DE202013009775U1 - Universal key - Google Patents

Abstract

Universal key (1), in particular for control cabinets and locking systems, comprising a basic element (2) on which at least one key arm (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) is arranged, with at least one end of a key arm (3, 3A, 3B , 3C, 3D) an actuating device (4) for actuating a device, in particular a locking and / or locking device, is arranged, characterized in that the actuating device (4) comprises a first key element (5) and a second key element (6) that the first and the second key element (5, 6) differ with regard to the key dimension insofar as the first key element (5) is smaller than the second key element (6), that the first key element (5) in a cavity (7) of the second key element (6) can be arranged, and that the first key element (5) and the second key element (6) relative to each other along a direction (R), which is essentially determined by d key arm (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) is fixed, are movable.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a universal key according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a universal key is used for example for opening and / or closing of cabinets and / or shut-off systems. The universal key comprises a basic element on which at least one key arm is arranged, wherein an actuating device for actuating a device, in particular a closing and / or shut-off device, is arranged on at least one end of a key arm. With the actuating device, the locking device can be opened and / or closed, and / or the shut-off device can be opened and / or shut off.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

A universal key is used for example in the EP 1 767 316 B1 described. Accordingly, movable actuating means for actuating shut-off devices are provided on a movable key arm.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention has for its object to simplify the handling of generic universal key and reduce manufacturing costs. This object is achieved by a universal key according to claim 1. Accordingly, the actuating device comprises a first key element and a second key element. The first and second key elements differ in terms of the size of the key in that the first key element is smaller than the second key element. The first key element can be arranged in a cavity of the second key element. The first key element is the - based on the second key element - internally arranged key element (inner element), wherein the second key element is - based on the first key element - externally arranged key element (outer element). The first key element and the second key element are movable relative to each other. Movement of a key element may preferably be along a direction substantially defined by the key arm. Moving a key element is done by pushing the key element.

According to a first embodiment of the universal key, the second key element (outer element) is rigidly fastened to the key arm. The first key member (inner member) is movable relative to the second key member (outer member) from a first position (outer or outward position) to at least a second position (inner or inward position) or vice versa.

The movement of the first key element (inner element) can take place relative to the rigid second key element (outer element) against the action of a spring. The spring may preferably be arranged in the region of the cavity of the second key element (outer element). Conveniently, the movement of the first key element (inner element) against the action of the spring takes place from a first position (outer position) to a second position (inner position). Thus, the first key element (inner element) is in its basic position in the first (outer) position and can be pressed against the action of the spring in the cavity of the second key element (outer element) as needed.

When the spring may be a compression spring, alternatively, a tension spring may be provided. In the first (outer) position, the first key element (inner element) is usable, i. H. the first key element can be placed in a simplified manner on a suitable counterpart about a lock or a shut-off device. Optionally, in the first position, it can protrude from the second key element (outer element) in regions. In the second (inner) position, the first key element (inner element) is located in the cavity of the second key element (outer element), whereby the second key element (outer element) can be used. Based on the position of the key elements recognizes the user of the universal key which of the two key elements is directly usable. If the respective other key element is to be used, a change of position of the first key element (inner element) would have to be initiated by the user.

It can be provided (additionally or alternatively) that the movement of the first key element (inner element) relative to the rigid second key element (outer element), in particular the movement from a first (inner) position to a second (outer) position, by the effect an active element, in particular by the action of a magnet or a spring is assisted. The active element can be arranged in the basic element or in the area of the basic element of the universal key.

According to a second embodiment of the universal key, the first key element (inner element) is rigidly attached to the key arm. The second key element (outer element) is movable relative to the first key element (inner element). The second key element is guided outside on the first key element. The movement is from a first (retracted) position to a second (advanced) position of the second key element or vice versa, wherein in the first (retracted) position, the first key element (inner element) is actuated, and wherein in the second (advanced) position second key element (outer element) is actuated. In the second (advanced) position, the second key element projects beyond the first key element. In the first (pushed back) position of the second key element (outer element), the first key element protrudes at least in sections out of the second key element or terminates flush or almost flush with the second key element.

