JP6640019B2 - key box - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a key box for automatically lending a key.

  2. Description of the Related Art Some mechanical parking devices include an operation panel operated by a user at the time of entry or exit. This type of operation panel is often installed in an operation panel storage box having a lockable door (lid) in order to prevent an operation other than the authorized user. The door of the operation panel storage box is usually locked.

  The key of the lock of the door of the operation panel storage box is usually lent to each user who has made a usage contract such as a monthly contract.

  When performing a process of entering and leaving a warehouse, the usage contractor unlocks the door of the operation panel storage box using the lent key and operates the operation panel.

  By the way, in the case of a mechanical parking device, when the number of vehicles contracted for use is small compared to the number of parkable vehicles, which is the number of storage compartments of the vehicle, the surplus storage compartments are replaced by persons other than the contractor. There is a case where it is desired to increase the profit by temporarily using the service in a form like a time loan.

  When such a temporary use of the mechanical parking device is performed, a process of renting a lock key of the operation panel storage box to a user of the temporary use is required.

  It should be noted that arranging a clerk to rent out this key would incur labor costs. Therefore, it is desired that the key be lent automatically.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an apparatus for automatically lending and returning a key of a common use article, for example, a common use article rental / return system using a key box has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-79199 A

  However, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a key box to have a function of communicating with a reservation center via a network.

  Therefore, the key box disclosed in Patent Literature 1 can be applied to, for example, a process of automatically renting a key such as a lock key of a control box storage box of a mechanical parking device. And a network facility for the key box to communicate with the reservation center.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a key box that can automatically lend a key to an authorized user without connecting to the outside via a network.

  The present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, comprises a housing provided with a key storage space inside, and an opening provided at the lower end side of the housing and communicating with the lower end side of the storage space, A reel in which a cord is drawn out so as to be able to be pulled out, a key holder attached to the tip end of the cord, and a key connected to the key holder is pulled up so as to fit in the storage space. Raising and lowering means for vertically moving between a closed state and a state of being lowered to a position exposed below the housing through the opening, a signal communication unit, and a controller, the controller comprising: Based on an input of an authentication signal to the signal communication unit, a key connected to a cable-like object via the key holder is lifted to the elevating means from a state where the key is pulled up to fit in the storage space. Command to lower through the section to a position exposed below the housing A key box having the structure as having the function of providing.

  A power supply is connected to the controller, and the power supply is a primary battery or a secondary battery disposed in the housing.

  The signal communication unit is configured to receive the authentication signal by wireless communication.

  The housing has a configuration in which the opening is provided with a lid, and the controller closes the opening with the lid when the key is stored in the storage space with respect to the lid. Is provided with a function of performing control for opening the opening while it is being taken out of the opening.

  The reel has a function of rewinding a cord-like object by a spring type, and the elevating means includes an arm member, and a motor attached to one end of the arm member for rotating the arm member in a vertical direction. And a guide member attached to the other end of the arm member for hanging the cord-like object.

  The controller has a timer function that starts counting the passage of time when the arm member of the elevating means is rotated downward, and when the time set by the timer function is counted, the arm member is moved to the elevating means. And a function of rotating it upward.

  The elevating means includes a motor that drives the reel to rotate.

  According to the key box of the present invention, a key can be automatically lent to an authorized user without connecting to the outside via a network.

It is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a key box. FIG. 2 is a cut-away side view of the key box of FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram showing the use state of the key taken out of the key box. It is a figure showing an example of application of a 1st embodiment of a key box. It is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a key box. It is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of a key box.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional front view showing a first embodiment of a key box. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a use state of the key extracted from the key box.

  The key box according to the present embodiment is indicated by reference numeral 1 in FIGS. For convenience of explanation, the near side (right side in FIG. 2) of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front side of the key box 1, and the far side in FIG. 1 (left side in FIG. 2) is referred to as the rear side of the key box 1. Will be described as the left-right direction of the key box 1.

  The key box 1 includes a housing 2 having a storage space 3 for the key X, an opening 4 provided at a lower side of the housing 2 to communicate the lower end of the storage space 3 to the outside, and is disposed in the storage space 3. And a reel 6 around which the rope 5 is pulled out, and a key holder 7 attached to the distal end side of the rope 5, further comprising a lifting means 8 and a signal The configuration includes a communication unit 9, a power supply 10, and a controller 11.

  The housing 2 is configured to include, for example, a hollow box 12 and a cover 13 attached to the front side of the box 12.

  The box portion 12 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape having a smaller dimension in the front-rear direction than in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

  The cover portion 13 includes a rectangular front wall 13a having the same shape as the front surface of the box body portion 12, and left and right walls 13b and 13c protruding rearward from the left, right, and upper edges of the front wall 13a. And a ceiling wall 13d. The projecting end sides of the left side wall 13b, the right side wall 13c, and the ceiling wall 13d of the cover portion 13 are attached to the left edge, right edge, and upper edge of the front side of the box body 12, respectively.

  As a result, a space is formed in the housing 2 in front of the box body portion 12 and inside the cover portion 13, and this space is the storage space 3. Further, the housing 2 is surrounded by lower ends of the front side wall 13a, the left side wall 13b, and the right side wall 13c of the cover portion 13 and a lower end portion of the front surface of the box body portion 12 on the lower end side of the storage space 3. The inside portion is an opening 4.

  The lifting / lowering means 8 lifts the key X connected to the distal end side of the cord-like object 5 via the key holder 7 so as to fit in the storage space 3 (hereinafter, referred to as a key storage state). Through which the key is moved down to a position exposed below the housing 2 (hereinafter referred to as a key extraction state). In the present embodiment, the lifting / lowering means 8 is configured to include a motor 14, an arm member 15, and a guide member 16.

  The motor 14 is installed at a location closer to the upper side inside the box body portion 12, and is disposed facing forward on one side in the left-right direction, for example, on the left side. The rotation shaft 14 a of the motor 14 is disposed so as to penetrate the front wall 12 a of the box body portion 12 and protrude into the storage space 3.

