JP2000192699A - Intermediate key - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the batch management of a key set in a non-head state by separating a grip part, and detachably connecting a ring hole formation member forming a key ring insertion hole on a non-head key having a key blade part engraving a locking and unlocking code. SOLUTION: Since an intermediate key set 9 bundles a plurality of keys including an intermediate key 6 by a key ring 8, it is composed of one main key as a composite function key and two sub-keys having a mechanical locking and unlocking means and formed as a single function key 12. The sub-key 12 integrally has a grip part on the edge of a key blade, and a plurality of the sub-keys 12, 12 can be managed to be bundled by inserting the key ring 8 in a key ring insertion hole 12b. The main key is added to a key set in a state of the intermediate key 6 connecting a ring hole formation member to a non-head key, which is formed to integrally mold a synthetic resin-made holder on the edge of the key blade 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intermediate key.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a vehicle is used for locking and unlocking a vehicle using a mechanical key having a key blade engraved with a locking / unlocking code, the key blade is used when the main key is lost in addition to the main key. A subkey is added. Depending on the application, the sub-key can include various types of keys, from those that can access all locked locations just like the main key to those that allow only limited access to locked locations. The key is configured to allow access to at least all locked locations.

Since such a main key is always carried and used by a user, it is not provided with a sub-key, for example, to add a decoration to the external appearance or to house a transmitting device for transmitting an electronic unlocking signal. Demands for adding functions are strengthened.

[0004] On the other hand, a key set including a sub key (hereinafter, in this specification, a "key set" refers to a set of a main key engraved with the same locking / unlocking code and one or a plurality of sub keys. In addition, the same locking / unlocking code includes a locking / unlocking code that functions as a sub-key with respect to the main key, for example, a limited number of locking locations that can be locked / unlocked by the main key. Locking / unlocking code that can be accessed is also included.) It is desirable from the viewpoint of manufacturing efficiency that the locking / unlocking code engraving process is performed in the same process in the key manufacturing process. Further, the unlocking / unlocking code is engraved and individualized. It is required that the key set is managed collectively throughout the manufacturing process.

Therefore, conventionally, in the manufacture of a key set, an unlocking code is engraved on a main key and a sub key.
It has been practiced that a key ring is inserted into a key ring insertion hole formed in a grip portion (head) of both keys to form a key set, and the manufacturing process is collectively flowed to a downstream process.

[0006]

However, when the main key and the sub key are manufactured in the same process as in the above-mentioned conventional example, the following problems occur. That is, for example, a main key having a grip portion made of a special decorative body,
Or, if the key set includes a main key with a transmitter device incorporated in the grip, or if a defective product occurs in the code engraving process at the initial stage of the process, expensive ornaments or the transmitter device are also discarded. Need to be done and waste is increased. In addition, in the case of having a grip portion made of a decorative body, the chance of damaging the decorative body in the code engraving process mainly by machining is increased, and the efficiency of the process is deteriorated to avoid damage. .

In order to solve such a problem, a decorative body,
Alternatively, it is effective to attach a grip portion having a transmitting device or the like downstream of the process to complete the main key, but in this case, the main key having no grip portion having a key ring insertion hole is combined with the sub key together. A management box or the like for management is required, which increases distribution costs and the like. It is also possible to form a key ring insertion hole other than the grip part and connect the sub key to the main key via a key ring inserted through the key ring insertion hole, but in this case it is unnecessary with the grip part attached It is wasteful to form the key ring insertion hole in advance, and the grip portion becomes excessively large, or adversely affects the design in the final state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, and an intermediate key and an intermediate key set capable of improving manufacturing efficiency by enabling the collective management of a headless key set. And a method for manufacturing a key set.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a ring for forming a key ring insertion hole in a headless key having a key blade in which a grip portion is separated and an unlocking code is engraved. This is achieved by providing an intermediate key 6 to which the hole forming member 5 is detachably connected.

