EP1767316B1 - Universal key - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a universal key, with a plurality of key arms, on which tool heads and / or receiving devices are arranged for attaching tool heads and at least one of the receiving devices is designed as a hexagon for a screw bit, wherein at least one key arm forms a pin-shaped hollow handle, and the hollow handle at least one Has opening through which at least a second key arm is folded and folded. Such a universal key is example, from the WO01 / 12390A1 known.

Another universal key is for example from the German utility model 296 17 973 U1 known. This universal key has four key arms, which are arranged in the shape of a cross. The tool heads of this universal key serve as closing tools for control cabinets. Switch cabinets have closing elements which can be actuated, for example, with a square, triangular or double-sided key.

Persons involved in the installation or maintenance of control cabinets require a control cabinet key daily, so that one is constantly carried. To store such a universal key is sufficient a trouser or jacket pocket, as it is usually present on work clothes.

A generic universal key is from the US 5,450,775 known. This has a key arm in the form of a pin-shaped hollow handle with a receiving device for a Screw bit on. Mounted in the hollow handle is a fold-out key arm. The well-known universal key is compact, like a pen. Unfavorable are its limited uses. Other universal key, which are provided with receiving devices for Schraubbits and have the same disadvantages, are out US 234,540 and US 4,848,197 known.

The invention has for its object to change the generic universal key so that it has more diverse uses than the known universal key.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that at least one key arm has a turret element which is provided with a plurality of selectively usable tool heads and / or receiving devices.

The turret element is a rotatable element which preferably has a lockable working position into which either one of the tool heads or receiving devices can be fixed.

Through the movable connection of the key arms, the universal key can be folded into a pin-shaped structure that looks like a pen. Advantageously, the universal key according to the invention can be accommodated like a ballpoint pen in a breast pocket. Conveniently, the universal key is provided in the manner of a ballpoint pen with a retaining clip. The retaining clip fixes the universal key by captively capturing it on the textile. In particular, the fact that the pin-like hollow handle in the collapsed state has no protruding key arms, simplifies the handling, namely the insertion and retrieval of the universal key from the pocket of a garment.

When folded, the hollow handle can be turned like a screwdriver. Here it is also advantageous that no laterally projecting key arms interfere with the rotational movement. The hollow handle may be provided with a fixed screwing tool or have a receiving device for a screw bit or another tool head.

The handling of the universal key is particularly good when both the hollow handle and the other key arm has a cylindrical cross-section, wherein the cylindrical outer surface of the key arm in the folded state conforms to the cylindrical inner surface of the hollow handle. This results in a positive position securing the key arm in the hollow handle.

In order to unfold a key arm from the hollow handle, the positive position securing must be overcome. For this purpose, the hollow handle is yielding and can be elastically expanded during the swinging out of the key arm. The resilience of the hollow handle can be determined by the choice of material and the material thickness, so that a key arm can be easily folded, but also has a sufficient position assurance in the folded state and, for example, can not fold out only by its own weight.

In order to secure the unfolded position of the key arm of the hollow handle may have a locking aid. The locking aid sets the key arm in the optimal position for use.

The locking aid simply has at least one transverse groove which is formed in the wall of the cylindrical hollow handle. The transverse groove cooperates with one end of the key arm. The axis of the key arm is aligned in the direction of the transverse groove.

Conveniently, the key arm is bordered between two opposite wall portions of the hollow handle, each opposite wall portion having a transverse groove.

Advantageously, the transverse groove is channel-shaped and adapted to the outer surface of the key arm. By this design, an exact Anschmiegung the key arm is achieved in the transverse groove. In order to bring the key arm from the folded position to the unfolded position, it is necessary to widen the hollow handle. Between the folded and the unfolded position a transitional edge must be overcome, which is formed between the transverse groove and the inner wall of the cylindrical hollow handle. This transitional edge is subject to wear due to changing folding and unfolding movements of the key arm. The wear can be mitigated, for example, if the transition edge is provided with a rounding.

