Electronic key storage case and electronic key operation apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electronic key storage case and an electronic key operation apparatus compatible with various types of electronic keys while securing reliability of press-down motion.SOLUTION: An electronic key storage case capable of storing an electronic key with a push button in different attitudes includes: a storage unit which stores the electronic key; and a first guide which regulates movement of the electronic key stored in the storage unit in a direction in which the push button is pressed. The electronic key storage case includes a plurality of first guides in accordance with different attitudes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic key storage case and an electronic key operating device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, one way of using automobiles is for multiple people to share one or more vehicles. Car sharing and rental cars are examples of this. From here on, these types of usage will be collectively referred to as "sharing."

[0003] In vehicle sharing, handling of the keys required to use the vehicle being shared is important. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic key storage case for unmanned vehicle key handover in vehicle sharing. In the invention of Patent Document 1, a smartphone or other device is used from outside the vehicle to communicate with the storage case in the vehicle that contains the electronic key. Then, by operating the button on the electronic key inside the vehicle from outside the vehicle, the vehicle door lock can be unlocked and the electronic key can be retrieved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 054404 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The electronic key storage case described in Patent Document 1 requires that the placement of the button pressing portion or the shape of the storage space for the electronic key be changed depending on the button and outer shape of the electronic key. Therefore, storage cases must be designed and manufactured to accommodate the various electronic key shapes available on the market. However, designing a storage case for each vehicle model requires the manufacture of an injection molding die for each vehicle model and the individual molding using a 3D printer, which increases manufacturing costs and time.

[0006] On the other hand, it is possible to accommodate a variety of electronic key shapes by embedding the electronic key in a support part made of a flexible material so that the thickness varies depending on the external shape of the electronic key. However, in this case, for example, the support part may be deformed when a strong force is applied when the button is pressed, or the support part may become too flexible at high temperatures, causing the support part to deform, resulting in fluctuation or misalignment of the electronic key and making it difficult to ensure reliable pressing operations over a long period of time.

[0007] In particular, when the buttons of an electronic key are located on a side that is parallel to the thickness direction, it is necessary to increase the depth of the storage case to accommodate the electronic key, and even change its outer shape. Furthermore, because electronic keys often have rounded edges and are deep within the storage case, a flexible support part can easily cause the electronic key to swing when the buttons are pressed.

[0008] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to accommodate a variety of electronic key configurations while ensuring the reliability of the pressing action. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is an electronic key storage case that can store an electronic key with a push button in different positions, and includes a storage section that stores the electronic key, and a first guide that restricts movement of the electronic key stored in the storage section in the direction in which the push button is pressed, and the electronic key storage case has multiple first guides corresponding to the different positions.

[0010] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to accommodate a variety of electronic key configurations while ensuring the reliability of the pressing action on the electronic key.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is an electronic key operating device that operates the push button of a stored electronic key by pressing the button, and includes an electronic key storage case that can store the electronic key in different positions, and a pressing member that presses the push button of the electronic key stored in the electronic key storage case.The electronic key storage case has a storage section that stores the electronic key, and a first guide that restricts movement of the electronic key stored in the storage section in the direction in which the push button is pressed, and the electronic key operating device has multiple first guides corresponding to the different positions.

[0012] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to accommodate a variety of electronic key configurations while ensuring the reliability of the pressing action on the electronic key.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is an electronic key operating device that operates the push button of a stored electronic key by pressing it, and includes: a storage section that can store the electronic key in different positions; a pressing member that presses the push button of the electronic key stored in the storage section; and a first guide that restricts movement of the push button of the electronic key stored in the storage section in the direction in which it is pressed, and the electronic key operating device has multiple first guides corresponding to the different positions.

[0014] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to accommodate a variety of electronic key configurations while ensuring the reliability of the pressing action on the electronic key. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a sharing system using an electronic key storage case 300 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 conceptually illustrates an example of the operation of the electronic key operation device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3a] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of an electronic key storage case 300 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the assembled state with the lid 50 open. [Figure 3c] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an assembled state with the lid 50 closed. [Figure 4a] 1 is a schematic plan view of an electronic key 200 housed in an electronic key storage case 300 according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4b] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic key 200 taken along the longitudinal direction thereof. FIG. [Figure 4c] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic key 200 taken along the width direction thereof. FIG. [Figure 5a] 1 is a schematic plan view of an electronic key 200A with a different operation surface accommodated in an electronic key storage case 300 according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5b] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal direction of the electronic key 200A. FIG. [Figure 5c] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the width direction of the electronic key 200A. [Figure 6a] 10 is a schematic plan view of an electronic key 200 housed in an electronic key storage case 300A according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6b] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic key 200 taken along the longitudinal direction thereof. FIG. [Figure 6c] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic key 200 taken along the width direction thereof. FIG. [Figure 7a] 10 is a schematic plan view of an electronic key 200A with a different operation surface housed in an electronic key storage case 300A according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7b] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal direction of the electronic key 200A. FIG. [Figure 7c] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the width direction of the electronic key 200A. [Figure 8a] 10 is a schematic plan view of an electronic key 200A with a different operation surface housed in an electronic key storage case 300B according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8b] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal direction of the electronic key 200A. FIG. [Figure 8c] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the width direction of the electronic key 200A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] (First embodiment) Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. In cross-sectional views, the cross section of each member is represented by various diagonal lines to facilitate identification from other members. However, differences in these diagonal lines do not represent differences in the material, shape, etc., of the member. Also, in perspective views, each member is represented by color or dots to facilitate identification from other members. However, these differences do not represent differences in the material, shape, etc., of the member. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example system configuration of a sharing system 3 using an electronic key storage case 300 according to a first embodiment.

[0017] The sharing system 3 includes a vehicle 5 to be shared, an electronic key case 300 that houses a genuine electronic key 200 that comes with the vehicle 5, an electronic key operation device 100 that is an in-vehicle device to which the electronic key case 300 is attached, a server system 1100 that communicates with the electronic key operation device 100 via a network 9, and a user terminal 1500 used by the user of the vehicle to be shared and that communicates with the electronic key operation device 100 via the network 9. The vehicle 5 is equipped with at least one electronic key operation device 100. When the sharing system 3 is actually operated, one or more sets of vehicles 5 and electronic key operation devices 100 are prepared, and one or more user terminals 1500 corresponding to the one or more prepared sets are used.

[0018] The electronic key 200 has an unlock button and a lock button that are pressable to lock / unlock the locking mechanism of the vehicle 5 to be shared. The electronic key 200 transmits a predetermined unlock signal when the unlock button is pressed, and transmits a predetermined lock signal when the lock button is pressed. The network 9 refers to a communication path that enables data communication. The communication method may be wired or wireless. The electronic key storage case 300 accommodates the electronic key 200 therein and is attached to the electronic key operating device 100 to hold the electronic key 200 so that the unlock button or lock button can be pressed by operating the electronic key operating device 100.

