JP4761455B2 - Key case, key, and key cylinder - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a key case, a key, and a key cylinder.

  Conventionally, a key with a key code consisting of uneven key piles and dimples (many small depressions formed on the key surface) is exposed to the outside. In some cases, such as when the clothes or bag are damaged by the key code, or the key is accidentally dropped, the insertion part of the key may be deformed by the impact at the time of dropping.

As a means for solving such a conventional problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, the entire key can be accommodated when the key is not used, and the key insertion portion is exposed to the outside when the key is used. A key case that can be used is disclosed.
JP 2000-14527 A

  However, the key case described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to manually put in and out the key every time the key is used, and the operation is complicated and low in convenience. Therefore, there is a problem that the key case tends to be large.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and it is possible to avoid the deformation of the key and the damage due to the key code, and it is possible to reduce the size as compared with the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a key case and a key that can improve convenience when the key is used or carried.

  The present invention also provides a key cylinder that can easily and surely guide the insertion portion of the key body to the key insertion hole of the key cylinder, and can enhance the operability of locking and unlocking with the key according to the present invention. The purpose is to do.

(1) The present invention includes a base portion fixed to a grip portion of a key body and a movable portion movable with respect to the base portion, and the movable portion is at least the key body. The key case is capable of moving between a first position that covers the insertion portion on which the key code is formed and a second position that exposes the insertion portion.

(2) The present invention is characterized in that the movable part is movable from the first position to the second position in accordance with an insertion operation of the insertion part of the key body. ) Key case.

(3) The present invention is characterized in that the movable portion is disposed in a nested cylinder shape inside the base portion and is movable in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the insertion portion of the key body. The key case according to (2) above.

(4) The present invention further includes an urging means for urging the movable portion from the second position to the first position. Any of the above (1) to (3), Or a key case according to item 1.

(5) The present invention is characterized in that the shape of the tip of the movable part is a shape that can be fitted into a recess formed in a key cylinder that can be locked and unlocked by the key body. It is a key case given in any 1 paragraph of 1)-(4).

(6) The key case according to (5), wherein the shape of the tip of the movable part is an asymmetric shape.

(7) The present invention is characterized in that when the movable part is in the first position, the insertion part of the key body is not visible from the outside of the movable part. The key case according to any one of (6) to (6).

(8) The present invention is characterized in that when the movable portion is in the first position, the movable portion is made of a member that can visually recognize the insertion portion of the key body from the outside of the movable portion. The key case according to any one of (6) to (6).

(9) The key case according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the shape of the base portion in a front view is a substantially elliptical shape.

(10) The present invention is a key comprising a key body and the key case described in any one of (1) to (9).

(11) The present invention is a key cylinder that can be locked and unlocked by the key body of the key according to (10), wherein a recessed portion that can be fitted to the tip of the movable portion is formed. This is a key cylinder.

(12) The key cylinder according to (11), wherein the concave portion has an asymmetric shape.

  According to the key case and the key of the present invention, it is possible to avoid the deformation of the key and the damage due to the key code, and it is possible to reduce the size as compared with the conventional case, and the convenience when the key is used or carried. Can increase the sex.

  If the movable portion can move from the first position to the second position in accordance with the insertion operation of the insertion portion of the key body, the user of the key performs a conventional key insertion operation. The movable part can be moved to the second position simply by performing the operation, and no special operation is required when the key is used. In particular, if the movable part is arranged in a nested cylinder shape inside the base part and can move in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the insertion part of the key body, the key case and the key can be downsized. In addition, the structure is simple and the cost can be reduced.

  In addition, if the urging means for urging the movable portion from the second position to the first position is further provided, the user of the key can move the movable portion to the first position only by performing a conventional key removal operation. The key body can be surely protected without any special operation.

  In addition, if the shape of the tip of the movable part is a shape that can be fitted into a recess formed in a key cylinder that can be locked and unlocked by the key body, the insertion part of the key body is inserted into the key cylinder. It can be easily and reliably guided to the hole, and the operability of locking and unlocking can be enhanced.

