EP0520362B1 - Key-ring - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0520362B1
EP0520362B1 EP92110539A EP92110539A EP0520362B1 EP 0520362 B1 EP0520362 B1 EP 0520362B1 EP 92110539 A EP92110539 A EP 92110539A EP 92110539 A EP92110539 A EP 92110539A EP 0520362 B1 EP0520362 B1 EP 0520362B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key fob
hinge pin
key
plane
rotation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP92110539A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0520362A1 (en
Inventor
Thomas Fengler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vela Werbeartikel Produktion und Service & Co GmbH
Original Assignee
Vela Werbeartikel Produktion und Service & Co KG GmbH
Vela Schreibgeraetefabrik GmbH and Co KG
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Publication date
Application filed by Vela Werbeartikel Produktion und Service & Co KG GmbH, Vela Schreibgeraetefabrik GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Vela Werbeartikel Produktion und Service & Co KG GmbH
Publication of EP0520362A1 publication Critical patent/EP0520362A1/en
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Publication of EP0520362B1 publication Critical patent/EP0520362B1/en
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44BBUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B15/00Key-rings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a key fob with a disc-like body and an undercut groove running around its narrow side, into which at least one anchoring element can be hung, which carries a key ring.
  • key fobs are known from the prior art, these always consist of at least one key ring in which one or more keys can be hung.
  • the actual key fob is hung on the key ring, which can show the most diverse design forms.
  • Such key rings are used for optical purposes, for example they are provided with advertising prints or the like and are usually of a size which makes it difficult to lose or misplace the keys.
  • a key fob is known from the prior art (DE-U-9101469.7), which is designed in the form of a circular disk with an undercut groove running around its circumferential edge. A portion of a side wall of the groove can be released by means of a radially movable slider, in order in this way to hang up or hang in each case a desired anchoring element, which has a thinner shaft and an enlarged head and carries a key ring at its end.
  • the disadvantage of this embodiment is that the actual body of the key fob is very simple and unimaginative and therefore cannot meet optical requirements.
  • the key fob is particularly not suitable for the effective presentation of an advertising print.
  • Another disadvantage is that the slide for releasing the anchoring elements is very cumbersome to operate, so that it is difficult to attach or release an anchoring element and there is always the risk that female users in particular damage the fingernails on the slider.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a key fob of the type mentioned, which is suitable as an advertising medium with a simple structure, ease of use and inexpensive to manufacture, meets the highest demands and avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular hooking and loosening the anchoring elements is simplified.
  • the object is achieved in that the disc-like body is divided by a second plane arranged perpendicular to the plane of the circumferential groove into two partial bodies which are connected to one another by means of an axis of rotation for rotation about an axis arranged perpendicular to this second plane.
  • the key fob according to the invention is distinguished by a number of considerable advantages. By dividing the disc-like body into two parts, it is possible to twist them against each other. For this purpose, there is a sufficient contact surface for handling the two partial bodies, so that the problems and disadvantages known from the prior art are not to be feared. Furthermore, the key fob also meets the highest optical requirements, since the 360 ° rotation of the two partial bodies relative to one another results in optical effects which have hitherto not been achieved, for example by different printing on the front and back of the partial bodies and by any combination of these prints.
  • the key fob according to the invention has a disc-like body, this being understood to mean all rounded shapes which have a round or elliptical shape in the view of the broad side.
  • the side surfaces of the disc-like body are rounded and, for example, convex.
  • the result is a body that is elliptical or circular and has rounded areas in a lens-like configuration.
  • At least one locking element is provided between the two partial bodies for fixing them.
  • the disc-like body can be held in its original shape by means of the latching element after the two partial bodies have been rotated relative to one another and rotated back into their starting position.
  • the latching element is preferably formed in each case in a combination of a concave recess and a convex elevation fitting into it, so that an easy latching or snapping is ensured.
  • the axis of rotation is anchored to a first part of the body and that the second part of the body is displaceable along the axis of rotation and is biased against the first part of the body by means of an elastic element.
  • the spring preload ensures that the two partial bodies cannot inadvertently turn against each other.
  • the axis of rotation can be made very solid in order to prevent the two partial bodies from tilting or tilting. This ensures both the technical functionality and a good visual appearance.
  • the two partial bodies can be rotated relative to one another, the corresponding ends of the undercut groove, which open into the partial plane of the two partial bodies, are open, so that the operator can insert or remove an anchoring element without any difficulty.
  • the handling of the key fob is therefore considerably easier.
  • a very important advantage of the key fob according to the invention is that the two partial bodies can be rotated relative to one another in such a way that the operator has free access to a total of four entry areas of the circumferential groove.
  • the individual anchoring elements can be inserted or removed in any way.
  • the operator is not forced to first move the anchoring elements in a cumbersome manner along the groove in order to achieve a specific anchoring element and the separate the associated key from the key fob.
  • the individual anchoring elements can run freely in the groove, which considerably simplifies the handling of the key fob.
  • the invention provides that the axis of rotation is rotatably mounted in the first part of the body.
  • the axis of rotation can preferably have an annular groove in which a retaining rib of the first partial body engages.
  • an enlarged head is formed at the free end of the axis of rotation, against which a compression spring is supported.
  • the compression spring is designed in the form of a spiral spring and surrounds the axis of rotation. This simplifies the manufacture of the key fob and furthermore ensures a high degree of functional reliability.
  • each partial body consists of two partial shells, which are joined together in a plane encompassing the axis of rotation.
  • the axis of rotation can be introduced into the partial body in a particularly simple manner; furthermore, the respective partial body can be made essentially hollow, so that the key fob has a very low weight.
  • the production of the undercut, circumferential groove is also considerably simplified by this configuration, since the respective partial shells can be produced as plastic injection molded parts which are not provided with undercuts.
  • the key fob according to the invention has a disc-like body 1, which is essentially elliptical in the respective side view and rotationally symmetrical about the respective axis, on the circumference of which a groove 2 rotates, which, as from FIG. 1 it can be seen that undercuts are formed.
  • At least one anchoring element 3 is arranged in the groove 2, preferably three to four such anchoring elements 3 are provided.
  • the anchoring element 3 comprises a spherical head 13, the diameter of which is larger than the free width 16 of the groove 2.
  • the head 13 is connected to a shaft 14, which is slightly smaller in diameter than the width 16.
  • a carrier 15 which can be cylindrical, for example.
  • the carrier 15 has a recess 17 extending transversely therethrough, into which a not shown Key ring can be screwed, on which one or more keys can be attached in the usual way. It is understood that the anchoring element 3 is freely displaceable along the groove 2 on the circumference of the body 1.
  • the body 1 is composed of a first partial body 4 and a second partial body 5, which abut one another in a plane 18.
  • An axis of rotation 6 is arranged in the central region of the two partial bodies 4 and 5 in order to enable the two partial bodies 4 and 5 to be rotated by 360 degrees.
  • At least one pair of latching elements is provided in the area between the partial bodies 4 and 5, which consists of a partially spherical, concave recess 8 and a partially spherical, convex elevation 9. It turns out that with a corresponding assignment of the two partial bodies 4 and 5 to form a uniform body 1, the respective elevations 9 are snapped into the respective recesses 8.
  • the axis of rotation 6 has an annular groove 10, which is gripped by lateral holding ribs 13 of the first partial body 4. In this way, the axis of rotation 6 is rotatable, but not longitudinally displaceable in the first partial body 4.
  • an enlarged circular plate-shaped head 12 is provided at the other end region of the axis of rotation 6, against which a compression spring 7 (elastic element) is supported.
  • the compression spring 7 thus tensions the first part body 4 against the second part body 5.
  • annular disk 19 surrounding the axis of rotation 6 is further provided, which is also arranged in the second part 5.
  • the two partial bodies 4 and 5 each consist of partial shells 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, as can be seen from FIG. 1.
  • the two partial shells are assembled in the rotary plane 20 comprising the axis of rotation 6.
  • 4 shows the partial shell 4a in a side sectional view
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 each show this partial shell in side views.
  • the groove 2 is delimited by a circumferential, inner web 21 which at the same time forms a delimitation of the interior.
  • the holding rib 11 can be seen from the figures, which has a semi-cylindrical recess 22 into which the axis of rotation 6 can be inserted.
  • the two partial shells 4a and 4b or 5a and 5b are connected to one another via pins 23 and pin holes 24, as can be seen from the figures.
  • the partial shells can be glued or welded together.