  One end in the longitudinal direction of an arm member 15 extending in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 14a in the storage space 3 is attached to the protruding end side of the rotation shaft 14a. A guide member 16 for hanging the cord 5 is attached to the other end of the arm member 15 in the longitudinal direction.

  The guide member 16 has a configuration that surrounds the cord 5. As a result, the guide member 16 can move the cable member 5 even if the arm member 15 rotates as will be described later, or even if the cable member 5 is pulled in any of the front, rear, left and right directions when the key X is used. Can always be held. In the present embodiment, the guide member 16 is configured as an annular member through which the cord-like object 5 passes.

  As shown by a solid line in FIG. 1, the elevating means 8 is arranged such that the arm member 15 is extended in the left-right direction by the motor 14 and the guide member 16 is arranged near the upper end of the storage space 3. Is the initial state.

  In addition, the lifting / lowering means 8 rotates the arm member 15 downward from the posture in the initial state by the operation of the motor 14, so that the arm member 15 extends vertically as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The state in which the position of the guide member 16 is displaced downward compared to the initial state is the operation state of the lifting / lowering means 8.

  A connector 17 is provided at a position above the motor 14 on the front side wall 12 a of the box body 12. The cord 5 has a proximal end connected to the connector 17.

  The cord 5 has such a flexibility that it can be wound around the reel 6 and has a strength that does not easily cause wear and tear even when repeatedly pulled out from the reel 6 and rewound onto the reel 6 repeatedly. And durability. As the cord 5, for example, a metal or resin wire or a fiber rope is preferably used, but the cord 5 of another material or structure may be used.

  The reel 6 has a configuration in which the cord 5 is wound from a longitudinally intermediate portion of the cord 5. Thus, the reel 6 can pull out the cord 5 from the reel 6 by pulling the cord 5 in both the one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction. Further, the reel 6 has a function of rewinding the cord-like object 5 by a spring method. This is a function of rewinding the pulled-out rope 5 to its original state by the restoring force of a spring (not shown) such as a spring that deforms when the rope 5 is pulled out.

  Further, although not shown, it is preferable that the reel 6 includes a stopper mechanism that can temporarily stop the rewinding of the cord 5 against the restoring force of the spring when the cord 5 is pulled out. . The stopper mechanism switches the temporary stop of rewinding of the cord-like object 5 and the release thereof by operating the cord-like object 5 such as adjusting how to pull out the cord-like object 5 and adjusting speed in the rewinding direction. Use something that can.

  The function of rewinding the cord-like object 5 by the spring type and the stopper mechanism of the reel 6 are technologies widely used in a reel of a power cord and a reel of a connection cable, and therefore, detailed description of the configuration is provided here. Description is omitted.

  When the rope 5 is rewound onto the reel 6, the rope 5 may be provided with an overwinding restricting member 18 that contacts the case of the reel 6 when the amount of rewinding becomes appropriate. According to this configuration, when the rope 5 is rewound onto the reel 6 by the restoring force of the spring, it is possible to prevent a possibility that the unwinding amount of the rope 5 on the reel 6 becomes excessive.

  The key holder 7 has a configuration in which a ring 19 is provided to be attached through a hole generally provided in the key X. Thereby, the key holder 7 can be attached by passing the ring portion 19 through the hole of the key X. In this state, the key X is connected to the housing 2 via the key holder 7, the cord 5, and the connector 17.

  In the key box 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the elevating means 8 is in the initial state, and the state in which the reel 6 winds the cord 5 is in the key storage state.

  In this key storage state, since the arm member 15 is in a posture extending in the left-right direction, the cord-like object 5 has a portion near the base end from the connecting tool 17 to a position where the cable member is hung on the guide member 16. It is arranged to extend in the lateral direction. For this reason, the key X held in a state of being hung on the cord-like object 5 hanging down from the guide member 16 is in a state of being pulled up to the uppermost position, and is in a state of being stored in the storage space 3.

  In the key box 1 of the present embodiment, when the motor 14 of the lifting / lowering means 8 is operated from the key storage state to rotate the arm member 15 downward as shown by the two-dot chain line arrow in FIG. The vertical position of the guide member 16 attached to the base member 15 gradually decreases. Along with this, in the cord-like object 5, the vertical position of the portion hung on the guide member 16 gradually decreases. Therefore, the key X held in a state of being hung on the cord 5 moves downward.

  In the key box 1 of the present embodiment, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the elevating means 8 is in the operating state, and the state in which the reel 6 keeps the cord 5 wound is the key removal state.

  In this key extraction state, the arm member 15 is in a posture extending in the up-down direction. It is arranged so that it may extend. As a result, the key X suspended from the cord 5 is drawn out of the housing 2 through the opening 4.

  Note that the amount of change in the vertical position of the key X (the amount of elevating and lowering) caused by the turning operation of the arm member 15 of the elevating means 8 depends on the position of the rotating shaft 14 a which is the center of rotation of the arm member 15 and the installation of the connecting tool 17. It is determined depending on the relative arrangement with the position, the length dimension of the arm member 15, the angle of rotation of the arm member 15, and the like.

  Therefore, when designing the key box 1, the key X can be stored in the storage space 3 in the initial state of the lifting / lowering means 8, and the key X can be stored in the housing 2 through the opening 4 in the operating state of the lifting / lowering means 8. The relative position between the position of the rotating shaft 14a of the motor 14 and the installation position of the connector 17, the length dimension of the arm member 15, and the rotation of the arm member 15 so that the arm member 15 can be placed downward. What is necessary is just to set the angle range, the vertical distance from the rotation center of the connection tool 17 and the arm member 15 to the opening 4 of the housing 2, and the like.

