Unlocking key and method for manufacturing the unlocking key

The unlocking key's innovative design with a recess and protrusion fixation and precise grooves/pins alignment addresses manufacturing complexity and detachment issues, ensuring secure and easy-to-manufacture keys with enhanced security and usability.

JP2026135999APending Publication Date: 2026-08-25LIXIL CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025021872
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-13
Publication Date
2026-08-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing unlocking keys with locking confirmation display functions have complicated manufacturing processes and are prone to the main body part coming off the key head during use.

Method used

The unlocking key features a cylindrical body with a key head and a base end portion that includes a recess and protrusion configuration, allowing for easy assembly and secure fixation without the need for crimping, and incorporates grooves and pins for precise positioning and rotation alignment.

Benefits of technology

This configuration prevents the main body from detaching from the key head during use, simplifies manufacturing, and enhances security and usability by allowing for higher security levels and easier handling.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an unlocking key that prevents the main body from falling off the key head when the unlocking key is used, and that can be easily manufactured. [Solution] The unlocking key 5 is used in a cylinder lock 10 which comprises an outer cylinder 3 and an inner cylinder 2 that is rotatably fitted into the outer cylinder. The unlocking key comprises a cylindrical body portion 6 and a key head 7 provided on the base end side of the body portion. The body portion has a tip portion 61 provided on the front end side of the body portion which is inserted into a keyhole 21 formed in the inner cylinder, and a base end portion 62 provided on the base end side of the body portion which is inserted into a fixing hole 72 formed in the key head. The key head has protrusions 721, 721 formed on the inner wall surface of the fixing hole, and the base end portion has recesses 622a, 622a formed on the outer circumferential surface. The body portion is fixed to the fixing hole of the key head by the fitting of the recesses and protrusions.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] It relates to a unlocking key and a method for manufacturing the unlocking key.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a key with a locking confirmation display function, which includes a key blank that is inserted into a keyhole of a lock to lock and unlock, and a sphere that is rotatably arranged at the base of the key blank by a link mechanism. When the key blank is inserted into the keyhole of the lock and locked, the gripping body is provided with a display window for visually recognizing the sphere from the outside (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the key with a locking confirmation display function of Patent Document 1 is composed of an assembled key blank and a gripping body. First, the case and the knob are in a fitted state, the tip of the key blank and the slider are fitted into the guide port provided in the gripping body, and then the link mechanism is assembled. Finally, the cover is fitted, and it has a complicated manufacturing process in which the assembly is completed.

[0005] In addition to the method of press-fitting a plurality of members constituting the gripping body (key head) as in Patent Document 1, when assembling the key blank (main body part) to one key head, there are methods of incorporating a retaining member, and methods such as adding a caulking process of caulking both parts after assembling the key head and the main body part. Although there are various manufacturing methods for unlocking keys, all of them have a complicated manufacturing process, and there is also a problem that the main body part is likely to come off from the key head when the unlocking key is used.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide an unlocking key that can prevent the main body from falling off the key head when the unlocking key is used, and that can be easily manufactured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This disclosure relates to an unlocking key used in a cylinder lock comprising an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder rotatably fitted into the outer cylinder, wherein the unlocking key comprises a cylindrical body and a key head provided on the base end side of the body, the body having a tip portion provided on the tip side of the body and inserted into a keyhole formed in the inner cylinder, and a base end portion provided on the base end side of the body and inserted into a fixing hole formed in the key head, the key head having a protrusion formed on the inner wall surface of the fixing hole, and the base end portion having a recess formed on its outer surface, the body being fixed in the fixing hole of the key head by the fitting of the recess and the protrusion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the locking device related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the cylinder lock related to this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a rear view of the cylinder lock related to this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the unlocking key related to this disclosure, seen from the tip end. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the unlocking key related to this disclosure, seen from the base end side. [Figure 6] This is a side view of the main body of the disclosed part. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the tip of the unlocking key relating to this disclosure, as seen from the tip side. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 6. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 6. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI shown in Figure 6. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the engagement state of the grooves and pins of the unlocking key related to this disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a side view showing the engagement state of the groove and pin in the locking device relating to this disclosure. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the central vertical section of the unlocking key related to this disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a central cross-sectional perspective view showing how the main body of the disclosed part is inserted into the key head. [Figure 16] This is a central cross-sectional perspective view showing how the unlocking key related to this disclosure is fixed in place. [Figure 17] This is a view of a building fixture equipped with a cylinder lock as described in this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings of this disclosure, the surface on which the keyhole 21 into which the unlocking key 5 is inserted is defined as the front of the cylinder lock 10, and the surface opposite to the surface on which the keyhole 21 is formed is defined as the back. The vertical direction is defined with respect to the state in which the unlocking key 5 is inserted into the keyhole 21, and the side is defined relative to the front of the cylinder lock 10. The tip surface 611 formed on the tip portion 61 of the unlocking key 5 is defined as the front, and Figure 7 is a front view of the tip portion 61 of the unlocking key 5.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the locking device 1 includes a cylinder lock 10 and an unlocking key 5 that can lock and unlock the cylinder lock 10 by being inserted into a keyhole 21 formed in the cylinder lock 10. As shown in Figure 7, the tip 61 of the unlocking key 5 that is inserted into the keyhole 21 has first grooves 613, 613 and second grooves 614, 614 formed as positioning recesses, and is arranged to fit with first pins 21a and second pins 22a which are protrusions.

