Key box

Abstract

This invention provides an improved technology that can prevent water from entering the inside of a key box. [Solution] The key box has an opening, an internal space connected to the opening, a first upper hole, and a second upper hole, and a main body that stores keys inserted and removed through the opening in the internal space; a lid that transitions from a closed state to an open state of the opening; and a latch that has a first insertion part inserted into the first upper hole and a second insertion part inserted into the second upper hole, and moves to a first position that restrains the lid in the closed state and a second position that opens the lid; the main body has a first storage space that accommodates the first insertion part, a second storage space that accommodates the second insertion part, a first separation wall that separates the first storage space from the internal space, and a second separation wall that separates the second storage space from the internal space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of key boxes.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technology of a key box that can be locked by an attached padlock with valuables such as keys stored inside. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a padlock with a key box that can store a vehicle key or the like in a state of electromagnetic shielding.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The invention of Patent Document 1 simply had an exterior with an electromagnetic shielding shield for the purpose of protecting internal valuables. On the other hand, as an external factor that may have an adverse effect on the internal valuables, for example, the intrusion of rainwater or the like can be considered.

[0005] In view of the above background, the present invention provides an improved technology capable of preventing water from entering the key box.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A key box according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body having an opening, an internal space connected to the opening, a first upper hole, and a second upper hole, and storing keys inserted into and removed through the opening in the internal space; a lid that transitions from a closed state and an open state of the opening to the other; and a latch having a first insertion portion inserted into the first upper hole and a second insertion portion inserted into the second upper hole, and moving to a first position that restrains the lid in the closed state and a second position that opens the lid, wherein the body includes a first storage space that accommodates the first insertion portion, a second storage space that accommodates the second insertion portion, a first separation wall that separates the first storage space from the internal space, and a second separation wall that separates the second storage space from the internal space.

[0007] The key box may have a first bottom hole located on the opposite side of the first upper hole and provided at the bottom of the first storage space, and a second bottom hole located on the opposite side of the second upper hole and provided at the bottom of the second storage space.

[0008] The key box has a locking space equipped with a locking mechanism for fixing the latch in the first position, and the first separation wall may separate the first storage space from the locking space, and the second separation wall may separate the second storage space from the locking space.

[0009] The key box may have a dial for locking the lid with the opening closed, while the latch is fixed in the first position.

[0010] In a key box, the dial may have a rotating mechanism that allows it to rotate in one direction and the opposite direction, and the angle of rotation may be less than 360 degrees.

[0011] The key box may be shielded so that the internal space is electromagnetically shielded when the lid is closed over the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, an improved technology is available that can prevent water from entering the inside of the key box. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] A perspective view illustrating the appearance of the key box 1 when locked according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the overview of keybox 9 in related technologies. [Figure 3] A perspective view illustrating the appearance of the key box 1 when it is open according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view illustrating the separation wall W of key box 1. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view illustrating the separation wall W of key box 1 in another example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] 1. Structure Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a key box 1 when locked according to one embodiment. In this example, key box 1 (or simply key box) refers to a padlock-type key box that can be used to lock an object such as a door, fence, or railing while containing valuables such as keys inside.

[0015] Padlock-type key boxes are generally used outdoors and are useful for purposes such as on-site management of keys used by property managers for viewings, temporary storage of car or motorcycle keys during outdoor leisure activities, and outdoor management of small valuables.

[0016] When padlock-type key boxes are managed outdoors, they are exposed to rain and wind, so it is necessary to effectively protect the valuables inside from various environmental factors. Therefore, the present invention provides an improved technology that can prevent water from entering the inside of the key box.

[0017] The key box 1 has a main body 10 and a latch 20. In this example, the main body 10 represents the housing of the key box 1 itself. The latch 20 is a metal fitting for hooking the key box to an object (the locking point) when locking.

[0018] The main body 10 has a first upper hole H1 and a second upper hole H2. The first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2 are holes for restraining the latch 20 to the main body 10. When the first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2 are not distinguished and are collectively referred to, they are simply called "upper holes". Details of the upper holes will be described later.

