JP2652249B2 - Key knob cover - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a key knob cover for a key, which is attached to a key knob and identifies whether or not a key is locked by a key.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, as means for confirming whether or not a lock has been put on the go, a key ring capable of identifying and displaying whether the lock is locked or unlocked has been proposed (Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 57-37384).
issue).

Such a key ring is provided with a suspending mechanism for suspending a key, and a plurality of display mechanisms capable of selectively displaying locking and unlocking of a lock corresponding to the key. The suspension mechanism has a holder that holds the key at the tip and the base can move along the groove of the key holder, and after shifting the base of the holder to the fixed position in the groove, By rotating the holder together with the key, the display contents of the display mechanism are switched according to the direction of the rotation.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, since the above key ring is in the form of a holder for suspending a key, as long as this key ring is used, it is not possible to carry the key alone or use an existing key ring. Was. In addition, every time the lock is locked and unlocked, the base end of the holder must be shifted to a fixed position in the groove, and the holder is carried with the base end of the holder shifted to the fixed position in the groove. In such a case, there is a possibility that the display contents of the display mechanism may be erroneously switched due to the careless rotation of the holder.

On the other hand, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 61-47364 describes a configuration in which a function of identifying and displaying whether a lock is locked is incorporated in a knob portion of a key. A configuration is described in which a function for detecting whether or not a lock is locked is incorporated in a knob portion of a key. The former detects and displays whether or not the lock is locked by operating a switch in which a protrusion provided on the lock side is provided on the knob side of the key in accordance with the turning direction of the key. The latter is configured such that the magnet provided on the lock side switches the reed switch built in the knob side of the key in accordance with the turning direction of the key, so that the lock is locked or not. Is detected. In both cases, it is possible to carry a key without using a key ring or to use an existing key ring. But the former one is
The switch may malfunction due to vibration or contact with other objects while the key is being carried, and in the latter case, the reed switch may malfunction due to vibration or magnetic force from other objects while the key is being carried. There is a possibility that malfunctioning while carrying the camera cannot be prevented.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to carry a key without requiring a key ring or to use an existing key ring by forming a cover form which is attached to a knob portion of the key, and furthermore, to carry a key. It is an object of the present invention to provide a key knob cover that can reliably identify and lock and unlock a lock while preventing malfunctions in the lock.

Means for Solving the Problems A knob cover of a key according to the present invention comprises: a cover main body attached to a key knob of a key; a display means for identifying and displaying whether the lock is locked or unlocked; A switch for switching display contents of the display means according to a turning direction of the key at the time of an unlocking operation, wherein the cover body has a tip portion around a key hole of the lock. The display means of the display means is allowed to switch the display content by the switching means when hitting the portion, and the display content of the display means by the switching means is used when the tip does not hit the periphery of the keyhole of the lock. And a malfunction preventing means for prohibiting the switching of.

[Operation] The present invention detects and displays the operation direction of a key, so that, for example, it is possible to check whether or not the door is locked when going out, even when going out. Eliminate anxiety and avoid accidents.

Furthermore, by enabling the switching of the contents of the identification display for locking and unlocking on the condition that the key is inserted into the key hole of the lock, the contents of the identification display can be inadvertently switched. Avoid and securely identify the lock and unlock with high reliability.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The key knob cover of the present invention detects whether the key is inserted into the key hole of the lock, and prevents the identification display of locking and unlocking of the lock from being accidentally switched. Means are provided for preventing the The means will be described later.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 are views for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, K is a key of a door lock in an ordinary household, and a cover body 1 is attached to a handle K1 as a knob of the key K. The cover body 1 is formed in a flat plate shape that is one size larger than the handle K1 of the key K, and has a hole 1a formed therein to fit with the handle K1. In the case of this example, the hole 1a is a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) so that the handle K1 of the key K can be selectively inserted from the front-rear direction. Has become. At four corners in the hole 1a, stoppers 1b are formed so as to protrude from the handle portion K1 of the key K inserted into the hole 1a. A notch 1c is formed in the front and rear portions of the cover body 1, and the stopper hole K2 of the handle K1 is exposed from the notch 1c, and the holder chain 3 (see FIG. 4) is inserted into the stopper hole K2. )
Can be connected.

A through hole 1d penetrating in the left-right direction (the direction of arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 2) is formed in an upper side portion of the cover body 1 in FIG. The through hole 1d is formed in a rectangular cross section when viewed from the front in FIG. 1, and left and right steps 1e and 1f (see FIG. 2) are formed in the left and right openings of the through hole 1d. Have been. A hard stopper plate 4 made of a metal plate or the like is fitted in the through hole 1d so as to be slidable in the directions of the right and left arrows A1 and A2.
Left and right push buttons 5, 6 on the left and right sides of the flat rectangle
Is attached.