  If the shape of the tip of the movable portion is asymmetric, the key user can easily grasp the fitting position of the key and the key cylinder, and the key can be easily and quickly positioned with respect to the key cylinder. Can be done.

  In addition, when the movable portion is in the first position, if the insertion portion of the key body is not visible from the outside of the movable portion, the shape or identification of the key code engraved in the insertion portion There is no fear that the number etc. will be seen by others, and important information about the key can be protected.

  In addition, when the movable part is in the first position, if the key part is made of a member that can visually recognize the insertion part of the key body, the user of the key body The key can be inserted and removed while grasping the positional relationship, the key can be locked and unlocked more quickly, and the design can be improved.

  Further, when the shape of the base portion in a front view is substantially elliptical, the key does not roll down even when the key is placed on a table or the like, and convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to the key cylinder of the present invention, the insertion portion of the key body can be easily and reliably guided to the key insertion hole of the key cylinder, and the operability of locking and unlocking with the key according to the present invention is improved. Can do.

  If the concave portion has an asymmetric shape, the key user can easily grasp the fitting position of the key and the key cylinder, and easily and quickly position the key with respect to the key cylinder. Can do.

  Hereinafter, a key according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  <Key>

  First, the structure of the entire key will be described.

  1 to 5 are schematic external views of a key 10 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the key 10, and FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the key 10 as viewed from the arrow II in FIG. FIGS. 3 and 3 are schematic side views of the key 10 as viewed from the arrow III in FIG.

  The key 10 includes a key body 12, a case 16 (“base portion” according to the present invention) fixed to the grip portion 12 </ b> A of the key body 12 via the shaft 14, and the case 16. 1 is a slide cover 18 ("movable part" according to the present invention) that can move in the direction of arrow X, and two springs that urge this slide cover 18 away from the case 16 (downward in FIG. 1). 20.

  The “key case” according to the present invention is constituted by members excluding the key body 12 (in this example, the shaft 14, the case 16, the slide cover 18, and the spring 20). A well-known thing can be applied.

  4 and 5 show a schematic plan view corresponding to FIG. 1 and a schematic side view corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a state in which the slide cover 18 of the key 10 according to the present embodiment is accommodated in the case 16. FIG.

  The slide cover 18 of the key 10 according to the present embodiment covers the insertion portion 12B in which the key code 12D (see FIG. 6) of the key body 12 is formed. “First position (position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3)” "And a" second position (position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) "exposing the insertion portion 12B.

  <Key body>

  Next, the key body will be described.

  6 to 8 are schematic external views of the key body 12 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the key body 12, and FIG. 7 is a view of the key body 12 viewed from the arrow VII in FIG. 8 is a schematic front view, and FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the key body 12 as viewed from the arrow VIII in FIG.

  Two connecting holes 12 </ b> C for connecting to the shaft 14 are formed side by side in the grip portion 12 </ b> A of the key body 12. On the other hand, the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12 is formed with a key code 12D composed of a number of depressions.

  FIG. 6 shows dimples (many small depressions) as an example of the “key code” according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may form the key mountain.

  <Shaft>

  Next, the shaft will be described.

  9 to 11 are schematic external views of the shaft 14 according to this embodiment, FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the shaft 14, and FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the shaft 14 as viewed from the arrow X in FIG. 9. 11 and 11 are schematic side views of the shaft 14 as viewed from the arrow XI in FIG.

  The shaft 14 includes two insertion holes 14 </ b> A for inserting and fixing the end of the grip portion 12 </ b> A of the key body 12 and two connection holes 12 </ b> C having the same shape as the connection hole 12 </ b> C formed in the grip portion 12 </ b> A of the key body 12. The hole 14B, the recessed part 14C which can be fitted in the convex part 16C (refer FIG. 14) formed in the inner surface of the case 16, and the through-hole 14D with a circular plan view are provided.

  The shaft 14 and the key body 12 are fixed by inserting fixing pins (not shown) into the connection holes 14B of the shaft 14 and the connection holes 12C of the key body 12.

  <Case>

  Next, the case (“base portion” according to the present invention) will be described.

