EP4269029A1 - Key, key generation and key usage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a key (100), in particular a control cabinet key, with a plurality of key elements (9) for opening/closing locking devices known per se and/or for actuating fastening means known per se. The key (100) comprises a first key arm (1) and a second key arm (2) which is rotatably connected to the first key arm (1) by means of an articulated connection (7) about a key rotation axis. The key arm rotation axis and the direction of longitudinal extension of the key arms (1, 2) are perpendicular to each other. Each key arm (1, 2) has at the first end a joint fastening receptacle (15) defining the axis of rotation and at the opposite end a key element (9) for actuating a locking device or a fastening means. The key arms (1, 2) are closely adjacent to one another in a transport position and, in a handling position, they form an angle between the first and second key arms (1, 2). The key element (9) of the first and/or the second key arm (1, 2) is arranged in an angled region (8) of the second key arm (2).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multifunctional key according to the preamble of claim 1 and claim 2. The key can be designed as a control cabinet key. The key is equipped with several key elements for opening/closing locking devices known per se and/or for actuating fastening means known per se, such as screws, nuts and the like. The key comprises a first key arm and a second key arm connected to the first key arm by means of an articulated connection about a key rotation axis in a rotationally or pivotally movable manner. The The key arm rotation axis and the direction of the longitudinal extension of the key arms are perpendicular to each other. Each key arm has at the first end a joint connection receptacle (bore) defining the key axis of rotation and at the opposite end a key element for actuating a locking device or a fastener. The key arms are closely adjacent to one another in a transport position and in a handling position they form an angle between the first and second key arms.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a key according to the preamble of claim 13 and a use according to claim 15.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Multifunctional tools are now widespread. The more functions the tool is supposed to cover, the larger and therefore more unwieldy it becomes. This is where the invention comes in.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the object of improving the manageability of multifunctional tools with many tool functions. This task is solved by a key according to claim 1. Further refinements of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. In the case of the key it is therefore provided that the key element of the first and/or the second key arm is arranged in an angled region of the respective (first and/or second) key arm. A key arm can therefore be provided with an angled area and a key arm without an angled area, or two key arms, each with an angled area. The key arms are preferably made of metal. In the transport position the key arms are aligned, in the handling position the key arms are spread and span a common key arm plane and form a key arm angle therein, for example, an angle between approximately 45° and approximately 135°. The pivotability of the key arms ensures that the key is very compact with small dimensions in the transport position, ie in the position in which the key is transported, for example in a piece of luggage or in a trouser pocket, and that the key is easy to handle position, ie in the position with the key arms spread, offers a convenient lever for actuating the key elements. This effect is enhanced by the fact that at least one key arm is angled at the end, so that the key element can be inserted into the respective counterpart (locking device) conveniently and without handling complications. If both key arms each have an angled area, it is expedient if the second key arm is shorter than the first key arm, with the angled areas of the key arms assuming a position that is closely adjacent to one another in the transport position. The angled area is angled about a (bending or kink) axis that is perpendicular or almost perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension (x) of the respective key arm. The angled area is preferably angled at 90° relative to the key arm, but a larger or smaller bending angle can also be provided, for example less than approximately 140° or more than approximately 40°. In the compact key arm position, the key arms and the angled key elements nestle against one another at least in some areas, which in turn saves space and improves handling in the transport position.

An improvement in the handling of multifunctional tools with many tool functions is also possible with a key according to claim 2. Accordingly, it is provided that the key element of the second key arm is arranged in an angled region of the second key arm, and that the key element of the first key arm has no angled region at the end arranged U-shaped element is formed with stable, in particular flat, legs, the U-shaped key element of the first key arm being suitable for actuating a double-bit locking device known per se. In this respect, it is arranged at the end and without an angle Key element of the first key arm is formed as a “U” or as a fork with two prongs. The geometry of the key element of the first key arm can optionally also be approximated to a (flat, greatly simplified) crown. The "U", fork or crown shape ensures, on the one hand, a high level of stability of the key element when operating the known double-bit lock. On the other hand, the key element is very compact compared to the conventional double bit because it is essentially flat. It is also comparatively easy to manufacture, as it is punched or cut from a sheet of metal and does not have to be produced using a die-casting process, as would usually be the case with a conventional double-bit. Because the first key arm can be pivoted relative to the second key arm, the U-shaped key element of the first key arm can penetrate comparatively deeply into the key element counterpart, ie into the double-bit lock, so that the locking function is not impaired by the second key arm.

