Key box

Abstract

To provide an improved technique that is highly maintainable and convenient to manage key boxes.SOLUTION: A key box has: a main body that has an opening and an internal space connected to the opening, as well as a first hole and a second hole, and stores keys put in and taken out through the opening in the internal space; a lid that shifts the opening between an opening state and a closed state; a latch that has a first part that is inserted into the first hole, a second part that is inserted into the second hole, and a third part that connects to the first part and the second part, and moves to a first position that restrains the lid in the closed state and a second position that opens the lid, and in which when viewed from a line passing through the first hole and the second hole with the latch fixed in the first position, the third part is bent relative to the first part and the second part; and a locking mechanism that fixes the latch in the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to key box technology. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is known a technology for a key box that can lock an object while storing a valuable item such as a key inside. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to an improved key box structure that features a front cover with a dial lock for opening and closing the key box and a latch lock lever for locking / unlocking a padlock. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5153749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The invention of Patent Document 1 merely pursues the convenience of the key box structure, and does not aim to improve the maintainability and durability of the key box / padlock itself.

[0005] In view of the above background, the present invention provides an improved technique that is highly maintainable and convenient when managing key boxes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a key box having: a main body having an opening and an internal space connected to the opening, as well as a first hole and a second hole, and storing keys inserted and removed through the opening in the internal space; a lid that transitions between a closed state and an open state of the opening; a latch having a first portion inserted into the first hole, a second portion inserted into the second hole, and a third portion connected to the first and second portions, and that moves to a first position that restrains the lid in the closed state and a second position that opens the lid, wherein when viewed from a line passing through the first and second holes with the latch fixed in the first position, the third portion is bent relative to the first and second portions; and a locking mechanism that fixes the latch in the first position.

[0007] When the latch is fixed in the first position and viewed from a line passing through the first hole and the second hole, the angle formed by the third portion and the first and second portions may be an obtuse angle.

[0008] The latch may have joints between the first and third parts and between the second and third parts, and the joints may be able to rotate and bend relative to the first and second parts.

[0009] The locking mechanism may have a dial for locking or unlocking, and when a user operates the dial, the dial may provide a reaction force in accordance with the user's operation.

[0010] A mechanical operating sound may be generated when the dial is turned. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an improved technique that is highly maintainable and convenient when managing key boxes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of a key box 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an overview of a key box in the related art. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a top view of the key box 1. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a side view of the key box 1 and latch 10. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the dial of the key box 1. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the inside of the key box 1 with the lid C removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a comparison between the key box 1 and related art. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating a latch 10 having a joint J. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a latch 10 having a joint J. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an example of a latch 10 of a key box 1 according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating an example of a latch 10 of a key box 1 according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1. Configuration 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a key box 1 according to one embodiment. In this example, the key box 1 (or simply the key box / padlock) refers to a padlock with a key box (or a padlock-type key box) that can be locked with a specific or arbitrary key, such as a property key (or key) used by a rental property manager, stored inside. When locked, both the key box and the padlock are locked, and a mechanism is provided that prevents the key from being removed from the key box unless the key box itself is unlocked.

[0014] Here, to explain how to operate and manage a key box using the example of a rental property, for example, the manager can attach the key box 1 containing the key to an outdoor fence (in one example, a wire mesh), i.e., lock it. Furthermore, when a person who wishes to view the rental property visits, the manager can remove the key from the key box and guide the person to a vacant room. In other words, under normal circumstances when there are no viewings of the property, the manager can manage the key on-site while ensuring security. On the other hand, when a viewing request occurs, the manager can smoothly guide the person to a vacant room without having to take the trouble of bringing the key. This is a convenient operation method, for example, when there is no manager resident at the property. Next, the components of the key box 1 will be explained.

[0015] In this example, the key box 1 includes a latch 10 and a main body 100. In this example, the latch 10 is a metal fitting for hooking the key box to an object (locking location) when locking. This is called a "hanging" and is generally U-shaped. In this example, the latch 10 is divided into multiple parts: a first part 11, a second part 12, and a third part 13. In this example, the first part 11, the second part 12, and the third part 13 are integrally formed, and the latch 10 is obtained by, for example, bending a rod-shaped member. In this example, the first part 11 includes a locking portion for locking a padlock (not shown), and locks by engaging with a key box integrated with the lock. In this example, the second part 12 is positioned approximately parallel to the first part 11 and can engage with the key box in the same way as the first part 11. 1 shows the key box in a locked state, with the first part 11 and the second part 12 both engaged with the main body 100 of the key box. In this example, the third part 13 is a part for hanging the key box main body on an object, and is physically connected to the first part 11 and the second part 12. Next, the main body 100 will be described.

