Vehicle door key cylinder device

Abstract

To improve the returnability of a key cylinder including a pulling member to a non-operating position in a key cylinder device of a vehicle door connected to a door lock device via the pulling member.SOLUTION: A key cylinder device 20 includes a key cylinder 32 that can rotate between an operating position where a door lock device 10 can be switched and a non-operating position where the door lock device cannot be switched, a pulling member 27 that moves in a first direction when the key cylinder 32 rotates from the non-operating position to the operating position and moves in a second direction when the key cylinder 32 rotates from the operating position to the non-operating position, and a connection mechanism 40 for connecting the pulling member 27 to the door lock device 10. A first biasing member 33 that biases the key cylinder 32 from the operating position to the non-operating position is disposed to the key cylinder 32, and a second biasing member 46 that biases the pulling member 27 to move in the second direction is disposed in the connection mechanism 40.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 the door lock device, and is attached to the door at a position separate from the door lock device. One end of the wire (pulling member) of the cable is connected to a lever provided on the key cylinder. The other end of the wire is connected to the door lock device. As a result, the operating force of the key cylinder due to key operation is transmitted to the door lock device via the lever and wire, and the door lock device switches from a locked state to an unlocked state. A spring is provided in the key cylinder to return the key cylinder to its initial position (non-operated position) before operation. [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] Depending on the positioning of the door lock device and key cylinder device relative to the door, the overall length of the cable may be long or the cable may be curved. In this case, the resistance between the cable's tube and the pulling member made of wire increases, and the biasing force of the spring arranged in the key cylinder may not be enough to return the key cylinder, including the pulling member, to the non-operating position.

[0006] The present invention relates to a key cylinder device for a vehicle door connected to a door lock device via a pulling member, and an object of the present invention is to improve the returnability of the key cylinder including the pulling member to a non-operating position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a key cylinder device for a vehicle door comprising: a key cylinder that can rotate between an operating position where a door lock device can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state and a non-operating position where the door lock device cannot be switched; a pulling member that moves in a first direction as the key cylinder rotates from the non-operating position to the operating position and that moves in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction as the key cylinder rotates from the operating position to the non-operating position; and a connection mechanism for connecting the pulling member to the door lock device, wherein the key cylinder is provided with a first biasing member that biases the key cylinder from the operating position to the non-operating position, and the connection mechanism is provided with a second biasing member that biases the pulling member to move in the second direction.

[0008] The key cylinder is connected to the door lock device via a traction member and a connection mechanism, allowing the key cylinder to be positioned as desired on the door. The key cylinder is provided with a first biasing member that biases the key cylinder from the operating position to the non-operating position, and the connection mechanism is provided with a second biasing member that biases the traction member to move in a second direction. Therefore, even if the resistance between the traction member and the tube increases, the key cylinder, including the traction member, can be reliably returned to the non-operating position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention relates to a key cylinder device for a vehicle door connected to a door lock device via a pulling member, and can improve the returnability of the key cylinder including the pulling member to the non-operating position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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 6] Cross-sectional view of line VI-VI in Figure 3. [Figure 7] 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

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The key cylinder device 20 of this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] (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.

[0027] (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 rotating mechanism 34, an anti-theft cover 37, a waterproof cover 38, and a waterproof cap 39. Of these, the rotating mechanism 34 is configured by a drive lever 35 and a driven lever (rotating member) 36.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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. 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. The drive lever 35 is provided with an engagement portion 35a that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction and is used to engage with the driven lever 36.

[0034] The driven lever 36 is disposed adjacent to the drive lever 35 and is capable of rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the drive lever 35. Specifically, the driven lever 36 is disposed on the outer side of the casing 31 in the vehicle width direction and attached to the shaft portion 31c. This allows the driven lever 36 to rotate around the axis B of the shaft portion 31c, which is a second rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis A of the casing 31, which is a first rotation axis of the drive lever 35.