The movement of the second key element (outer element), in particular from a first (retracted) position to a second (advanced) position or from a second position to a first position, can take place against the action of an active element.

In the first and / or second embodiment described above, it can be provided that a key element has a key body on which a guide pin is arranged, which can be guided in a guide channel of the other key element and / or in a guide channel of the key arm. As a result, sufficient stability is obtained when the actuating element is actuated both in the first and in the second position of the key element.

Preferably, four key arms can be provided. The four key arms may be arranged on the base member so that the universal key is cross-shaped. The key arms may be substantially the same length, but it may also be provided that one or more key arms are shorter or longer than the other key arms.

The first and / or the second key element may comprise an inner triangular, an inner square, an outer triangular and / or an outer square. Alternative key shapes and designs may also be provided. Thus, a versatility of the universal key for different cabinets and / or shut-off is achieved.

It can also be provided guide means by which the movement of the key elements relative to each other takes place mechanically guided. The guide means preferably comprises a guide slot and / or guided in the guide slot guide pin. The guide slot can be arranged in the second key element. On the first key element, a guide pin may be arranged or molded.

It can be provided at least one handle by which the movement of the key elements relative to each other is mechanically handled, in particular easier to handle. The handle may comprise at least one pin or at least one cam in order to move the key element from the first (or second) position to a second (or first) position.

According to a preferred embodiment, locking means can be provided, by means of which the movable key element can be locked in a first and / or in a second position. A lock in other positions may be appropriate. The locking means may be, for example, a spring ball latch, i. H. around a ball, which is acted upon by a spring force, and which then engages in a recess of suitable size when the first or the second position is reached.

With regard to a favorable and simple production, the base element and / or the actuating device may be formed from a cast material, in particular from a zinc die cast material.

To simplify the handling of the universal key can be provided that the first key element visually or materially or haptically different from the second key element at least partially, and / or that the second key element is at least partially formed from a different material than the first key element. For example, it may be provided that a key element is at least partially made of plastic, and the respective other key element at least partially, preferably predominantly, of a metal. This allows the user to immediately see the position of the key elements in relation to each other. If necessary, the user can initiate a position change. By structural features of the second key element (outer element) can be achieved that the user can feel in which position is the (second) key element, which is easy to determine even with poor lighting, which position the key element occupies relative to the other key element.

The first key element and / or the second key element may have an outer shape and / or a contour, wherein the shape features or contour features at least partially correspond to the shape or contour features of the key. If the key element comprises a key body with an (inner or outer) triangular edge, the outer shape of the first and / or the second key element may comprise a substantially triangular profile. That is, the outer shape of the key element comprises three sides, or three edges. In the case of a square key, the profile of the key element could be substantially quadrangular, ie the key element may comprise four sides and / or four edges.

The above-mentioned and the claimed components to be used according to the invention described in the exemplary embodiments are not subject to special conditions of size, shape, material selection and technical design, so that the selection criteria known in the field of application can be used without restriction.

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the subclaims, as well as from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which - by way of example - an embodiment of a universal key is shown. Also, individual features of the claims or of the embodiments may be combined with other features of other claims and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawing show

1 a universal key in perspective view,

2A a universal key in supervision,

2 B a universal key according to 2A in lateral sectional view and

3 an alternative embodiment of a universal key in supervision.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A perspective view of a universal key 1 can he 1 be removed. The universal key 1 is particularly suitable for control cabinets and shut-off systems. It comprises a basic element 2 , on which at least four key arms 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D are arranged. At the ends of some key arms 3 are actuating devices 4 for actuating a device, in particular a closing and / or shut-off device, arranged. The actuating device 4 each includes an interior element 5 and outer element 6 , It can per actuator 4 also more than two key elements 5 . 6 be provided. The interior element 5 and the outer element 6 every key arm 3 differs in terms of the key dimension insofar as the inner element 5 (first key element) is smaller than the outer element 6 (second key element). The Innelement 5 is in a cavity 7 of the outer element 8th arranged. The Innelement 5 and the outer element 6 are relative to each other along a direction R, due to the orientation of the key arm 3 fixed, movable.