  Further, the required size of the storage space 3 is determined based on the set length of the arm member 15, the range in which the arm member 15 rotates, and the size of the key X expected to be stored. What is necessary is just to set the size of each part of the housing | casing 2 so that the storage space 3 of the size may be formed.

  A controller 11 and a power supply 10 are provided inside the box portion 12 so as not to interfere with the motor 14. Further, a signal communication unit 9 is provided at a position closer to the front of the housing 2, for example, inside the front wall 13 a of the cover unit 13.

  The motor 14 is connected to the controller 11. The power supply 10 and the signal communication unit 9 are also connected to the controller 11.

  The power supply 10 is for supplying power to the controller 11, the motor 14, and the signal communication unit 9.

  Considering that the key box 1 of the present embodiment can be installed in various places, it is preferable that the power supply 10 use a primary battery or a secondary battery housed in the box body 12. However, the key box 1 of the present embodiment may be configured to be connected to a commercial power source such as an AC power source via a power cord (not shown) instead of the power source 10 arranged in the housing 2. is there.

  When a primary battery or a secondary battery is used as the power supply 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the box body 12 is provided with an opening 20 having a lid 21 which can be opened and closed on a rear side wall 12b. It is preferable that the power supply 10 of a primary battery or a secondary battery is held inside the unit 20 via a battery box (not shown) or the like. Although not shown, the opening with the lid may be provided on the left and right side walls of the box body 12 instead of the rear wall 12b of the box body 12. According to this configuration, the battery can be easily replaced by opening the lid 21 of the opening 20.

  Note that the key box 1 of the present embodiment may be configured to disassemble the box body portion 12 to replace the battery, and in this case, the box body portion 12 may not include the opening 20.

  When a secondary battery is used as the power source 10, the power source 10 may be connected to a power generation unit using solar power, wind power, or other renewable energy. According to this configuration, electricity generated by the power generation means can be stored in the secondary battery serving as the power supply 10, so that battery exhaustion can be suppressed.

  The signal communication unit 9 is a user who has obtained permission to use the key X from the authentication means 22 as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 2 possessed by the user who wants to lend the key X (not shown). To receive an authentication signal s for confirming.

  Note that the authentication unit 22 is a mobile terminal carried by the user, such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a mobile phone, and can execute the application program and acquire the authentication signal s through an external connection via a network. It is preferable to use a mobile terminal having a function. A method of operating the key box 1 of this embodiment using the authentication unit 22 will be described later as a usage example.

  The transfer of the authentication signal s from the authentication unit 22 to the signal communication unit 9 may be performed by wireless communication such as short-range wireless communication. In this case, both the authentication unit 22 and the signal communication unit 9 may be provided with a communication module for wireless communication.

  The controller 11 has a function of executing the following key lending process.

  In this key lending process, when the controller 11 confirms the input of the authentication signal s based on the signal from the signal communication unit 9, the controller 11 sends the arm member 15 to the motor 14 of the lifting / lowering means 8 by the initial line shown by a solid line in FIG. A rotation command c1 for turning from the state to the operation state indicated by the two-dot chain line is given. The arm member 15 is turned by the operation of the motor 14 in accordance with the turning command c1, and the key X suspended from the cord 5 via the key holder 7 passes through the opening 4. The arrangement is taken out below the housing 2.

  When the key X is taken out from the opening 4 in this way, the user can pick up the key X. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the user pulls and moves the key X, the cord 5 is pulled out from the reel 6 accordingly. At this time, the rewinding of the cord-like material 5 can be temporarily stopped by a stopper mechanism (not shown) provided on the reel 6, so that the user can use the key X while keeping the key X connected to the cord-like material 5. Can be unlocked or locked by moving it to a certain position.

  Further, the controller 11 has a timer function, and starts counting the passage of time when a rotation command c1 is given to the motor 14 of the lifting / lowering means 8. When the timer function counts, for example, a lapse of several minutes as a set time, the controller 11 causes the motor 14 to move the arm member 15 from the operation state shown by the solid line in FIG. A return command c2 for returning to the indicated initial state is given. Since the arm member 15 returns to the initial state by the operation of the motor 14 in accordance with the return command c2, the portion of the cord 5 hooked on the guide member 16 is pulled up to the upper end side of the storage space 3. At this time, if the cord-like object 5 is pulled out from the reel 6, the key X will not be pulled up into the housing 2, so that the user can continue using the key X.

  Note that when the arm member 15 returns to the initial state, if the pull-out of the cord-like object 5 from the reel 6 has not been performed or if the amount of pull-out has been small, the key is rotated with the rotation of the arm member 15. X may be lifted into the housing 2. When the stopper mechanism of the reel 6 is released for some reason and the cord 5 is rewound in a state where the arm member 15 has returned to the initial state, the key X is placed inside the housing 2. It will be raised.

  If such a pulling of the key X into the inside of the casing 2 occurs during the use of the key X, the user uses the authentication means 22 to transfer the authentication signal s to the signal communication unit 9 again. If performed, the key X can be taken out from the opening 4 and used as described above.

  When the user has finished using the key X, the user operates the cord 5 to release the stopper mechanism of the reel 6. Thereby, the cord 5 is rewound on the reel 6. At this time, when the arm member 15 has returned to the initial state, the key X is pulled up to the inside of the housing 2. Thereby, the key box 1 according to the present embodiment returns to the key storage state in which the key X is stored in the storage space 3 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the key box 1 of the present embodiment, the key X can be lent only to the user who is authenticated by issuing the authentication signal s using the authentication means 22.

  Further, in the key box 1 of the present embodiment, when the authentication signal s is input to the signal communication unit 9, the controller 11 performs a process of giving a rotation command c1 to the motor 14 of the lifting / lowering means 8. . Therefore, the controller 11 does not need information on the user who carries the authentication unit 22 or information on when the user uses the key X.

  Therefore, the key box 1 of the present embodiment does not need to be connected to the outside via a network.