[0019] The server system 1100 registers users of the sharing system 3, manages reservations, and provides reservation information to the user terminal 1500 and the electronic key operation device 100. Specifically, the server system 1100 stores and executes a management program 501 to implement (1) a user registration function for registering users who will use the sharing system 3, (2) a reservation setting function for making reservations for users who will use the vehicle 5, (3) a function for generating reservation information 700 (including, for example, a unique reservation ID, a reserved vehicle ID, a reservation period, and a password), (4) a function for providing user copy reservation information 700t, including the reservation information 700, to the user terminal 1500, and (5) a function for providing authentication reservation information 700c, including the reservation information 700, to the electronic key operation device 100. The user copy reservation information 700t includes first key information for encrypting the reservation information 700, and the authentication reservation information 700c includes second key information for decrypting the reservation information 700 encrypted with the first key information. As a result, the encryption process of the reservation information 700 by the user terminal 1500 and the decryption process of the reservation information 700 by the electronic key operation device 100 are performed using different key information. This enables more secure authentication between the user terminal 1500 and the electronic key operation device 100. However, as long as appropriate authentication is performed between the user terminal 1500 and the electronic key operation device 100, the functions (4) and (5) are not limited to these. For example, the user copy reservation information 700t and the authentication reservation information 700c may include the same key information (e.g., a password).

[0020] The user terminal 1500 is a computer system connectable to the network 9 used by a user, and is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

[0021] The user terminal 1500 can store and execute application programs. The application program stored therein is a terminal program 502. The terminal program 502 realizes the following functions: (1) a function for accessing the server system 1100; (2) a function for connecting to the electronic key operation device 100 in response to a user's unlocking operation, issuing a predetermined unlock request, and providing the user's copy reservation information 700t to cause the electronic key operation device 100 to unlock; and (3) a function for connecting to the electronic key operation device 100 in response to a user's locking operation, issuing a predetermined lock request, and providing the user's copy reservation information 700t to cause the electronic key operation device 100 to lock.

[0022] In FIG. 1 , an arrow indicating the first direction X, the second direction Y, or the third direction Z indicates that the direction from the base end of the arrow to the tip of the arrow is the positive direction of the arrow, and the direction from the tip of the arrow to the base end is the negative direction of the arrow. The first direction X is parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the electronic key storage case 300 relative to the electronic key operation device 100. The positive direction of the first direction X is the insertion direction of the electronic key storage case 300. The negative direction of the first direction X is the removal direction of the electronic key storage case 300. The first direction X corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 10 (described later). The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X and parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic key operation device 100. The second direction Y corresponds to the width direction of the storage unit 10 (described later). The third direction Z is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. The third direction Z is parallel to the depth direction of the electronic key operation device 100. The positive direction of the third direction Z is the direction from the electronic key storage case 300 toward the electronic key operation device 100. The negative direction of the third direction Z is the direction from the electronic key operation device 100 toward the electronic key storage case 300. The third direction Z corresponds to the height direction of the storage unit 10, which will be described later.

[0023] FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates an example of the operation of the electronic key operation device 100 according to the first embodiment. The electronic key operation device 100 includes an actuator 400 and a pressing member 60. The electronic key 200 is housed in an electronic key storage case 300, which is attached to the electronic key operation device 100 via an attachment unit (not shown). The electronic key 200 is positioned and held within the electronic key storage case 300 so that the push buttons 210 and 220 face the electronic key operation device 100. The surface of the electronic key 200 on which the push buttons 210 and 220 are located is referred to as the operation surface, and the surface opposite the operation surface is referred to as the back surface or bottom surface. The surface of the electronic key 200 that intersects with the operation surface and the back surface (bottom surface) and faces the positive and negative directions of the X axis or the Y axis when the electronic key 200 is housed in the electronic key storage case 300 is referred to as the peripheral surface. In other words, the peripheral surface is a surface different from the operation surface of the electronic key and the surface opposite the operation surface. In FIG. 2, the electronic key 200 is housed in the housing case in a first position. The first position is a position in which a surface that is approximately parallel to the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the electronic key 200 faces the pressing direction (Z-axis direction). The surface that is approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic key 200 is the operation surface of the electronic key 200.

[0024] The actuator 400 is controlled by a control unit (not shown) and functions as a drive unit that directly or indirectly applies power to the pressing member 60. The actuator 400 may be, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid, specifically a push-type linear solenoid, and can push the rod-shaped pressing member 60 in the negative direction of the Z-axis by electromagnetic force when a drive current is applied. When an instruction to unlock or lock the electronic key 200 is given to the electronic key operation device 100 via the network 9, the actuator 400 pushes the pressing member 60 in accordance with the control instruction, and the tip of the pressing member 60 presses the press button 210 or 220 of the electronic key 200. After the pressing member 60 presses the press button 210 or 220 of the electronic key 200 and the power of the actuator 400 is stopped, the pressing member 60 can be returned to its original position (moved in the positive direction of the Z-axis) by a return mechanism (not shown).

[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic key storage case 300 according to a first embodiment, with FIG. 3(a) being an exploded perspective view, FIG. 3(b) being a perspective view illustrating the assembled state with the lid 50 open, and FIG. 3(c) being a perspective view illustrating the assembled state with the lid 50 closed. FIG. 3 illustrates the configuration of the electronic key storage case 300 capable of storing an electronic key 200 in a first position. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the electronic key storage case 300 of this embodiment includes a storage section 10, a first position restriction section 22, a second guide 30, a retainer plate 40, and the lid 50. In addition, a pocket section 18 is formed in the lower part of the storage section 10.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c), the electronic key storage case 300 is attached to the storage unit 10 with the first position restriction member 22 positioning the electronic key storage case 300 within the storage unit 10. The second guide 30 and the retainer plate 40 are then placed on the first position restriction member 22, and the lid 50 is closed to assemble the electronic key storage case 300. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the electronic key 200 is accommodated in the electronic key storage case 300 by fitting the electronic key 200 into the second guide 30. While the example shown in FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the top surface is covered with the retainer plate 40 and the lid 50, the retainer plate 40 and the lid 50 may be omitted, and the top surface of the electronic key storage case 300 may be covered with a member such as a cover or partition wall disposed on the electronic key operating device 100. The positioning of the first position restriction member 22 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0027] The storage unit 10 is configured as a separate housing from the electronic key operating device 100. The storage unit 10 forms the exterior of the electronic key storage case 300 and is a component that houses the first position restriction member 22, the second guide 30, and the electronic key 200. A pocket portion 18 is formed below the storage unit 10 (negative Z-axis direction). The material for the storage unit 10 is not limited, and conventionally known resin or metal materials can be used. For moldability and weight reduction, a resin material is preferably used. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 10 has a bottom surface 11, corner portions 12, side surfaces 13, and the pocket portion 18, and is formed in a box shape with an open top.

[0028] The bottom surface 11 is a surface that forms the bottom of the storage section 10, and a side surface 13 is erected on the outer periphery, with a corner portion 12 being formed where the bottom surface 11 and the side surface 13 intersect. The bottom surface 11 corresponds to the first bottom surface in the present invention. The corner portion 12 is a corner portion where the bottom surface 11 and the side surface 13 intersect. While FIG. 3 shows an example in which the cross section of the corner portion 12 is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface, the corner portion 12 may also be formed so that the bottom surface 11 and the side surface 13 intersect at a substantially right angle. The side surface 13 is a wall-like portion formed by erecting upward from the outer periphery of the bottom surface 11.