[0011] With this configuration, when the unlocking key 5 is inserted into the keyhole 21, positioning in the longitudinal direction of the unlocking key 5 for enabling the locking and unlocking of the cylinder lock 10 becomes possible. As shown in FIG. 17, the locking device 1 is provided on and used for the fitting 100 which is the front door. The fitting 100 is a fitting that can be locked and unlocked by the locking device 1. The fitting 100 includes a pair of cylinder locks 10, 10 above and below a handle that can open and close the door body.

[0012] The fitting 100 of the present disclosure is not limited to the front door. It is applicable to any door or gate that requires security, and for example, it can be applied to a side door, a terrace door, a gate, an interior door, etc.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cylinder lock 10 has an inner cylinder 2, an outer cylinder 3, a decorative member 4, a driver pin DP, and a tumbler pin TP. The inner cylinder 2 is rotatably fitted to the outer cylinder 3 fixed to a fitting not shown.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner cylinder 2 is a substantially cylindrical member rotatably fitted inside the outer cylinder 3. The material of the inner cylinder 2 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is made of a metal such as brass. The inner cylinder 2 has an outer peripheral surface 20 which is a sliding surface, a keyhole 21 into which the unlocking key 5 is inserted, first pin holes 21h, 21h, second pin holes 22h, 22h, and a plurality of pin holes 23h.

[0015] The outer peripheral surface 20 of the inner cylinder 2 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 30 of the outer cylinder 3 and is fitted to the outer cylinder 3. The keyhole 21 extends along the axial direction of the inner cylinder 2 and is a keyhole into which the unlocking key 5 can be inserted. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the keyhole 21 is a circular shape corresponding to the projected shape of the unlocking key 5.

[0016] The first pin holes 21h, 21h and the second pin holes 22h, 22h are a pair of pin holes formed on the outer circumferential surface 20 of the inner cylinder 2 at the end opposite to the insertion side of the unlocking key 5, at positions symmetrical to the axis of the inner cylinder 2. The pin hole 23h is a pin hole formed on the outer circumferential surface 20 of the inner cylinder 2, and multiple sets of pin holes 23h are formed along the axial direction of the inner cylinder 2, and multiple rows of these multiple sets of pin holes 23h are formed in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 2.

[0017] The first pins 21a, 21a and the second pins 22a, 22a are pins of the same shape. The first pins 21a, 21a and the second pins 22a, 22a constitute a protrusion formed at the end of the keyhole 21 of the present invention. The first pins 21a, 21a are inserted into the first pin holes 21h, 21h, and the second pins 22a, 22a are inserted into the second pin holes 22h, 22h and fixed in place.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, when the first pins 21a, 21a are inserted into and fixed in the first pin holes 21h, 21h, the tips of the first pins 21a, 21a form protrusions that extend into the keyhole 21. The same applies to the second pins 22a, 22a.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer cylinder 3 is a substantially cylindrical member into which the inner cylinder 2 can be fitted. The material of the outer cylinder 3 is not particularly limited, but it may be made of a metal such as brass, similar to the inner cylinder 2. The outer cylinder 3 is fixed to a building component (not shown) so as not to rotate.