On the left side of the stopper plate 4 in FIG. 1, two left and right recesses 4a and 4b (see FIG. 3) are provided.
When the stopper plate 4 slides in the left arrow A1 direction, the right concave portion 4b is positioned on the center line L in the thickness direction of the cover body 1, as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when the stopper plate 4 slides in the right arrow A2 direction, the left recess 4a is positioned on the center line L.

On the front side (left side in FIG. 1) of the cover main body 1, a hole 1g having a circular cross section extending along the center line L is formed.
The ball 7 and the spring 8 are sequentially housed in the hole 1g, and the spring 8 is compressed by a screw 9 screwed into the opening of the hole 1g. The ball 7 is pressed against the side of the stopper plate 4 by the restoring force of the spring 8. When the stopper plate 4 slides in the left arrow A1 direction, the ball 7 fits into the right recess 4b. On the other hand, when the stopper plate 4 slides in the right arrow A2 direction, the ball 7 Are fitted in the left recess 4a.

 Next, the operation will be described.

Here, it is assumed that the door lock 10 (see FIG. 5) which is unlocked and locked by the key K is of the following "A type".

"A type door lock 10" Insert the key K into the key hole, turn the key K clockwise to lock when pulled out, and turn the key K counterclockwise to unlock when pulled out. .

Now, in order to unlock the door lock 10, when the key K is inserted into the key hole and turned to the left, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the lower part of the left side of the cover body 1 is moved by the thumb. The upper part of the right side surface of the cover body 1 that is pushed down is pushed by a finger other than the thumb, especially the index finger. At this time, the right push button 6 located in the latter part is pushed in the direction of arrow A1 as shown in the figure, and the push button 6 and the stopper plate 4 slide in the direction of arrow A1. Then, the right concave portion 4b is located on the center line L,
The ball 7 fits into the recess 4b and locks the stopper plate 4.

Then, turn the key K to the left in this way to lock the door.
When the key K is pulled out after unlocking 10, the stopper plate 4 remains locked at the sliding position in the direction of arrow A1. In this locked state, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the right push button 6 enters the step 1f, while the left push button 5 projects out of the step 1e. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the door lock 10 is unlocked because the left push button 5 remains protruding.

On the other hand, when the key K is inserted into the key hole and turned clockwise to lock the door lock 10, as shown in FIG.
The upper part of the left side of the cover main body 1 is pressed by the thumb, and the lower part of the right side of the cover main body 1 is pressed by the fingers other than the thumb, especially the index finger. At this time, the left push button 5 located in the former part
Is pushed in the direction of the arrow A2 as shown in the figure, and the push button 5 and the stopper plate 4 slide in the direction of the arrow A2. Then, the left concave portion 4a is located on the center line L, and the ball 7 fits into the concave portion 4a to lock the stopper plate 4.

Then, turn the key K clockwise to lock the door.
When the key K is pulled out after locking the lock 10, the stopper plate 4 remains locked at the slide position in the direction of arrow A2. In this locked state, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the left push button 5 enters the step portion 1e, while the right push button 6 projects out of the step portion 1f. Therefore, since the right push button 6 remains protruding, it can be confirmed that the door lock 10 is locked.

In this way, it can be confirmed whether the door lock 10 is unlocked or locked based on which of the left and right push buttons 5, 6 projects. In other words, it is possible to confirm whether or not the door lock 10 is locked as long as the key K is carried even when going out.

Here, the functions performed by the main components of the cover according to the present embodiment will be described.

A function as a first pressure receiving portion that receives an operation force when the key K is turned to the left.

 This pressure receiving function is provided by the right push button 6.

A function as a second pressure receiving portion that receives an operation force when the key K is turned clockwise.

 This pressure receiving function is provided by the left push button 5.

A function as a first detection unit that detects that the first pressure receiving unit has received the operation force.

This detection function is performed by a mechanical movement in which the stopper plate 4 slides in the direction of arrow A1.

A function as a second detection unit that detects that the second pressure receiving unit has received the operation force.

This detection function is performed by a mechanical movement in which the stopper plate 4 slides in the direction of arrow A2.

A first memory for storing that the first detection unit has detected the operating force
Function as a storage unit.

This storage function has a ball 7 for mechanically locking the stopper plate 4 slid in the direction of the arrow A1, and a right recess 4d.