  12 to 14 are schematic external views of the case 16 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of the case 16, and FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the case 16 as viewed from the arrow XIII in FIG. 14 and 14 are schematic side views of the case 16 as viewed from the arrow XIV in FIG.

  The case 16 includes a first case 16A and a second case 16B that are substantially semi-elliptical in front view, and is formed so that the front view is substantially oval as a whole (see FIG. 2). . Since the first case 16A and the second case 16B have the same shape, only the second case 16B (lower case) is shown in FIGS.

  In the first case 16A and the second case 16B, a convex portion 16C having a substantially square shape in plan view and a through hole 16D having a circular shape in plan view are formed for fixing the shaft 14.

  The case 16 and the shaft 14 are fixed by fitting the concave portion 14 </ b> C of the shaft 14 to the convex portion 16 </ b> C of the case 16.

  In the present embodiment, the case 16 is fixed to the grip portion 12A of the key body 12 via the shaft 14, but the “key” according to the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, for example, the case 16 may be directly fixed to the grip portion 12A of the key body 12 without using the shaft 14, and the case 16 may be fixed to the key body 12 through another member other than the shaft 14. You may fix to the holding part 12A. In other words, the “base portion” according to the present invention may be fixed to the grip portion of the key body.

  Further, the shape of the “base portion” according to the present invention is not particularly limited, but the key is placed on a table or the like if the shape of the front view is substantially elliptical as in the case 16 according to the present embodiment. Even in this case, the key does not roll off, and the convenience of the key can be improved.

  <Slide cover>

  Next, the slide cover (“movable part” according to the present invention) will be described.

  15 to 17 are schematic external views of the slide cover 18 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the slide cover 18, and FIG. 16 is a view of the slide cover 18 as viewed from the arrow XVI in FIG. 15. 17 is a schematic front view, and FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of the slide cover 18 as viewed from the arrow XVII in FIG.

  The slide cover 18 includes a first slide cover 18A and a second slide cover 18B that are substantially semi-elliptical when viewed from the front, and the first slide cover 18A and the second slide cover 18B are combined. In this state, a groove 18C having a width and a depth that can accommodate the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12 is formed. Since the first slide cover 18A and the second slide cover 18B have the same shape, only the second slide cover 18B (lower slide cover) is shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slide cover 18 is arranged in a nested cylinder in the inner space of the case 16 in a state where the first slide cover 18 </ b> A and the second slide cover 18 </ b> B are combined. The

  The material of the “movable part” according to the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, when the slide cover 18 is in the first position (the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 above), If the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12 is configured by an invisible member from the outside, the key code 12D engraved in the insertion portion 12B, the identification number, and the like are not likely to be seen by others, and the key is important. Safe information can be protected. Examples of the “member whose key code cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the movable portion” include a colored plastic member and a ceramic member.

  On the other hand, when the slide cover 18 is in the first position, if the slide cover 18 is configured by a member that can visually recognize the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12 from the outside of the slide cover 18, the key user can The key can be inserted and removed while grasping the positional relationship of the insertion portion 12B, and the key can be locked and unlocked more quickly, and the design can be improved. In addition, examples of the “member that can visually recognize the insertion portion of the key body from the outside of the movable portion” include a transparent member and a semi-transparent member. A small window or the like may be provided so that the image can be visually recognized.

  Further, a brush or the like may be disposed on the inner surface of the slide cover 18 (between the inside of the slide cover 18 and the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12). In this case, the key body 12 is moved along with the movement of the slide cover 18. The insertion portion 12B can be cleaned, and dust and dust can be prevented from adhering to the vicinity of the key code.

  Further, a lubricant may be filled between the slide cover 18 and the key body 12, and in this case, the slide cover 18 can be moved more smoothly.

  Furthermore, the slide cover 18 may be made to emit light using a phosphorescent agent, a fluorescent agent, or the like. In this case, the key can be reliably locked or unlocked even in a dark place.

