Patent ID: 7570172
Filing Date: 2009-08-04
Classification: B60K,B60R,E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. The vehicle key capable of being inserted into a key hole of a vehicle including a train, a motorbike and an automobile, and used for starting a prime mover of the vehicle, the key comprising: a key portion having a forward end portion insertable into the key hole of the vehicle; a holder portion for holding a base end portion of the key portion; a breath component detection means for detecting at least one of alcohol and drug contained in a breath of a user; and an insert prevention means comprising a projection member projectable from the holder portion so as to prevent insertion of the key portion into the key hole of the vehicle, the insert prevention means being adapted to accommodate the projection member in the holder portion in accordance with a detection result of the breath component detection means, wherein the insert prevention means includes: a lock mechanism for locking and maintaining the projection member in a projected state, and for unlocking the projection member in accordance with the detection result of the breath component detection means, and wherein the lock mechanism includes: a drive means for moving the plunger from the engaging position to the evacuation position in accordance with the detection result of the breath component detection means.