A second memory for storing that the second detection unit has detected the operation force
Function as a storage unit.

This memory function has a ball 7 for mechanically locking the stopper plate 4 slid in the direction of arrow A2 and a concave portion 4a on the left.

A function as a first display unit for displaying the storage content of the first storage unit;

This display function is provided by the push button 5 from the left step 1e.
Or the push button 4 enters the right step 1f.

A function as a second display unit for displaying the storage content of the second storage unit;

Conversely, this display function is achieved by the positional relationship of the push button 4 protruding from the right step 1f or the push button 5 entering the left step 1e.

As described above, in the cover of this embodiment,
Is performed by a mechanical configuration.

By the way, as a modified example of this practical example, it is detected that only the key K is turned to one of left and right,
The display may be configured. In this case, even if it has only the function as the first pressure receiving unit, the function as the first detecting unit, the function as the first storage unit, and the function as the first display unit described above. Good. However, key K
When is turned in the other direction, it is necessary to cancel the storage and display contents.

Further, in the present embodiment, the stopper plate 4 is formed by fitting the ball 7 and the left and right concave portions 4a, 4b.
It slides and locks with a sense of “click, click”. Also, for example, left and right push buttons 5, 6
Furthermore, by engraving the characters "OPEN" and "CLOSE" or coloring them in different colors, it is possible to improve the recognizability of whether or not the door lock 10 is locked.

Further, when the door lock 10 is of the "B type", "C type", or "D type" different from the "A type" described above, the following correspondence is made.

"Type B door lock 10" This type, contrary to the case of "A type" described above, inserts the key K into the key hole, turns the key K to the right, and unlocks it when pulled out. When the key K is turned counterclockwise and pulled out as it is, locking is performed.

In the case of this "B type", the cover body 1 is turned left and right in FIG. 1 and attached to the handle K1 of the key K, so that the push buttons 5, 6 are the same as in the case of the "A type" described above. And performs the function of identifying and displaying the unlocking and locking. When such reverse mounting is not performed, the identification display functions of the push buttons 5 and 6 are reversed.

"C type door lock 10" In this type, after the key K is turned clockwise to lock it, the key K cannot be pulled out unless it is turned counterclockwise to the original insertion position. After the key K is unlocked, the key K cannot be pulled out unless the key K is turned clockwise to the original insertion position.

In the case of the "C type", as in the case of the "B type", the cover body 1 is turned left and right in FIG.
5 and 6 perform the same unlocking and locking identification display function as in the case of “A type”. When such reverse mounting is not performed, the identification display functions of the push buttons 5 and 6 are reversed.

"D type door lock 10" In this type, contrary to the above "C type", after turning the key K counterclockwise to lock it, the key K must be turned counterclockwise to the original insertion position. Cannot be pulled out, and after turning the key K clockwise to unlock it,
If the door lock 10 cannot be pulled out unless it is turned to the left to the original insertion position.

In the case of this "D type", the "A type"
By installing the same cover body 1 as
6 performs the same unlocking and locking identification display function as the “A type”. Also, the cover body 1 is turned left and right in FIG.
Attach it to the handle K1 of the key K.
6, the identification display function is reversed.

As described above, regardless of the type of the door lock 10, the push buttons 5 and 6 perform the unlocking and locking identification display function.

6 to 8 are views for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of the present embodiment, the functions (1) to (4) of the above-described first embodiment are performed by an electrical configuration.
The cover unit 1 is provided with a functional unit as shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numerals 11, 12, 13, and 14 denote first, second, third, and fourth pressure-sensitive switches, which are divided into four positions on the left and right sides of the cover body 1 at an upper position and a lower position. Provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the first pressure-sensitive switch 11 is located at the upper position on the left side, the second pressure-sensitive switch 12 is located at the lower position on the left side, and the third pressure-sensitive switch.
Reference numeral 13 denotes an upper position on the right side, and a fourth pressure-sensitive switch 14 is provided at a lower position on the right side.

These pressure-sensitive switches 11, 12, 13, and 14 are connected to the operation direction determination unit 16 of the control unit 15. This determination unit 16
The operation direction of the key K is determined based on a combination of detection signals from the pressure-sensitive switches 11, 12, 13, and 14. That is, when the key K is turned counterclockwise, as in the case of FIG. 5A of the first embodiment described above, the lower part of the left side of the cover body 1 and the upper part of the right side Is pressed, and the second and third pressure-sensitive switches 12, 13 detect the operating force and output a detection signal. On the other hand, when the key K is turned clockwise, as in the case of FIG. 5 (b) of the first embodiment described above, the upper part of the left side of the cover body 1 and the lower part of the right side Part will be pressed,
First, the fourth pressure-sensitive switches 11, 14 detect the operating force and output a detection signal. The determination unit 16 determines whether the key K is turned in the left or right direction from the two combinations of the detection signals, and outputs the left determination signal S1 when the key K is turned left. And outputs a determination signal S2 in the right direction when it is turned clockwise.