[0016] In this example, the main body 100 represents the housing of the key box 1. In this example, when unlocking the key box 1, the first part 11 is detached from the main body 100, and the second part 12 rotates within the first hole H2, allowing it to be removed from (or attached to) an object. In this example, the main body 100 is provided with a first hole H1 and a second hole H2, and when locking, the first part 11 is inserted into the first hole H1.

[0017] In this example, the key box 1 has an internal space A inside the main body 100, which is a space for storing the key 2. The internal space A is connected to an opening O, which is an entrance to the interior, and is a space formed by the opening O. In this example, a user can put the key 2 in and take it out of the internal space A through the opening O. Note that when locking or unlocking the padlock, that is, when engaging or disengaging the shackle 10 with the main body 100, the user must perform an operation in accordance with a locking mechanism provided in the internal space A. In this example, the locking mechanism includes, for example, a mechanism for fixing the shackle 10 in a position where it engages with the main body 100 (an example of a first position). More specifically, for example, the mechanism is such that the shackle 10 is engaged with or disengaged from the main body 100 via a latch (not shown) that can be operated only from the internal space A. This will be described in more detail later.

[0018] In this example, the main body 100 is provided with a lid C for closing the opening O, and when locking, the user closes the lid C after storing the key 2 in the main body 100 (or opens the lid C when removing the key 2). In this example, the user can lock (or unlock) the key box by operating a dial key (not shown) attached to the front of the lid C. In this example, the lid C represents a member for opening and closing the key box, and as described above, can transition the opening O between a closed state and an open state.

[0019] Here, the third portion 13 will be described again. In this example, the boundary between the third portion 13 and the first and second portions 11 and 12 has a structure in which the third portion 13 is bent relative to the first and second portions 11 and 12 when viewed from a straight line (not shown) passing through the first hole H1 and the second hole H2 in a position (an example of the first position) in which the latch 10 is fixed to the main body 100. The arrangement and role of the third portion 13, including the boundary, will be described later. Next, problems with key boxes in related art will be described.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example of a key box in the related art. In this example, key box 9 (or main body 900) represents a key box in the related art. When operating in a rental property as described above, key box 9 may be stored (locked) outdoors due to, for example, installation location, space, or convenience. In such cases, it is locked by latching it to a facility (object) such as a fence, wire mesh, wall, or barrier that serves as a boundary between the rental property and nearby residences and parking lots (bicycle parking areas), etc. Note that these facilities are accessory facilities installed on the premises of the rental property in question.

[0021] Furthermore, fence 3, shown as an example of equipment, has a lattice shape and is structured to include vertical lattice 31 and horizontal lattices 32a and 32b. In this example, Figure 2 shows how key box 9 is locked with a latch hook attached to fence 3. In this example, latch 90 is hooked onto vertical lattice 31 and supported by horizontal lattice 32a, and as shown in Figure 2, key box 9 is fixed diagonally to fence 3 when viewed from the side.

[0022] 2 indicates the direction in which raindrops fall on the key box lid C9 when the key box 9 is stored outdoors as described above. In this example, when the key box 9 is viewed from the side, if the main body 900 is fixed at an angle to the fence 3, the key box lid C9 is exposed to raindrops. For example, the opening and closing part, the dial part, or the lid Rainwater easily seeps in through the gaps between the key box and the padlock. In this example, the intrusion of rainwater can cause corrosion of the key enclosed inside the key box, and corrosion and damage to the key box / padlock itself. Therefore, the key box 1 according to this embodiment aims to address these problems.

[0023] 3A is a top view of the key box 1. In this example, the third portion 13 of the latch 10 is connected to the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. When the key box 1 is viewed from above in this example, the third portion 13 is bent and therefore protrudes behind (above in terms of the plane of the paper) the back surface of the key box body.

[0024] Furthermore, each intersection of the dashed and dotted lines in the figure represents the center of the first portion 11 and the second portion 12, or the center of the first hole H1 and the second hole H2, and also represents the boundary between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 and the third portion 13. The "Site" in the figure represents a perspective from the broken line in the figure, that is, from a straight line passing through the first hole H1 and the second hole H2. In this example, when viewed from this straight line, the latch 10 has a structure in which the third portion 13 is bent relative to the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. Here, the perspective from the "Site" on this straight line, that is, the perspective when viewing the key box 1 from the side, will be described.