[0029] The pocket portion 18 is formed below the storage portion 10 (in the negative direction of the Z axis) and constitutes a part of the storage portion 10. The interior of the pocket portion 18 accommodates the first position restriction portion 22, and is also capable of receiving a part of the electronic key 200 with the back side opposite the operation surface facing downward. The pocket portion 18 is preferably formed integrally with the storage portion 10.

[0030] The first position restricting portion 22 is disposed within the pocket 18 and contacts the surface (back surface) of the electronic key 200 opposite the operation surface having the push buttons 210 and 220, thereby restricting movement of the electronic key 200 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) within the housing 10. More specifically, the first position restricting portion 22 restricts movement of the electronic key 200 in the direction in which the push buttons 210 and 220 are pressed (negative Z-axis direction). The first position restricting portion 22 is used when the electronic key 200 is housed in the electronic key housing case 300 in a first position, and corresponds to the first guide of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3( a), the first position restricting portion 22 is disposed along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the electronic key 200. The surface (contact surface 22 a) of the first position restricting portion 22 that contacts the back surface of the electronic key 200 is shaped to correspond to the back surface of the electronic key 200. The lower surface of the first position restricting portion 22 is shaped to follow the inner periphery of the pocket portion 18 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and is disposed in contact with the bottom surface 15 and the side surface 16, as will be described later.

[0031] The material for the first position restriction portion 22 is not limited, but it need only be strong enough to restrict vertical movement of the electronic key 200. For lighter weight, a porous resin material or a hard sponge-like material can be used. It is also preferable to use the same material for the first position restriction portion 22 as the second guide 30. Using a hard sponge-like material for the first position restriction portion 22 allows the abutment surface 22a to be easily formed by die-cutting using a known method such as Thomson machining.

[0032] The second guide 30 is disposed above the first position restriction portion 22 within the housing 10 and is a member for receiving the electronic key 200. As shown in FIG. 3( a), the second guide 30 includes a frame portion 31, a key insertion portion 32, and a fixing portion 33. While the material for the second guide 30 is not limited, a resin material is preferably used to easily form the key insertion portion 32 according to the external shape of the electronic key 200. The second guide 30 also restricts movement of the electronic key 200 in the lateral direction, i.e., in a direction (within the XY plane) intersecting the direction in which the push buttons 210 and 220 of the electronic key 200 are pressed. Note that the second guide 30 only needs to be strong enough to additionally restrict movement of the electronic key 200 in the aforementioned direction. For lighter weight, a porous or hard sponge-like resin material can be used.

[0033] The frame 31 is a generally plate-shaped member formed to conform to the inner periphery of the storage unit 10, with the key fitting portion 32 punched out. The frame 31 has fixing portions 33 formed at its four corners, which fix the frame 31 to the storage unit 10. While FIG. 3 illustrates the frame 31 as a plate-shaped member with a uniform thickness, the shape is not limited thereto and the frame 31 may have a curved surface or a region with varying thickness. The key fitting portion 32 is a region punched out from the front side to the back side of the frame 31 and is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the electronic key 200 to be stored. The key fitting portion 32 is positioned appropriately so that the pressing members 61 and 62 (described later) can properly press the pressing buttons 210 and 220 of the electronic key 200. The fixing portions 33 are through-holes formed at the four corners of the frame 31, into which fixing members 44 (described later) are inserted and fastened to the storage unit 10. Although FIG. 3 shows an example in which the fixing portions 33 are formed at the four corners, the number and positions thereof are not limited.

[0034] The retainer plate 40 is a member that is disposed on the second guide 30 within the housing 10 and sandwiches the first position restricting portion 22 and the second guide 30 between the retainer plate 40 and the housing 10 to prevent them from falling off. As shown in FIG. 3( a), the retainer plate 40 includes a retaining frame 41, a shaft fixing portion 42, an opening 43, a fixing member 44, and a fixing portion 45. The material that constitutes the retainer plate 40 is not limited, and any known resin material or metal material may be used as long as it has sufficient rigidity to prevent the first position restricting portion 22 and the second guide 30 from falling off or becoming misaligned.

[0035] The retaining frame 41 is a frame-shaped member formed along the inner periphery of the storage section 10. As shown in FIG. 3(a), fixing portions 45, which are through-holes, are formed at the four corners of the retaining frame 41, and a shaft fixing portion 42 is formed on one side. The shaft fixing portion 42 is a portion that rotatably supports a rotation shaft 52 of the lid 50, which will be described later. In the example shown in FIG. 3(a), the shaft fixing portion 42 is an arc-shaped notch formed on the surface of the retaining frame 41 facing the second guide 30, and is structured to support the rotation shaft 52 by sandwiching it between the second guide 30. The opening 43 is an opening formed in the center of the retaining frame 41 and is formed in an area larger than the key fitting portion 32 of the second guide 30, so that the retaining frame 41 does not interfere with the electronic key 200. Fixing member 44 is a screw member that is inserted into fixing portion 45 and fixing portion 33, and is fastened to a screw hole formed in accommodating portion 10 to fix second guide 30 and retainer plate 40 to accommodating portion 10. Although a screw member is exemplified as fixing member 44 here, the structure is not limited as long as it can fix second guide 30 and retainer plate 40 to accommodating portion 10.

[0036] The lid 50 is a component that covers the top of the storage unit 10 and abuts against the top surface (operation surface) of the stored electronic key 200 to prevent it from falling off. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the lid 50 includes a cover portion 51, a rotation axis 52, a locking portion 53, and an opening 54. There are no restrictions on the material that can be used to form the lid 50, as long as it has enough rigidity to prevent the electronic key 200 from falling off or shifting position, and known resin or metal materials can be used.

[0037] The lid 51 is a generally plate-shaped portion that covers the top surface of the storage unit 10 and restricts upward movement of the electronic key 200, i.e., in the direction opposite to the direction in which the push button of the electronic key 200 is pressed (the positive direction of the Z axis). A rotation axis 52 is formed on one side of the lid 51, and a locking portion 53 is formed on the other side. An opening 54 is also formed in the lid 51, so that the push buttons 210, 220 of the stored electronic key 200 are exposed on the top surface even when the lid 51 is closed, allowing the push buttons 210, 220 to be pressed down by push members 61, 62, which will be described later. While FIG. 3 shows an example in which the lid 51 is stored inside the storage unit 10, the lid 51 may be large enough to cover the entire storage unit 10. In addition, in FIG. 3, a lattice-shaped honeycomb structure is shown as the cover portion 51 to ensure lightness and rigidity, but the structure is not limited as long as it can prevent the electronic key 200 from falling off or shifting out of position.

