Device for storing a key in the interior of a vehicle

Abstract

Device (10) for storing a key (36, 52) in an interior of a vehicle, comprising a receptacle (16) having an access opening (14) for the key (36, 52) and a holding element (18) for the key (36, 52) arranged within the receptacle (16), wherein the holding element (18) has a coupling device (24) for coupling the key (36, 52) to the holding element (18), characterized in that the coupling device (24) is a magnet (60).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for storing a key in the interior of a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicle keys are known to provide access to a vehicle, as well as to initiate the ignition or starting process. Electronic keys are increasingly being used, which communicate wirelessly with the vehicle's corresponding recognition devices. This allows access to the vehicle, as well as enabling the vehicle to be started.

[0003] Electronic keys are known that have one or more buttons that activate an access control device in the vehicle.

[0004] On the other hand, the electronic keys are inserted into corresponding receptacles, which are usually located in or near the dashboard of the vehicle, so that communication with a control unit of the vehicle is possible via transponders or the like.

[0005] Electronic keys are also known that only need to be placed in the interior of the vehicle and enable wireless communication with the vehicle's control unit regardless of their specific storage location.

[0006] Such electronic keys are typically located in clothing pockets. Because these keys are sometimes bulky due to the built-in electronic components and the required energy storage, they are often removed from the pockets and placed anywhere in the vehicle, for example, in a storage compartment or similar. The key is thus located in an undefined location, which can involve searching for it when leaving the vehicle.

[0007] It is also known to assign a so-called special key to a vehicle, which can be used to activate certain functions. Only when this special key is used to activate the special functions can the desired functions, such as increased vehicle performance, be accessed. This special key must be carried in the vehicle so that it can be used to activate the special function when needed.

[0008] DE10 2009 033 292 A1 and DE 102 33 061 A1 each disclose a device for storing a key in the interior of a vehicle. The device comprises a receptacle with an access opening for the key, with a one-piece holding element for the key arranged within the receptacle.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of creating a device of the generic type by means of which a defined position of a key in the interior of a vehicle is possible in a simple manner.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features recited in claim 1. Because the device for storing a key comprises a receptacle having an access opening for the key, and a holding element for the key is arranged within the receptacle, it is advantageously possible to arrange the key in a defined, fixed position within the interior of the vehicle. The key can be placed in the receptacle after entering the vehicle and removed from the receptacle upon or before exiting the vehicle. This eliminates any need to search for the key.

[0011] For the purposes of the invention, a key is understood to mean both a vehicle key and a special key for the vehicle.

[0012] According to the invention, the holding element comprises a coupling device for coupling the key to the holding element. This advantageously makes it possible to place the key in a defined, captive position. The coupling device essentially positions the key in the receptacle.

[0013] According to the invention, it is further provided that the coupling device is a magnet. This makes it easy to position the key, which is made of magnetizable material or comprises at least one element made of magnetizable material, in the receptacle with a force fit. This reduces the effort required to store the key.

[0014] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the receptacle has a tilting contour for moving the key from a coupling position to a removal position. This allows a simple magnetic coupling between the magnet and the key to be broken, allowing the key to be easily removed from the receptacle. Such a tilting contour allows the key to perform a defined movement within the receptacle, resulting in the magnetic decoupling between the magnet and the key.

[0015] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the receptacle is assigned a charging device for contactless charging of the key's energy storage device. This makes it easy to refill the key's energy storage device while it is stored in the receptacle. In addition to the defined positioning of the key in the vehicle's interior, this also makes it possible to increase the key's operating time, since the energy storage device is recharged intermittently, i.e., particularly during use of the vehicle.

[0016] Finally, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the device to be arranged in an interior component, particularly in a dashboard and / or center console of the vehicle. This allows the driver to easily and ergonomically reach the key receptacle. The device can thus also be integrated into the vehicle's interior in a visually appealing manner.