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  • Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Saccharide Compounds (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a key-ring, having a discus-type body (1) and an undercut groove (2) which passes around its narrow side and in which at least one anchoring element (3) can be hooked which bears a ring for keys. In order to be able to handle the key-ring conveniently and to be able to design it in a visually attractive manner, provision is made for the discus-type body (1) to be subdivided about a plane (18), arranged perpendicular to the plane of the peripheral groove (2), into two partial bodies (4, 5) which are connected to one another for rotation about an axis of rotation (6) arranged perpendicular to the plane (18). <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Schlüsselanhänger mit einem diskusartigen Körper und einer an dessen Schmalseite umlaufenden, hinterschnittenen Nut, in welche zumindest ein Verankerungselement einhängbar ist, welches einen Schlüsselring trägt.The invention relates to a key fob with a disc-like body and an undercut groove running around its narrow side, into which at least one anchoring element can be hung, which carries a key ring.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind vielfältige Ausgestaltungsformen von Schlüsselanhängern bekannt, diese bestehen stets aus zumindest einem Schlüsselring, in welchen ein oder mehrere Schlüssel einhängbar sind. An dem Schlüsselring ist der eigentliche Schlüsselanhänger eingehängt, welcher die vielfältigsten Ausgestaltungsformen ausweisen kann. Derartige Schlüsselanhänger dienen optischen Zwecken, sie sind beispielsweise mit Werbeaufdrucken oder ähnlichem versehen und weisen üblicherweise eine Größe auf, welche ein Verlieren oder Verlegen der Schlüssel erschwert.Various designs of key fobs are known from the prior art, these always consist of at least one key ring in which one or more keys can be hung. The actual key fob is hung on the key ring, which can show the most diverse design forms. Such key rings are used for optical purposes, for example they are provided with advertising prints or the like and are usually of a size which makes it difficult to lose or misplace the keys.