[0038] The rotation shaft 52 is a generally cylindrical portion formed on one side of the lid portion 51 and rotatably supported by the shaft fixing portion 42 of the retainer plate 40. While FIG. 3( a) illustrates an example in which the rotation shaft 52 is integrally formed with the lid portion 51 using the same material, the rotation shaft 52 may be formed as a separate member, such as a metal, to ensure strength. The locking portion 53 is formed on the other side of the lid portion 51 opposite the rotation shaft 52 and is configured in a position and shape corresponding to the locking structure formed on the storage portion 10. While FIG. 3( a) illustrates an example in which the locking portion 53 is integrally formed with the same material as the lid portion 51, the locking portion 53 may be configured as a separate member, such as a metal. The opening 54 is formed in the lid portion 51 at a position corresponding to the push buttons 210 and 220 of the electronic key 200.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3(b), in the assembled state, the first position restricting member 22 is positioned and attached within the storage unit 10, the second guide 30 and the retainer plate 40 are placed on the first position restricting member 22, and the second guide 30 and the retainer plate 40 are fixed to the storage unit 10 by the fixing member 44. At this time, the rotation shaft 52 of the lid 50 is sandwiched between the frame portion 31 and the shaft fixing portion 42 and rotatably supported. This allows the lid 50 to rotate about the rotation shaft 52, changing the assembled state between the open assembled state shown in FIG. 3(b) and the closed assembled state shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0040] In the assembled state with the lid 50 open as shown in FIG. 3(b), the key fitting portion 32 of the second guide 30 is exposed upward, allowing the electronic key 200 to be fitted and removed. In the assembled state with the lid 50 closed as shown in FIG. 3(c), the locking portion 53 of the lid 50 engages with the locking structure of the storage portion 10, and the cover portion 51 abuts against the top surface of the stored electronic key 200. This sandwiches the electronic key 200 between the cover portion 51 and the first position restriction portion 22, restricting at least the movement of the electronic key 200 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, with the lid 50 closed, the press buttons 210 and 220 of the electronic key 200 are exposed from the opening 54 formed in the cover portion 51, allowing them to be pressed down from the outside by pressing members 61 and 62.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the electronic key 200 housed in the electronic key storage case 300 according to the first embodiment, with the retainer plate 40 and the lid 50 omitted. Fig. 4 shows the electronic key 200 housed in the electronic key storage case 300 in a first position. Fig. 4(a) is a schematic plan view, Fig. 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic key 200 taken along the longitudinal direction, and Fig. 4(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic key 200 taken along the width direction.

[0042] As described above, the surface of the electronic key 200 on which the push buttons 210, 220 are arranged is defined as the operation surface, and the surface opposite the operation surface is defined as the back surface of the electronic key 200. Furthermore, the surface intersecting the operation surface and the back surface is defined as the circumferential surface. Furthermore, the direction in which the distance between opposing surfaces of the electronic key 200 is smallest is defined as the thickness direction of the electronic key 200, and the surface that is approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic key 200 is defined as the side surface. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4 , a portion of the side surface of the electronic key 200 is defined as the operation surface, and the other surface of the side surface is defined as the back surface.

[0043] The electronic key storage case 300 has an opening formed in a portion of the bottom surface 11, and a pocket portion 18 formed below the opening. The pocket portion 18 has a bottom surface 15 and a side surface 16, and defines a space that is connected to the bottom surface 11. Furthermore, a holding portion 17A is formed at a position where the first position restriction portion 22 is to be disposed. The first position restriction portion 22 is held by the holding portion 17A and is disposed on the bottom surface 15 of the pocket portion 18 along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the storage portion 10.

[0044] Bottom surface 15 is formed at a deeper position (greater distance from lid 50 in the Z-axis direction) than bottom surface 11 and constitutes the bottom of pocket portion 18, with side surfaces 16 erected on its outer periphery. Bottom surface 15 corresponds to the second bottom surface in the present invention. Side surfaces 16 are wall-like portions erected upward from the outer periphery of bottom surface 15. In the example shown in FIG. 4, bottom surface 15 is narrower in the Y-axis direction than bottom surface 11, and side surfaces 16 erect approximately vertically upward from the ends of bottom surface 15. The width of pocket portion 18 in the Y-axis direction (the distance between side surfaces 16) is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of electronic key 200. Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which side surfaces 16 erect approximately vertically from bottom surface 15, side surfaces 16 may also be inclined with respect to bottom surface 15.

[0045] The holding portion 17A is a protrusion formed at a predetermined position on the bottom surface 15 and the side surface 16, and serves to hold the first position restricting portion 22. The holding portion 17A has a shape that contacts at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the first position restricting portion 22. More specifically, the holding portion 17A is composed of two plate-like members extending along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pocket portion 18. The holding portion 17A holds the first position restricting portion 22 with the two plate-like members and restricts the swinging of the first position restricting portion 22 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). Here, it is preferable that the spacing between the two plate-like members in the width direction is approximately constant, and that the size of the first position restricting portion 22 in the width direction is formed slightly larger than the spacing between the two plate-like members. As a result, the first position restricting portion 22 is sandwiched by being press-fitted between the two plate-like members, and swinging in the width direction is more firmly restricted. The size of the holding portion 17A in the height direction (Z-axis direction) may be such that it does not interfere with the electronic key 200 stored in the storage portion 10. The shape of the holding portion 17A is not limited to this. The shape of the holding portion 17A may be any shape as long as it can abut the abutment surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22 against the back surface of the electronic key 200 and can hold the electronic key 200 in a manner that restricts movement in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0046] 4, the electronic key 200 is fitted into a key fitting portion 32 formed in a frame portion 31 of the second guide 30, and movement of the electronic key 200 in a direction (within the XY plane) intersecting the direction in which the push buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200 are pressed is restricted. Also, a portion of the electronic key 200 is inserted into the pocket portion 18 below the bottom surface 11, and the contact surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22 is in contact with the underside of the electronic key 200.

[0047] The contact surface 22a of the first position restricting part 22 is shaped to correspond to the area of the back surface of the electronic key 200 that it comes into contact with. More specifically, the contact surface 22a has a shape that conforms to the shape of the back surface of the electronic key 200 so that it can come into contact with it. It is preferable that the contact surface 22a comes into contact with the entire area of the back surface of the electronic key 200. When the back surface of the electronic key 200 comes into contact with the contact surface 22a of the first position restricting part 22, movement of the electronic key 200 in the direction in which the push buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200 are pressed (negative direction of the Z axis). It is also preferable that the contact surface 22a of the first position restricting part 22 comes into contact with a portion of the circumferential surface located at an end in the longitudinal direction of the electronic key 200. When a portion of the circumferential surface of the electronic key 200 comes into contact with the contact surface 22a of the first position restricting part 22, movement of the electronic key 200 in the longitudinal direction (X axis direction) is restricted. The contact surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22 contacts the underside of the electronic key 200 to hold the electronic key 200, thereby holding the press buttons 210, 220 at a height suitable for pressing by the press members 61, 62.