These determination signals S1 and S2 are input to the operation direction storage unit 17, where they are stored as "operation direction" information indicating whether the key K has been turned left or right. Further, the storage unit 17 stores the determination signals S1 and S2 in accordance with the storage timing.
The operation time storage command signal S3 is output to the operation time storage unit 18. The storage unit 18 is configured to input the current time measured by the current time clock unit 19 every moment, and store the current time at the time when the storage command signal S3 is input as the “operation time”. The current time setting unit 20 is connected to the current time clock unit 19. In the case of this example, the setting unit 20 advances the current time at a predetermined speed only while the push switch 20a (see FIG. 6) is being pushed.

The “operation direction” stored in the operation direction storage unit 17, the “operation time” stored in the operation time storage unit 18, and the “current time” measured by the clock unit 19 are input to the display switching unit 21. . The display switching section 21 includes a display switching operation section 22 (see FIG. 6).
Is connected. The display switching operation section 22 outputs a display switching signal S4 when a push switch 22a (see FIG. 6) is pushed. Display switching section
When the display switch signal S4 is not input, that is, when the push switch 22a is not pushed, the clock unit 19 outputs the `` current time '' measured by the timer unit 19 to the display unit 23, and the display switch signal S4 is input. Sometimes a push switch
When the button 22a is pushed, the “operation direction” and the “operation time” stored in the storage units 17 and 18 are output to the display unit 23.

The display unit 23 displays input information from the display switching unit 21. In the case of the present example, the display unit 23 includes a digital display unit 23a for the time and light-emitting character units 23b for "AM", "PM", "CLOSE", and "OPEN". Then, “current time” or “operation time” is displayed by a combination of the digital display section 23a and the light emitting characters of “AM” and “PM”.
The "operation direction" is displayed by the light emitting characters of "E" and "OPEN".

 Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

Here, it is assumed that the door lock 10 that is unlocked and locked by the key K is the above-mentioned “A type”.

First, when the push switch 22a is not pushed, the display switching operation unit 22 does not output the display switching signal S4,
The display unit 23 digitally displays the “current time” measured by the clock unit 19 every moment. For example, when the current time is “10:00 am”, “00:10” is digitally displayed on the digital display unit 23a, and the character “AM” in the light-emitting character unit 23b emits light.

Now, in order to unlock the door lock 10, when the key K is inserted into the key hole and turned to the left, the second and third pressure-sensitive switches 12, 13 are turned.
Detects the operation force and outputs a detection signal, and the determination unit 16 outputs a leftward determination signal S1. Then, the operation direction storage unit
17 is the “operation direction” indicating that the key K was operated to the left.
And outputs a storage command signal S3, and the operation time storage unit 18 stores the “operation time”.

After unlocking the door lock 10, the key K is pulled out from the key hole. Then, if necessary, push switch 22a
Is pushed, the display switching operation section 22 displays the display switching signal S4.
And the display unit 23 displays “operation direction” and “operation time” instead of the digital display of “current time”. For example,
"Operation time" when key K is unlocked by operating to the left
Is "7:30 pm", the digital display 23a
Digitally displays “07:30” and emits light 2
3b “PM” and “OPEN” light up.

On the other hand, when the key K is inserted into the key hole and turned to the right to lock the door lock 10, the first and fourth pressure-sensitive switches 11, 14 detect the operating force and output a detection signal. And judgment unit 1
6 outputs a rightward determination signal S2. Then, the operation direction storage unit 17 updates and stores the information of the “operation direction” that the key K has been operated in the right direction, and stores the storage command signal S3.
Is output, and the operation time storage unit 18 updates and stores the “operation time”.

After the door lock 10 is locked, if necessary, when the push switch 22a is pushed, the display switching operation unit 22 outputs a display switching signal S4, and the display unit 23 changes the "operation direction" and the "operation time". indicate. For example, the “operation time” when the key K is operated to the right and locked is “6:30 am”.
, The digital display unit 23a as shown in FIG.
Digital display of "06:30" and the illuminated character part 2
The characters “AM” and “CLOSE” in 3b are emitted.