For effective handling, it has proven to be expedient if the angled area of the key arm or key arms is angled at an angle of 90° or almost 90° relative to the key arm. In terms of manufacturing technology, this can be achieved by forming the angled area, for example, by bending the end of the key arm. With a view to keeping the production costs of the key as low as possible, it is expedient if at least one key arm is made from a bent sheet metal part. An opening, in particular a slot-shaped one, can be arranged in the key arm in or on the angled area. The (slit-shaped) opening means that there is less material in the angled area that needs to be bent over to form the angled area. Because of the (slit-shaped) opening, there is no material compression or material deformation in the area of the bend when bent. The (slot-shaped) opening can be arranged so that it protrudes into a recess in the key element, or so that a recess in the key element protrudes into the (slot-shaped) opening. This geometric combination of recess and slot-shaped opening makes it possible Key element can be dimensioned smaller or more compact and this improves the handling of the key.

With regard to optimized ergonomics when operating the key, it can be advantageous if the cross-sectional area of each key arm is the same size or almost the same size. With a view to keeping the key weight and dimensions as low as possible, the key arm can be tapered in such a way that the cross-sectional area in the vicinity of the key element is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the vicinity of the joint connection receptacle. The taper also allows a narrower design of the key arm ends, in particular the angled area and the key elements, so that they fit into the locking devices without any further design measures.

The key becomes particularly compact and easy to handle if each key arm is at least partially flat. i.e. Each key arm has a rectangular or nearly rectangular arm cross-section, with the narrow sides of the arm cross-sectional area being significantly shorter than the long sides of the arm cross-sectional area. In the transport position, the narrow sides of the flat key arms form in sections, in particular in a section between the joint fastening receptacle of the key and the key elements, at least one flat or almost flat side surface of the key, preferably two opposite, flat or almost flat side surfaces of the key key. When the key arms are arranged in the transport position, a compact key is created with a rectangular or almost rectangular overall cross-sectional area in the area between the ends of the key arms. The joint connection is arranged at one end of the key arms and the partially angled key elements are at the other end. For those key arms that are angled at the ends, the angle has the same orientation. In this respect, the key in the transport position has a shape that is similar to an L-shaped geometry. In the handling position, one of the key arms is opposite the other key arm or the others Key arms, for example, pivoted by 90°. This causes a key arm to protrude from the compact L-shape of the key. When operating, the user has the compact key in his hand in such a way that his fingers grasp the key arms that remain in the transport position, so that the key arms in the transport position (swivel angle 0°) form a lever for the one that has been swung out , key arm to be operated in its 90° handling position.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the key is particularly effective with regard to as many key element functions as possible when several, i.e. H. more than two key arms are provided. For example, a third key arm can be provided, which is rotatably connected to the first and second key arms by means of an articulated connection about the key axis of rotation. The third key arm is shorter than the second key arm. The key element of the third key arm is arranged in an angled region of the third key arm, with the angled regions of the second key arm and the third key arm being arranged closely adjacent to one another in the transport position. This means that even a key with more than two key arms is very compact and handy in the transport position. The key arms can be rotated out of the transport position; for example, to select a key element, the key arms can be fanned out. After selecting the key element to be operated, the key arms that are not to be used can be turned back into the transport position and only the key arm to be used protrudes from the key, for example at an angle of 90° or almost 90°. Additional key arms can be provided for the key, with the fourth key arm being shorter than the third, and the fifth key arm being shorter than the fourth, the sixth being shorter than the fifth and so on. The nth key arm would be shorter than the (n-1)th key arm, where n is a natural number greater than 5 (i.e. n = 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ...).