[0025] FIG. 3B is a side view of the key box 1 and latch 10. In this example, FIG. 3B shows the key box 1 as viewed from the side (perspective from "Site" in FIG. 3A). In this example, the third portion 13 of the latch 10 is connected to the first portion 11. In this example, the boundary portion with the first portion 11 is bent relative to the first portion 11 when the key box 1 is viewed from the side in a position where the latch 10 is fixed to the main body 100 (an example of a first position). Note that in the first position, the main body 100 restrains the latch 10 in a position where it is fixed to the main body 100, i.e., with the lid C closed.

[0026] Here, the boundary is bent so that the smaller angle (less than 180 degrees) of the angle between the third portion 13 and the first portion 11 when the key box 1 is viewed from the side is an obtuse angle (greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees). In this example, boundary B corresponds to the corner of the bent portion and particularly represents the center of the corner. Regarding the dashed-dotted lines in the figure, the vertical line represents the center line of the first portion 11, and the horizontal line represents a perpendicular line to this center line. Therefore, the intersection point is represented as boundary B between the first portion 11 and the third portion 13. In this figure, the second portion 12 is not clearly shown because it overlaps with the first portion 11 when viewed from the direction in the figure. In this example, the second portion 12 connects to the third portion 13 in the same manner and at the same angle as the first portion 11 (not shown).

[0027] On the other hand, when the lock is released and the lid C is opened, the latch 10 moves to a position where the first portion 11 exits the first hole H1, i.e., a position where the latch 10 is released from the restraint by the main body 100 (an example of the second position). In this example, in the second position, the second portion 12 remains inserted into the second hole H2 and cannot be removed, so the latch 10 is able to rotate around the second portion 12. Alternatively, both the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 may be completely separated from the main body 100, and the latch 10 itself may be able to move to a position where it is free relative to the main body 100 (an example of the second position). Note that for ease of viewing, FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of the latch 10 alone in the second position. In this example, the first portion 11 of the latch 10 has a locking portion 111 at its lower end. In this example, the locking unit 111 has a locking mechanism for locking the padlock, that is, for fixing the latch 10 to the main body 100, and can lock by engaging with a lock (or an integrated key box). The mechanism for locking / unlocking in the locking unit 111 will be described later. Next, the opening and closing function of the key box 1 using a dial lock will be described.

[0028] FIG. 4A is a front view illustrating the dial of the key box 1. In this example, FIG. 4A shows the key box 1 as viewed from the front. In this example, the lid C functions as a lid for the main body 100, and can seal the key inside when the opening O (not shown) is closed and locked, as shown in FIG. 4A. Therefore, the lid C has an opening and closing function for removing the key locked in the main body 100. For example, the opening and closing function of the lid C may be a rotational, sliding, or push type. Here, the lid C is equipped with an opening and closing lever L and dials D (D1, D2, D3, and D4) for the above opening and closing.

[0029] In this example, the opening / closing lever L represents a knob for opening and closing the lid C when the key box is unlocked. In Fig. 4A, the opening / closing lever L has a mechanism that allows the lid C to be easily removed when the user moves the knob in the direction of the arrow when the dial lock is released.

[0030] In this example, dial D has a function for locking / unlocking the key box. For example, when the four dials (D1, D2, D3, and D4 in FIG. 4A) assigned with the numbers 0 to 9 are rotated and arranged in a predetermined number (order), the key box 1 is unlocked.

[0031] As described above, the user can open the lid C and remove the key by operating the dial D and moving the knob of the opening / closing lever L. Also, by performing the reverse operation, the user can seal the key inside, that is, lock the key box. Next, the installation / removal of the latch 10 will be described.

[0032] 4B is a front view illustrating the inside of the main body 100 with the lid C removed. In this example, FIG. 4B shows the front of the key box 1 with the lid C in FIG. 4A removed and the opening O opened (exposed). Here, the mechanism for attaching / detaching the latch 10 will be described.

[0033] In this example, the main body 100 not only houses the key but also functions as a lock. Therefore, when locked, for example, the main body 100 and the first part 11 of the latch 10 engage with each other, preventing a malicious third party from removing the "hanging" from the object. In this example, a latch LL, which represents a locking mechanism that secures the latch 10 to the main body 100, is attached inside the main body 100. Here, the latch LL will be described.