[0017] The invention is explained in more detail below in an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a device for storing a vehicle key in an embodiment not belonging to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the device from Fig. 1 in a recording position; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the device from Fig. 1 in a coupling position; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of an interior part with a device for storing a special key in an embodiment variant according to the invention; Fig. 5 a partial sectional view of the arrangement according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 a sectional view through the device according to Fig. 4 with a special key in the receiving or coupling position.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a device, designated overall by 10, for storing a vehicle key in an interior of a vehicle in an embodiment variant not belonging to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a perspective sectional view through the device 10. The device 10 comprises a housing 12 which has an access opening 14 for a Fig. 1. The access opening 14 is dimensioned such that it approximately corresponds to the contour of the vehicle key to be inserted. An interior of the housing 12 thus forms a receptacle 16 for the vehicle key. A holding element 18 is arranged within the receptacle 16. The holding element 18 is designed as a sliding element 20, which is translationally displaceable within the receptacle 16 according to the double arrow 22 shown. The sliding element 20 is Fig. 1 shown receiving position for the vehicle key into a coupling position for the vehicle key.

[0019] The holding element 18 comprises a coupling device 24 for coupling the vehicle key to the holding element 18. For this purpose, the coupling device 24 forms a pincer-shaped gripping element 26 that forms two coupling arms 28. The coupling arms 28 are elastically connected to the holding element 18. Each of the coupling arms 28 has a nub 30. The housing 12 has opposing guide sections 32 for the coupling arms 28 of the gripping element 26.

[0020] Opposite the access opening 14, the holding element 18 forms a connecting element 34 with a Fig. 1 not shown, but known push-push mechanism.

[0021] In Fig. 1a shows a vehicle key 36, which can be inserted into a holding element 18, shown individually here, via the access opening 14. The vehicle key 36 has buttons 38 for operating an access system for the vehicle.

[0022] Furthermore, an actuating button 40 is visible, via which a mechanical key bit can be folded out of the vehicle key 36. Such vehicle keys 36 are generally known.

[0023] The Fig. The device 10 shown in Figure 1 shows the following, based on the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 clarified functions.

[0024] The vehicle key 36 is inserted into the receptacle 16 by a vehicle user via the access opening 14. In doing so, the vehicle key 36 comes into contact with the holding element 18 designed as a sliding element 20. This is thus displaced into the receptacle 16 of the housing 12 according to the double arrow 22. In doing so, the coupling arms 28 of the gripping element 26 are displaced along the guide sections 32 of the housing 12. The guide sections 32 form a guide contour which is designed such that the coupling arms 28 are guided in accordance with the Fig. 1 shown double arrows 42 in the direction of the vehicle key 36. The knobs 30 thereby come into positive engagement with the recesses provided on the side surfaces of the vehicle key 36 (in Fig. 1a (not shown). At the same time, the holding element 18 is locked into a coupling position with the push-push element (not shown) via the connecting element 34. The vehicle key 36 is thus in its coupling position.

[0025] In this coupling position, the vehicle key 36 is fixed in a defined position within the receptacle 16 and is located at a defined location in the vehicle interior. The device 10 is integrated, for example, into a vehicle dashboard (not shown).

[0026] To remove the vehicle key 36, the driver applies renewed pressure to the vehicle key 36, decouples the connecting element 34 from the push-push element. A spring element then displaces the retaining element 18 out of the receptacle 16 of the housing 12, as indicated by the double arrow 22, this time in the opposite direction. This displaces the coupling arms 28 outward as indicated by the double arrow 42, so that the nubs 30 disengage from the recesses on the vehicle key 36. The vehicle key can then be removed from the device 10.

[0027] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is a purely schematic illustration of the vehicle key 36 in its receiving position or removal position ( Fig. 2) and in its coupling position ( Fig. 3). The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are only intended to clarify the basic principles of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a explained function of the device 10. Same parts as in Fig. 1 are provided with the same reference numerals and are not explained again.