  The management of the period or time during which the key X can be used, such as when the authentication signal s can be transmitted from the authentication means 22, may be performed by the application program on the authentication means 22 side. .

  Therefore, the key box 1 of the present embodiment can be applied to a process of automatically renting various keys X. At this time, network equipment for the key box 1 of the present embodiment to communicate with the outside is provided. Since there is no necessity, it is possible to reduce equipment costs required for automatically lending the key X.

  Further, since the key X is connected to the housing 2 via the key holder 7, the cord 5, and the connector 17, the user may forget to return the key X and take it home. Problems such as loss can be prevented.

  In the key box 1 of the present embodiment, the controller 11 is in a standby state until the authentication signal s is input to the signal communication unit 9. Further, when the authentication signal s is input to the signal communication unit 9, the controller 11 is set by a process of giving a rotation command c 1 to the motor 14 of the lifting / lowering means 8, a process of counting by a timer function, and a timer function. When the elapsed time is counted, a process including three steps of a process of giving a return command c2 to the motor 14 may be performed.

  Further, the signal communication unit 9 only needs to receive the authentication signal s from the authentication unit 22 by wireless communication. Further, the authentication signal s received by the signal communication unit 9 by wireless communication can be converted into an electric signal without requiring special processing such as image analysis, so that the power consumption of the signal communication unit 9 and the controller 11 is reduced. Can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the key box 1 of the present embodiment is configured to include only one motor 14 as a driving unit that consumes power.

  Since the reel 6 has a spring-type rewinding function, power is not consumed when rewinding the cord-like object 5 pulled out from the reel 6.

  Therefore, the key box 1 of the present embodiment can reduce power consumption. Therefore, when a primary battery is used as the power supply 10 in the key box 1 of the present embodiment, the frequency of battery replacement can be reduced. When a secondary battery is used as the power source 10, the frequency of charging can be reduced.

  Further, in the case of a key box having a door for a user who receives a key to perform an opening / closing operation, such as a key box disclosed in Patent Document 1, the locking process is performed in a state where the door is opened due to an unexpected situation. There is a possibility that the dead bolt of the lock is protruded, and if the user performs an operation of closing the door without noticing it, there is a possibility that the dead bolt and the frame of the door may be damaged.

  On the other hand, since the key box 1 of the present embodiment does not have a door operated by the user, there is no problem that the dead bolt and the door frame are damaged as described above.

[First Use Example of First Embodiment]
Next, as a first use example of the key box 1 of the first embodiment, a key X corresponding to a lock of a door of an operation panel storage box of a mechanical parking device is provided to a user who temporarily uses the mechanical parking device. The case of lending will be described.

  In this case, the key box 1 according to the present embodiment is installed near an operation panel storage box 23 as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3 provided in a mechanical parking device (not shown). A key X corresponding to the lock 25 of the door 24 of the operation panel storage box 23 is connected to the key holder 7. For convenience of illustration, the dimensions and relative dimensional ratios of the key box 1 and the operation panel storage box 23 in FIG. 3 do not reflect actual dimensions and dimensional ratios.

  A user who wishes to temporarily use the mechanical parking device connects to a reservation server (not shown) via a network using a portable terminal serving as the authentication means 22 (see FIG. 2), and Apply for a reservation for the period you want to use.

  The reservation server determines whether the mechanical parking device can be temporarily used or the storage space is vacant for the requested desired use period, and if it can be used, the user authentication means 22 is used. Send the usage permission associated with the usage period corresponding to the desired period. It should be noted that the reservation server may determine whether temporary use is possible, also using information on the size of the vehicle that the user wants to park.

  If the mechanical parking device to be used is in a format in which a password associated with a storage shelf or a pallet is input to the operation panel when entering a vehicle, the reservation server also transmits the password to the user. Send to authentication means 22.

  Further, the reservation server calculates the usage fee from the usage period, and after the use of the mechanical parking device, performs the payment of the usage fee by a payment method such as a credit payment or a payment from a bank account.

  On the other hand, in the authentication means 22, based on the use permission received from the reservation server, an application program capable of transmitting the authentication signal s (see FIG. 2) only during the period in which the use permission is received is made executable in advance. .

  In this state, the user goes to the mechanical parking device during the period in which the use permission has been received, and with the authentication means 22 arranged near the key box 1 of the present embodiment, the predetermined application is performed by the authentication means 22. Execute the program. Thus, the authentication signal s is transmitted from the authentication means 22 by wireless communication.

  In the key box 1 of the present embodiment, when the authentication signal s is received by the signal communication unit 9 (see FIG. 2), the operation of the lifting / lowering means 8 is started according to the rotation command c1 from the controller 11 as described above. Then, the key X stored in the storage space 3 while being suspended from the cord 5 is taken out from the opening 4 of the housing 2 below.

  In this state, the user picks up the key X and moves the key X to the position of the lock 25 on the door 24 of the operation panel storage box 23 while pulling out the cord 5 from the reel 6 as shown in FIG. Then, the unlock operation is performed.

  This allows the user to open the door 24 of the operation panel storage box 23 and operate the operation panel (not shown), so that the user inputs the personal identification number sent from the reservation server to the operation panel. Thus, a warehousing process can be performed.

  When the entry processing is completed, the user locks the door 24 of the operation panel storage box 23 using the key X, and then causes the reel 6 to rewind the cord 5 so that the key X is used in the present embodiment. Store in key box 1.

  When the user leaves the vehicle from the mechanical parking device, the procedure for removing the key X from the key box 1 of the present embodiment, unlocking the door 24 of the operation panel storage box 23, and enabling the operation panel. The procedure for locking the door 24 after the unloading operation and then storing the key X in the key box 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that for the above-described storage.

  The predetermined application program in the authentication means 22 does not transmit the authentication signal s before or after the period during which the use is permitted. Therefore, even if the user has made a use reservation, the key X cannot be taken out of the key box 1 of the present embodiment except during the period during which the use permission has been received.