[0034] In this example, the latch LL has a locking mechanism for engaging / disengaging with the shackle 10 or the first part 11 (particularly the locking portion 111). For example, the user can physically operate the latch LL to attach / detach the shackle 10. Furthermore, when the lid C is closed, i.e., when the dial is locked, the latch LL is housed in the internal space A of the main body 100, just like the key. Therefore, only someone who knows the dial number can physically access the latch LL. In other words, the key box 1 has a structure in which the shackle 10 cannot be removed from the main body 100 unless the dial lock on the lid C is released. Thus, by providing such a mechanism, the key box ensures the security of the lock. Note that a similar latch LL may also be provided in the second part 12 (not shown), or the locking portion 111 on the first part 11 may be the latch LL itself (not shown).

[0035] The above has described the general configuration of the key box 1. Next, an example of locking the key box 1 to outdoor equipment will be described.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a comparison between the key box 1 and related art. In this example, the key box 1 represents the key box of the present invention, and the key box 9 represents a key box in the related art. In this example, FIG. 5, like FIG. 2, shows how various key boxes are locked to the fence 3. In this example, when locking the key box 1, the latch 10 is hooked onto the vertical lattice 31 and supported by the horizontal lattice 32a, like FIG. 2. However, in this latch 10, the angle between the first portion 11 and the third portion 13 is an obtuse angle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the first portion 11 is fixed horizontally (parallel) to the fence 3 when viewed from the side. Accordingly, the main body 100 and the lid C, which are horizontally engaged with the first portion 11, are also fixed horizontally.

[0037] On the other hand, in the key box 9, the latch 90 is fixed at an angle relative to the fence 3 when viewed from the side. At this time, the main body 900 of the key box 9 attached to the latch 90 is also fixed at an angle, just like the latch 90. In this example, if the raindrops fall in the same direction, comparing the two key boxes, it can be seen that the proportion of the area of ​​the lid C of key box 1 exposed to raindrops is smaller than the proportion of the area of ​​the lid of key box 9 exposed to raindrops.

[0038] As described above, the key box 1 with the improved latch 10 can prevent rainwater from entering the opening and closing parts, dial parts, or gaps in the lid, compared to key boxes according to the related art. This prevents corrosion of the keys enclosed inside the key box and corrosion and damage to the key box itself, allowing the key box to be stored safely and securely even when stored outdoors.

[0039] 2. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Some modifications will be described below. Two or more of the following features may be combined and applied.

[0040] (1) Key Box 1 The component configuration, material configuration, and functional configuration of the key box 1 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. The key box 1 may have any component configuration, material configuration, and functional configuration as long as the required functions can be realized. For example, the components of the first portion 11, second portion 12, and third portion 13 constituting the latch 10 may be made of different materials or the same material. The second portion 12 may also have a locking portion 111, like the first portion 11. The lid C may also have a material and function that is highly waterproof and hydrophilic. The main body 100 of the key box 1 may not have the lid C, opening O, and / or internal space A in the first place.

[0041] (2) Bet 10 The latch 10 is not limited to the example shown in the embodiment. The latch 10 may have any component configuration, material configuration, and functional configuration as long as it can achieve the required function. Here, an example will be described in which the latch 10 is bent by, for example, a joint mechanism.

[0042] FIG. 6A is a top view illustrating a latch 10 having a joint J. In this example, FIG. 6A shows the key box 1 as seen from above. In this example, the third part 13 of the latch 10 is connected to the first part 11 and the second part 12 via the joint J. In this example, the joint J has a joint function as used in, for example, robot arm technology. In this example, the joint is a link (for example, This refers to a mechanism that connects the first part 11 and the third part 13 together and allows the third part 13 to rotate around the rotation axis of the joint part J relative to the first part 11 (or vice versa). In this example, in FIG. 6A, the joint parts J in both the first part 11 and the second part 12 rotate simultaneously to adjust the angle of the joint part J.

[0043] FIG. 6B is a side view illustrating the latch 10 having the joint J. In this example, FIG. 6B shows the key box 1 as viewed from the side. In this example, the dashed dotted lines in the figure represent a vertical line representing the center line of the first part 11 and a horizontal line perpendicular to this center line. The intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines represents the center of rotation (i.e., the rotation axis) at the joint J.

[0044] When the key box is viewed from the side, the joint J is bent relative to the first portion 11. Here, the angle of the joint J, i.e., the angle between the third portion 13 and the first portion 11 when the key box is viewed from the side, can rotate within a range of obtuse angles (greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees). Here, FIG. 6B shows how the angle of the joint J is changed from a wide obtuse angle to a narrow obtuse angle. Such angle change is performed, for example, by the user's hand. Furthermore, the joint J is fixed so as to maintain the angle even if a certain amount of force is applied in the rotational direction. In other words, in a more optimal example, it is desirable to adjust the upper load limit of the joint so that the angle of the joint J can be changed manually while preventing the angle from changing (in a natural state) when the lock is locked.