[0035] The driven lever 36 is provided with an engaged portion 36a that engages with the engaging portion 35a and protrudes upward toward the drive lever 35. 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. The driven lever 36 is provided with a wire connecting portion 36b so that the wire 27 is pulled downward by this rotation in direction D2. The wire connecting portion 36b has a hole for connecting the wire end 28 at the lower end of the wire 27. The wire connecting portion 36b protrudes rearward in the vehicle length direction so as to rotate downward by the rotation of the driven lever 36 in direction D2.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] (Connection unit configuration) 3, 4, and 6, 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 in the door 1 shown in FIG. 1 with a gap therebetween, 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.

[0040] The support member 41 is configured to rotatably support the rod 42 and to attach the connecting lever 44 including the rod 42 to the attachment panel 3a (see FIG. 7) 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.

[0041] 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. 7, and are provided in multiple pieces spaced apart 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.

[0042] 3, 4, and 7, the rod 42 is configured to be connected to the same conventional connection receiving portion 16a that the door lock device 10 is provided with. 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.

[0043] 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 6, 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.

[0044] The rod 42 and the support member 41 are provided with a restricting portion 43 for restricting the rotation of the rod 42 relative to the support member 41. The restricting portion 43 is composed of a flange portion 42c and a protrusion 42d provided on the rod 42, and a recessed groove 41d provided on the support member 41.

[0045] The flange portion 42c abuts against the inner end of the support member 41 in the vehicle width direction, and regulates the insertion position of the rod 42 relative to the main body portion 41a. The protrusion 42d protrudes radially outward from the rod 42 and extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the flange portion 42c.

[0046] The recessed groove 41d is formed by a notch provided at the end of the main body 41a of the support member 41 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. In the circumferential direction about the axis C, the angular range in which the recessed groove 41d is formed is wider than the angular range in which the protrusion 42d is formed. A gap of a predetermined angular range is formed between the groove wall of the recessed groove 41d and the side surface of the protrusion 42d. The angular range of the gap is equal to or greater than the rotation angle range required for the unlocking operation of the lock mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 2, and is formed equally in this embodiment.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Next, the operation of the key cylinder device 20 will be described.

[0052] When the key cylinder 32 is rotated in direction D1 by operating the key, the drive lever 35 rotates integrally in direction D1. This rotates the driven lever 36 in direction D2, and this rotation pulls the wire 27 downward (first direction). As a result, the connection lever 44 rotates in direction D3, and the rod 42 rotates integrally with the connection lever 44 in direction D3. In this way, the operating force of the key cylinder 32 is transmitted to the lock switching mechanism 16 shown in FIG. 2, and the lock mechanism 14 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0053] 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. Meanwhile, 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) by the biasing forces of the springs 33 and 46.

[0054] Here, because the movement of the wire 27 to the initial position and the rotation of the connection lever 44 are both upward, a force is required to move the wire 27 against gravity. Furthermore, the overall length of the cable 25 may be long, and the cable 25 may be routed in a curved manner to accommodate 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 connection lever 44, including the wire 27, and the key cylinder 32 to their initial positions. In contrast, the key cylinder device 20 of this embodiment includes two springs 33, 46, so the connection lever 44, including the wire 27, and the key cylinder 32 can reliably return to their initial positions.

[0055] The key cylinder device 20 configured as above has the following features.

[0056] The key cylinder 32 is connected to the door lock device 10 via the wire 27 and the connection unit 40. Therefore, the operating force of the key cylinder 32 can be transmitted to the door lock device 10 via the wire 27. Furthermore, the key cylinder 32 can be positioned at a desired position on the door 1. The key cylinder 32 is provided with a spring 33 that urges the key cylinder 32 from the unlocked position to the initial position, and the connection unit 40 is provided with a spring 46 that urges the wire 27 to move in the second direction. Therefore, even if the resistance between the wire 27 and the tube 26 increases, the key cylinder 32, including the wire 27, can be reliably returned to the initial position.

[0057] The connection unit 40 includes a support member 41 that can be attached to the vehicle door 1, and a rod 42 that is rotatably supported by the support member 41 and can be connected to the door lock device 10. This allows the key cylinder 32 to be positioned at a desired position on the door 1 and connected to the door lock device 10 without changing the configuration of the door lock device 10. The support member 41 also has a restricting portion 43 that restricts the rotation of the rod 42 relative to the support member 41. This allows the support member 41 to be assembled to the door 1 with the groove shape of the connection receiving portion 16a of the door lock device 10 and the protrusion shape of the connection portion 42a of the rod 42 aligned, improving workability.