The key arm is simply tubular, with a tube end of the key arm forming two opposing retaining tabs for the turret element, and an axis of rotation for the turret element is mounted in the retaining tabs.

The hollow tubular construction of the key arm space is created to arrange the turret element. In addition to the retaining tabs recesses are provided, which provide space for a rotary movement of the revolver element.

The universal key is particularly easy to handle if in the operating position of the turret element a tool head and / or a receiving device is enclosed by the retaining tabs and locked in alignment therewith, wherein the retaining tabs are elastically expandable for rotation of the turret element. This construction is very simple. The operation of the locking of the revolver element in the key arm through elastic spreading of retaining tabs of the key arm corresponds to the locking of the key arm, which can be locked in the hollow handle, because the locking of the key arm also takes place by elastic spreading, namely the hollow handle when the key arm is brought from the folded to the unfolded position or vice versa.

A further advantage is achieved if the hollow handle has an end with an end cap, and the end cap is provided with a support for a promotional logo.

Affordable and lightweight is the hollow handle when this is made of plastic.

A special construction of the universal key provides that the hollow handle integrates two key arms which are aligned with each other. In addition, in this embodiment, two more aligned key arms a one-piece cross arm, which can be folded out of the hollow handle and folded into the hollow handle. In this special version, the universal key in the unfolded state has the shape of a key cross. In this form corresponds to the universal key about a conventional control cabinet key with four cross-shaped key arms.

Advantageously, the hollow handle of the universal key on two openings which are arranged according to the direction of rotation of the cross arm so that each end of the cross arm in a direction of rotation and in the opposite direction of rotation can be folded. In this embodiment, the cross arm can be folded out in only one direction and can be folded in one direction. The cross arm can not make a full turn through 360 °.

Preferably, the cross arm is made of a metal tube.

The hollow handle supports a rotation axis, for the or Key arms or is provided for a cross arm. The bearing point for the axis of rotation must be designed so that an expansion of the hollow handle is possible without the axis of rotation can fall out of their bearing point. Further, the hollow handle must have sufficient strength to transmit torque when the universal key is used as a screwing tool. For this reason, the choice of the material of the hollow handle and the wall thickness matched to conventional torques that must be transmitted with the universal key.

Fig. 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Universalschlüssels mit eingeklappten Schlüsselarmen,

Fig. 2:

eine Seitenansicht des Universalschlüssels gemäß Fig. 1 mit ausgeklappten Schlüsselarmen,

Fig. 3:

eine Vorderansicht eines Hohlgriffs,

Fig. 4:

eine Seitenansicht des Hohlgriffs gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 5:

eine vergrößerte perspektivische Darstellung eines Kreuzarms mit Haltelaschen für ein Revolverelement,

Fig. 6:

eine vergrößerte perspektivische Darstellung eines Revolverelements.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in a drawing and described in detail with reference to several figures. Show it:

Fig. 1:

a perspective view of a universal key with folded key arms,

Fig. 2:

a side view of the universal key according to Fig. 1 with unfolded key arms,

3:

a front view of a hollow handle,

4:

a side view of the hollow handle according to Fig. 3 .

Fig. 5:

an enlarged perspective view of a cross arm with retaining tabs for a turret element,

Fig. 6:

an enlarged perspective view of a revolver element.

In Fig. 1 The drawing shows a universal key 1 is shown, which is designed as a cabinet key. At several key arms 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d, it has tool heads with which closing elements of control cabinets to open and close. Closing elements for control cabinets can have different shapes. For example, are known Triangular, square, hexagon, double beard or a key with a so-called Daimler-Benz shape, which is about a negative to the key shape of the double bart.

According to Fig. 1 The universal key 1 has a pin-shaped hollow handle 3, which unites two key arms 2a and 2b. In addition, two key arms 2c and 2d are received in the hollow handle 3. Approximately in the middle of the elongated pin-shaped hollow handle 3, a rotation axis 4 is mounted. The key arms 2c and 2d in the interior of the hollow handle 3 can be folded out of the hollow handle 3 about this axis of rotation 4.