[0019] Also, the main body 10 has a lid C for closing an opening (not shown in the figure) through which a key is inserted and removed into and from the main body. The opening will be described later. The lid C is a member for transitioning between a state of closing the opening and a state of opening it. After, for example, the user stores the key in the main body 10, the user can restrain the latch 20 in a state where the lid C is closed. The position of the latch 20 at this time is called the first position.

[0020] On the other hand, when the user takes out the key, for example, the user opens the lid C. In this example, the user can lock (or unlock) the lid C by operating a dial D attached to the front of the lid C.

[0021] The dial D is a member for locking the lid C that closes the opening in a state where the latch 20 is fixed at the first position. When the lid C is locked, the user can align the dial D with a preset number and lower an opening / closing switch S to open the lid C.

[0022] The latch 20 is a U-shaped metal fitting composed of a plurality of members called a first insertion part 21 and a second insertion part 22. Also, the shape of the latch 20 may basically be any shape, but it is desirable that when the key box main body is suspended from an object, the main body 10 is processed to be perpendicular to the ground. In FIG. 1, the U-shaped part of the latch 20 is shown in a bent shape.

[0023] The first insertion portion 21 is the part that is inserted into the first upper hole. In this example, the first insertion portion 21 is equipped with a locking portion (not shown) for locking a padlock, and locks by engaging with the main body 10 of the key box.

[0024] The second insertion portion 22 is the part that is inserted into the second upper hole. In this example, the second insertion portion 22 is located approximately parallel to the first insertion portion 21 and has the same function as the first insertion portion 21. In Figure 1, the key box is shown with the latch 20 locked, and both or either the first insertion portion 21 and the second insertion portion 22 are engaged with the body 10 of the key box.

[0025] In this example, when unlocking the padlock, the first insertion part 21 detaches from the main body 10, and the second insertion part 22 rotates within the second upper hole H2, allowing it to be removed from (or attached to) the object. The position of the latch 20 at this time is called the second position. When the latch 20 is in the second position, the user can open the lid C at will. When the first insertion part 21 and the second insertion part 22 of the latch 20 are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "insertion part".

[0026] Figure 2 is an illustrative diagram showing the overview of a key box 9 in the related technology. In this example, key box 9 represents a key box in the related technology. The body 91 of the key box 9 is provided with holes H91 and H92 for inserting a latch. The figure shows the latch insertion part 921 and the second insertion part 922 inserted into holes H91 and H92, respectively. Note that since Figure 2 is a simplified diagram, the lid attached to the body 91 is not shown.

[0027] The internal space 900 is a space for storing keys and the like in the main body 91. In this example, the latch insertion part 921 is inserted into the internal space 900 through the hole H91. The guide G is a member that holds the insertion part 921 along.

[0028] If the key box 9 is stored outdoors, raindrops R falling in the direction shown in the diagram may seep into the internal space 900 through the gaps between holes H91 and H92. In this case, the raindrops R may accumulate at the bottom of the internal space 900 and damage the keys or valuables. Therefore, the present invention provides a key box structure to solve these problems.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the key box 1 when it is open according to one embodiment. In this example, the key box 1 has an internal space 100 inside the main body 10, which is a space for housing the key 2. The internal space 100 is connected to an opening O, which is an entrance to the interior, and is a space formed by the opening O. The opening O refers to the outer edge, or "edge," of the entrance to the internal space 100 relative to the main body 10.

[0030] In this example, the user can insert and remove the key 2 into the internal space 100 through the opening O. When locking or unlocking the padlock (i.e., engaging or disengaging the main body 10 and the latch 20), this is done based on a locking mechanism (not shown), such as a latch, provided in the internal space 100.

[0031] Here, the locking mechanism includes, for example, a mechanism for fixing the latch 20 in a position that engages with the main body 10 (an example of a first position). More specifically, it is a mechanism in which the latch 20 and the main body 10 are engaged or disengaged via a latch (not shown) that can only be operated from the internal space 100. Further details will be described later.