[0048] When the electronic key 200 is inserted into the second guide 30 and the pocket portion 18, the peripheral surface of the electronic key 200 may be in contact with the side surface 16, or there may be a predetermined gap between the electronic key 200 and the side surface 16. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the back side of the electronic key 200 is supported by the abutment surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22, and the peripheral surface close to the operation surface is supported by the second guide 30. As a result, even if the pressing members 61, 62 apply a pressing action to the press buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200, it is possible to suppress rocking in the direction in which the press buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200 are pressed (negative direction of the Z axis) and in a direction intersecting the direction in which the press buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200 are pressed (XY plane).

[0049] 4 shows an example in which the upper end of the first position restricting portion 22 extends up to the bottom surface 11, but it may also be formed to a position lower than the bottom surface 11 (in the negative Z-axis direction), or may be formed to a height that exceeds the bottom surface 11 and contacts the lower surface of the second guide 30. The first position restricting portion 22 may be attached to the inside of the pocket portion 18 using adhesive or adhesive tape, or may be attached using a fixing member such as a screw. The first position restricting portion 22 may also be made of a material such as a hard sponge, and may be formed to be slightly larger in size in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) than the inner periphery of the pocket portion 18, and may be press-fitted between the side surfaces 16 on both sides to be fixed.

[0050] Although not shown in FIG. 4 , when the cover portion 51 of the lid 50 abuts against the top surface of the electronic key 200, the electronic key 200 is sandwiched between the first position restriction portion 22 and the lid 50, restricting movement in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The height at which the cover portion 51 of the lid 50 abuts against the electronic key 200 is determined by the height of the abutment surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22 and the thickness of the cover portion 51. Therefore, the first position restriction portion 22 is positioned in the storage unit 10 at a position where the electronic key 200 is sandwiched between the abutment surface 22a and the lid portion 51 and restricted from moving in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to appropriately restrict movement of the electronic key 200 within the storage unit 10 according to various shapes of the electronic key 200.

[0051] More specifically, the shape of the contact surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22 to be positioned is determined for each piece of information that identifies the type of electronic key 200, such as the vehicle model or model number. This allows the worker assembling the electronic key storage case 300 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "worker") to accurately set the in-plane position and height of the electronic key 200 within the storage case 10 simply by checking the type of electronic key 200 and the corresponding placement location, and then placing the first position restriction portion 22 on the bottom surface 15 of the pocket portion 18.

[0052] When a signal instructing a button operation is sent to the electronic key operating device 100, the actuator 400 or the like drives the pressing members 61, 62, which press down the press buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200 from outside the electronic key storage case 300. Because the first position restricting portion 22 and the second guide 30 are made of a material and structure with a predetermined hardness, vertical or lateral movement of the electronic key 200 is suppressed during the pressing operation, ensuring that the press buttons 210, 220 can be pressed down reliably.

[0053] Furthermore, the contact surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22 is shaped to correspond to the area of the back surface of the electronic key 200 that it contacts, so it can support the electronic key 200 over the entire longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, because the second guide 30 contacts the circumferential surface of the electronic key 200 at a height close to the operating surface of the electronic key 200, it can restrict movement of the electronic key 200 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and width direction (Y-axis direction). As a result, even when the push buttons 210, 220 are arranged on the side surfaces of the electronic key 200 that are parallel to the thickness direction, rocking of the electronic key 200 can be suppressed, allowing for smooth pressing.

[0054] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing an electronic key 200A with a different operation surface housed in the electronic key storage case 300 according to the first embodiment, with the retainer plate 40 and the lid 50 omitted. Fig. 5A is a schematic plan view, Fig. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the electronic key 200A, and Fig. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view along the width direction of the electronic key 200A.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, the press buttons 210 and 220 of the electronic key 200A are arranged on a surface intersecting the thickness direction. In FIG. 5, the electronic key 200A is housed in the electronic key case 300 in a second position. The second position is a position in which a surface intersecting the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the electronic key 200A faces the pressing direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the operation surface is a surface intersecting the thickness direction of the electronic key 200, and the circumferential surface is a side surface parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic key 200. When housing such an electronic key 200A in the electronic key case 300, a second guide 30 shaped to fit the circumferential surface of the electronic key 200A is selected, as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, a second position restricting portion 20 composed of two partial restricting portions 20a and 20b is disposed on the bottom surface 11. In addition, the first position forming portion 22 in the pocket portion 18 may be removed.

[0056] Although not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a plurality of positioning portions may be formed on the bottom surface 11. The positioning portions are portions that position the second position restricting portion 20 and engage with the second position restricting portion 20. As an example, the positioning portion has a rack gear shape with a plurality of concave and convex portions arranged linearly, and are arranged in two parallel straight lines along the longitudinal direction of the electronic key 200A. The plurality of concave and convex portions that make up the positioning portions have a constant height and pitch and correspond to the shape of the engaging portion formed on the back surface of the second position restricting portion 20. By disposing the second position restricting portion 20 at any position on the positioning portion, the positioning portion and the engaging portion engage, restricting sliding in the longitudinal direction and positioning the second position restricting portion 20.

[0057] The second position restriction portion 20 is a member attached to the storage portion 10 to position the electronic key 200A within the electronic key storage case 300 and restrict movement of the positioned electronic key 200A. The second position restriction portion 20 is used when storing the electronic key 200A in the electronic key storage case 300 in the second position, and corresponds to the first guide of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the second position restriction portion 20 is composed of two partial restriction portions 20a and 20b. The partial restriction portions 20a and 20b are attached to the storage portion 10 by positioning them at one of multiple positioning portions formed on the surface (bottom surface 11) of the storage portion 10 that faces the inner surface of the cover portion 51 when the lid 50 is closed.

[0058] The partial restriction portions 20a and 20b constituting the second position restriction portion 20 are each independently attached to one of a plurality of positioning portions. As a result, when the positions for arranging the partial restriction portions 20a and 20b are set and the engaging portions and the positioning portions are engaged, the longitudinal positions of the partial restriction portions 20a and 20b and the distance between them are determined. At this time, if a temporary fixing member such as adhesive tape is attached to the back side of the partial restriction portions 20a and 20b, it is possible to prevent the partial restriction portions 20a and 20b from falling off and becoming misaligned during the assembly process.

[0059] The positioning portions determine the positions of the partial restriction portions 20a, 20b relative to the storage unit 10. That is, an operator positions each of the partial restriction portions 20a, 20b in one of the positioning portions according to the size of the electronic key 200A to be stored in the electronic key storage case 300, and then attaches the partial restriction portions 20a, 20b to the storage unit 10. The electronic key 200 stored in the electronic key storage case 300 is positioned within the storage unit 10 by abutting a portion of each of the partial restriction portions 20a, 20b, and is held within the storage unit 10 by restricting movement of the electronic key 200 in the height direction and the lateral direction intersecting the height direction. That is, the second position restriction portion 20 restricts movement of the electronic key 200 in the direction in which the push buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200 are pressed (the negative direction of the Z axis) and in a direction intersecting the direction in which the push buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200 are pressed (within the XY plane). The second position restricting portion 20 contacts the circumferential surface located at the longitudinal end of the electronic key 200A, and restricts movement of the electronic key 200A in a direction intersecting the direction in which the press buttons 210, 220 are pressed.