Bei den bekannten Schlüsselanhängern mit nur einem Schlüsselring erweist es sich als nachteilig, daß sämtliche Schlüssel auf diesen Schlüsselring aufgezogen werden müssen. Ab einer bestimmten Schlüsselzahl ist auch das Fassungsvolumen großer Schlüsselringe erschöpft. Weiterhin besteht für den Benutzer der Nachteil, daß er stets sämtlich Schlüssel mit sich tragen muß, beispielsweise Wohnungsschlüssel, Briefkastenschlüssel, Autoschlüssel, obwohl er nur einen dieser Schlüssel benötigen würde, beispielsweise den Autoschlüssel. Abgesehen von dem hohen Gewicht des gesamten Schlüsselarrangements ergibt sich auch stets ein vielfach nicht gewünschter akkustischer Klappereffekt.In the known key fobs with only one key ring, it proves to be disadvantageous that all keys have to be pulled onto this key ring. From a certain key number, the volume of large key rings is also exhausted. Furthermore, there is the disadvantage for the user that he must always carry all of the keys with him, for example apartment keys, mailbox keys, car keys, although he would only need one of these keys, for example the car key. Apart from the high weight of the entire key arrangement, there is always an often undesirable acoustic rattling effect.

Aus dem Stand der Technik (DE-U-9101469.7) ist ein Schlüsselanhänger bekannt, welcher in Form einer Kreisscheibe ausgebildet ist, an deren Umfangskante eine hinterschnittene Nut umläuft. Mittels eines radial bewegbaren Schiebers ist ein Teilbereich einer Seitenwandung der Nut freigebbar, um auf diese Weise jeweils ein gewünschtes Verankerungselement, welches einen dünneren Schaft und einen vergrößerten Kopf aufweist und an seinem Ende einen Schlüsselring trägt, auszuhängen beziehungsweise einzuhängen. Der Nachteil bei dieser Ausgestaltungsform liegt darin, daß der eigentliche Körper des Schlüsselanhängers sehr einfach und phantasielos ausgebildet ist und deshalb optischen Ansprüchen nicht genügen kann. Der Schlüsselanhänger ist insbesondere nicht zur werbewirksamen Präsentation eines Werbeaufdruckes geeignet. Ein weiterer Nachteil liegt darin, daß der Schieber zur Freigabe der Verankerungselemente sehr umständlich zu betätigen ist, so daß es Mühe bereitet, ein Verankerungselement einzuhängen beziehungsweise freizugeben und stets die Gefahr besteht, daß sich insbesondere weibliche Benutzerinnen an dem Schieber die Fingernägel beschädigen.A key fob is known from the prior art (DE-U-9101469.7), which is designed in the form of a circular disk with an undercut groove running around its circumferential edge. A portion of a side wall of the groove can be released by means of a radially movable slider, in order in this way to hang up or hang in each case a desired anchoring element, which has a thinner shaft and an enlarged head and carries a key ring at its end. The disadvantage of this embodiment is that the actual body of the key fob is very simple and unimaginative and therefore cannot meet optical requirements. The key fob is particularly not suitable for the effective presentation of an advertising print. Another disadvantage is that the slide for releasing the anchoring elements is very cumbersome to operate, so that it is difficult to attach or release an anchoring element and there is always the risk that female users in particular damage the fingernails on the slider.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Schlüsselanhänger der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, welcher bei einfachem Aufbau, leichter Bedienbarkeit und kostengünstiger Herstellbarkeit als Werbeträger geeignet ist, höchsten Ansprüchen gerecht wird und die Nachteile des Standes der Technik vermeidet, wobei insbesondere das Einhaken und Lösen der Verankerungselemente vereinfacht wird.The invention has for its object to provide a key fob of the type mentioned, which is suitable as an advertising medium with a simple structure, ease of use and inexpensive to manufacture, meets the highest demands and avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular hooking and loosening the anchoring elements is simplified.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, daß der diskusartige Körper durch eine senkrecht zur Ebene der umlaufenden Nut angeordnete zweite Ebene in zwei Teilkörper unterteilt ist, welche zur Drehung um eine senkrecht zu dieser zweiten Ebene angeordnete Achse mittels einer Drehachse miteinander verbunden sind.According to the invention the object is achieved in that the disc-like body is divided by a second plane arranged perpendicular to the plane of the circumferential groove into two partial bodies which are connected to one another by means of an axis of rotation for rotation about an axis arranged perpendicular to this second plane.