Here, the intermediate key 6 is a general term for a state prior to the use state by the end user, more specifically, a state that becomes a complete key when the grip portion 1 is mounted.
This mainly refers to a state when moving between manufacturing processes, but also includes, for example, a state before the end user attaches his or her favorite grip unit 1 to complete a key.

In the present invention, the headless key 3 in which the grip 1 is separated from the key in a completed state is formed by forming appropriate grip connecting means 13 at the tip of the key blade 2. Generally, a key ring insertion hole 4 is formed in the grip portion 1 for the purpose of holding the key portion or the like. The headless key 3 without the grip portion 1 does not have the key ring insertion hole 4 and therefore has a ring hole. By attaching the forming member 5, the key ring insertion hole 4 is formed. The key ring insertion hole 4 may be formed in the ring hole forming member 5 in advance, and further, the headless key 3 and the ring hole forming member 5 cooperate with each other.
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the inner peripheral edge of the key ring insertion hole 4 may be formed by the outer peripheral edge of the headless key 3 and the outer peripheral edge of the ring hole forming member 5.

By setting the state of the intermediate key 6 in which the ring hole forming member 5 is connected to the headless key 3 during, for example, a manufacturing process, the operation of engraving the unlocking code on the headless key 3 and the sub key is the same. Even in the process, the intermediate key 6 and the sub key can be managed as a bundle via the key ring 8.
The intermediate key set 9 for integrating the headless key 3 and other key set constituent keys via the key ring 8 in this manner is claimed in claim 2.
In the present invention, since there is no risk of the key set constituent keys being dissipated, the manufacturing efficiency is improved. In the final step, the grip part 1 is attached to the headless key 3.
When mounting is performed, it is only necessary to detach the ring hole forming member 5 and replace it with the grip portion 1.

In the invention according to claim 3, the headless key 3
And a method of manufacturing a key set using the same. The key set according to the present invention is configured as a set of a composite function key 11 and a single function key 12. The mechanical key section 10 is formed by mechanically engraving a locking / unlocking code on the key blade 2, the multifunction key 11 has a mechanical key section 10 and an electronic locking / unlocking transmitting section, and the single function key 12 is It has only the mechanical key section 10.

In manufacturing such a key set, the multi-function key 11 is used as a headless key 3 excluding the grip portion 1 having a built-in electronic locking / unlocking transmission unit, together with another single-function key 12 for engraving an unlocking code. In the setting process, the grip 1 is manufactured separately. Until the grip portion 1 is mounted on the multifunction key 11, the headless key 3 is provided with the ring hole forming member 5, the key ring insertion hole 4 is formed in the head, and inserted into the key ring insertion hole 4. And other single function keys 12 are collectively managed through the key ring 8. Thereafter, the ring hole forming member 5 is removed in the manufacturing process or in the mounting process of the grip portion 1 by the end user, and the grip portion 1 is mounted instead.

Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the locking / unlocking code engraving step and the final completion step of the key set are at distant positions, the keys of the same code can be easily and collectively managed without being scattered. In addition, manufacturing efficiency is improved.

[0016]

FIG. 2 shows an intermediate key set 9.
The intermediate key set 9 is obtained by bundling a plurality of keys including the intermediate key 6 with a key ring 8, and in this embodiment, a multifunction key having an electronic locking / unlocking means in addition to a mechanical locking / unlocking means. It comprises one main key completed as 11 and two sub-keys formed as a single function key 12 having only mechanical locking and unlocking means. The main key 11 and the sub-key 12 have a mechanical key portion 10 having an unlocking code imprinted on the key blade 2, and the mechanical key portion 10 of the main key 11 can open all locked locations of the automobile.

The sub-key 12 has a grip portion 12a integrally at the tip of the key blade 2, and a plurality of sub-keys 12, 12,... Are inserted by inserting a key ring 8 into a key ring insertion hole 12b formed in the grip portion 12a. Can be bundled and managed. The sub-key 12 is formed by engraving the same unlocking code as the main key 11 on the key blade 2.
It is formed as a compatible key as an alternative to the main key 11, or is formed as a function-limited key that permits access to only a specific locking / unlocking location by deleting or changing a part of the key from the locking / unlocking code. Is done. In addition, the same key ring 8 is compatible with the main key 11,
And function limiting keys can be mixed.