[0060] 5, the electronic key 200A is fitted into the key fitting portion 32 formed in the frame portion 31 of the second guide 30, and its movement in the lateral direction (within the XY plane) is restricted. In addition, the partial restriction portions 20a and 20b of the position restriction portion 20 abut against the underside of the electronic key 200A.

[0061] Although not shown in FIG. 5 , when the cover portion 51 of the lid 50 abuts against the top surface of the electronic key 200, the electronic key 200 is sandwiched between the position restriction portion 20 and the lid 50, restricting vertical movement. The height at which the cover portion 51 of the lid 50 abuts against the electronic key 200 is determined by the abutment state between the position restriction portion 20 and the electronic key 200 and the thickness of the cover portion 51. Specifically, the position at which the second position restriction portion 20 abuts against the electronic key 200 can be changed by changing the position of the second position restriction portion 20 in the positioning portion 14. This allows the position of the second position restriction portion 20 (partial restriction portions 20a, 20b) relative to the storage portion 10 to be determined according to various shapes of the electronic key 200A, and makes it possible to appropriately restrict movement of the electronic key 200A within the storage portion 10.

[0062] More specifically, the positions of the partial restriction parts 20a, 20b on the positioning parts are determined in advance for each piece of information that identifies the type of electronic key 200A, such as the vehicle model and model number. This allows the worker to accurately set the in-plane position and height of the electronic key 200A within the holder 10 simply by checking the type of electronic key 200A and the corresponding placement positions and then placing the partial restriction parts 20a, 20b on the positioning parts.

[0063] As described above, the electronic key storage case 300 and the electronic key operating device 100 of this embodiment can store the electronic key 200 or the electronic key 200A, each equipped with the push buttons 210, 220, in the first and second positions. This allows for use not only in the case of the electronic key 200, where the operation surface is arranged on a surface (side surface) that is approximately parallel to the thickness direction, but also in the case of the electronic key 200A, where the operation surface is arranged on a surface that intersects with the thickness direction.

[0064] Specifically, when the electronic key 200A, whose operation surface is arranged on a surface substantially parallel to the thickness direction, is accommodated in the electronic key storage case 300 in the first attitude, the first position restriction unit 22 is arranged on the bottom surface 15 of the storage unit 10 along the longitudinal direction of the electronic key 200, and the first position restriction unit 22 contacts the back surface of the electronic key 200 to restrict movement of the electronic key 200 in the height direction. When the electronic key 200A, whose operation surface is arranged on a surface intersecting the thickness direction, is accommodated in the electronic key storage case 300 in the second attitude, the second position restriction unit 20 is arranged on the bottom surface 11 of the storage unit 10, and the second position restriction unit 20 contacts the back surface of the electronic key 200A to restrict movement of the electronic key 200A in the height direction.

[0065] Additionally, the second guide 30 is disposed in contact with the peripheral surface of the electronic key 200, restricting lateral movement of the electronic key 200. This allows the abutment surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22 to contact the surface of the electronic key 200 opposite the operating surface having the push buttons 210, 220, and support the electronic key 200 between the bottom surface 15. This ensures reliability of the pressing action on the electronic key 200 while accommodating a variety of electronic key 200 shapes.

[0066] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Details overlapping with those of the first embodiment will not be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic key 200 housed in an electronic key storage case 300A according to the second embodiment, with the retainer plate 40 and lid 50 omitted. In FIG. 6, the electronic key 200 is housed in the electronic key storage case 300A in a first position. FIG. 6(a) is a schematic plan view, FIG. 6(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic key 200 along the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 6(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic key 200 along the width direction. As shown in FIG. 6, in the electronic key storage case 300A according to the second embodiment, the width of the bottom surface 15 of the pocket portion 18 is greater than the thickness of the electronic key 200, and the first position restriction portion 22 is formed with a position restriction auxiliary portion 22b. Furthermore, the electronic key storage case 300A according to the second embodiment differs in that a holding portion 17B is formed at the position where the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b is to be disposed.

[0067] The holding portion 17B is a protrusion formed at a predetermined position on the bottom surface 15 and the side surface 16, and serves to hold the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b. The holding portion 17B has a shape that contacts at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b. More specifically, the holding portion 17B is composed of two plate-shaped members extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the pocket portion 18, excluding the area where the electronic key 200 is placed and the area that intersects with the holding portion 17A. The holding portion 17B holds the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b with the two plate-shaped members and restricts the swinging of the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Here, it is preferable that the longitudinal distance between the two plate-shaped members be approximately constant, and that the longitudinal size of the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b be slightly larger than the distance between the two plate-shaped members. As a result, the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b is clamped by being press-fitted between the two plate-shaped members, and longitudinal swinging is more firmly restricted. The height (Z-axis direction) of the holding portion 17B may be set to a height that does not interfere with the electronic key 200 stored in the storage portion 10.

[0068] The position restriction auxiliary portion 22b is disposed between the two plate-like members that constitute the holding portion 17B. The position restriction auxiliary portion 22b is a portion of the first position restriction portion 22 that extends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the pocket portion 18. The position restriction auxiliary portion 22b extends in the width direction along the bottom surface 15 of the pocket portion 18 and has a lower surface shape that conforms to the bottom surface 15 and the side surface 16. The upper surface of the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b is formed at a height that allows it to abut against the second guide 30. The upper surface of the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b contacts the lower surface of the second guide 30, thereby restricting movement of the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b in the height direction. Here, an example is shown in which the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b is formed integrally with the first position restriction portion 22, but the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b may be formed separately from the first position restriction portion 22 and combined with it. The shape of the holding portion 17B is not limited to the above-described shape. The holding portion 17B may have any shape as long as it can abut the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b against the back surface of the electronic key 200 and can hold the electronic key 200 so as to restrict movement in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The position restriction auxiliary portion 22b may be attached to the bottom surface 11 using adhesive or adhesive tape, or may be attached using a fixing member such as a screw. The position restriction auxiliary portion 22b may also be made of a material such as hard sponge, and may be formed to be slightly larger in size in the width direction (Y-axis direction) than the inner circumference of the pocket portion 18, and may be press-fitted between both side surfaces 16 to be fixed.

[0069] The position restriction auxiliary portion 22b is preferably disposed at a position corresponding to the push buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the push buttons 210, 220 are arranged in the X-axis direction of the electronic key 200, and the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b is disposed at a position intermediate the push buttons 210, 220. If the push buttons 220 are arranged in the Y-axis direction of the electronic key 200, the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b may be disposed along the center of the push buttons 210, 220. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the width of the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b in the X-axis direction overlaps with part of the push buttons 210, 220, but the width may be wide enough to overlap the entire push buttons 210, 220.

[0070] Although not shown in Figure 6, when the cover portion 51 of the lid 50 abuts against the top surface of the electronic key 200, the electronic key 200 is sandwiched between the first position restriction portion 22, the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b, and the lid 50, restricting movement in the vertical direction. The height at which the cover portion 51 of the lid 50 abuts against the electronic key 200 is determined by the height of the abutment surface 22a of the first position restriction portion 22 and the thickness of the cover portion 51. This allows the positions of the first position restriction portion 22 and the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b relative to the storage portion 10 to be determined according to various shapes of the electronic key 200, and makes it possible to appropriately restrict movement of the electronic key 200 within the storage portion 10.