Der erfindungsgemäße Schlüsselanhänger zeichnet sich durch eine Reihe erheblicher Vorteile aus. Durch die Unterteilung des diskusartigen Körpers in zwei Teilkörper ist es möglich, diese gegeneinander zu verdrehen. Hierfür steht eine ausreichende Angriffsfläche zur Handhabung der beiden Teilkörper zur Verfügung, so daß die aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Probleme und Nachteile nicht zu befürchten sind. Weiterhin genügt der Schlüsselanhänger auch höchsten optischen Anforderungen, da sich durch die um 360 Grad mögliche Verdrehung der beiden Teilkörper zueinander bisher nicht realisierte optische Effekte, beispielsweise durch unterschiedliche Bedruckung der Vorder- und der Rückseite der Teilkörper und durch beliebige Kombination dieser Bedruckungen ergeben.The key fob according to the invention is distinguished by a number of considerable advantages. By dividing the disc-like body into two parts, it is possible to twist them against each other. For this purpose, there is a sufficient contact surface for handling the two partial bodies, so that the problems and disadvantages known from the prior art are not to be feared. Furthermore, the key fob also meets the highest optical requirements, since the 360 ° rotation of the two partial bodies relative to one another results in optical effects which have hitherto not been achieved, for example by different printing on the front and back of the partial bodies and by any combination of these prints.

Der erfindungsgemäße Schlüsselanhänger weist einen diskusartigen Körper auf, wobei hierunter sämtliche abgerundeten Formen zu verstehen sind, welche in der Ansicht auf die Breitseite eine runde oder elliptische Gestalt aufweisen. Die Seitenflächen des diskusartigen Körpers sind abgerundet und beispielsweise konvex ausgebildet. Es ergibt sich somit ein Körper, welcher elliptisch oder kreisrund ist und in linsenartiger Ausgestaltung abgerundete Bereiche aufweist.The key fob according to the invention has a disc-like body, this being understood to mean all rounded shapes which have a round or elliptical shape in the view of the broad side. The side surfaces of the disc-like body are rounded and, for example, convex. The result is a body that is elliptical or circular and has rounded areas in a lens-like configuration.

In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist zumindest ein Rastelement zwischen den beiden Teilkörpern zu deren Fixierung vorgesehen. Mittels des Rastelementes kann der diskusartige Körper in seiner Ursprungsform gehalten werden, nachdem die beiden Teilkörper zueinander verdreht und in ihre Ausgangslage zurückgedreht wurden.In a preferred development of the invention, at least one locking element is provided between the two partial bodies for fixing them. The disc-like body can be held in its original shape by means of the latching element after the two partial bodies have been rotated relative to one another and rotated back into their starting position.

Das Rastelement ist bevorzugterweise jeweils in einer Kombination einer konkaven Ausnehmung und einer in diese passenden konvexen Erhebung ausgebildet, so daß eine leichtes Einrasten oder Einschnappen gewährleistet ist.The latching element is preferably formed in each case in a combination of a concave recess and a convex elevation fitting into it, so that an easy latching or snapping is ensured.