To operate locking devices, such as those provided in control cabinets, at least one key element comprises at least one Recess whose geometry corresponds to that of the locking device. There are locking devices with a triangular geometry, a square geometry or other geometries. In this respect, it is expedient if the geometry of the recess in the key element is triangular, square or polygonal, so that a locking device with a triangular or square or similar can be actuated with the key element. At least one key element can be formed as a step key element. A stepped key element preferably comprises angular key elements of different sizes/(key) dimensions, which are arranged in a stepped sequence in or on a key arm. The step key element can be flat, ie the material thickness of the key element is significantly smaller than the length and width of the element. The material thickness of the stepped key element can correspond exactly or almost to the material thickness of the key arm on which the stepped key element is arranged. At least one key element can include a can and/or bottle opener as a key element. The key element comprising the can/bottle opener can also be flat.

The key is particularly effective in terms of manufacturing effort and handling when the geometry of one of the recesses is formed by a first square and a second square, which is larger or larger, is rotated to the first square by an angle of 45 ° and is arranged above the first square is smaller than the first square. For example, a first square lock and a second (larger or smaller) square lock can be actuated per key element. Alternatively, the geometry of one of the recesses can be formed by a first square and an, in particular equilateral, triangle arranged above the first square. For example, several locks can be actuated per key element; for example, both a square lock and a triangular lock can be activated with one of the key elements. Alternatively, the geometry of one of the recesses can be formed by a first, in particular equilateral, triangle and a second triangle rotated by an angle of 60° to the first triangle, the second triangle being larger or smaller than the first triangle. For example, per key element a first triangular closure can be actuated and a second (larger or smaller) triangular closure.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that a square, in particular hexagonal, opening is arranged in each key arm in the area between the joint fastening and the key element, the openings of the first and each further key arm being in alignment in the transport position lie, which is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the joint fastening, and that the aligned openings of the key arms form a bit holder in the transport position. A tool insert or (screw) bit can be arranged in the key (in the transport position), which expands the key functions many times. The bit arranged in the bit holder has a very stable seat, particularly when the key arms involved in the bit holder are slightly rotated or offset relative to one another in the respective transport position. This changes the opening of the bit holder and the bit sits firmly in the holder. This is particularly advantageous if the bit has become jammed in a screw and a greater amount of force is required to separate the bit and screw again after the screw has been actuated.

The key can comprise a bit element that is captively attached to the key on a flexible fastening element, in particular on a chain or on a ribbon or on a wire or on a wire loop, which is preferably formed as a single bit or double bit or multiple bit. With a holding means, in particular a rollable or windable one, such as a winding device comprising a wire or a cord, the key can be attached to a piece of clothing or to a bag or to a suitcase of the user. The holding means or the winding device can comprise a holding clip.

The handling is improved in particular by the fact that at least one stop means is provided on one or more key arms, which limits the pivoting angle of at least one key arm relative to another key arm, in particular so that a maximum pivoting angle of 110° or nearly 110° is provided, preferably 90° or nearly 90°. The swivel angle of approx. 110° enables optimal leverage and good ergonomics, meaning the key sits better in the hand than with other swivel angles. The sling means can comprise a cam which is arranged approximately in the area of the joint connection receptacle on the narrow side of the key arm, the cam then abutting against a stop surface of the sling means when the maximum pivot angle (approx. 90°) is reached. The stop surface can be arranged, for example, on the narrow side of the first key arm.

In an advantageous key variant, at least one additional key element can be provided, which is arranged on one of the key arms in such a way that the additional key element is arranged on the key side in the transport position of the key arms. The additional key element can, for example, comprise or be formed from a radiator ventilation actuation device, with the compact key with the transport position of the key arms forming a handle for the additional key element. If the key arm on which the additional key element is arranged is flat, as described above, it would be expedient if the additional key element is arranged on the narrow side of the key arm in question.

A further improvement in feel and key handling can also be achieved if each key arm is angled in the area of the joint connection receptacle in such a way that a key arm angle is provided between the key arm longitudinal direction and the key arm rotation axis. The key arm angle can, for example, be in an angular range between approximately 5° and approximately 50°, preferably approximately 20°.