  Further, a person who has not made a use reservation cannot send out the authentication signal s using the authentication means 22, and cannot take out the key X from the key box 1 of the present embodiment.

  As described above, in the mechanical parking device, it is possible to perform a temporary use operation in which a user who has received a use permission by reservation can perform parking only during a period in which the use permission is received.

  When the temporary use of the mechanical parking device is performed, the key box 1 of the present embodiment is provided in the mechanical parking device, and the key box 1 corresponds to the lock 25 of the door 24 of the operation panel storage box 23. If a configuration for holding the key X to be used is added, the key X can be automatically lent to a user who has been permitted to use the key X.

  Moreover, since the key box 1 of the present embodiment does not need to be provided with network equipment, it is possible to reduce equipment costs required for implementing the temporary use operation of the mechanical parking device as described above.

  Further, since the key X is connected to the cord-like object 5, it is possible to prevent a problem that the user forgets to return the key X and takes it home, or a problem that the user loses the key X. It is also possible to prevent a problem that the user of the temporary use cannot use the mechanical parking device because the key X cannot be lent out.

  Further, in the configuration in which the key box 1 of the present embodiment is provided in the mechanical parking device, for example, as a response to the case where the user X, such as a monthly user, loses or forgets the lent key X, a user contract is made. A person may use a portable terminal as a means for authentication 22 (see FIG. 2) to obtain a temporarily usable authentication signal s from a manager of a mechanical parking device or the like. In this way, if the subscriber X loses or forgets the lent key X, the subscriber X can extract the key X from the key box 1 of the present embodiment. By unlocking the door 24 of the operation panel storage box 23, it becomes possible to perform the entry processing and the exit processing by the operation panel.

  Note that the key box 1 of the present embodiment stores the key X and lends the key X unattended. Therefore, the key X is forcibly pulled out from the opening 4, There is a possibility that the key X is illegally taken out by destroying the housing 2 or the like. However, the mechanical parking device usually needs to input a personal identification number associated with a storage shelf or a pallet into the operation panel when carrying out the warehousing process or the warehousing process. Therefore, even if the key X is illegally removed from the key box 1 of the present embodiment, unauthorized use of the mechanical parking device is suppressed by the password.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the key X from being illegally taken out from the key box 1 of the present embodiment, for example, measures such as remote monitoring using a monitoring camera may be taken.

[Second Use Example of First Embodiment]
Next, as a second use example of the key box 1 of the first embodiment, a key X corresponding to a lock of a door of a rental room to be lent for a time, such as a rental conference room provided in a building, is used by a user. The case of lending to is described.

  In this case, the key box 1 of this embodiment is installed near the lock of the door in the rental room, and the key holder 7 is connected to a key X corresponding to the lock of the door.

  A user who wants to use a rented room uses a portable terminal serving as the authentication means 22 (see FIG. 2) to apply for a reservation to a reservation server (not shown) via a network, and the reservation server authenticates the user. The process of sending the use permission associated with the use period corresponding to the desired use period to the use means 22 is the same as in the first use example.

  The reservation server may calculate the usage fee from the usage period, and perform the payment of the usage fee by a payment method such as credit payment or payment from a bank account after using the mechanical parking device.

  In the authentication means 22, based on the use permission received from the reservation server, an application program capable of transmitting the authentication signal s (see FIG. 2) only during the period in which the use permission is received is made executable in advance.

  In this state, the user goes to the rental room during the period in which the use is permitted, and places the authentication unit 22 near the key box 1 of the present embodiment, and executes a predetermined application program by the authentication unit 22. Execute. Thus, the authentication signal s is transmitted from the authentication means 22 by wireless communication.

  In the key box 1 of the present embodiment, when the authentication signal s is received by the signal communication unit 9 (see FIG. 2), the operation of the lifting / lowering means 8 is started according to the rotation command c1 from the controller 11 as described above. Then, the key X stored in the storage space 3 while being suspended from the cord 5 is taken out from the opening 4 of the housing 2 below.

  In this state, the user picks up the key X, moves the key X to the lock position of the door of the rental room while pulling out the cord 5 from the reel 6, and performs the unlocking operation. This allows the user to open the door and use the rented room.

  When the door is unlocked, the user causes the reel 6 to rewind the cord 5 so that the key X is stored in the key box 1 of the present embodiment.

  When the user finishes using the rental room and locks the door, the procedure for removing the key X from the key box 1 of the present embodiment, and storing the key X in the key box 1 of the present embodiment after the door is locked. The procedure is the same as in the case of unlocking.

  As described above, the rental room can be operated so that the user who has been permitted to use the reservation can use the room only during the period for which the use is permitted.

  In such an operation, the key box 1 of the present embodiment is provided near the door of the rental room, and the key box 1 is added with a configuration for holding the key X corresponding to the lock of the door. Lending of the key X to an authorized user can be performed automatically.

  At this time, the key box 1 of the present embodiment does not need to be provided with network equipment, so that equipment cost can be reduced.

  Further, since the key X is connected to the cord 5, it is possible to prevent a problem that the user forgets to return the key X and a problem that the user loses the key X. Can be prevented from being unable to use the rented room because the user cannot rent the key X.

  Note that the rental room is provided inside the building, and unless particularly expensive equipment or facilities are provided, even if the key X of the door is illegally taken out of the key box 1 of the present embodiment. Thus, even if the door is used for unlocking the door, the rental room itself is provided in the building, so that there is little possibility that damage such as theft is immediately caused.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the key X from being illegally taken out from the key box 1 of the present embodiment, for example, measures such as remote monitoring using a monitoring camera may be taken.

[Application Example of First Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view showing an application example of the key box of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  This application example has a configuration in which an openable / closable lid 26 is provided at the opening 4 of the housing 2 in the same configuration as the first embodiment.