In einer weiteren, besonders günstigen Ausbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß an einem ersten Teilkörper die Drehachse verankert ist, und daß der zweite Teilkörper längs der Drehachse verschiebbar und mittels eines elastischen Elementes gegen den ersten Teilkörper vorgespannt ist. Es kann somit zur Verdrehung der beiden Teilkörper eine Separierung der beiden aneinander anliegenden Flächen der beiden Teilkörper vorgenommen werden, um die Rastelemente von einander zu trennen und eine Verdrehung zu ermöglichen. Durch die Federvorspannung ist gewährleistet, daß sich die beiden Teilkörper nicht unbeabsichtigt gegeneinander verdrehen können. Die Drehachse kann sehr massiv ausgebildet sein, um ein Verkippen oder Verkanten der beiden Teilkörper auszuschließen. Es ist somit sowohl die technische Funktionsfähigkeit gesichert als auch ein gutes optisches Aussehen gewährleistet.In a further, particularly favorable embodiment of the invention it is provided that the axis of rotation is anchored to a first part of the body and that the second part of the body is displaceable along the axis of rotation and is biased against the first part of the body by means of an elastic element. In order to rotate the two partial bodies, it is thus possible to separate the two abutting surfaces of the two partial bodies in order to separate the latching elements from one another and to enable rotation. The spring preload ensures that the two partial bodies cannot inadvertently turn against each other. The axis of rotation can be made very solid in order to prevent the two partial bodies from tilting or tilting. This ensures both the technical functionality and a good visual appearance.

Da erfindungsgemäß die beiden Teilkörper zueinander verdrehbar sind, liegen die entsprechenden Enden der hinterschnittenen Nut, welche in der Teilebene der beiden Teilkörper münden, offen, so daß die Bedienungsperson ohne jede Schwierigkeit ein Verankerungselement einfügen oder entnehmen kann. Die Handhabung des Schlüsselanhängers ist somit erheblich erleichtert.Since, according to the invention, the two partial bodies can be rotated relative to one another, the corresponding ends of the undercut groove, which open into the partial plane of the two partial bodies, are open, so that the operator can insert or remove an anchoring element without any difficulty. The handling of the key fob is therefore considerably easier.

Ein ganz wesentlicher Vorteil des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüsselanhängers besteht darin, daß die beiden Teilkörper so zueinander verdreht werden können, daß die Bedienungsperson freien Zugang zu insgesamt vier Eintrittsbereichen der umlaufenden Nut hat. Hierdurch können die einzelnen Verankerungselemente in beliebiger Weise eingeführt beziehungsweise entnommen werden. Es ist, im Gegensatz zum Stand der Technik, keine bestimmte Reihenfolge einzuhalten, weiterhin ist die Bedienungsperson nicht gezwungen, zunächst die Verankerungselemente in umständlicher Weise längs der Nut zu verschieben, um ein bestimmtes Verankerungselement und den hiermit verbundenen Schlüssel von dem Schlüsselanhänger zu trennen. Erfindungsgemäß können die einzelnen Verankerungselemente in der Nut frei umlaufen, wodurch die Handhabung des Schlüsselanhängers wesentlich vereinfacht wird.A very important advantage of the key fob according to the invention is that the two partial bodies can be rotated relative to one another in such a way that the operator has free access to a total of four entry areas of the circumferential groove. As a result, the individual anchoring elements can be inserted or removed in any way. In contrast to the prior art, there is no particular order to be followed, furthermore the operator is not forced to first move the anchoring elements in a cumbersome manner along the groove in order to achieve a specific anchoring element and the separate the associated key from the key fob. According to the invention, the individual anchoring elements can run freely in the groove, which considerably simplifies the handling of the key fob.

Um die Drehung möglichst einfach und leicht vornehmen zu können ist erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, daß die Drehachse in dem ersten Teilkörper drehbar gelagert ist. Dabei kann die Drehachse bevorzugterweise eine Ringnut aufweisen, in welche eine Halterippe des ersten Teilkörpers eingreift.In order to make the rotation as simple and easy as possible, the invention provides that the axis of rotation is rotatably mounted in the first part of the body. The axis of rotation can preferably have an annular groove in which a retaining rib of the first partial body engages.

Zur Vorspannung des zweiten Teilkörpers gegen den ersten Teilkörper ist in günstiger Weiterbildung der Erfindung am freien Ende der Drehachse ein vergrößerter Kopf ausgebildet, gegen welchen sich eine Druckfeder abstützt. Die Druckfeder ist in Form einer Spiralfeder ausgebildet und umgibt die Drehachse. Hierdurch vereinfacht sich die Herstellung des Schlüsselanhängers, weiterhin wird ein hohes Maß an Funktionssicherheit gewährleistet.In order to pretension the second part body against the first part body, in an advantageous development of the invention, an enlarged head is formed at the free end of the axis of rotation, against which a compression spring is supported. The compression spring is designed in the form of a spiral spring and surrounds the axis of rotation. This simplifies the manufacture of the key fob and furthermore ensures a high degree of functional reliability.