An improvement in the handling of multifunctional tools with many tool functions is also possible through a key manufacturing method according to claim 13. Accordingly, a key described herein is thereby achieved manufactured in that the key arms are cut or punched out of a sheet metal, and that the angled area of a key arm is formed by bending the end of the key arm. A complex casting or die-casting process is therefore not necessary; the intended punching/cutting can be achieved with less expenditure on equipment and time. Bending the ends of the key arms forms the second and final work step, with the recesses for the key elements being formed in the first punching/cutting work step.

Before bending the key arm, an opening, in particular a slot-shaped one, can be arranged in the key arm in or on or immediately next to the angled region. The (slot-shaped) opening can preferably be arranged in the middle of the key arm. The proportion of the material of the key arm that needs to be bent is effectively reduced by the (slot-shaped) opening, which on the one hand makes bending easier and on the other hand makes the key arm more stable, i.e. H. with greater strength, can be carried out.

In or on the angled region of at least one of the key arms, a particularly slot-shaped opening can be provided, which is arranged approximately in the middle of the key arm and which extends into the recess in the key element. This reduces the effective width of the material to be bent, making bending easier. This avoids undesirable deformations when bending, particularly in the area of the recesses.

Since control cabinet keys are always carried by the user, there is a particular need to use a key that is as compact and as easy to handle as possible. This is achieved by using the key described herein as a control cabinet key according to claim 15.

The aforementioned components as well as those claimed and described in the exemplary embodiments that are to be used according to the invention are not subject to any limitations in terms of their size, shape, material selection and technical conception special exceptional conditions, so that the selection criteria known in the area of application can be applied without restriction.

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention result from the subclaims, as well as from the following description and the associated drawing, in which - by way of example - an exemplary embodiment of a control cabinet key is shown. Individual features of the claims or the embodiments can also be combined with other features of other claims and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

einen Schaltschrankschlüssel in perspektivischer Ansicht (Transport-Stellung),

Fig. 2

einen Schaltschrankschlüssel gemäß Fig. 1 mit aufgefächerten Schlüsselarmen,

Fig. 3

einen Schaltschrankschlüssel gemäß Fig. 1 u. 2 in seitlicher Ansicht,

Fig. 4

einen Schaltschrankschlüssel gemäß Fig. 1 bis 3 in Vorderansicht,

Fig. 5

einen Schaltschrankschlüssel gemäß Fig. 1 bis 4 in Aufsicht,

Fig. 6A/B

eine Variante eines Schaltschrankschlüssels in verschiedenen Ansichten,

Fig. 7

eine Variante eines Schlüsselarms in perspektivischer Ansicht und

Fig. 8A/B

perspektivische Ansichten einer Variante eines Schlüssels.

Show in the drawing

Fig. 1

a control cabinet key in a perspective view (transport position),

Fig. 2

a control cabinet key in accordance with Fig. 1 with fanned out key arms,

Fig. 3

a control cabinet key in accordance with Fig. 1 u. 2 in a side view,

Fig. 4

a control cabinet key in accordance with Fig. 1 to 3 in front view,

Fig. 5

a control cabinet key in accordance with Fig. 1 to 4 under supervision,

Fig. 6A/B

a variant of a control cabinet key in different views,

Fig. 7

a variant of a key arm in a perspective view and

Fig. 8A/B

perspective views of a variant of a key.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A perspective view of a control cabinet key 100 can be seen Fig. 1 be removed. The key 100 comprises a first key arm 1 and four further key arms 2, 3, 4, 5, which are connected to one another in a rotatable or pivotable manner using the joint connection 7. A view of the key arms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in a fanned out position can be seen Fig. 2 be removed.

With the exception of the first key arm 1, the ends of the key arms 2, 3, 4, 5, which are opposite the joint connection receptacles 15 of the arms 2, 3, 4, 5, form an angled area 8 in which the respective key element 9 of the key arm 2, 3, 4, 5 is arranged. This is in Fig. 1 shown. Recesses 10 are arranged in the angled key elements 9, with which locking devices of control cabinets can be actuated.