  The lid 26 has a rectangular plate shape that can be arranged inside the opening 4. Further, the lid 26 is attached to a rotation shaft 27 provided on one end side, which is one long side, for example, at a position along the inner surface of the lower end edge of the front wall 13 a of the cover 13. As a result, the lid 26 can rotate vertically about the rotation shaft 27.

  A motor 28 is connected to the rotating shaft 27. Thereby, by operating the motor 28 and rotating the rotating shaft 27, the lid 26 is in a closed position in which the opening 4 is closed as shown by the solid line in FIG. 4 can be switched between the open position and the open position.

  Reference numeral 29 denotes a stopper that prevents the free end side of the lid 26 from entering the storage space 3 above the opening 4.

  Further, in this application example, for example, a detected member 31 to be detected by the proximity switch 30 is attached to the key holder 7.

  The proximity switch 30 is provided in the storage space 3 in an arrangement corresponding to the position where the detected member 31 of the key holder 7 is arranged in the key storage state in which the key X is stored in the storage space 3. In FIG. 4, as an example, the configuration in which the proximity switch 30 is installed on the front surface of the front side wall 12 a of the box body 12 is shown, but the proximity switch 30 is not illustrated, such as the inner surface of the front side wall 13 a of the cover 13. Of course, it may be supported by the part.

  Although not shown, the detected member 31 may be configured to be attached to the reel 6. In this case, the proximity switch 30 may be provided in the storage space 3 in an arrangement corresponding to the position where the detected member 31 attached to the reel 6 is arranged in the key storage state.

  The motor 28 and the proximity switch 30 are connected to the controller 11.

  In addition to the same function as that of the first embodiment, the controller 11 sends a closing command to the motor 28 to bring the lid 26 to the closing position when the proximity switch 30 detects the proximity state of the detected member 31. It has a function of giving a rotation command c1 to the motor 14 of the lifting / lowering means 8 and a function of giving an opening command to the motor 28 to bring the lid 26 to the open position.

  When the proximity switch 30 does not detect the proximity state of the detected member 31, that is, when the detected member 31 moves out of the detection range of the proximity switch 30, the controller 11 causes the motor 28 to open the lid 26. May be provided with a function of giving an open command to make the setting.

  Thus, in the key box 1 of the application example, the opening 4 is closed by the lid 26 when the key is in the key storage state. For this reason, the key box 1 of this application example can suppress unauthorized removal of the key X stored in the storage space 3 from the opening 4.

  Further, when the controller 11 gives the rotation command c1 to the lifting / lowering means 8 to start the downward rotation of the arm member 15 by the motor 14, the controller 11 issues an open command to the motor 28. Thus, the lid 26 is rotated downward by the motor 28, and the opening 4 is opened. In this state, the key X is taken out through the opening 4 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  After the key X is used, the cord 5 is rewound to the reel 6 and the key X is pulled up to the storage space 3 and stored therein. 31 are arranged in close proximity. As a result, the proximity switch 30 is operated, and the controller 11 issues a close command to the motor 28, so that the motor 28 rotates the lid 26 upward. Therefore, the key box 1 of this application example returns to the state where the opening 4 is closed by the lid 26.

  With the key box 1 of this application example having the above-described configuration, the same effect can be obtained by using the same as the key box 1 of the first embodiment.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional front view showing a second embodiment of the key box.

  In FIG. 5, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The key box 1A of the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, except that a cord 6 is wound around an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction and a reel 6 of a type wound around the cord 5 is used. It is configured to include a reel 32 wound from the side.

  The reel 32 is attached to the front surface of the front side wall 12a of the box body portion 12 located at the upper side of the storage space 3, for example, in an arrangement that is an intermediate portion in the left-right direction. At this time, the reel 32 may be attached so as to be swingable in the left-right direction.

  In the present embodiment, the guide member 16a attached to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the arm member 15 includes a pair of two rollers 33 that are disposed in parallel with a gap larger than the thickness of the cord-like object 5; It is preferable to adopt a configuration including a holder 34 that rotatably holds 33. This is because, in the present embodiment, when the cord 5 is pulled out from the reel 32 or when the cord 5 is rewound on the reel 32, the cord 5 moves to the guide member 16a while moving in the longitudinal direction. This is to prevent the cord-like object 5 from rubbing due to the contact.

  Further, each roller 33 may have a shape in which the diameter at both ends in the axial direction is larger than the diameter at the intermediate portion in the axial direction.

  The guide member 16a is attached to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the arm member 15 in a posture in which the axial direction of each roller 33 is arranged along the front-back direction.

  The reel 32 has a configuration in which the base end of the cord 5 is connected and the cord 5 is wound from the base end. This allows the reel 32 to pull out the cord 5 from the reel 32 by pulling the cord 5 toward the distal end. Further, the reel 32 has a function of rewinding the cord-like object 5 by the same spring type as the reel 6 of the first embodiment.

  Further, although not shown, the reel 32 preferably includes a stopper mechanism similar to the reel 6 of the first embodiment.

  As in the first embodiment, the cord 5 has a portion near the leading end disposed between the rollers 33 of the guide member 16a, and the key X is attached to the leading end of the cord 5 hanging from the guide member 16a, as in the first embodiment. A key holder 7 to be connected is attached.

  Further, a locking member 35 of a size that cannot pass between the rollers 33 of the guide member 16a is attached to a portion near the distal end of the cord-like object 5. Thereby, the rewinding of the cord-like object 5 to the reel 32 is stopped by the locking member 35 being locked to each roller 33. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length of the portion of the cord 5 hanging down from the guide member 16a is kept constant even when the arm member 15 of the elevating means 8 rotates.

  As shown by a solid line in FIG. 5, the key box 1A of the present embodiment is in the key storage state when the lifting / lowering means 8 is in the same initial state as in the first embodiment.

  In this key storage state, since the arm member 15 is in the posture extending in the left-right direction, the position of the locking member 35 that is locked to each roller 33 of the guide member 16a is raised to the highest position. It will be in the state that was done. For this reason, the key X held in a state of being suspended from the cord-like object 5 hanging from the guide member 16a is stored in the storage space 3.