Um die Herstellung des Schlüsselanhängers zu vereinfachen, ist weiterhin vorgesehen, daß jeder Teilkörper aus zwei Teilschalen besteht, welche in einer die Drehachse umfassenden Ebene zusammengefügt sind. Auf diese Weise läßt sich besonders einfach die Drehachse in die Teilkörper einbringen, weiterhin kann der jeweilige Teilkörper im wesentlichen hohl ausgebildet sein, so daß der Schlüsselanhänger ein sehr geringes Gewicht aufweist. Auch die Herstellung der hinterschnittenen, umlaufenden Nut vereinfacht sich durch diese Ausgestaltung ganz erheblich, da die jeweiligen Teilschalen als nicht mit Hinterschneidungen versehene Kunststoff-Spritzkörper hergestellt werden können.In order to simplify the manufacture of the key fob, it is further provided that each partial body consists of two partial shells, which are joined together in a plane encompassing the axis of rotation. In this way, the axis of rotation can be introduced into the partial body in a particularly simple manner; furthermore, the respective partial body can be made essentially hollow, so that the key fob has a very low weight. The production of the undercut, circumferential groove is also considerably simplified by this configuration, since the respective partial shells can be produced as plastic injection molded parts which are not provided with undercuts.

Im nachfolgenden wird die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles in Verbindung mit der Zeichnung beschrieben. Dabei zeigt:

Fig. 1
eine Seitenansicht, teils im Schnitt, auf die Schmalseite eines Ausführungsbeispieles des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüsselanhängers,
Fig. 2
eine Ansicht auf die rechts oben in Fig. 1 gezeigte Teilschale des Schlüsselanhängers mit Blickrichtung von links, bezogen auf Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
eine Draufsicht auf die in Fig. 2 gezeigte Teilschale,
Fig. 4
eine Seiten-Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-B von Fig. 2 mit Blickrichtung von rechts, bezogen auf Fig. 2, und
Fig. 5
eine verkleinerte Ansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Drehachse.
The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. It shows:
Fig. 1
2 shows a side view, partly in section, on the narrow side of an embodiment of the key fob according to the invention,
Fig. 2
2 shows a view of the partial shell of the key fob shown at the top right in FIG. 1, looking from the left, based on FIG. 1,
Fig. 3
3 shows a plan view of the partial shell shown in FIG. 2,
Fig. 4
a side sectional view taken along line AB of Fig. 2 looking from the right, based on Fig. 2, and
Fig. 5
a reduced view of the axis of rotation according to the invention.

Wie sich aus der Darstellung der Fig. 1 ergibt, weist der erfindungsgemäße Schlüsselanhänger einen diskusartigen, in der jeweiligen Seitenansicht im wesentlichen elliptischen, um die jeweilige Achse rotationssymmetrischen Körper 1 auf, an dessen Umfang eine Nut 2 umläuft, welche, wie aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich ist, hinterschnitten ausgebildet ist. In der Nut 2 ist zumindest ein Verankerungselement 3 angeordnet, bevorzugterweise sind drei bis vier derartige Verankerungselemente 3 vorgesehen.As can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 1, the key fob according to the invention has a disc-like body 1, which is essentially elliptical in the respective side view and rotationally symmetrical about the respective axis, on the circumference of which a groove 2 rotates, which, as from FIG. 1 it can be seen that undercuts are formed. At least one anchoring element 3 is arranged in the groove 2, preferably three to four such anchoring elements 3 are provided.

Das Verankerungselement 3 umfaßt einen kugelförmigen Kopf 13, dessen Durchmesser größer ist, als die freie Breite 16 der Nut 2. Der Kopf 13 ist mit einem Schaft 14 verbunden, welcher geringfügig kleiner in seinem Durchmesser ist, als die Breite 16. An den Schaft 14 schließt sich ein Träger 15 an, welcher beispielsweise zylindrisch ausgebildet sein kann. Der Träger 15 weist eine sich quer durch diesen erstreckende Ausnehmung 17 auf, in welche ein nicht dargestellter Schlüsselring eindrehbar ist, an welchem in üblicher Weise einer oder mehrere Schlüssel befestigt werden können. Es versteht sich, daß das Verankerungselement 3 am Umfang des Körpers 1 längs der Nut 2 frei verschiebbar ist.The anchoring element 3 comprises a spherical head 13, the diameter of which is larger than the free width 16 of the groove 2. The head 13 is connected to a shaft 14, which is slightly smaller in diameter than the width 16. At the shaft 14 is followed by a carrier 15, which can be cylindrical, for example. The carrier 15 has a recess 17 extending transversely therethrough, into which a not shown Key ring can be screwed, on which one or more keys can be attached in the usual way. It is understood that the anchoring element 3 is freely displaceable along the groove 2 on the circumference of the body 1.