In the variant according to Fig. 1 the cross-sectional area of each key arm 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is the same size or almost the same size. A taper 14 of the key arm 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is provided such that the cross-sectional area in the vicinity of the key element 9 is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the vicinity of the joint connection receptacle 15. By the key arms 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5 have a slightly larger cross section at the joint end, a pocket for a (tool) bit can be arranged in the wider section of the key arm 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, which is in the Figures 6A and 6B is shown.

The shapes and geometries of the recesses 10 can be as shown Fig. 2 be removed. Accordingly, the recess 10 of the second key arm 2 comprises a combination of two triangular geometries, that of the third key arm 3 a combination of two square shapes, that of the fourth key arm 4 a triangular geometry and that of the fifth key arm 5 a combination of a triangular and a square shape Geometry.

The Figures 1 and 2 It can be seen that the key arms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of the key 100 have a different length. This makes it possible for the angled key elements 9 of the key arms 2, 3, 4, 5 to be in the transport position Fig. 1 are arranged closely adjacent to each other. There is only a small gap 11 between the angled areas 8 of the second, third, fourth and fifth key arms 2, 3, 4, 5 so that the key arms 2, 3, 4, 5 can be pivoted against each other with little friction.

The Fig. 2 It can also be seen that in each angled area 8 of the key arms 2, 3, 4, 5 a slot-shaped opening 26 is provided, which is arranged approximately in the middle of the key arm 2, 3, 4, 5. The slot-shaped opening 26 extends into the recess 10 in the key element 9. With the slot 26, the effective width of the material to be bent is reduced, which makes the bending and therefore the production of the key arm 2, 3, 4, 5 easier. Deformations when bending, for example in the area of the recesses 10, are thereby avoided. On the other hand, due to the geometric combination of the recess 10 and the slot-shaped opening 26, the key elements 9 of the key arms 2, 3, 4, 5 can be made more compact, which improves the handling of the key 100.

According to Fig. 1 In the transport position, the narrow sides 12 of the key arms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 form a flat side surface 13 of the key 100 in sections. The key 100 therefore has a compact and handy shape in the transport position. This can also be done according to the illustration Fig. 5 can be removed, which requires supervision of the key 100 Fig. 1 shows (transport position). The side surfaces 13 of the key 100 are planar in sections. Due to a taper 14 in the area of each key arm 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 between the key element 9 and the joint connection receptacle 15, the key 100 lies better in the user's hand when operating one of the elements 9.

According to the representation Fig. 2 the nature of the key element 9 of the first key arm 1 can be seen. The key element 9 of the first Key arm 1 includes a fork or U-shaped crown 16 with which a double-bit lock can be operated. Unlike the conventional double-bit locking tool, the key element 9 of the first key arm 1 is formed from a flat sheet metal part. It is characterized by high stability and comparatively low production costs.

The Figures 1 and 2 It can be seen that a cam 16 of a stop means 18 is arranged on the narrow side of the second, third, fourth and fifth key arms 2, 3, 4, 5. Based on Fig. 2 It can be understood that the cam 17 of each key arm 2, 3, 4, 5 moves towards the stop plate 19 of the stop means 18 when the arm 2, 3, 4, 5 is pivoted, the stop plate 19 being on the narrow side 12 of the first key arm 1 is arranged. The stop means 18 ensures that the second, third, fourth and fifth key arms 2, 3, 4, 5 can only be pivoted by an angle of approximately 90° relative to the first key arm 1. The key arm pivoted through 90° assumes the handling position, ie the position in which the key element 9 of the arm in question can be actuated with optimal handling and optimal leverage.

In the area of the stop plate 19 of the first key arm 1, as in the Figures 1 and 2 shown, an additional key element 20 is provided, which can preferably be actuated when the key arms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are arranged in the transport position.