[0045] 6B, the second part 12 is not shown because it overlaps with the first part 11 when viewed from the direction in the figure. In this example, the second part 12 is connected to the joint part J in the same state as the first part 11 (not shown).

[0046] As described above, the latch 10 with the improved joint J allows the user to freely adjust the angle even when locked to an outdoor object. As a result, the key box 1 can prevent rainwater from entering the opening / closing part, dial part, or gaps in the lid, compared to key boxes according to related art.

[0047] In this example, the rotation range of the joint of the latch 10 having the joint portion J does not have to be limited to the above-described obtuse angle range (greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees). In this example, the joint portion J may be configured to, for example, make the angle between the first portion 11 (second portion 12) and the third portion 13 exactly 180 degrees when viewed from the side of the key box, i.e., to form a straight line when viewed from the side. This allows the user to save space when storing the key box 1. Alternatively, it is very convenient to reduce the amount of packaging material when selling the key box 1. Alternatively, the joint portion J may be configured to, for example, make the angle between the first portion 11 (second portion 12) and the third portion 13 0 degrees when viewed from the side of the key box, i.e., to form a folded state when viewed from the side. The key box may be stored or sold in this state.

[0048] As another modification, for example, the locking portion 111 of the first portion 11 (or second portion 12) of the shackle 10 may have a lock gear. In this example, the lock gear comprises a locking mechanism in the locking portion 111 and also represents an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the shackle 10 when locking it to an object. Here, the lock gear will be described.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the latch 10 of the key box 1 according to a modified example. In this example, FIG. 7 shows the latch 10 of the key box 1 as seen from the side. In this example, the lock gear LG is mounted on, for example, the locking portion 111 of the first part 11. When the latch 10 in FIG. 7 is in the second position, the lock gear LG is mounted on the locking portion 11 The lock gear LG represents a gear-shaped member provided on the locking unit 111. The lock gear LG may be integrated with the locking unit 111.

[0050] In this example, the lock gear LG can adjust the length of the shackle 10, for example, when the shackle 10 is in the first position, i.e., when it is restrained by the main body. In this example, the length of the shackle 10 refers to, for example, the length in a direction parallel to the center line of the first portion 11 (or the second portion 12) (or simply the "vertical direction"). When the shackle 10 is in the first position in FIG. 7 , the lock gear LG can adjust the length of the shackle 10 to two levels, for example, a first length or a second length. This makes it possible to adjust the length of the shackle 10 to a length corresponding to the outer diameter of the object, even if the object to be locked with the key box is a doorknob, for example. This prevents the shackle 10 from being easily removed from the object, thereby improving locking security. Furthermore, the shackle 10 can be attached to various objects, improving the operability of the key box. Note that the adjustment of the length of the shackle 10 by the lock gear LG is not limited to the two levels described above, and it may be adjustable to any length. Furthermore, the change in length of the shackle 10 by the lock gear is performed, for example, before locking, and the length of the shackle 10 while locked is fixed and maintained at the length adjusted before locking.

[0051] Furthermore, as another modification, the shape of the latch 10 when viewed from the front of the key box may be processed in any way. In this embodiment, the latch 10 has been described as having a bendable structure when viewed from the side (when viewed from a line passing through the first hole H1 and the second hole H2 with the latch 10 fixed in the first position). However, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary plane formed by the first portion 11 and the second portion 12, i.e., when viewed from the front of the key box, the shape of the latch 10 may be freely processed (bent) into various highly designed shapes, such as a heart shape, a star shape, or a cat shape.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a latch 10 of a key box 1 according to a modified example. In this example, FIG. 8 shows the latch 10 of the key box 1 as viewed from the front. In this example, among the components constituting the latch 10, for example, the third portion 13 is processed into a heart shape. Note that, for ease of viewing, the boundary between the third portion 13 and the first portion 11 (second portion 12) is depicted simply. Therefore, for example, by combining this with the latch 10 of the present embodiment, the third portion 13 may have a structure that bends when viewed from a line passing through the first hole H1 and the second hole H2 with the latch 10 fixed in the first position. As described above, this modified example makes the latch 10 more attractive to users, which can increase their willingness to purchase it at the time of sale.