[0020] The outer cylinder 3 has an inner circumferential surface 30 which is a sliding surface, a hole 31 that extends along the axial direction of the outer cylinder 3 and into which the inner cylinder can be fitted, and a plurality of pin holes 32h that communicate with the hole 31. The plurality of pin holes 32h are formed so that at least a portion of the driver pin DP and tumbler pin TP, which will be described later, can be inserted into and removed from them.

[0021] The multiple pin holes 23h of the inner cylinder 2 and the multiple pin holes 32h of the outer cylinder 3 are configured to communicate with each other in a way that allows at least a portion of the driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP to be inserted into or removed when the inner cylinder 2 is rotated relative to the outer cylinder 3 to a predetermined position.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the decorative member 4 is a member that covers and decorates the surfaces of the inner cylinder 2 and outer cylinder 3 on the keyhole 21 side in the cylinder lock 10, and is made of metal or the like. A plating layer or the like may be formed on the surface of the decorative member 4 to enhance its design. The decorative member 4 has a concealing function that shields the inner cylinder 2 and outer cylinder 3 from the outside. In the locking device 1 of this disclosure, the decorative member 4 may not be provided, and the surfaces of the inner cylinder 2 and outer cylinder 3 exposed to the outside may be decorated by forming a plating layer or the like.

[0023] The driver pin DP and tumbler pin TP are slidably housed in multiple pin holes 23h of the inner cylinder 2 and multiple pin holes 32h of the outer cylinder 3. The tumbler pin TP is a pin located on the keyhole 21 side, and as shown in Figure 3, the tip that contacts the unlocking key 5 has a rounded shape.

[0024] The driver pin DP is in contact with the pin hole 23h and pin hole 32h at one end, and the other end is in contact with a biasing member (not shown). In Figure 2, only one set of driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP is shown in a simplified manner, but the actual cylinder lock 10 has multiple sets of driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP, and multiple sets of driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP are housed in multiple pin holes 23h and pin holes 32h.

[0025] The driver pin DP and the tumbler pin TP are biased toward the axis of the keyhole 21 by a biasing member (not shown). When the unlocking key 5 is not inserted into the keyhole 21, the driver pin DP is positioned between the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 3, restricting the rotation of the inner cylinder 2. When the unlocking key 5 is inserted into the keyhole 21, the protrusions formed on the tips of the first pins 21a, 21a and the second pins 22a, 22a engage with the first grooves 613, 613 and the second grooves 614, 614, which are recesses formed on the tip 61 of the unlocking key 5, described later.

[0026] In this state, the lengths of the driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP, and the concave shapes of the first grooves 613, 613 and the second grooves 614, 614 formed on the tip 61 of the unlocking key 5 are set so that the boundary between the driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP coincides with the boundary between the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 3. When the unlocking key 5 is rotated in this state, the inner cylinder 2 can rotate relative to the outer cylinder 3 in synchronization with the unlocking key 5. This allows, for example, the deadbolt of a door to be extended or retracted, thereby locking and unlocking the cylinder lock 10.

[0027] In this embodiment, the driver pin DP and tumbler pin TP are arranged in six directions around the circular keyhole 21, as shown in Figure 3. However, in this disclosure, the number of directions in which the driver pin DP and tumbler pin TP are arranged around the keyhole 21 is not limited to six. For example, it can be any number of three or more directions.

[0028] Because the keyhole 21 is circular, the driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP can be arranged in any number around the circumferential direction of the keyhole 21. This configuration allows the number of driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP to be increased as needed, thereby improving the security level of the locking device 1.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the unlocking key 5 has a main body 6 and a key head 7. The main body 6 is inserted into and fixed in a fixing hole 72 formed in the key head 7. The main body 6 is a blank key, and when the unlocking key 5 is actually applied to the cylinder lock 10, recesses are formed on the outer circumferential surface 60 of the main body 6 according to the length and arrangement of the driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP provided in the cylinder lock 10.