[0028] By applying a force F, the vehicle key 36 is displaced into the receptacle 16 of the housing 12. This causes the retaining element 18 to be carried along, so that the nubs 30 of the coupling arms 28 can engage in corresponding recesses 43 of the vehicle key 36.

[0029] By applying a force F1 again, the vehicle key 36 can be removed from the Fig. 3 shown coupling position into the one shown in Fig. 2 shown pickup or removal position can be shifted.

[0030] The device 10 is described in an embodiment according to the invention with reference to the following figures.

[0031] This shows Fig. 4 as an interior part of a vehicle a switch carrier 50. The switch carrier 50 comprises the device 10. In Fig. 4 shows a key 52 arranged within the device 10. This is, for example, a so-called special vehicle key, with which certain vehicle functions can be activated. The special key 52 is, for example, a speed key, the activation of which can influence the vehicle's drive performance. For this purpose, the speed key must be separately moved by a driver into a corresponding activation position. The device 10 serves to define a defined position for the special key 52 within the vehicle's interior.

[0032] Based on the partial sectional view of the switch carrier 50 in Fig. 5 clearly shows that the special key 52 is arranged in a receptacle 16 having an access opening 14 for the special key 52. ​​The receptacle 16 forms a receiving space adapted to the contour of the special key 52. ​​A housing 12 of the device 10 forms, on the one hand, a support surface 54 for the special key 52 at its base. Furthermore, a free space 56 is formed, which is located in the area of ​​the receptacle that adjoins the support surface 54. The support surface 54 merges into the free space 56 via a tilting contour 58.

[0033] A magnet 60 is arranged in the area of ​​the support surface 54. The special key 52 is made at least partially of a magnetizable material, so that it is fixed within the receptacle 16 by the attractive force emanating from the magnet 60. The receptacle 16 is designed such that the special key 52 is arranged flush with the switch carrier 50.

[0034] The magnet 60 thus forms the coupling device 24 for the special key 52.

[0035] The Fig. 4 and Fig. The device 10 shown in Figure 5 shows the following, based on Fig. 6 function explained in more detail:

[0036] In Fig. 6, the special key 52 is shown once in its coupling position 62 and once in its removal position 64.

[0037] For insertion, the special key 52 is inserted into the holder 16. The special key 52 then enters the effective range of the magnet 60 and is held by it in the Fig. 6 shown horizontal position.

[0038] If the special key 52 is to be removed, a force F2 is applied, for example by finger pressure, to the end 66 of the special key 52 located in the area of ​​the free space 56. This displaces the first end 66 of the special key 52 into the free space 56. The special key 52 pivots about the tilting contour 58, so that the second end 68 pivots out of the receptacle 16. This tilting movement overcomes the attractive force exerted by the magnet 60 on the special key 52, simultaneously creating a gap 70 that can be grasped behind to remove the special key 52. List of reference symbols 10 Device 12 housings 14 Access opening 16 recording 18 Holding element 20 sliding element 22 Double arrow 24 Coupling device 26 gripping element 28 coupling arms 30 studs 32 guide cuts 34 connecting element 36 vehicle keys / keys 38 button 40 operating button 42 double arrows 43 recesses 50 switch carriers 52 keys / special keys 54 support surface 56 open space 58 Tilt contour 60 Magnet 62 coupling position 64 removal position 66 first end 68 second end 70 Fugue

Claims

[1] Device (10) for storing a key (36, 52) in an interior of a vehicle, comprising a receptacle (16) having an access opening (14) for the key (36, 52) and a holding element (18) for the key (36, 52) arranged within the receptacle (16), wherein the holding element (18) has a coupling device (24) for coupling the key (36, 52) to the holding element (18), characterized by that the coupling device (24) is a magnet (60). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the receptacle (16) is assigned a charging device for charging an energy store of the key (36). [3] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receptacle (16) has a tilting contour (58) for moving the key (52) from one of the coupling positions (62) into a removal position (64). [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the device (10) is arranged in an interior part of the vehicle.

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