[0071] Furthermore, by arranging the position control auxiliary part 22b at a position corresponding to the push buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200, even if a force is applied in the Z-axis direction of the electronic key 200 when the push members 61, 62 press down the push buttons 210, 220, the position control auxiliary part 22b can provide good support for the back and side of the electronic key 200.

[0072] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic key 200A with a different operation surface housed in an electronic key storage case 300A according to the second embodiment, with the retainer plate 40 and lid 50 omitted. Fig. 7(a) is a schematic plan view, Fig. 7(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view along the length of the electronic key 200A, and Fig. 7(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view along the width of the electronic key 200A.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, the push buttons 210 and 220 of the electronic key 200A are arranged on a plane intersecting the thickness direction. In FIG. 7, the electronic key 200A is housed in the electronic key case in the second position. Therefore, the operation surface is a plane intersecting the thickness direction of the electronic key 200, and the circumferential surface is a side surface parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic key 200. When housing such an electronic key 200 in the electronic key case 300, a second guide 30 shaped to fit the circumferential surface of the electronic key 200 is selected, as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, a second position restriction portion 20 composed of two partial restriction portions 20a and 20b is arranged on the bottom surface 11. In addition, the first position restriction portion 22 and the position restriction auxiliary portion 22b in the pocket portion 18 may be removed.

[0074] As described above, the electronic key storage case 300A and electronic key operating device 100 of this embodiment can accommodate a variety of electronic keys 200 shapes while ensuring the reliability of pressing the electronic key 200. Furthermore, the electronic key storage case 300 of this embodiment can accommodate not only electronic keys 200 with operation surfaces on the side surfaces, but also electronic keys 200A with operation surfaces on surfaces that intersect with the thickness direction.

[0075] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. Descriptions that overlap with those of the second embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic key 200A with a different operation surface housed in an electronic key storage case 300B according to the third embodiment, with the retainer plate 40 and lid 50 omitted. FIG. 8(a) is a schematic plan view, FIG. 8(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the electronic key 200A, and FIG. 8(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view along the width direction of the electronic key 200A. As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic key storage case 300B of this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that, when the operation surface is located on a surface that intersects with the thickness direction of the electronic key 200A, the electronic key storage case 300B does not include partial restriction units 20a and 20b and includes multiple second position restriction units 21.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8 , the second position restricting portion 21 extends in the width direction of the pocket portion 18 and has a lower surface that conforms to the bottom surface 15 and side surface 16. The contact surface 21a of the second position restricting portion 21 is shaped to correspond to the area of the back surface of the electronic key 200 that it contacts. The upper surface 21b of the second position restricting portion 21 is formed at a height that allows it to contact the second guide 30. The upper surface 21b of the second position restricting portion 21 contacts the lower surface of the second guide 30, restricting movement of the second position restricting portion 21 in the height direction. The second position restricting portion 21 may be attached to the bottom surface 15 using adhesive or adhesive tape, or may be attached using a fixing member such as a screw. Alternatively, the second position restricting portion 21 may be made of a material such as a hard sponge, be slightly larger in width (Y-axis direction) than the inner circumference of the storage portion 10, and be press-fitted between the side surfaces 16 on both sides to be fixed.

[0077] In the electronic key storage case 300B and the electronic key operation device 100 of this embodiment, two second position restriction parts 21 are arranged across the width at positions corresponding to the push buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200A. As a result, the abutment surface 21a of the second position restriction part 21 contacts the back surface of the electronic key 200 opposite the operating surface having the push buttons 210, 220, allowing the electronic key 200 to be supported between the bottom surface 15. This makes it possible to accommodate a variety of electronic key 200 shapes while ensuring reliability of the pressing operation on the electronic key 200.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0079] Although the electronic key operation device 100 according to the first to third embodiments has been described with an example in which any one of the electronic key storage cases 300, 300A, and 300B configured separately from the electronic key operation device 100 is attached to the electronic key operation device 100, the configuration of the electronic key operation device 100 is not limited to this. For example, the electronic key operation device 100 may have a storage unit configured integrally with the main body of the electronic key operation device 100 for storing electronic keys, including the electronic keys 200 and 200A. In this case, the storage unit may have a configuration equivalent to any one of the electronic key storage cases 300, 300A, and 300B, as long as the storage unit is configured appropriately to store the electronic keys therein.

[0080] According to the present specification, the following aspects are provided. (Aspect 1) In aspect 1, the electronic key storage case is capable of storing an electronic key having a push button in different positions, and includes a storage section for storing the electronic key, and a first guide for restricting movement of the electronic key stored in the storage section in the direction in which the push button is pressed, and the electronic key storage case has multiple first guides corresponding to the different positions.

[0081] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic key storage case 300 can store the electronic keys 200, 200A in different positions, and the first guide restricts movement of the electronic keys 200, 200A in the direction in which the push buttons 210, 220 are pressed. By having multiple first guides corresponding to different positions, it is possible to accommodate a variety of shapes of the electronic keys 200, 200A while ensuring reliability of the pressing operation.

[0082] (Aspect 2) In the second aspect, the first guide contacts the surface of the electronic key opposite to the operation surface having the push button, thereby restricting movement of the electronic key in the direction in which the push button is pressed.

[0083] According to the above-described aspect, by restricting the movement of the push buttons 210, 220 in the direction in which they are pressed by the first guide, it is possible to accommodate a variety of electronic key 200 shapes while ensuring the reliability of the pressing action on the electronic keys 200, 200A.

[0084] (Aspect 3) In aspect 3, the electronic key further includes a second guide that contacts a peripheral surface different from the operation surface of the electronic key and the surface opposite the operation surface, thereby restricting movement of the push button of the electronic key in a direction that intersects with the direction in which it is pressed.

[0085] According to the above-described embodiment, by using the second guide to restrict movement of the push buttons 210, 220 in a direction intersecting the direction in which they are pressed, it is possible to accommodate a variety of electronic key 200 shapes while ensuring the reliability of the pressing action on the electronic keys 200, 200A.

[0086] (Aspect 4) In aspect 4, the different postures include a first posture and a second posture, the first posture being a posture in which a surface that is approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic key faces the pressing direction, and the second posture being a posture in which a surface that intersects the thickness direction of the electronic key faces the pressing direction.

[0087] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to accommodate both a first posture in which a surface that is approximately parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic key 200 faces the pressing direction, and a second posture in which a surface that intersects with the thickness direction of the electronic key 200A faces the pressing direction, thereby making it possible to accommodate a variety of shapes of the electronic keys 200, 200A while ensuring the reliability of the pressing operation.

[0088] (Aspect 5) In aspect 5, the first guide has a first position restriction portion that corresponds to the first posture, and the first position restriction portion is shaped to correspond to the surface of the electronic key opposite the operating surface.