[0030] The main body 6 has an outer peripheral surface 60, a tapered tip 61 that is inserted into the keyhole 21, and a base end 62 to which the key head 7 is attached. The main body 6 is long and cylindrical, and compared to the case where the aforementioned recess is formed on a plate-shaped blank key, deformation of the blank key during processing can be suppressed, and an unlocking key 5 with a highly accurate shape can be created.

[0031] This configuration allows for a free increase in the number of driver pins DP and tumbler pins TP corresponding to the same size unlocking key 5, making it possible to create a locking device 1 with a higher level of security even in the same installation space.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the tip portion 61 of the main body portion 6 has a planar tip surface 611 perpendicular to the axis of the main body portion 6, a tapered surface 612 formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface 60 and the tip surface 611, and first grooves 613, 613 and second grooves 614, 614. The first grooves 613, 613 and the second grooves 614, 614 are pairs of recesses that extend along the axial direction of the unlocking key 5 and are formed on the tapered surface at positions axially symmetric with respect to the rotation axis S1 of the unlocking key 5.

[0033] The first grooves 613, 613 and the second grooves 614, 614 are formed continuously with the tip surface 611 and also continuously with the outer peripheral surface 60 of the central portion between the tip portion 61 and the base portion 62.

[0034] As shown in Figure 12, the first grooves 613, 613 are fitted into protrusions formed on the tips of the first pins 21a, 21a, and the second grooves 614, 614 are fitted into protrusions formed on the tips of the second pins 22a, 22a. As shown in Figure 13, the fitting of the first grooves 613, 613 into the protrusions formed on the tips of the first pins 21a, 21a allows for positioning in the X direction, which is the positioning of the insertion length of the unlocking key 5 into the keyhole 21.

[0035] On the other hand, since there is a certain clearance between the keyhole 21 (the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 2) and the unlocking key 5, precise positioning in the Y direction cannot be achieved using only the first grooves 613, 613 and the first pins 21a, 21a. Therefore, by forming multiple sets of recesses at positions symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis of the unlocking key 5, and forming multiple sets of corresponding protrusions within the keyhole 21, positioning in the Y direction becomes possible, and the rotation axis S1 of the unlocking key 5 and the rotation axis S2 of the inner cylinder 2 can be made to coincide as closely as possible.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rotation axis S1 of the unlocking key 5 and the rotation axis S2 of the inner cylinder 2 are aligned by further providing second grooves 614, 614 and second pins 22a, 22a, but the unlocking key 5 of this disclosure is not limited to this. It is sufficient that multiple sets of grooves as recesses and multiple sets of pins as corresponding protrusions are configured in the keyhole 21, and the number of grooves provided can be freely designed.

[0037] The axial length of the tip portion 61 can be longer than the axial length of the keyhole 21. The "axial length of the keyhole 21" refers to the axial length of the keyhole 21 from the insertion end of the unlocking key 5 to the end where the protrusions, which are the tips of the first pins 21a, 21a and the second pins 22a, 22a, are located.