[0053] (3) 100g body The main body 100 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, the main body 100 may be integrated with at least a part of the first part 11 or the second part 12. Furthermore, the shape of the opening O or the capacity of the internal space A of the main body 100 is not limited, and the main body 100 may have a shape or capacity that can accommodate the shape of the key 2. Furthermore, the lid C may have any shape or opening / closing structure, and for example, the opening and closing direction of the lid C is not limited to up, down, left, right, or diagonally, and may be any direction. In this example, the opening and closing mechanism of the lid C may be a rotational, sliding, or push type, or may have a structure that is completely detachable from the main body.

[0054] (4) Dial D · Opening / Closing Lever L The dial D and the opening / closing lever L are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, the dial D or the opening / closing lever L may be installed in a location other than the cover C. In the first place, the locking system does not have to be a dial system, but can also be a push button system.

[0055] Furthermore, when the key box 1 is used outdoors, the administrator may operate the key box while wearing gloves (work gloves) for safety and convenience reasons. In this example, a problem occurs in that the user cannot smoothly lock / unlock the key box while wearing gloves. To solve this problem, in addition to the above-described embodiment, a configuration with an improved dial D may be introduced.

[0056] In this example, the dial D may be larger than a normal dial, or the distance between each dial may be increased. In this example, since a user may operate the dials while wearing gloves or work gloves, the dial size may be adjusted to accommodate the size of the user's fingers when wearing gloves. In this example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the vertical length of dial D (a collection of multiple dials D1 to D4) is preferably 3 cm to 5 cm. The horizontal length of dial D is preferably 2 cm to 4 cm. Note that in this example, "vertical" includes, for example, a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the multiple dials (D1 to D4) (as shown in FIG. 4A). Furthermore, a mechanism may be provided that transmits a physical response (pressure or recoil) to the user's fingers through the gloves when operating dial D, or a mechanism that generates a mechanical operating sound may be implemented. As described above, in the above example, a key box 1 that is highly convenient for users can be provided, even when the key box is stored outdoors.

[0057] Furthermore, the combination lock itself may have, for example, a latch (different from latch LL in FIG. 4B) for fastening shackle 10, and may have a mechanism (not shown) that automatically locks shackle 10 when dial D is locked. This eliminates the need for the user to bother to manually operate the latch when locking / unlocking, improving convenience.

[0058] (5) Key 2 The key 2 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, the key 2 may be any type, and various uses and forms may be adopted, such as a property key, equipment key, spare key, or card key, as long as it can be enclosed in the internal space A of the main body 100. Furthermore, the key 2 does not have to be a key at all, and may be various items such as valuables, tools, and documents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...key box, 10...latch, 11...first part, 111...locking part, 12...second part, 13...third part, 100...main body, C...lid, O...opening, A...internal space, H1...first hole, H2...second hole, B...boundary, L...opening / closing lever, D (D1, D2, D3, and D4)...dial, J...joint part, LL...latch, 2...key, 3...fence, 31...vertical grille, 32 (32a, 32b, and 32c)...horizontal grille, 9...key box, 90...latch, 900...main body, C9...lid part, LG...lock gear

Claims

1. a main body having an opening, an internal space connected to the opening, a first hole, and a second hole, and storing a key inserted and removed through the opening in the internal space; a lid that transitions the opening between a closed state and an open state; a latch having a first portion inserted into the first hole, a second portion inserted into the second hole, and a third portion connected to the first and second portions, the latch being movable to a first position for restraining the lid in the closed state and a second position for opening the lid, wherein the third portion is bent relative to the first and second portions when viewed from a line passing through the first and second holes with the latch fixed at the first position; a locking mechanism for securing the latch in the first position; A key box with

2. When the latch is fixed at the first position and viewed from a line passing through the first hole and the second hole, the angle formed by the third portion and the first and second portions is an obtuse angle. The key box according to claim 1 .

3. the latch has articulation portions between the first and third portions and between the second and third portions, The joint portion rotates and bends relative to the first portion and the second portion. The key box according to claim 1 .

4. A dial is provided for locking or unlocking the locking mechanism, When a user operates the dial, the dial applies a reaction in accordance with the user's operation. The key box according to claim 1 .

5. There is a mechanical noise when turning the dial. The key box according to claim 4.

6. a plurality of dials for locking or unlocking the locking mechanism; The width of the plurality of dials in the direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation is 3 cm or more and 5 cm or less. The key box according to claim 1 .

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