At a front end of the hollow handle 3 is provided with a receiving device 5 for a Schraubbit 6. At the rear end of the hollow handle 3, a retaining clip 7 is attached, with which the universal key in the manner of a ballpoint pen, for example, on a pocket of a garment is clamped.

The retaining clip 7 is attached to an end cap 8, which is attached to the rear end of the hollow handle 3. The end cap 8 is further provided with a square opening 9 and forms a carrier T for a promotional logo. This square opening 9 is used to open and close radiator vent valves. It is arranged transversely to the longitudinal extension of the hollow handle 3.

The unfolded position of the key arm 2c and 2d is in Fig. 2 shown. Accordingly, the two key arms 2c and 2d are mutually aligned and integrally formed. The one-piece key arms 2c and 2d are to be referred to below as the cross arm K. This is because they cross the hollow handle 3 in the unfolded state in the middle and the universal key thus forms a key cross, both in size and in the application that of a known cabinet key with cruciform arranged key arms like.

In Fig. 2 it can be seen that the hollow handle 3 for each of the key arms 2c and 2d of the cross arm K has an opening 10 and 11, respectively. The openings 10 and 11 are arranged according to the direction of rotation of the cross arm K at opposite ends of the hollow handle 3. From the in Fig. 2 shown position of the cross arm K must be folded back to fold in the opposite direction of rotation. Further rotation of the cross arm K in the unfolding direction is not possible.

At the free ends of the cross arm K so-called turret elements 12 and 13 are arranged, each having two tool heads 12a, 12b and 13a and 13b. In the tool head 13b, a receiving device 5 is integrated for a screw bit.

In the Fig. 2 shown position of the turret elements 12 and 13 is intended to illustrate that each of the turret elements 12 and 13 can be rotated about an axis of rotation 14. The illustrated position of the turret elements 12 and 13 is not their position of use. For the position of use, the turret elements 12 and 13 must each be further rotated by 90 ° in one or the other direction about the axis of rotation 14 or turned back. The turret elements 12 and 13 are then in alignment with the cross arm K and are ready for use in this position.

The present embodiment of the universal key allows a fixation of both the folded and the unfolded position of the cross arm K. The cross arm K is below with reference to Fig. 5 described in more detail.

To fix the folded and unfolded position of the cross arm K, the invention makes use of the round cross section of the tubular cross arm K and the round cross section of the hollow handle 3.

The outer diameter of the cross arm K corresponds almost to the inner diameter of the hollow handle 3. In the folded state of the cross arm K is framed in the hollow handle 3 positively. The cross arm K can not be folded out of the hollow handle 3 for that reason alone, because it has openings 10 and 11, but because the hollow handle 3 can be spread open to a certain extent. Without spreading of the hollow handle 3, the cross arm K would be held positively in the hollow handle. Due to the possibility of spreading of the hollow handle 3, a folding movement and a locking of the cross arm K is ensured.

Thus, the spreading of the hollow handle 3 in the in Fig. 2 shown position back elastically, the inside of the hollow handle 3 is provided with transverse grooves 15a and 15b, which are also adapted to the circular cross section of the cross arm K. In the unfolded state of the cross arm K is in the common alignment of the transverse grooves 15a and 15b. The elastic expansion of the hollow handle 3 thus differs.

By this construction, the transverse grooves 15 a and 15 b act as a locking aid to maintain the unfolded position of the cross arm K.

The cross arm K is bordered in this way in the region of the penetration point of the axis of rotation 4 on both sides of transverse grooves 15a and 15b. In the short transverse groove 15a of the cross arm K is like in a gutter and is held in the aligned position. The transverse groove 15b acts in the same way. The same applies to the folded position of the cross arm K in the hollow handle 3. The hollow handle 3 is also formed channel-shaped. The hollow handle keeps the cross arm K in flight. The construction may be designed so that an elastic residual expansion of the hollow handle 3 causes a bias, which forces the cross arm K in the transverse grooves 15a and 15b.