  On the other hand, the key box 1A of the present embodiment, when the lifting means 8 is in the same operation state as the first embodiment, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The rotated state is a key removal state.

  When the arm member 15 rotates downward, the portion where the locking member 35 is attached is pushed down by the guide member 16 a that rotates integrally with the arm member 15. For this reason, the position of the key X in a state of being suspended from the cord-like object 5 hanging down from the guide member 16a also moves down.

  Thus, when the arm member 15 is in the downward posture extending in the up-down direction in the key extraction state, the key X suspended from the rope 5 hanging from the guide member 16 a is moved downward through the opening 4 to the lower side of the housing 2. It becomes the arrangement taken out.

  The key box 1A of the present embodiment having the above configuration can be used in the same manner as the key box 1 of the first embodiment, and can obtain the same effects.

  In the present embodiment, the reel 32 is installed in the storage space 3 of the housing 2 and does not move. Therefore, although not shown, the stopper mechanism of the reel 32 in the present embodiment includes a ratchet mechanism that includes a gear and a claw that locks the gear and stops the rewinding of the cord-like object 5 and an operation from outside the housing 2. Release means for releasing the engagement of the pawl of the ratchet mechanism with the gear may be provided. When such a stopper mechanism is provided, when the cord 5 is pulled out from the reel 32 when the key X is used, the length of the cord 5 is held by the ratchet mechanism. After the use of the key X, the stop of the rewinding by the ratchet mechanism is released by operating the release means, so that the cord-like object 5 can be rewound on the reel 32.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional front view showing a third embodiment of the key box.

  In FIG. 6, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  The key box 1B of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the reel unit 6 and the lifting / lowering means 8 are provided separately from each other, but the lifting / lowering means 8 is attached to the reel 36 by using a cord-like object 5. The reel 36 is provided as a rotation drive means for performing the feeding and rewinding.

  The reel 36 is connected to the base end of the cord 5 and has a spool (not shown) wound around the cord 5 from the base. The rotation shaft 37 a of the motor 37 as the elevating means 8 is mounted on the spool. It has a connected configuration.

  Specifically, the motor 37 is installed forward at a position closer to the upper portion inside the box body portion 12 and at a position which is an intermediate portion in the left-right direction. The rotation shaft 37 a of the motor 37 is arranged so as to penetrate the front wall 12 a of the box body portion 12 and protrude into the storage space 3.

  A reel 36 is installed in the storage space 3 so as to be coaxial with the motor 37, and a spool of the reel 36 is attached to a protruding end of the rotating shaft 37a.

  The cord-like object 5 is arranged such that the tip side hangs down from the reel 36. A key holder 7 for connecting the key X is attached to the distal end side of the cord 5 as in the first embodiment.

  Thus, in the key box 1B of the present embodiment, when the motor 37 is operated to wind the cord 5 around the reel 36, the position of the key X can be raised, and when the cord 5 is fed from the reel 36, The position of the key X can be lowered.

  The key box 1 </ b> B of the present embodiment drives the reel 36 by the motor 37, and pulls up the key X suspended from the rope 5 hanging from the reel 36 so as to be stored in the storage space 3. , And enters the key storage state.

  On the other hand, in the key box 1B of the present embodiment, from the key storage state, the reel 37 is driven by the motor 37 in the unwinding direction of the cord 5 so that the key X suspended from the cord 5 is opened. The state in which the user has moved to a position below the housing 2 through the box 4 is a key extraction state.

  Further, the housing 2 is provided with a storage switch 38 for storing the key X taken out of the opening 4 again.

  A detection target member 40 to which the proximity switch 39 detects the proximity state is attached to the key holder 7.

  The proximity switch 39 is provided in the storage space 3 in an arrangement corresponding to the position where the detected member 40 of the key holder 7 is arranged when the key X is stored in the storage space 3 in the key storage state.

  The motor 37, the storage switch 38, and the proximity switch 39 are connected to the controller 11.

  The controller 11 has a function of executing the following key lending process.

  In this key lending process, when the controller 11 confirms the input of the authentication signal s based on the signal from the signal communication unit 9 (see FIG. 2), the controller 11 sends out the cord 5 from the reel 36 to the motor 37. 6, the key X is lowered from the arrangement of the key storage state shown by the solid line in FIG. 6 to the arrangement of the key removal state shown by the two-dot chain line. The descending amount of the key X is detected, for example, by detecting the rotation angle of the rotation shaft of the motor 37 by a sensor (not shown), and based on the detected value and the winding diameter of the cord-like object 5 on the reel 36, a controller. 11 can be calculated.

  When the key X is taken out from the opening 4 in this way, the user can pick up the key X. Further, when the user pulls and moves the key X, the rotor (not shown) of the motor 37 is driven to rotate accordingly, and the cord 5 is pulled out from the reel 6. Thereby, the user can move the key X to the position where the lock to be used is located while being connected to the cord-like object 5, and perform the unlocking operation and the locking operation.

  When the use of the key X is completed, the user operates the storage switch 38.

  When the storage switch 38 is operated, the controller 11 gives a rotation driving command to the motor 37 in a direction to rewind the cord-like object 5 to the reel 36.

  Thereby, the cord-like object 5 is rewound on the reel 36. By rewinding the cord 5 onto the reel 36, the key X held at the tip end of the cord 5 is pulled back to the storage space 3 through the opening 4.

  Thereafter, when the proximity of the detected member 40 attached to the key holder 7 is detected by the proximity switch 39, the controller 11 gives a stop command to the motor 37. Thereby, the rewinding of the cord-like object 5 to the reel 36 is stopped, and the key box 1B of the present embodiment returns to the key storage state in which the key X is stored in the storage space 3.

  41 is a guide member for guiding the position of the cord 5 hanging from the reel 36.