[0058] The connection unit 40 is attached to the rod 42 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rod 42, and has a connection lever 44 to which the upper end of the wire 27 is connected. This allows the key cylinder 32 to be connected to the door lock device 10 with a simple configuration, thereby suppressing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The connection unit 40 is disposed above the key cylinder 32 with a gap therebetween. The cylinder unit 30 also 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, as well as the connection lever 44 including the wire 27, to be reliably returned to their initial positions against their own weight.

[0061] The door lock device 10 is provided with a driven lever 36 that can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the key cylinder 32 and is connected to the lower end of the wire 27. This ensures that the operating force of the key cylinder 32 is transmitted to the wire 27, and the door lock device 10 can be reliably unlocked via the connecting lever 44 and the rod 42.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0063] For example, the biasing members that return the key cylinder 32 including the wire 27 to its initial position are not limited to the two springs 33, 46, but may be three or more, or may be leaf springs, and can be changed as needed.

[0064] The configuration for converting the movement of the wire 27 in the forward and backward directions into the rotation of the rod 42 is not limited to one connection lever 44, but may be configured with a plurality of levers or rotating members, and can be changed as necessary.

[0065] The restricting portion 43 may have a configuration in which a convex portion 42d is provided on the support member 41 and a concave groove 41d is provided on the rod 42. Furthermore, the restricting portion 43 can be changed as needed as long as it has a configuration that can restrict the rotation of the rod 42 relative to the support member 41.

[0066] The rotating member that transmits the rotational force of the key cylinder 32 to the wire 27 is not limited to the driven lever 36, but may be the drive lever 35, and may be changed as needed. The key cylinder 32 may also 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-operated position) to a locked position (operated position).

[0067] 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 and spaced apart in the vehicle length direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 door 2 outer panels 2a Bottom 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 (first biasing member) 34 Rotating mechanism 35 Drive lever 35a Engagement part 36 Follower lever (rotating member) 36a Engaged part 36b Wire connection 37 Anti-theft cover 37a Holding part 38 Waterproof cover 39 Waterproof Cap 40 Connection unit (connection mechanism) 41 Support member 41a Main body 41b Mounting piece 41c Holding part 41d Groove 42 Rod (connecting member) 42a Connection 42b Mounting part 42c flange 42d Convex part 43 Regulatory Department 44 Connecting lever 44a Mounting hole 44b Connection 45 Connection jig 46 Spring (second biasing member) A Axis of the casing body B Axis of the casing shaft C Axis of the main body of the support member

Claims

1. a key cylinder that can be rotated between an operating position where the door lock device can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state and a non-operating position where the door lock device cannot be switched; a pulling member that moves in a first direction in response to rotation of the key cylinder from the non-operating position to the operating position, and that moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to rotation of the key cylinder from the operating position to the non-operating position; a connection mechanism for connecting the pulling member to the door lock device; A key cylinder device for a vehicle door, comprising: a first biasing member disposed in the key cylinder for biasing the key cylinder from the operating position to the non-operating position; The vehicle door key cylinder device, wherein the connection mechanism is provided with a second biasing member that biases the towing member to move in the second direction.

2. The connection mechanism includes: a support member attachable to the vehicle door; a connecting member that is attached to the support member so as to be rotatable about an axis and that is connectable to the door lock device; and 2. The vehicle door key cylinder device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member and the support member are provided with a restricting portion that restricts rotation of the connecting member relative to the support member.

3. 3. The vehicle door key cylinder device according to claim 2, wherein the connection mechanism has a connection lever attached to the connection member so as to be integrally rotatable, protruding in a direction intersecting the axis and connected to one end of the traction member.

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. 5. The vehicle door key cylinder device according to claim 4, wherein the connection mechanism is disposed above the key cylinder with a space therebetween.

6. 4. The vehicle door key cylinder device according to claim 1, further comprising: a rotating member that can rotate in conjunction with rotation of the key cylinder and that is connected to the other end of the towing member to move the towing member forward and backward.

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