In the region of the axis of rotation 4, the channel-shaped contours of the transverse groove 15a and the inner wall of the hollow handle 3 merge into one another. Here, the transition edges 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are formed. These transitional edges 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d must be overcome to change from the folded to the unfolded position. Since the cross arm K can only fold in one direction of rotation and in the opposite direction of rotation, only the two transition edges 16a and 16c are stressed by four transition edges. This is because the cross arm K grinds with changing input and Ausklappbewegung only over these transition edges. Of the other two transitional edges 16b and 16d, the cross arm moves away, so that no wear occurs here.

The aligned position of the turret elements 12 and 13 in the ends of the cross arm K is secured on the same principle as the aligned folded position of the cross arm K in the hollow handle 3. Each turret element 12 and 13 has tool heads 12a, 12b and 13a and 13b, whose Outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the tubular cross arm K. Then, when a turret element 12 or 13 is aligned in alignment with the cross arm K, the tool head 12 or 13 nestles against the cylindrical inner surface of the cross arm K. The cross arm K has at both ends retaining tabs 17a, 17b and 18a and 18b and The recesses 19 and 20 provide space for rotation of the turret elements 12 and 13. To turn a turret element 12 and 13 out of the aligned position, the retaining tabs 17a, 17b and 18a and 18b must be spread elastically. As soon as a tool head again comes into the aligned position of the cross arm K during further rotation, the spread-apart retaining tabs 17a, 17b or 18a and 18b spring back and fix the position of the turret element 12 or 13. In this case, an elastic residual widening create a bias, which clamps the turret elements between the retaining tabs.

The design of the hollow handle 3 is in the FIGS. 3 and 4 shown. In Fig. 3 are the transverse grooves 15a and 15b to recognize, which are provided for fixing the unfolded position of the cross arm K in the hollow handle 3. The transverse grooves 15a and 15b have a channel-shaped cross section.

In Fig. 4 is a side view according to the in Fig. 3 indicated cutting profile shown. In this view, a bore 11 for receiving the axis of rotation 4 for the cross arm K is located. Furthermore, in Fig. 4 to recognize the transition edges 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, which arise where the contour of the transverse groove 15a merges into the cylindrical inner wall of the hollow handle 3. This results in the four transitional edges 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, in Fig. 4 form a diagonal cross 21. In the center of the diagonal cross 21 is a bore 22 for the axis of rotation. 4

Also good in Fig. 4 discernible are the openings 10 and 11 of the hollow handle 3, which each extend into the region of the transverse groove 15a. On one side of the hollow handle 3, the opening 10 expands from the transverse groove 15a in the direction of the front end of the hollow handle 3, while the opposite opening 11 extends from the transverse groove 15a towards the rear end of the hollow handle 3. At the rear end of the hollow handle 3 is provided with a receiving portion 23 for an end cap 8. The receiving area 23 has a slightly smaller diameter than the remaining part of the hollow handle 3. In the receiving area 23, a square opening 24 is provided, which penetrates the receiving area 23 transversely to the longitudinal extension of the hollow handle 3. The receiving area 23 and the square opening 24 serve to receive the end cap 8, which according to Fig. 1 has the retaining clip 7 and the square key 9, which is arranged in the square opening 24 of the receiving area 23 is. The square key 9 is provided for actuating heater vent valves.

A loose cross arm K is drawn in the enlarged Fig. 5 shown. In the cross arm K is a tubular member having retaining tabs 17a, 17b and 18a and 18b at both ends and provided between the retaining tabs recesses 19 and 20. In the middle of the cross arm K is a fully cylindrical area in the wall two Holes 26 are provided for receiving one axis of rotation 14. The retaining tabs 17a, 17b and 18a and 18b also have holes 27 for the axes of rotation 14. With the axes of rotation 14 in the retaining tabs 17a, 17b and 18a and 18b are, as best in Fig. 2 recognizable, revolver elements 12 and 13 rotatably mounted.