  According to the key box 1B of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, it can be used for automatically lending the key X, similarly to the key box 1 of the first embodiment.

  Further, the key box 1B of the present embodiment also has an effect that it is not necessary to connect to the outside via a network, as in the case of the key box 1 of the first embodiment, and the user forgets to return the key X. It is possible to obtain the effect of preventing the problem of bringing back the key X and the problem of losing the key X.

  Further, the key box 1B of the present embodiment is configured to include only one motor 37 as a driving unit that consumes power.

  For this reason, the key box 1B of the present embodiment can reduce power consumption. Therefore, when a primary battery is used as the power supply 10 in the key box 1B of the present embodiment, the frequency of battery replacement can be reduced. When a secondary battery is used as the power source 10, the frequency of charging can be reduced.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and application examples, and the dimensions of the constituent members and the dimensional ratios between the constituent members shown in the drawings are merely for convenience of illustration. And does not reflect actual dimensions or dimensional ratios.

  The case 2 is exemplified by a structure including the box body portion 12 and the cover portion 13. However, the key X to which the key holder 7 is connected, the cord 5 connected to the key holder 7, and And a storage space 3 for storing the reels 6, 32, 36 of the cord-like object 5, an opening 4 on the lower end side of the storage space 3, and a controller 11, a power supply 10, and a lifting / lowering means 8 can be provided. , A structure and a shape other than those illustrated may be provided.

  The opening 4 is provided at the lower end side of the storage space 3, and allows the key X suspended from and held by the rope 5 to pass in the vertical direction as the rope 5 moves up and down. If possible, the peripheral edge of the opening 4 may not necessarily be horizontal and may have irregularities. The opening 4 may be inclined in the front-rear direction as long as the key X can be passed in the vertical direction as the cord 5 moves up and down.

  In the first embodiment, its application examples, and the second embodiment, the arm member 15 may have a posture other than a horizontal posture and an inclined posture when the key X is stored in the storage space.

  Although the arm member 15 is shown as a bar-shaped member extending in one direction, guide members 16 and 16a are attached at positions separated from the portion attached to the rotating shaft 14a of the motor 14 and the portion attached to the rotating shaft 14a. As long as the configuration is provided, a shape other than the illustrated one may be provided.

  The opening 4 of the housing 2 in the configuration of the second embodiment and the third embodiment may be provided with a lid 26 similar to the lid 26 shown in the application example of the first embodiment.

  As the actuator and the opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the lid 26, for example, a method in which a lever attached to the rotating shaft 27 is pushed and pulled by a cylinder, or any other actuator and opening / closing mechanism other than those illustrated may be adopted.

  The controller 11 closes the opening 4 with respect to the lid 26 when the key X is stored in the storage space 3 and opens the opening 4 while the key X is taken out from the opening 4. If such control can be performed, the signal for switching the opening and closing of the lid 26 may be obtained from a device other than the proximity switch 30 that detects the detected member 31.

  The signal communication unit 9 in each embodiment and the application example may receive the authentication signal s by a method other than the wireless communication as long as the signal communication unit 9 can receive the authentication signal s from the authentication unit 22. For example, the signal communication unit 9 may have an image recognition function, and the authentication unit 22 may have a function of displaying an authentication signal s on a display as an image code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. In this case, the signal communication unit 9 recognizes the image code displayed on the display of the authentication unit 22 so that the authentication signal s can be transferred from the authentication unit 22 to the signal communication unit 9. Furthermore, a communication unit using light such as infrared rays or other non-contact communication units may be employed as long as communication is possible in a contactless range of up to about several tens of meters. In the case where the authentication signal s is received by wireless communication (BLUETOOTH (registered trademark)), the signal communication unit 9 may be arranged at a position other than that illustrated, such as on the controller 11.

  Furthermore, if the authentication means 22 is configured to be able to input the authentication signal s to the signal communication unit 9, for example, a non-contact type IC card, a contact type IC card, or any other form of authentication Means may be used.

  Of course, various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

2 housing, 3 storage space, 4 opening, 5 cord, 6 reel, 7 key holder, 8 lifting / lowering means, 9 signal communication unit, 10 power supply, 11 controller, 14 motor, 15 arm member, 16, 16a guide member, 32 reel, 36 reel, 37 motor, X key, s authentication signal

Claims (7)

A housing with a key storage space inside,
An opening provided on the lower end side of the housing and communicating with the lower end side of the storage space,
In the housing,
A reel wound so that the cable can be pulled out,
A key holder attached to the distal end side of the cord,
Elevating means for vertically moving a key connected to the key holder between a state in which the key is pulled up to fit in the storage space and a state in which the key is lowered to a position exposed below the housing through the opening. When,
A signal communication unit,
And a controller,
The controller raises a key connected to the cable-like object through the key holder to the elevating means based on the input of the authentication signal to the signal communication unit so as to fit in the storage space. A key box having a function of giving a command to lower from a state through the opening to a position exposed below the housing. A power supply is connected to the controller,
The key box according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a primary battery or a secondary battery disposed in the housing. The key box according to claim 1, wherein the signal communication unit receives the authentication signal by wireless communication. The housing is configured to include a lid at the opening,
The controller, for the lid, closes the opening with the lid when the key is stored in the storage space, and opens the opening while the key is removed from the opening. The key box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a function of performing control to perform the control. The reel has a function of rewinding a cord-like object by a spring method,
The elevating means,
An arm member,
A motor attached to one end of the arm member and configured to rotate the arm member in a vertical direction;
The key box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a guide member attached to the other end of the arm member to hang the cord-like object. The controller has a timer function that starts counting the passage of time when the arm member of the elevating means is rotated downward, and when the time set by the timer function is counted, the arm member is moved to the elevating means. The key box according to claim 5, further comprising a function of rotating the key box upward. The key box according to claim 1, wherein the elevating unit includes a motor that drives the reel to rotate.

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