[0032] In this example, the main body 10 is provided with a lid C to close the opening O. When locked, the user can close the lid C after placing the key 2 inside the main body 10 (or open the lid C when taking out the key 2). The lid C is a component for opening and closing the key box and can transition the opening O between a closed state and an open state.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1 above, the user locks lid C by operating the dial attached to lid C. In other words, lid C cannot be opened unless the dial is set to a preset number, and if lid C is not opened, the padlock cannot be unlocked. This structure ensures security for key box 1. Next, we will explain the structure for preventing water from entering the inside of the key box.

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separation wall W of the key box 1. In this example, Figure 4 represents a plan view of the key box 1 when viewed from the front and cut perpendicular to the ground (not shown). The first upper hole H1, the second upper hole H2, the first insertion part 21, the second insertion part 22, and the internal space 100 are not described.

[0035] The storage spaces 201 and 202 are spaces for housing the corresponding insertion parts (i.e., the first insertion part 21 and the second insertion part 22) in the main body. Storage space 201 is an example of the first storage space, and storage space 202 is an example of the second storage space. At this time, each insertion part is inserted into its respective upper hole.

[0036] Separation walls W1 and W2 are walls having an outer wall surface corresponding to the outer wall of the internal space 100. Separation wall W1 is an example of a first separation wall, and separation wall W2 is an example of a second separation wall. In this example, surfaces F1 and F2 are the outer wall surfaces of separation wall W1 and separation wall W2, respectively. In other words, a structure is obtained that separates each accommodation space from the internal space by these separation walls and outer wall surfaces.

[0037] Furthermore, the lock space 300 is a space equipped with a locking mechanism that allows the latch 20 to be fixed to the main body 10, that is, a padlock to be locked. In Figure 4, it is positioned adjacent to (or sharing a portion of) the storage space 201 in which the first insertion part 21 is housed. Also, in the figure, surfaces F1 and F2 are shown as an example of a structure corresponding to the outer wall of the lock space 300. In this example, the lock space 300 is located near the upper hole, which is susceptible to water ingress due to the structure of the key box. Therefore, it is desirable that each separation wall separates at least a portion (or all) of each storage space from the lock space 300.

[0038] The locking mechanism is a mechanism for engaging with the first insertion portion 21, and can fix the latch 20 to the main body 10. Conversely, to remove the latch 20 from the main body 10, the latch L should be operated when the lid C (not shown) is open. In addition to the operating method described above, the locking mechanism may be equipped with any other mechanism.

[0039] Bottom holes E1 and E2 are holes located at the bottom of each storage space, on the opposite side of each upper hole (i.e., the bottom side in Figure 4). Bottom hole E1 is an example of a first bottom hole, and bottom hole E2 is an example of a second bottom hole. Each storage space is connected to the outside of the main body 10 through the corresponding bottom hole.

[0040] Here, when the key box 1 is used in a locked state outdoors, rainwater may seep in through the first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2. In this case, the separation walls W1 and W2 physically separate the internal space 100 from the spaces accessible through the first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2 (for example, the storage spaces 201 and 202), thereby preventing water from entering the internal space 100. Furthermore, surfaces F1 and F2 function not only as the outer walls of the internal space 100 but also as the outer walls of the lock space 300, effectively suppressing the intrusion, splashing, and flow of rainwater. This water-prevention structure is maintained even when the lid C is open. Therefore, according to the structure of the separation walls described above, it is always possible to separate the storage space from the internal space (or separate the storage space from the lock space), protecting valuables and the lock mechanism stored inside the main body from water intrusion.

[0041] Furthermore, if only a small amount of rainwater enters the containment space, or if the water droplets themselves dry or evaporate, there will be no problem even if the water in the containment space is not drained. On the other hand, bottom holes E1 and E2 serve as drainage ports for automatically draining rainwater that enters the containment space. Therefore, it is not necessary to drain water from the first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2, and it is expected that corrosion of the latch 20 and water ingress into the lock space 300 will be prevented.

[0042] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separation wall W of the key box 1 in another example. In this example, Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 4. Here, we will describe a structural example where the dial is attached directly to the main body 10 instead of to the lid.