By the way, when the cover of this embodiment is attached to the "B type", "C type", and "D type" door locks 10, it is handled in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.
The operation direction storage unit 17 and the operation time storage unit 18 may store information of two or more times in the past. In this case, it is possible to know the times of unlocking and locking for a plurality of times in the past. Alternatively, only the operation direction of the key K may be stored and displayed.

The shape of the cover according to the present invention is not specified at all, and is arbitrary. For example, a card type may be used.
It is also possible to incorporate various functions such as a light for illuminating the key hole of the key K. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the color is changed for a predetermined time by receiving a pressure when the key K is turned in the locking direction or the unlocking direction.
Further, a detection unit is provided on a surface of a specific portion of the cover body 1 for detecting the temperature of a finger of a person's hand, and a lock or unlock of the key K is detected from a temperature change of the detection unit. Can be configured to display the operation direction of the key K by changing the color for a predetermined time.

Further, in order to more reliably prevent erroneous detection of the turning operation of the key K while the key K is being carried, the turning operation of the key K is detected only when the key K is inserted into the key hole. Is preferred. For example, the insertion of the key K is detected by the tip of the cover main body 1 hitting the peripheral portion of the key hole, or the insertion of the key K is detected by the insertion force of the key K. Can be configured not to detect the turning operation of the key K. On the condition that the insertion of the key K into the key hole is detected, the key K
In order to detect the turning direction of, temporarily, while carrying the key K,
Even if the turning direction of the key K is detected by mistake, the display contents of locking and unlocking do not inadvertently switch. In other words, the lock and unlock display contents are switched on the assumption that the key K is inserted into the key hole, so that the malfunction of the key K while being carried can be reliably prevented. Therefore, the detecting unit for detecting the insertion of the key K into the keyhole forms a part of the malfunction preventing means for preventing the malfunction.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the present invention detects the insertion of a key into a keyhole, separately from the detection of the turning direction of the key, and on the condition that the insertion of the key into the keyhole is detected. In order to detect the key rotation direction and switch the lock / unlock display contents, even if the key rotation direction is erroneously detected while carrying the key, the lock / unlock display contents are careless. Will not switch to
It is possible to reliably prevent a malfunction while the key is being carried, and to obtain extremely high reliability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 to 5 are views for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 3, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a front view, FIG. 5 (a) is an operation explanatory diagram when the key is turned to the left, and FIG. 5 (b) is an operation explanatory diagram when the key is turned to the right. FIG. 6 to 8 are views for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 6 is a front view, FIG. 7 is a view taken in the direction of arrow VII in FIG. 6, and FIG. It is a block block diagram. 1 ... cover body, 4 ... stopper plate, 5, 6 ... push button, 7 ... ball, 8 ... spring, 9 ... screw, 10 ... door lock, K ... key.

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A cover body attached to a knob of a key, a display means for identifying and displaying whether the lock is unlocked or unlocked, and a key turning direction during the locking and unlocking operation of the lock. A key knob cover provided with switching means for switching the display contents of the display means, wherein the display means is switched by the switching means when a tip portion of the cover body hits a peripheral portion of a key hole of the lock. A malfunction preventing means for permitting switching of display contents and for preventing switching of display contents of the display means by the switching means when the tip portion does not hit the periphery of the key hole of the lock. The key knob cover. 2. The cover body has a front cover portion and a back cover portion that cover the front and back surfaces of the knob portion of the key, and the display means includes a front cover portion or a back cover of the cover body. 2. The key knob cover according to claim 1, wherein the locking and unlocking of the lock can be identified and displayed on at least one of the sections. 3. The display means has a displacement member selectively displaced to two positions by the switching means, and selectively locks and unlocks the lock according to the displacement position of the displacement member. 3. The key cover according to claim 1, wherein the key is displayed. 4. The displacement member of the display means has two display surfaces colored in different colors, and the two display surfaces lock and unlock the lock according to the displacement position of the displacement member. 4. The key cover according to claim 3, wherein the key is selectively displayed. 5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said switching means is capable of switching display contents of said display means based on an operation force corresponding to a turning direction of said key. Key knob cover. 6. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein said switching means is capable of changing a switching direction of display contents of said display means in accordance with a type of said lock. Knob cover. 7. The key body according to claim 1, wherein the cover main body is formed in a substantially flat plate shape larger than the knob portion of the key, and holds the knob portion of the key in the inside thereof.
7. The knob cover of the key according to any one of items 1 to 6.