The 1 to 3 can be seen that the first key element 5 (Inner element) and the second key element 6 (Outer element) are arranged with respect to the cross section fitting into one another. Moving the one key element ( 5 in 2 , or 6 according to 3 ) relative to the rigid key element ( 6 according to 2 . 5 according to 3 ) takes place along a direction of movement R. The nested key elements 5 . 6 have axes of symmetry that run collinear and at least parallel to the direction of movement R of the movable key element ( 5 respectively 6 ).

Of the 1 it can be seen that the first and / or the second key element 5 . 6 of the first key arm 3A includes an interior triangle. The key element 5 . 6 of the second key arm 3B includes an inside square. At the key arms 3C and 3D deviating keys of different key dimensions are arranged. That on the key arm 3D arranged tool 8th is about a tool backup 9 with the universal key 1 releasably connected, thereby losing the tool 8th is avoided. The tool safety 9 can be solvable insofar as the tool 8th at least temporarily from the tool holder 10 is removable. There may be more tool holders 10 ' be provided, such as for screwdriver blades (bits) for selectable screw head profiles.

The basic element 2 and / or the actuators 4 and / or the key arms 3 may be formed from a cast material, in particular from a die-cast zinc material. Several different materials can be provided, in particular in the area of the actuating devices 4 ,

The outer element 6 visually differs from interior element 5 at least in certain areas. In particular, the outer element 6 at least partially made of a different material (for example, plastic) is formed as the inner element 5 (Zinc die-cast material).

The key elements 5 . 6 the key arms 3A and 3B have an outer shape, wherein the shape features or contour features at least partially correspond to the shape or contour features of the key. Such is the outer shape of the key element 5 . 6 of the key arm 3A triangular, whereas the outer shape of the key element 5 . 6 of the key arm 3B is square. Thus, the user can already find out by haptic impressions or by feeling which key on the key element 5 . 6 is arranged.

The 2A shows a plan view of an embodiment of the universal key 1 in which the outer element 6 rigidly on the key arm 3 is attached. The interior element 5 is relative to the outer element 6 from a first position (in 2 shown) in at least one second position (in 2 not shown) movable.

Moving the interior element 5 relative to the rigid outer element 6 , in particular moving from a first, in 2A position shown, in a second, in 2A not shown position, can be done against the action of a spring. The spring would be preferred in the region of the cavity 7 of the outer element 6 to arrange. By the spring element is achieved that the inner element 5 in his basic position always in the in 2A shown position, namely in an extended position. To the interior element 5 into the pushed in, in 2A To move not shown position, the spring force of the spring element must be overcome.

Moving the interior element 5 relative to the rigid outer element 6 , in particular moving from a first position to a second position, can by the action of an active element 11 , in particular by the action of a magnet or a spring assisted. This can be achieved that the inner element 5 not uncontrolled from the pushed-in position reaches the pushed out position. If the active element 11 is formed as a magnet, this may be in the region of the basic element 2 , in particular in the middle of the basic element 2 be arranged, thereby affecting its effect on several internal elements of the key arms 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D extends.

Of the 2A can also be a handle 12 taken by moving the key elements 5 . 6 is mechanically handled relative to each other, in particular easier to handle, is. In the handle 12 it is a pin through which the interior element 5 in the outer element 6 is displaceable.

Incidentally, the 2A a guide 13 be removed by the moving of the inner element 5 relative to the outer element 6 done mechanically guided. The guide 13 includes a guide frame 14 and one in the lead setting 14 guided guide pin 15 , The handle 12 is in the range of the guide pin 15 arranged.

The 2A further discloses locking means 16 through which the movable key element 5 (Inner element) can be locked in a first and / or in a second position.

The 2 B shows a side view of the universal key 1 according to 2A in vertical section. Of the 2 B it can be seen that the key element 5 (Inner element) a key body 17 has, on which a guide pin 18 is arranged, which - in sections - in a guide channel 19 of the other key element 6 (Outer element) and - in sections - in a guide channel 19 of the key arm 3 is feasible.