On the other hand, the main key 11 is added to the key set in the state of the intermediate key 6 in which the ring hole forming member 5 is connected to the headless key 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the headless key 3 is formed by integrally molding a synthetic resin holder (grip connection means 13) at the tip of the key blade 2. In order to increase the holding strength between the holder 13 and the key blade 2 after molding, a through hole 2 a is formed at the tip of the key blade 2. The holder 13 is formed in a bag shape to which the grip portion 1 described later can be fitted. However, it is preferable that the holder 13 be formed as small as possible in consideration of the transport efficiency and the handling efficiency in the state of the intermediate key 6 or the key set. desirable. The inner wall of the holder 13 has a locking claw 13a used for mounting the grip portion 1 and an engagement recess 13 used for mounting the ring hole forming member 5.
b, and a guide surface 13c for guiding the grip portion 1 and the ring hole forming member 5 are formed.

The ring hole forming member 5 is an injection-molded product of a synthetic resin material, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, two connecting block portions 5a, 5a and a ring which is bridged between the connecting block portions 5a. It has a portion 5b and a connecting tongue piece 5c. The connection tongue 5c is provided with a push button 5d and an engagement protrusion 5e. As shown in FIG. 5, when the connection block portion 5a is inserted into the holder 13 along the guide surface 13c of the holder 13, the engaging button 5d is engaged. The mating projection 5e engages with the engaging recess 13b and is connected to the holder 13. When the push button 5d is pushed in the direction of arrow 5B in FIG.
Is disengaged from the holder 13, and separation from the holder 13 can be easily performed.

The intermediate key 6 in which the ring hole forming member 5 is connected to the headless key 3 is formed by the ring hole forming member 5 and the outer peripheral wall surface of the headless key 3 working together as shown in FIGS. By having the key ring insertion hole 4 and inserting the key ring 8 through the key ring insertion hole 4, it is possible to bundle the key ring 8 together with another sub key 12. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner peripheral wall of the key ring insertion hole 4 of the intermediate key 6 is formed by the ring hole forming member 5 and the outer peripheral wall surface of the headless key 3. It can also be formed in perfect form.

FIG. 4 shows the grip 1 connected to the headless key 3. A transmitter that can lock and unlock the door of the automobile, for example, is built in the grip portion 1, and the door of the automobile can be unlocked without operating the mechanical key section 10 only by operating the switch button 1 d. The grip portion 1 has a fitting portion 1a that can be fitted to the holder 13 of the headless key 3,
A locking projection 1b that locks with the locking claw 13a in the holder 13 is formed on the fitting portion 1a. When the fitting portion 1a is pushed into the holder 13, the locking claw 13a of the holder 13 is once elastically deformed and then locked to the locking projection 1b, thereby preventing detachment.
It is desirable that the locking projection 1b and the locking claw 13a be locked in a state where they cannot be released, so that once the grip portion 1 is connected to the headless key 3, it is not accidentally detached. The grip 1 has a key ring mounting hole 1 through which a key ring 8 can be inserted.
c is formed. Further, as described later, a ring hole forming member 5 is connected to the headless key 3 at an early stage of the manufacturing stage, and finally the grip portion 1 is non-detachably or easily connected. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the connecting means of the holder 13 with the ring hole forming member 5 and the grip 1
It is preferable that the connecting means for connecting to the grip portion 1 is not erroneously damaged or deformed when the ring hole forming member 5 is attached or detached, by forming the connecting means separately without sharing the connecting means for the ring hole forming member 5.

