biasing force of the spring 46. As a result, the wire 27 is pulled upward (in the second direction) due to the biasing forces of the springs 33 and 46. Meanwhile, the driving lever 35 and the driven lever 36 that constitute the rotation mechanism 34 rotate to the initial position mainly due to the biasing force of the spring 33, but the biasing force of the spring 46 transmitted via the connecting lever 44 and the wire 27 also acts.

[0060] Here, the movement of the wire 27 to the initial position, the rotation of the driven lever 36, and the rotation of the connecting lever 44 are all upward, so a force is required to move them against gravity. Also, the overall length of the cable 25 may be long, and the cable 25 may be routed in a curved manner due to considerations regarding other components. As a result, the resistance between the tube 26 and the wire 27 increases, and a situation may arise in which the biasing force of the spring 33 disposed in the key cylinder 32 alone is not enough to return the key cylinder 32, drive lever 35, driven lever 36, wire 27, and connecting lever 44 to their initial positions.

[0061] In contrast, in the key cylinder device 20 of this embodiment, the connection unit 40 is disposed above the key cylinder 32 at a distance, and the cylinder unit 30 includes a spring 33 that returns the key cylinder 32 to its initial position, and the connection unit 40 includes a spring 46 that returns the connection lever 44 to its initial position. This allows the wire 27 and connection lever 44 to move upward against the resistance between the tube 26 and the wire 27 and gravity. This allows the key cylinder 32, drive lever 35, driven lever 36, wire 27, and connection lever 44 to be reliably returned to their initial positions.

[0062] The key cylinder device 20 configured as above has the following features.

[0063] The rotation mechanism 34, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the key cylinder 32, includes a drive lever 35 that rotates integrally with the key cylinder 32, and a driven lever 36 that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive lever 35. The lower end of the wire 27 is connected to the driven lever 36. As a result, the rotational operating force of the key cylinder 32 caused by key operation is converted into a pulling force of the wire 27 via the drive lever 35 and the driven lever 36, and can be transmitted to the door lock device 10.

[0064] Moreover, the driven lever 36 is disposed adjacent to the drive lever 35 so as to be able to rotate about a rotation axis B that extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A of the drive lever 35. This ensures the advance / retract stroke of the wire 27 without increasing the overall length of the drive lever 35, thereby ensuring the stroke required for unlocking the door lock device 10. Furthermore, compared to when the operating force of the key cylinder 32 is transmitted by a single transmission lever, the key cylinder device 20 can be kept small and the degree of freedom in its installation layout on the vehicle door 1 can be improved.

[0065] The length L1 from the rotation axis A to the engagement point Pc is longer than the length L2 from the rotation axis B to the engagement point Pc. As a result, the rotation angle θ2 of the driven lever 36, which is linked to the rotation of the drive lever 35, can be made larger than the rotation angle θ1 of the drive lever 35, which rotates integrally with the key cylinder 32. This makes it easy to ensure the advancement and retreat stroke of the wire 27 that corresponds to the stroke required for the unlocking operation of the door lock device 10. Furthermore, compared to when the wire 27 is advanced and retreated by a single transmission lever, the drive lever 35 and the driven lever 36 can be made smaller, which in turn makes it possible to make the key cylinder device 20 more compact. Furthermore, it is also possible to narrow the range of rotation angles of the key cylinder 32 caused by key operation.

[0066] The length L3 of the driven lever 36 from the rotation axis B to the wire connection portion 36b is longer than the length L2 from the rotation axis B to the engagement portion Pc. This makes it easy to ensure the advancement and retreat stroke of the wire 27 that corresponds to the stroke required to unlock the door lock device 10. Furthermore, compared to when the wire 27 is advanced and retreated by a single transmission lever, the drive lever 35 and the driven lever 36 can be made smaller, and the rotation angle range of the key cylinder 32 caused by key operation can also be reduced.

[0067] The key cylinder 32 is disposed at the lower end of the vehicle door 1. This allows the key cylinder 32 to be positioned below the user's eye level and become less visible, thereby improving the design of the vehicle door 1.

[0068] The key cylinder 32 is disposed so that the key hole 32a faces downward, thereby enabling the key cylinder 32 to be reliably disposed within the door 1, which has a limited dimension in the thickness direction.

[0069] The key cylinder 32 is covered with an anti-theft cover 37 to prevent external operation by a member intended for picking. This ensures anti-theft performance, and prevents the door lock device 10 from being switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by unauthorized operation of the turning mechanism 34 and the wire 27.