Der Körper 1 ist aus einem ersten Teilkörper 4 und einem zweiten Teilkörper 5 zusammengesetzt, welche in einer Ebene 18 aneinander anliegen. Im zentrischen Bereich der beiden Teilkörper 4 und 5 ist eine Drehachse 6 angeordnet, um eine Verdrehung der beiden Teilkörper 4 und 5 um 360 Grad zu ermöglichen.The body 1 is composed of a first partial body 4 and a second partial body 5, which abut one another in a plane 18. An axis of rotation 6 is arranged in the central region of the two partial bodies 4 and 5 in order to enable the two partial bodies 4 and 5 to be rotated by 360 degrees.

Wie sich insbesondere aus Fig. 2 ergibt, ist im Bereich zwischen den Teilkörpern 4 und 5 zumindest ein Rastelementenpaar vorgesehen, welches aus einer teilkugelförmigen, konkaven Ausnehmung 8 sowie einer teilkugelförmigen, konvexen Erhebung 9 besteht. Es ergibt sich, daß bei entsprechender Zuordnung der beiden Teilkörper 4 und 5 zur Bildung eines einheitlichen Körpers 1 die jeweiligen Erhebungen 9 in die jeweiligen Ausnehmungen 8 eingerastet sind.As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2, at least one pair of latching elements is provided in the area between the partial bodies 4 and 5, which consists of a partially spherical, concave recess 8 and a partially spherical, convex elevation 9. It turns out that with a corresponding assignment of the two partial bodies 4 and 5 to form a uniform body 1, the respective elevations 9 are snapped into the respective recesses 8.

Die Drehachse 6 weist eine Ringnut 10 auf, welche von seitlichen Halterippen 13 des ersten Teilkörpers 4 gegriffen wird. Auf diese Weise ist die Drehachse 6 drehbar, nicht jedoch längs verschiebbar in dem ersten Teilkörper 4 gelagert.The axis of rotation 6 has an annular groove 10, which is gripped by lateral holding ribs 13 of the first partial body 4. In this way, the axis of rotation 6 is rotatable, but not longitudinally displaceable in the first partial body 4.

Wie insbesondere aus Fig. 5 zu ersehen ist, ist an dem anderen Endbereich der Drehachse 6 ein vergrößerter, kreisplattenförmiger Kopf 12 vorgesehen, gegen welchen sich eine Druckfeder 7 (elastisches Element) abstützt. Die Druckfeder 7 spannt somit den ersten Teilkörper 4 gegen den zweiten Teilkörper 5, bei Aufbringen einer Zugkraft durch den Benutzer lassen sich die beiden Teilkörper 4 und 5 im Bereich der Ebene 18 voneinander separieren, so daß die Rastelemente 8, 9 voneinander getrennt werden können. Daraufhin ist eine Verdrehung der beiden Teilkörper 4 und 5 gegeneinander möglich.As can be seen in particular from FIG. 5, an enlarged circular plate-shaped head 12 is provided at the other end region of the axis of rotation 6, against which a compression spring 7 (elastic element) is supported. The compression spring 7 thus tensions the first part body 4 against the second part body 5. When a tensile force is applied by the user, the two part bodies 4 and 5 can be separated from one another in the area of the plane 18, so that the latching elements 8, 9 can be separated from each other. Thereupon a rotation of the two partial bodies 4 and 5 against each other is possible.

Zur Erleichterung der Montage und um eine Anlagefläche für die Druckfeder 7 zu schaffen, ist weiterhin eine die Drehachse 6 umgebende Kreisringscheibe 19 vorgesehen, welche ebenfalls in dem zweiten Teilkörper 5 angeordnet ist.To facilitate assembly and to create a contact surface for the compression spring 7, an annular disk 19 surrounding the axis of rotation 6 is further provided, which is also arranged in the second part 5.