[0043] In this case, dial D is integrated with the locking mechanism, allowing the padlock to be locked (or unlocked) and the lid to be closed (or opened) by a single mechanism. For example, the user can unlock the padlock and open the lid simultaneously by aligning dial D to a preset number.

[0044] The cover lock CL is a component for securing a lid (not shown) to the key box body, and is implemented, for example, in a locking mechanism. In this case, any mechanism may be used, but for example, the user can unlock the cover lock CL by aligning the dial D to a preset number, and then open the lid by pressing an open / close switch (not shown).

[0045] In addition to the entry of raindrops through the first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2, it is also possible that rainwater may enter the lock space 301 through the gap in the dial D. Therefore, for example, the storage space 201 and the lock space 301 may share at least a portion of their space. In this case, a separation wall W1 is provided as shown in the figure, and the storage space 201 and the lock space 301 are spatially connected. Based on such a structure, even if water enters the lock space 301, it can be drained directly into the storage space connected to the lock space. This helps to suppress damage caused by flooding.

[0046] In a simpler model, only the internal space 100 needs to be isolated from the other spaces by a partition wall, and the structure and shape of the partition wall can be modified in any way. As a result, even in this case, the key box 1 can more effectively prevent water from entering the internal space 100. Furthermore, even if water enters the lock space 301 via the dial D, rainwater can be effectively drained.

[0047] 2. Variations The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. Several modifications are described below. Two or more of the items described below may be combined and applied.

[0048] (1) Key box 1 The components, materials, structure, and shape of the key box 1 are not limited to those illustrated in the embodiment. The key box 1 may have any configuration as long as it can achieve the required function. For example, the body 10 and the lid C may be made of materials and have functions that provide excellent waterproofing. In this example, a waterproof gasket may be provided at the opening O (or lid C) of the internal space 100 where valuables are stored. This ensures that the opening O and the lid C are tightly sealed, thereby guaranteeing waterproofing inside the key box. Any material may be used for the waterproof gasket.

[0049] (2) Main body 10 The main body 10 is not limited to those illustrated in the embodiment. In this example, the main body 10 can be any structure that separates the space for housing the latch 20 connected to the upper hole from the internal space of the main body when rainwater enters through the upper hole. Furthermore, the components, materials, structure, and shape of the separation wall can be anything. For example, the material of the separation wall may be a metal material such as aluminum, a material with a waterproof coating (water-repellent treatment), a plastic material such as polycarbonate, a rubber material such as silicone rubber, or a fiber material such as polyurethane coated fabric. Alternatively, the outer wall surface may be treated with a waterproof coating.

[0050] Furthermore, the main body 10 may be made of a material that is not only waterproof but also has excellent electromagnetic shielding properties for the internal space. For example, the main body 10 and the lid C may be made of metal, a composite material using plastic, a glass fiber material, a carbon fiber material, or a ceramic material. In this example, the main body 10 and the lid C may have an exterior that has been shielded with a metal foil shield, a metal mesh shield, plating, paint shield, or conductive polymer processing containing carbon nanotubes. This will electromagnetically shield keys and other items sealed in the internal space, thereby preventing physical access by malicious third parties.

[0051] The lid C may have any shape or opening / closing structure. For example, the opening and closing direction of the lid C is not limited to up, down, left, right, or diagonally, but may be any direction. In this example, the opening and closing mechanism of the lid C may be a rotating, sliding, or pushing type, or it may be a structure that allows it to be completely detached from the main body.

[0052] (3) Bet 20 The latch 20 is not limited to those illustrated in the embodiments. The latch 20 may have any parts, materials, structure, and shape as long as it can perform the required function. The latch 20 can move to a first position that restrains the lid in a closed position and a second position that opens the lid, but the movement of the latch 20 may be performed in any way. The latch 20 may be removed from the body 10. Furthermore, engagement or disengagement of the latch 20 with the locking mechanism may be achieved by any structure.