A side view of the key 100 according to Fig. 1 is in the Fig. 3 shown. There it can be seen that the flat key arms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are arranged closely adjacent to one another in the transport position, which results in a very compact shape of the key 100. Because the ends of the key arms 2, 3, 4, 5, with the exception of the first key arm 1, are angled, an L-shape results for the key 100 in the transport position shown. The joint connection 7 comprises two connecting plates 21, which are connected by a screw/nut connection and a key rotation axis arranged between them are connected to each other. The axis of rotation sits in the joint connection receptacles 15 of the key arms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

The Fig. 4 A front view of the key 100 can be seen (transport position). A holding means 22 is provided on the first key arm 1, to which a chain or a strap or the like can be attached.

With the key variant according to the Figures 6A (top view) and 6B (side view) a bit holder 23 is provided. A hexagonal opening 24 is arranged in each of the key arms 1, 2, 3 and 4. In the transport position shown, the openings 24 are located perpendicular to the plane of the drawing Fig. 6A ongoing escape. A bit can be inserted into the openings 24 and held there. Since no corresponding opening is provided in the key arm 5, the bit has a stop surface there and sits firmly in the aligned openings 24. Alternatively, it can be provided that a correspondingly aligned opening 24 is also arranged in the arm 5, so that the bit passes through the openings 24 can be inserted through. Slipping of a push-through bit can be achieved by tilting the key arms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). The bit can be formed as a double bit and can be captively attached to the key 100, for example to the holding means 22, by means of a chain or wire loop. The course of the bit recording 23 in the key 100 (transport position) is in Fig. 6B indicated with dashed lines.

A variant of a key arm (2, 3, 4, 5) is in Fig. 7 shown as an example. Accordingly, the key arm (2, 3, 4, 5) is angled in the area of the joint connection receptacle 15 in such a way that a key arm angle 25 is formed between the key arm longitudinal direction x and the key arm rotation axis. The key arm angle 25 can be approximately 20°, for example. In a key arm variant (not shown), all key arms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) can have an identical key arm angle 25, so that the key 100 lies better in the user's hand when all key arms (1 , 2, 3, 4, 5) are in the transport position, or if one of the key arms (1, 2, 3, 4,5) is in the handling position and the other key arms are in the transport position.

The Figures 8A and 8B show perspective views of a key 100 with additional key elements 9. A key element 9 is formed as a step key 27 and another key element 9 is formed as a bottle opener 28. The additional key element 20 is formed as a radiator vent valve key, the additional key element 20 according to Figures 8A /B is formed as a bent sheet metal part. A development of the additional key element 20 has a substantially U-shaped geometry. The bent additional key element 20 has a multi-sided recess that can engage in a counterpart of the radiator valve.

The key variant 100 according to the Figures 8A /B comprises a holding means 29 formed as a roll-up device 29, with which the key 100 can be attached to trousers or a bag with the clip 30 of the roll-up device 29. A wire or a cord is arranged in the housing of the winding device 29, which can be rolled up or wound up on a shaft in the housing. The shaft is subjected to a spring force so that the pulled-out wire or cord can be wound up automatically.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

100

Key

1

first key arm

2

second key arm

3

third key arm

4

fourth key arm

5

fifth key arm

7

Articulated connection

8th

angled area

9

Key element

10

recess

11

gap

12

narrow side

13

side surface

14

rejuvenation

15

Joint connection recording

16

Crown

17

cam

18

slings

19

stop plate

20

Additional key element

21

connection plate

22

Holding means

23

Bit recording

24

opening

25

Key arm angle

26

slot

27

Stage key element

28

bottle opener

29

Holding means with retractor

30

Retaining clip

x

Key arm longitudinal direction

Claims (15)