  <Spring>

  Next, the spring will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, two springs 20 are disposed between the inner surface end of the case 16 and the end of the slide cover 18, and the slide cover 18 is moved from the second position to the second position. It is for energizing to the position of 1. In addition, the arrangement | positioning location of the spring 20 is not limited to the example of this embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the key 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a key cylinder 30 that can be locked and unlocked by the key 10 (the key body 12) according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the key cylinder 30 has a key insertion hole 30A into which the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12 can be inserted, and a substantially elliptical recess 30B into which the tip 18D of the slide cover 18 can be fitted. Is formed.

  The user of the key 10 first positions the key 10 by fitting the tip 18D of the slide cover 18 of the key 10 into the recess 30B of the key cylinder 30 while holding the case 16 of the key 10.

  As described above, the key 10 according to the present embodiment has a shape in which the tip 18D of the slide cover 18 can be fitted into the recess 30B formed in the key cylinder 30, and the key cylinder 30 according to the present embodiment includes: A recess 30B that can be fitted to the tip 18D of the slide cover 18 is formed. Therefore, the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12 can be easily and reliably guided to the key insertion hole 30A of the key cylinder 30, and the operability of locking and unlocking with the key 10 can be enhanced.

  Further, since the surface shape of the tip 18D of the slide cover 18 is asymmetric (elliptical), the key user can easily grasp the fitting position of the key 10 and the key cylinder 30, and the key cylinder. The key 10 can be easily and quickly positioned with respect to 30.

  The shape of the tip of the “movable part” according to the present invention and the “recessed portion of the key cylinder” that can be fitted to the tip are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, a key 40 having a movable portion 42 having a vertically elliptical tip 42A, a key cylinder 50 having a recess 50A that can be fitted to the tip 42A of the movable portion 42, and May be combined. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a key 60 having a movable portion 62 having a tip 62A whose upper and lower shapes are asymmetrical, and a key cylinder 70 having a recess 70A that can be fitted to the tip 62A of the movable portion 62, , May be combined. Furthermore, the shape of the tip of the movable part may be a symmetric shape such as a perfect circle.

  Next, when the key 10 is pressed toward the cylinder 30 with the key 10 positioned, the slide cover 18 of the key 10 moves from the first position to the second position against the urging force of the spring 20. Moving. As a result, the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12 is exposed to the outside of the slide cover 18 and is inserted into the key insertion hole 30A of the cylinder 30 so that the key cylinder 30 can be locked and unlocked by the key 10. .

  As described above, since the slide cover 18 can move from the first position to the second position in accordance with the insertion operation of the key body 12, the key user according to the present embodiment is conventionally used by the key user. The slide cover 18 can be moved to the second position simply by performing a key insertion operation, and no special operation is required when using the keys.

  In addition, since the slide cover 18 is disposed inside the case 16 in a nested cylinder shape and can be moved in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12, the key 10 can be reduced in size. In addition to being easy, the structure is simple and the cost can be reduced.

On the other hand, when the user of the key 10 finishes locking and unlocking the key cylinder 30 and moves the key 10 away from the cylinder 30, the slide cover 18 is moved from the second position to the first position by the urging force of the spring 20. Move to position. As a result, the insertion portion 12B of the key body 12 is automatically covered by the slide cover 18 (regardless of the manual operation of the key user).
As described above, the key 10 according to the present embodiment includes the urging means (the spring 20 in the present embodiment) that urges the slide cover 18 from the second position to the first position. Can move the slide cover 18 to the first position only by performing a conventional key-drawing operation, and can securely protect the key body without performing any special operation.

  As described above, the key 10 according to the present embodiment moves relative to the key body 12, the base portion (case in this embodiment) 16 fixed to the grip portion 12 </ b> A of the key body 12, and the base portion 16. A movable portion (slide cover in this embodiment) 18, and the movable portion 18 includes at least a first position that covers the insertion portion 12 </ b> B in which the key code 12 </ b> D of the key body 12 is formed. Further, since it is possible to move between the second position where the insertion portion 12B is exposed, it is possible to avoid deformation of the key or damage due to the key code. In particular, since the movable portion 16 does not cover the “entire key” but “only the insertion portion 12B on which the key code 12D of the key body 12 is formed”, the movable portion 16 has a smaller key and key case than conventional ones. It is possible to improve the convenience when the key is used or carried.