[0053] As for other variations, the shape of the latch 20 may be processed in any way. In this embodiment, the key box 1 has been described as having a structure in which the latch 20 bends when viewed from the side, that is, from a straight line passing through the first upper hole and the second upper hole with the latch 20 fixed in the first position. However, the shape of the latch 20 may be any.

[0054] (4) Internal space, storage space, lock space The internal space, housing space, and locking space are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, the internal space may be configured to be isolated from other spaces by a separation wall, may contain various components such as sensors, or may have a structure that is separated from or protected from the external environment. The housing space has been described as a space for housing each insertion part, but may have any other function, for example, at least some of the functions of the locking mechanism may be implemented in the housing space. The locking space may be installed at any location on the main body 10 depending on the structure of the locking mechanism.

[0055] (5) Bottom hole E The bottom holes E are not limited to those illustrated in the embodiment. In this example, there may be multiple bottom holes E, or they may be in the shape of a mesh. Furthermore, the bottom holes E may be provided with a lid or the like to allow drainage freely. For example, by opening and closing this lid only when draining, dust and other particles can be prevented from entering from the outside during normal times.

[0056] (6) Dial D The dial D is not limited to those illustrated in the embodiment. In this example, the dial D may be installed in a location other than the lid C. Also, the locking mechanism of the key box does not have to be a dial type; it may be a push-button type or the like.

[0057] Furthermore, dial D has a rotation axis and is equipped with a mechanism that allows it to rotate around the axis. The user rotates dial D in one direction and the opposite direction around the axis to set a number (for example, a number from 0 to 9) to a specific position. However, if rainwater or other substances adhere to it, the user's hand may slip, making it difficult to control the rotation of dial D. For this reason, a limit may be placed on the angle of rotation of dial D. In other words, instead of the usual structure in which dial D continues to rotate around the axis, a structure may be adopted in which it can only rotate by a predetermined angle in one direction (or the opposite direction) and cannot be rotated any further. In this case, the rotation angle of dial D should preferably be less than 360 degrees, or less than 315 degrees, less than 270 degrees, less than 225 degrees, or less than 180 degrees. For example, a rotation control mechanism such as a stopper may be used. In this way, it is possible to prevent the dial D from rotating too much and causing the user to make a mistake in operation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1…Key box, 10…Main body, 20…Latch, 21, 22…Insertion section, 100…Internal space, 201, 202…Storage space, 300, 301…Lock space, H…Top hole, E…Bottom hole, W…Separation wall, F…Surface (outer wall surface), O…Opening, C…Lid, S…Open / close switch, D…Dial, L…Latch, CL…Cover lock, 2…Key

Claims

1. A main body having an opening, an internal space connected to the opening, a first upper hole, and a second upper hole, and storing a key that is inserted and removed through the opening in the internal space, A lid that transitions from one of the states of the opening being closed and the other being open, A latch having a first insertion portion inserted into the first upper hole and a second insertion portion inserted into the second upper hole, and moving to a first position that restrains the lid in the closed position and a second position that opens the lid. It has, The aforementioned main body is A first housing space for housing the first insertion portion, The second housing space that accommodates the second insertion portion, A first separation wall separates the aforementioned first containment space from the internal space, A second separation wall separates the aforementioned second accommodation space from the internal space. A portable key box.

2. A first bottom hole is located on the opposite side of the first upper hole and is provided at the bottom of the first storage space, A second bottom hole is located on the opposite side of the second upper hole and is provided at the bottom of the second storage space. A key box according to claim 1, having the following features.

3. The lock space has a locking mechanism that fixes the latch in the first position, The first separation wall separates the first containment space from the lock space, The second separation wall separates the second storage space from the lock space. The key box according to claim 1.

4. With the latch fixed in the first position, the dial for locking the lid with the opening closed. A key box according to claim 1, having the following features.

5. The dial has a rotation mechanism that rotates in one direction and in the opposite direction. The angle of rotation is less than 360 degrees. The key box according to claim 4.

6. With the lid closed over the opening, the main body is shielded so that the internal space is electromagnetically shielded. The key box according to claim 1.

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