Die beiden Teilkörper 4 und 5 bestehen jeweils aus Teilschalen 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, sowie dies aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich ist. Die beiden Teilschalen sind in der die Drehachse 6 umfassenden Drehebene 20 zusammengesetzt. Die Fig. 4 zeigt die Teilschale 4a in Seiten-Schnittansicht, während die Fig. 2 und 3 diese Teilschale jeweils in Seitenansichten zeigen. Daraus ergibt sich, daß die Nut 2 durch einen umlaufenden, innenliegenden Steg 21 begrenzt wird, welcher gleichzeitig eine Abgrenzung des Innenraumes bildet. Weiterhin ist aus den Figuren die Halterippe 11 ersichtlich, welche eine halbzylindrische Ausnehmung 22 aufweist, in die die Drehachse 6 einlegbar ist. Die beiden Teilschalen 4a und 4b beziehungsweise 5a und 5b sind über Zapfen 23 und Zapfenlöcher 24 miteinander verbunden, sowie sich dies aus den Abbildungen ergibt. Die Teilschalen können zusätzlich zu dieser mechanischen Verankerung miteinander verklebt oder verschweißt sein.The two partial bodies 4 and 5 each consist of partial shells 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, as can be seen from FIG. 1. The two partial shells are assembled in the rotary plane 20 comprising the axis of rotation 6. 4 shows the partial shell 4a in a side sectional view, while FIGS. 2 and 3 each show this partial shell in side views. It follows from this that the groove 2 is delimited by a circumferential, inner web 21 which at the same time forms a delimitation of the interior. Furthermore, the holding rib 11 can be seen from the figures, which has a semi-cylindrical recess 22 into which the axis of rotation 6 can be inserted. The two partial shells 4a and 4b or 5a and 5b are connected to one another via pins 23 and pin holes 24, as can be seen from the figures. In addition to this mechanical anchoring, the partial shells can be glued or welded together.

Die Erfindung ist nicht auf das gezeigte Ausführungsbeispiel beschränkt, vielmehr ergeben sich für den Fachmann vielfältige Abwandlungs- und Modifikationsmöglichkeiten im Rahmen der Ansprüche.The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown, rather there are various modification and modification possibilities for the person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims.

Claims (8)

  1. A key fob having a disc-shaped body (1) and an undercut groove (2) encircling its narrow side, in which at least one attachment element (3) can be suspended, which bears a key ring,
    characterised in that the disc-shaped body (1) is divided by a second plane (18) disposed perpendicular to the plane of the encircling groove (2) into two portions (4, 5), which are connected to one another by means of a hinge pin (6) for rotation around an axis (20) disposed perpendicular to this second plane (18).
  2. A key fob according to Claim 1,
    characterised in that locking elements (8, 9) for fixing the position of the portions (4, 5) are provided between the portions (4, 5).
  3. A key fob according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterised in that the hinge pin (6) is attached to a first portion (4),
    and in that the second portion (5) can be displaced along the hinge pin (6) and is pretensioned against the first portion (4) by means of an elastic element (7).
  4. A key fob according to Claim 2 or 3,
    characterised in that the locking elements comprise a concave recess (8) and a convex raised portion (9) fitting therein.
  5. A key fob according to Claim 3 or 4,
    characterised in that the hinge pin (6) is pivoted in the first portion (4).
  6. A key fob according to Claim 5,
    characterised in that the hinge pin (6) has an annular groove (10) into which a retaining rib (11) of the first portion (4) engages.
  7. A key fob according to one of Claims 3 to 6,
    characterised in that an enlarged head (12) is constructed at the free end of the hinge pin (6) in the second portion (5), against which head a compression spring (7) surrounding the hinge pin (6) and forming the elastic element is supported.
  8. A key fob according to one of Claims 1 to 7,
    characterised in that the portion (4, 5) consists of two partial shells (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b), which are joined in a plane comprising the hinge pin (6).
EP92110539A 1991-06-24 1992-06-23 Key-ring Expired - Lifetime EP0520362B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE9107772U 1991-06-24
DE9107772U DE9107772U1 (en) 1991-06-24 1991-06-24

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0520362A1 EP0520362A1 (en) 1992-12-30
EP0520362B1 true EP0520362B1 (en) 1995-03-01

Family

ID=6868617

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92110539A Expired - Lifetime EP0520362B1 (en) 1991-06-24 1992-06-23 Key-ring

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0520362B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE118995T1 (en)
DE (2) DE9107772U1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5168735A (en) * 1991-11-29 1992-12-08 Philip Wang Key holder

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2805566A (en) * 1952-08-08 1957-09-10 Martinnzzi Albino Key holding device
US3181321A (en) * 1963-01-21 1965-05-04 John R Gits Key holders
US3503235A (en) * 1968-08-15 1970-03-31 J W Field Co Inc Snap apart key holder
DE8525220U1 (en) * 1985-09-04 1985-11-14 Schmidt & Bruckmann Gmbh, 7530 Pforzheim Key holder
DE9101469U1 (en) * 1991-02-08 1991-04-25 Huang, Yu-Hwei, Lu Chou Hsiang, Taipeh, Tw

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE9107772U1 (en) 1991-08-22
DE59201513D1 (en) 1995-04-06
ATE118995T1 (en) 1995-03-15
EP0520362A1 (en) 1992-12-30

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