  In the present embodiment, the key has been described. However, the key is configured to include a base portion that is fixed to the grip portion of the key body, and a movable portion that is movable with respect to the base portion. As a key case, it is possible to move between at least a first position that covers the insertion portion in which the key code of the key body is formed and a second position that exposes the insertion portion. The same effect can be obtained.

  In this embodiment, the spring 20 is used as the biasing means. However, the “key” and the “key case” according to the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced. If importance is attached to this, a spring is not necessary. Furthermore, the “biasing means” according to the present invention is not limited to a spring.

  In the present embodiment, the case 16 and the slide cover 18 are arranged in a nested cylinder shape. However, the “key” and the “key case” according to the present invention are not limited to this, The “movable part” according to the invention only needs to be movable from the first position to the second position in accordance with the insertion operation of the insertion part of the key body.

  The application field of the key case, key, and key cylinder of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is particularly suitable for a residential key, key case, key cylinder, and the like represented by an apartment or an apartment.

It is a schematic plan view of a key according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the key as viewed from an arrow II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the key as viewed from an arrow III in FIG. 1. It is the schematic plan view corresponding to FIG. 1 which showed a mode that the slide cover of the same key was accommodated in the case. It is the simplified side view corresponding to FIG. 3 which showed a mode that the slide cover of the same key was accommodated in the case. It is a schematic plan view of the key body according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the key body viewed from an arrow VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the key body viewed from an arrow VIII in FIG. 6. It is a schematic plan view of a shaft according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the shaft as viewed from an arrow X in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the shaft as viewed from an arrow XI in FIG. 9. It is a schematic plan view of the case according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the case as viewed from an arrow XIII in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the case as viewed from an arrow XIX in FIG. 12. It is a schematic plan view of a slide cover according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of the slide cover as viewed from an arrow XVI in FIG. 15. It is the schematic side view of the same slide cover seen from the arrow XVII of FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the key cylinder which can be locked and unlocked with the key which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the key cylinder which can be locked and unlocked with the key which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and this key. It is the figure which showed an example of the key cylinder which can be locked and unlocked with the key which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and this key.

Explanation of symbols

10, 40, 60 ... key 12 ... key body 12A ... gripping part 12B ... insertion part 12C ... coupling hole 12D ... key code 14 ... shaft 14A ... insertion hole 14B ··· Connection hole 14C ··· concave portion 14D ··· through hole 16 · · · case 16A · · · first case 16B · · · second case 18 · · · slide cover 18A · · · first slide cover 18B ... Second slide cover 18C ... Grooves 18D, 42A, 62A ... Tip 20 ... Springs 30, 50, 70 ... Key cylinder 30A ... Key insertion holes 30B, 50B, 70B ... .Recesses 42, 62 ... movable parts

Claims (10)

A base portion fixed to the grip portion of the key body,
A movable part movable with respect to the base part,
The movable portion includes at least a first position covering the insertion portion of the key code is formed of the key body, Ri movement can der between the second position that exposes the insertion portion,
The shape of the tip of the movable part is a shape that can be fitted to a recess formed in a key cylinder that can be locked and unlocked by the key body .
key case. The movable part is movable from the first position to the second position in accordance with an insertion operation of the insertion part of the key body.
The key case according to claim 1. The movable part is disposed inside the base part in a nested cylinder shape, and is movable in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the insertion part of the key body.
The key case according to claim 2. The urging means for urging the movable part from the second position to the first position is further provided,
The key case according to claim 1. The shape of the tip of the movable part is an asymmetric shape,
The key case according to claim 4 . When the movable part is in the first position, the insertion part of the key body is not visible from the outside of the movable part , or is made of a visible member.
The key case according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The shape of the base portion in a front view is a substantially elliptical shape,
Key case according to any one of claims 1-6. The key body,
A key case according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , and comprising the key case.
Key. A key cylinder that can be locked and unlocked by the key body of the key according to claim 8 ,
A concave portion that can be fitted to the tip of the movable portion is formed,
Key cylinder. The shape of the recess is an asymmetric shape,
The key cylinder according to claim 9 .

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