[0089] According to the above-described aspect, the first position restriction portion 22 has a shape corresponding to the surface of the electronic key 200 opposite the operation surface, so that the electronic key 200 can be supported more reliably.

[0090] (Aspect 6) In a sixth aspect, the first position restricting portion is made of the same material as the second guide.

[0091] According to the above-described embodiment, by configuring the first position restricting portion 22 and the second guide 30 from the same material, it is possible to simultaneously form the first position restricting portion 22 and the second guide 30.

[0092] (Aspect 7) In a seventh aspect, the first position restriction portion is disposed at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the electronic key and extends in the width direction as well.

[0093] According to the above-described aspect, the first position restriction portion 22 extends in the width direction, so that the electronic key 200 can be supported more reliably.

[0094] (Aspect 8) In an eighth aspect, the first guide has a second position restriction portion corresponding to the second attitude, The second position restriction portion is capable of changing the position at which it abuts against the electronic key.

[0095] According to the above-described embodiment, the position at which the second position regulating unit 20 contacts the electronic key 200 can be changed, and the second position regulating unit 20 regulates the movement of the electronic key 200, thereby ensuring the reliability of the pressing action on the electronic key 200 while making it possible to accommodate a variety of electronic key 200 shapes.

[0096] (Aspect 9) In a ninth aspect, the second position restriction portion contacts a peripheral surface located at an end of the electronic key in the longitudinal direction, and restricts movement of the electronic key in a direction intersecting the direction in which the push button is pressed.

[0097] According to the above-described embodiment, the second position regulating unit 20 regulates the movement of the push buttons 210, 220 of the electronic key 200 in a direction intersecting the direction in which they are pressed, thereby ensuring the reliability of the pressing action on the electronic key 200 while being able to accommodate a variety of electronic key 200 shapes.

[0098] (Aspect 10) In aspect 10, an electronic key operating device for pressing a push button of a stored electronic key includes an electronic key storage case that can store the electronic key in different positions, and a pressing member that presses the push button of the electronic key stored in the electronic key storage case, wherein the electronic key storage case has a storage section that stores the electronic key, and a first guide that restricts movement of the push button of the electronic key stored in the storage section in the direction in which it is pressed, and the electronic key operating device has multiple first guides corresponding to the different positions.

[0099] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic key storage case 300 can store the electronic keys 200, 200A in different positions, and the first guide restricts movement of the electronic keys 200, 200A in the direction in which the push buttons 210, 220 are pressed. By having multiple first guides corresponding to different positions, it is possible to accommodate a variety of shapes of the electronic keys 200, 200A while ensuring reliability of the pressing operation.

[0100] (Aspect 11) In aspect 11, an electronic key operating device operates the push button of a stored electronic key by pressing the button, and includes a storage section that can store the electronic key in different positions, a pressing member that presses the push button of the electronic key stored in the storage section, and a first guide that restricts movement of the push button of the electronic key stored in the storage section in the direction in which it is pressed, and the electronic key operating device has multiple first guides corresponding to the different positions.

[0101] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic key operating device 100 can accommodate the electronic keys 200, 200A in different positions, and the first guide restricts movement of the electronic keys 200, 200A in the direction in which the push buttons 210, 220 are pressed. By having multiple first guides corresponding to different positions, it is possible to accommodate a variety of shapes of the electronic keys 200, 200A while ensuring reliability of the pressing operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 3. Sharing system 5...Vehicle 9. Network 1100...Server system 1500...User terminal 501...Management Program 502...Terminal program 100...Electronic key operation device 200, 200A...Electronic key 300, 300A, 300B...Electronic key storage case 400...Actuator 700, 700c, 700t...Reservation information 10...Storage section 11,15...Bottom 12...Corner 13,16...Side 14... Positioning part 17A,17B…Holding part 18...Pocket 20, 21...Second position restriction portion 20a, 20b…Partial regulation section 210, 220...Push button 21a...Abutment surface 21b…Top surface 22...First position restriction portion 22a...Abutment surface 22b…Position regulation auxiliary part 30...Second Guide 31...Frame 32...Key fitting part 33…Fixed part 40...Retainer plate 41...Retainer slot 42...Shaft fixing part 43,54...Opening 44...Fixing member 45...Fixed part 50...Lid 51...Lid part 52...Rotation axis 53...Latching part 60, 61, 62...Pressing members

Claims

1. An electronic key storage case that can store an electronic key with a push button in different positions, a storage unit for storing the electronic key; a first guide that restricts movement of the electronic key housed in the housing portion in a direction in which the push button is pressed, a plurality of the first guides are provided corresponding to the different postures; Electronic key storage case.

2. The electronic key storage case according to claim 1, The first guide contacts the surface of the electronic key opposite the operating surface having the push button, thereby restricting movement of the electronic key in the direction in which the push button is pressed.

3. The electronic key storage case according to claim 1, The electronic key storage case further includes a second guide that contacts a peripheral surface different from the operating surface of the electronic key and the surface opposite the operating surface, thereby restricting movement of the electronic key in a direction intersecting the direction in which the push button is pressed.

4. The electronic key storage case according to claim 1, the different positions include a first position and a second position; the first attitude is an attitude in which a surface that is substantially parallel to a thickness direction of the electronic key faces the pressing direction, the second position is a position in which a surface intersecting a thickness direction of the electronic key faces the pressing direction. Electronic key storage case.

5. 5. The electronic key storage case according to claim 4, the first guide has a first position restriction portion corresponding to the first attitude, The first position restriction portion has a shape corresponding to a surface of the electronic key opposite to the operation surface.

6. 6. The electronic key storage case according to claim 5, The first position restriction portion is made of the same material as the second guide.

7. 6. The electronic key storage case according to claim 5, The first position restriction portion is disposed at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the electronic key and extends in the width direction of the electronic key storage case.

8. 5. The electronic key storage case according to claim 4, the first guide has a second position restriction portion corresponding to the second attitude, The electronic key storage case, wherein the second position restriction portion is capable of changing a position at which the second position restriction portion abuts against the electronic key.

9. 9. The electronic key storage case according to claim 8, The second position restriction portion contacts a peripheral surface located at an end of the electronic key in the longitudinal direction and restricts movement of the electronic key in a direction intersecting the direction in which the push button of the electronic key is pressed.

10. An electronic key operation device that operates the push button of a housed electronic key by pressing the button, an electronic key storage case that can store the electronic key in different positions; a pressing member that presses the press button of the electronic key accommodated in the electronic key storage case; Equipped with The electronic key storage case includes a storage section that stores the electronic key, and a first guide that restricts movement of the electronic key stored in the storage section in a direction in which the push button is pressed, a plurality of the first guides are provided corresponding to the different postures; Electronic key operation device.

11. An electronic key operation device that operates the push button of a housed electronic key by pressing the button, a storage unit capable of storing the electronic key in different positions; a pressing member that presses the press button of the electronic key accommodated in the accommodating portion; a first guide that restricts movement of the electronic key housed in the housing portion in a direction in which the push button is pressed, a plurality of the first guides are provided corresponding to the different postures; Electronic key operation device.

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