Next, a method of manufacturing the key set will be described.
The key set is a composite function key 11 such as the main key described above.
And another single function key 12 such as a sub key are bundled via a key ring 8. First, the headless key 3 and the key blade 2 of the single function key 12 are made identical by a key slicing machine or the like. Engrave the unlocking code. It is necessary to collectively manage the headless key 3 and the single function key 12 to which the locking / unlocking code has been once assigned.
Are connected to form a key ring insertion hole 4 in the headless key 3, and then a key ring 8 is inserted through the key ring insertion hole 4,
Further, the intermediate key set 9 is manufactured by inserting the key ring insertion hole 4 of the other single function key 12 into the key ring 8.
On the other hand, the grip portion 1 is manufactured in another appropriate process, and is conveyed to the headed key 7 manufacturing process.

After the intermediate key set 9 has been conveyed to the headed key 7 manufacturing process, the ring hole forming member 5 is once removed from the intermediate key 6 and the grip portion 1 is connected in place of the ring hole forming member 5. After the key ring 8 is inserted through the key ring insertion hole 4 of the grip portion 1, another single function key 12 is connected to the key ring 8 to complete the key set.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the grip portion 1 can be manufactured separately from the locking / unlocking code forming step involving machining, so that the gripping portion 1 is damaged in the locking / unlocking code forming step. Is gone,
The production yield is improved. In addition, by forming the state of the intermediate key set 9, the headless key 3 having the same unlocking code and the single function key 12 can be bundled via the key ring 8, so that they are dissipated. Not
Management becomes easier. As a result, for example, only the grip part 1 is manufactured at another factory, and after sending the intermediate key set 9 to the factory, the key set is completed at this factory, or the intermediate key set 9 and the grip part 1 are routed by another route. The key set 8 is supplied to the car manufacturing line, and the key ring 8 is bundled in the key ring mounting hole 1c of the grip portion 1. Thus, the key set is completed on the car manufacturing line and handed over to the end user. In addition, the degree of freedom in the process organization can be dramatically increased.

In the above description, the case where the grip portion 1 has a function of substituting a part of the function of the mechanical key portion 10 of the headless key 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can be configured as a decorative grip portion 1 with a special decoration, or can house a wireless transmitter for activating an electronic system at the time of starting the automobile.

[0026]

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the key set can be collectively managed even in the headless state, so that the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1A and 1B are views showing the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of an intermediate key, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the intermediate key.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an intermediate key set.

3A and 3B are views showing a headless key, wherein FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG.
FIG. 3A is a sectional view taken along line 3B-3B in FIG.

4A and 4B are views showing a grip portion, wherein FIG. 4A is a front view and FIG. 4B is a side view.

5A and 5B are views showing a ring hole forming member, wherein FIG. 5A is a front view and FIG. 5B is a side view.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Handle part 2 Key blade 3 Headless key 4 Key ring insertion hole 5 Ring hole forming member 6 Intermediate key 7 Headed key 8 Key ring 9 Intermediate key set 10 Mechanical key part 11 Multifunction key 12 Single function key

Claims (3)

[Claims] An intermediate key in which a handle portion is separated and a ring hole forming member for forming a key ring insertion hole is detachably connected to a headless key having a key blade engraved with an unlocking code. 2. An intermediate key set, wherein the intermediate key according to claim 1 and a headed key having the same locking / unlocking code as the intermediate key are bundled by a key ring inserted through the key ring insertion hole. 3. A composite function key containing an electronic locking / unlocking transmission section in a grip section in addition to a mechanical key section in which a locking / unlocking code is engraved on a key blade, the same as the mechanical key section of the composite function key. In manufacturing a key set consisting of a single function key having only a mechanical key part engraved with an unlocking code, a headless key excluding a grip part from the multifunction key, and another single function key After manufacturing the headless key, a ring hole forming member is connected to the headless key to form a key ring insertion hole, and then another single function key is connected via a key ring inserted into the key ring insertion hole of the headless key. After that, a method of manufacturing a key set in which a grip portion is attached to the headless key instead of the ring hole forming member, and a key ring in which a single-function key is connected to the key ring mounting hole of the grip portion is attached.