An alternative embodiment of the universal key 1 can he 3 be removed. Thus, the first key element is 5 , ie the inner element rigidly on the key arm 3 attached. The second key element 6 , ie the outer element, is relative to the first key element 5 movable. Moving the exterior element 6 takes place against the action of an active element, in particular from a first position (pushed in) into a second (pushed out) position or from a second position into a first position. In 3 a first, pushed in position of the outer elements is shown 6 , For mechanical guidance of the outer element 6 on the interior element 6 can guide means 13 be provided. The locking of the outer element 6 on the interior element 5 can by means of a locking agent 16 respectively.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Universal key

2

basic element

3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D

key arm

4

actuator

5

first key element / inner element

6

second key element / outer element

7

cavity

8th

Tool

9

tool safety

10, 10 '

tool holder

11

active element

12

handle

13

guide means

14

guide link

15

guide pin

16

locking

17

key body

18

spigot

19

guide channel

R

direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1767316 B1 [0002]

Claims (16)

Universal key ( 1 ), in particular for control cabinets and shut-off systems, comprising a basic element ( 2 ) on which at least one key arm ( 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D ) is arranged, wherein at least one end of a key arm ( 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D ) an actuating device ( 4 ) for actuating a device, in particular a closing and / or shut-off device, is arranged, characterized in that the actuating device ( 4 ) a first key element ( 5 ) and a second key element ( 6 ) comprises the first and second key elements ( 5 . 6 ) in terms of the size of the key insofar as the first key element ( 5 ) is smaller than the second key element ( 6 ) that the first key element ( 5 ) in a cavity ( 7 ) of the second key element ( 6 ) and that the first key element ( 5 ) and the second key element ( 6 ) relative to each other along a direction (R) substantially through the key arm (FIG. 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D ) are movable. Universal key ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second key element ( 6 ) rigidly on the key arm ( 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D ), and that the first key element ( 5 ) relative to the second key element ( 6 ) is movable from a first position to at least a second position. Universal key ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the movement of the first key element ( 5 ) relative to the rigid second key element ( 6 ), in particular the movement from a first position to a second position, takes place against the action of a spring, the spring preferably in the region of the cavity ( 7 ) of the second key element ( 6 ) is arranged. Universal key ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the movement of the first key element ( 5 ) relative to the rigid second key element ( 6 ), in particular moving from a first position to a second position, by the action of an active element ( 11 ), in particular by the action of a magnet or a spring, is assisted. Universal key ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the active element ( 11 ) in the region of the basic element ( 2 ) is arranged. Universal key ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first key element ( 5 ) rigidly on the key arm ( 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D ), and that the second key element ( 6 ) relative to the first key element ( 5 ) is movable. Universal key ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the movement of the second key element ( 6 ), in particular from a first position to a second position or from a second position to a first position, takes place against the action of an active element. Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a key element ( 5 . 6 ) a key body ( 17 ), on which a guide pin ( 18 ) arranged in a guide channel ( 19 ) of the other key element ( 6 . 5 ) and / or in a guide channel ( 19 ) of the key arm ( 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D ) is feasible. Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that four key arms ( 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C . 3D ) are provided. Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first and / or the second key element ( 5 . 6 ) comprises an inner triangular, an inner square, an outer triangular and / or an outer square. Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by guide means ( 13 ), by which the movement of the key elements ( 5 . 6 ) is mechanically guided relative to each other, wherein the guide means ( 13 ) preferably a guide slot ( 14 ) and / or one in the management scene ( 14 ) guided guide pin ( 15 ). Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by at least one handle ( 12 ), by which the movement of the key elements ( 5 . 6 ) relative to each other mechanically manageable, in particular easier to handle, is. Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by arresting means ( 16 ), by which the movable key element ( 5 . 6 ) is lockable in a first and / or in a second position. Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the basic element ( 2 ) and / or the actuating device ( 4 ) are formed from a casting material, in particular from a zinc die casting material. Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the first key element ( 5 ) optically from the second key element ( 6 ) at least partially different, and / or that the second key element ( 6 ) is at least partially formed from a different material than the first key element ( 5 ). Universal key ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first key element ( 5 ) and / or the second key element ( 6 ) has an outer shape and / or a contour, wherein the shape features or contour features at least partially correspond to the shape or contour features of the key.

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