Key (100), in particular control cabinet key, with a plurality of key elements (9) for opening/closing locking devices known per se and/or for actuating fastening means known per se, comprising a first key arm (1) and one with the first key arm (1) by means Articulated connection (7) which is rotatably connected to a second key arm (2) about a key axis of rotation, wherein the key arm axis of rotation and the direction of the longitudinal extension of the key arms (1, 2) run perpendicularly or at a key arm angle to one another, wherein each key arm (1, 2) has at the first end a joint connection receptacle (15) defining the axis of rotation and at the opposite end a key element (9) for actuating a locking device or a fastening means, and wherein the key arms (1, 2) are closely adjacent to one another in a transport position and form an angle between the first and second key arms (1, 2) in a handling position, characterized in that the key element (9) of the first and/or the second key arm (1, 2) is arranged in an angled region (8) of the respective key arm (1, 2). Key (100) according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that the key element (9) of the second key arm (2) is arranged in an angled region (8) of the second key arm (2), and that Key element of the first key arm (1) is formed without an angled region as a U-shaped element (16) arranged at the end with stable, in particular flat, legs, the U-shaped key element (16) of the first key arm (1) being suitable for this purpose. to operate a known double-bit locking device. Key (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the angled region (8) is angled at an angle of 90° or almost 90° relative to the key arm (1, 2), the angled region (8) preferably through End-side bending of the key arm (1, 2) is made. Key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one key arm (1, 2) is made from a bent sheet metal part. Key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an opening (26), in particular a slot-shaped one, in the key arm (1, 2) is arranged in or on the angled region (8). Key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each key arm (1, 2) is at least partially flat, and that in the transport position the narrow sides (12) of the flat key arms (1, 2) are partially flat , in particular in a section between the joint fastening receptacle (15) and the key element (9), form at least one flat or almost flat side surface (13) of the key (100), preferably two flat or almost flat side surfaces (13) of the key (100). key (100). Key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a third key arm (3) is provided, which is rotatably connected to the first and second key arms (1, 2) by means of an articulated connection (7) about the key rotation axis , characterized in that the third key arm (3) is shorter than the second key arm (2), and that the key element (9) of the third key arm (3) is arranged in an angled region (8) of the third key arm (3), the angled regions (8) of the second key arm (2) and the third key arm (3) are arranged closely adjacent to one another in the transport position, in particular, further key arms (4, 5) being provided, the fourth key arm (4) being shorter than the third, and the fifth key arm (5) is shorter than the fourth, and the nth key arm is shorter than the (n-1)th key arm, where n is a natural number greater than 5. Key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one key element (9) comprises at least one recess (10) which is triangular, square or polygonal, so that a locking device is provided with the key element (9). Triangular or square can be actuated, and / or that at least one key element (9) is formed as a stepped key element (27), and / or that at least one key element (9) comprises a can and / or bottle opener (28). Key (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the geometry of the recess (10) is formed by a first square and a second square rotated from the first square by an angle of 45 ° and arranged above the first square, which is larger or smaller than the first square, or that the geometry of the recess (10) is formed by a first square and a, in particular equilateral, triangle arranged above the first square, or that the geometry of the recess (10) is formed by a first, in particular equilateral, triangle and one to the first triangle second triangle rotated by an angle of 60°, whereby the second triangle is larger or smaller than the first triangle. Key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in each or almost each key arm (1, 2, 3, 4) in the area between the joint fastening receptacle (15) and the key element (9). square, in particular hexagonal, opening (24) is arranged, the openings (24) of the first and each further key arm (2, 3, 4) lying in an alignment in the transport position, which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the joint Fastening (7) is oriented, and that the aligned openings (24) of the key arms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) form a bit holder (23) in the transport position. Key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one stop means (18) is provided on one or more key arms (2, 3, 4, 5), which determines the pivot angle of at least one key arm (2, 3, 4, 5) relative to another key arm (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), in particular so that a maximum pivot angle of 110° or almost 110° is provided, preferably 90° or almost 90°. Key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by at least one additional key element (20), which is arranged on one of the key arms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in such a way that the additional key element (20 ) is arranged on the key side (13) in the transport position of the key arms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Method for producing a key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the key arms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) are cut or punched out of a sheet metal, and that the angled region (8) is one Key arm (2, 3, 4, 5) is formed by bending the end of the key arm (2, 3, 4, 5). Method according to claim 13, characterized in that before bending the key arm (2, 3, 4, 5) in or on or immediately next to the angled region (8), an opening (26), in particular a slot-shaped one, is created in the key arm (2, 3, 4, 5) is arranged so that the proportion of material of the key arm (2, 3, 4, 5) to be bent is effectively reduced. Use of a key (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12 as a control cabinet key.

Images