[0070] A waterproof cover 38 is provided to cover the key cylinder 32 and prevent water from entering. This ensures waterproofing, making it possible to prevent malfunctions of the key cylinder 32, the turning mechanism 34, and the wire 27.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0072] For example, the rotation mechanism 34 that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the key cylinder 32 is not limited to a configuration consisting of a pair of levers 35, 36, but may be configured with three or more levers.

[0073] The engagement between the drive lever 35 and the driven lever 36 is not limited to the U-shaped engaging portion 35a and the rod-shaped engaged portion 36a, and can be changed as needed as long as the configuration allows the driven lever 36 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the drive lever 35. In addition, the relationship between the length L1 of the engaging portion 35a of the drive lever 35, the length L2 of the engaged portion 36a of the driven lever 36, and the length L3 of the wire connecting portion 36b of the driven lever 36 can also be changed as needed within a range that prevents the cylinder unit 30 from becoming larger.

[0074] The cylinder unit 30 may be disposed above the connection unit 40, or may be disposed at the same height as the connection unit 40 but spaced apart in the vehicle length direction. The key cylinder 32 may be disposed so as to face outward in the vehicle width direction. The key cylinder 32 may be configured to switch the door lock device 10 from an unlocked state to a locked state by rotating it from an initial position (non-operating position) to a locking position (operating position).

[0075] The key cylinder device 20 may be configured not to include the connection unit 40, but to connect the upper end of the wire 27 directly to the lock switching mechanism 16 of the door lock device . [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 door 2 outer panels 2a Lower end 3 Inner Panel 3a Mounting panel 4 End Panels 5 Handle 5a,5b switch 6 ECU 7 Antenna 8 Authentication Section 10 Door lock device 11 Latch mechanism 12 Actuators 13 Latch switching mechanism 14 Locking mechanism 15 Actuators 16 Lock switching mechanism 16a Connection receptacle 20 Cylinder device 25 Cable 26 tubes 27 Wire (traction member) 28 Wire End 30 Cylinder unit 31 Casing 31a Main body 31b Mounting part 31c Shaft 32 Key cylinder 32a Keyhole 32b Upper end 33 Spring 34 Rotating mechanism 35 Drive lever (first lever) 35a Engagement part 36 Follower lever (second lever) 36a Engaged part 36b Wire connection 37 Anti-theft cover 37a Holding part 38 Waterproof cover 39 Waterproof Cap 40 Connection Unit 41 Support member 41a Main body 41b Mounting piece 41c Holding part 42 Rod 42a Connection 42b Mounting part 44 Connecting lever 44a Mounting hole 44b Connection 45 Connection jig 46 Spring A: Axis of the casing body (first rotating shaft) B Axis of the casing shaft (second rotating shaft) C Axis of the main body of the support member PC engaging part L1: Length from the drive lever's rotation axis to the engagement point (first length) L2: The length from the rotation axis of the driven lever to the engagement part (second length) L3: Length from the rotation axis of the driven lever to the wire connection point (third length)

Claims

1. a key cylinder that can be rotated by key operation and that switches the door lock device between a locked state and an unlocked state; a rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the key cylinder; a traction member for transmitting the operating force of the key cylinder due to the key operation to the door lock device via the rotation mechanism; A key cylinder device for a vehicle door, comprising: The rotation mechanism includes: a first lever attached to the key cylinder so as to extend in a radial direction of the key cylinder and be rotatable integrally with the key cylinder; a second lever that is rotatable about a second rotation axis that extends in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis of the first lever and that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first lever; and One end of the pulling member is connected to the second lever.

2. the first lever has an engaging portion for engaging with the second lever, the second lever has an engaged portion with which the engaging portion is engaged and a connecting portion to which the pulling member is connected, 2. The key cylinder device for a vehicle door according to claim 1, wherein a first length from the first rotating shaft to an engaging portion between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is longer than a second length from the second rotating shaft to the engaging portion.

3. The key cylinder device for a vehicle door according to claim 2 , wherein a third length from the second rotation shaft to the connection portion is longer than a second length from the second rotation shaft to the engagement portion.

4. The vehicle door key cylinder device according to claim 1 , wherein the key cylinder is disposed at a lower end of the vehicle door.

5. 4. The vehicle door key cylinder device according to claim 1, wherein the key cylinder is disposed so that a key hole faces downward.

6. The vehicle door key cylinder device according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover for covering at least the key cylinder and preventing it from being operated from outside.

7. 4. The vehicle door key cylinder device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover for covering at least the key cylinder and preventing water from entering.

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