A turret element 13 is enlarged in Fig. 6 shown. The turret element 13 has two tool heads 13a and 13b. A tool head 13a is provided with a triangular opening 28 which serves to actuate a cabinet closing member having an outside tappet. In the middle of the turret element 13, a grooved area 29 can be seen, which has a transverse bore 30. The transverse bore 30 serves to receive an axis of rotation 14 whose ends are mounted in the retaining tabs 18a and 18b of the cross arm K.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Universal key

2a

key arm

2 B

key arm

2c

key arm

2d

key arm

3

Hohlgriff

4

axis of rotation

5

recording device

6

screw bit

7

retaining clip

8th

end cap

9

Square hole

10

opening

11

opening

12

turret member

12a

tool head

12b

tool head

13

turret member

13a

tool head

13b

tool head

14

axis of rotation

15a

transverse groove

15b

transverse groove

16a

Transition edge

16b

Transition edge

16c

Transition edge

16d

Transition edge

17a

retaining tab

17b

retaining tab

18a

retaining tab

18b

retaining tab

19

recess

20

recess

21

diagonal cross

22

drilling

23

reception area

24

Square hole

26

drilling

27

drilling

28

Triangular opening

29

grooved area

30

cross hole

K

cross arm

T

carrier

Claims (12)

1. Universal key (1) with several key arms (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), on which tool heads (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) and/or receiving devices (5) for installing tool heads (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) are arranged and at least one of the receiving devices (5) being configured as hexagonal socket for a driver bit (6), at least one of the key arms (2a, 2b) forming a bolt-shaped hollow handle (3), the hollow handle (3) having at least one opening (10, 11), through which at least one further key arm (2c, 2d) is pivotable between an extended and a collapsed position, characterized in that the at least one further key arm (2c, 2d) has a rotary revolver element (12, 13) that is equipped with several selectively usable tool heads (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) and/or receiving devices (5).
2. Universal key (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow handle (3) and the at least one further key arm (2c, 2d) both have a cylindrical cross-section, the exterior cylindrical surface of the key arm (2c, 2d) fitting snugly with the interior cylindrical surface of the hollow handle (3) in the collapsed position.
3. Universal key according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hollow handle (3) has a blocking aid for the purpose of securing the extended position of a key arm (2c, 2d).
4. Universal key according to claim 3, characterized in that the blocking aid has at least one transverse groove (15a, 15b) that is formed in the wall of the cylindrical hollow handle (3).
5. Universal key according to claim 4, characterized in that the transverse groove (15a, 15b) is configured in the form of a gutter and adapted to the exterior surface of the key arm (2c, 2d).
6. Universal key according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one further key arm (2c, 2d) is configured with a tubular shape, one tube end of the key arm (2c, 2d) forming two opposite holding tabs (17a, 17b, 18a, 18b) for the revolver element (12, 13), and in that the holding tabs (17a, 17b, 18a, 18b) bear a rotation axis (14) for the revolver element (12, 13).
7. Universal key according to claim 6, characterized in that in the operational position of the revolver element (12, 13) a tool head (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) and/or a receiving device (5) being enclosed by the holding tabs and blocked in alignment with the latter, the holding tabs (17a, 17b, 18a, 18b) being capable of spreading elastically to permit rotation of the revolver element (12, 13).
8. Universal key according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the hollow handle (3) has an end with a closing cap (8), and in that the closing cap (8) is equipped with a support (T) for an advertising logo.
9. Universal key according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the hollow handle (3) is made of plastic material.
10. Universal key according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the hollow handle (3) integrates two key arms (2a, 2b) that are aligned to each other, and that two further aligned key arms (2c, 2d), form a cross arm (K) made of one piece, that is pivotally extensible outside of the hollow handle (3) and collapsible into the hollow handle (3).
11. Universal key according to claim 10, characterized in that the hollow handle (3) has two openings (10, 11), that are arranged such that, according to the sense of rotation of the cross arm (K), each end of the cross arm (K) pivots into the extended position in one direction and into the collapsed position in the opposite direction of rotation.
12. Universal key according to one of claims 10 to 11,
    characterized in that the cross arm (K) is made from a metal tube.

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