[0038] In other words, in this embodiment, the cylinder lock 10 positions the insertion length of the unlocking key 5 into the keyhole 21 by the engagement of the first grooves 613, 613 and the second grooves 614, 614, which are recesses provided at the tip of the unlocking key 5, with the protrusions formed on the first pins 21a, 21a and the second pins 22a, 22a, which are positioned at the end of the keyhole 21. This allows the locking device 1 to have the above configuration. As a result, multiple cylinder locks with different security levels and different axial lengths of the keyhole 21 can be operated to lock and unlock with a single unlocking key 5.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the contact surfaces 613a and 614a of the first groove 613 and second groove 614 with the protrusions formed on the first pin 21a and second pin 22a have an arc shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the tips of the first pin 21a and second pin 22a. This makes it easier to engage the first groove 613 and second groove 614, which act as recesses, with the protrusions that are the tips of the first pin 21a and second pin 22a, even if there is some misalignment of the axes, and also allows for a certain margin of error in the machining accuracy of the first groove 613 and second groove 614 and the first pin 21a and second pin 22a.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, the tip surface 611 is formed in a continuous manner with the tapered surface 612, the first grooves 613, 613 and the second grooves 614, 614. Preferably, the area ratio of the tip surface 611 to the cross-section of the main body 6 perpendicular to the rotation axis S1 is 25% or more. With this configuration, the tip surface 611 of the main body 6 occupies a large area of ​​25% or more of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical main body 6, thereby suppressing the formation of a sharply tapered tip of the main body 6.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, the taper angle D, which is the angle between the tapered surface 612 and the axis of the rotation axis S1, is set to 45 degrees or more. This configuration prevents the tip of the main body 6 from being formed as a sharp, tapered point. The configuration of the tip surface 611 and the tapered surface 612 described above prevents the tip of the main body 6 from becoming sharply pointed, and because the tip surface 611 has a wide, planar shape, it is possible to prevent the tip of the main body 6 from damaging other objects if it comes into contact with them.

[0042] This configuration makes it easier to store the unlocking key 5 of the locking device 1 in a pocket or bag without exposing it, and also makes it easier to store the unlocking key 5 together with other items, thereby improving the usability and convenience of the unlocking key 5.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the base end portion 62 of the main body portion 6 has a first polygonal portion 621, a second polygonal portion 622, and inclined surfaces 623, 623. The first polygonal portion 621 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 60 on the tip portion 61 side, and at least a part of its cross-sectional shape is polygonal. As shown in Figures 6, 10, and 11, the first polygonal portion 621 is hexagonal and has three sets of opposing sides 621a, 621a, sides 621b, 621b, and sides 621c, 621c.

[0044] The first polygonal portion 621 can be any polygonal shape, but it is preferable that its cross-sectional shape be hexagonal. For example, if the polygon is made into a decagon or the like to increase the number of corners, the polygon will approach a circular shape, which may cause the main body portion 6 to easily detach from the key head 7 when force is applied to rotate the unlocking key 5.

[0045] Conversely, if the polygonal shape is changed to a square shape or the like to reduce the number of corners, the fixing hole 72 of the key head 7 corresponding to the base end 62 will also become square, and there is a risk that there will be areas in the key head 7 that are extremely thin. When force is applied to rotate the unlocking key 5, the lack of strength in the thin areas of the key head 7 may reduce the durability of the unlocking key 5.

[0046] Therefore, it is preferable that the polygonal shape of the first polygonal part 621 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. Because the cross-sectional shape is hexagonal, even if a strong force is applied to rotate the unlocking key 5, the main body 6 will not fall off the key head 7 and will remain fixed, and the thickness around the fixing hole of the key head 7 will maintain a certain strength, thereby improving the durability of the unlocking key 5.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, sides 621c, 621c have a stepped portion 621d that is raised one step higher on the tip side. With this configuration, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the appearance of the hexagonal shape in cross-section formed on the first polygonal portion 621 is different, and on the base end portion 622 side of the stepped portion 621d, the cross-sectional shape of the hexagon is a hexagon having one pair of opposing long sides, sides 621c, 621c, and two pairs of opposing short sides shorter than the long side, sides 621a, 621a and sides 621b, 621b.

[0048] The first polygonal portion 621 is formed with a hexagonal shape that is not a regular hexagon in cross-section. This limits the direction in which the main body portion 6 can be inserted into the key head 7 during the manufacturing process of the unlocking key 5, which will be described later, for fixing the key head 7 and the main body portion 6. This improves the efficiency of the installation work of the key head 7 and the main body portion 6.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, each of the sides 621a, 621a, sides 621b, 621b, and sides 621c, 621c has an inclined portion 621e. The inclined portion 621e is an inclined surface that slopes upward from the base end 62 to the tip end 61, and as shown in Figure 11, the first polygonal portion 621 is formed to widen towards the tip end 61. With this configuration, the main body portion 6 becomes thicker towards the tip end 61 and thinner towards the base end 62, making it easier to insert the base end 62 of the main body portion 6 into the key head 7.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the second polygonal portion 622 is formed on at least a portion of the side opposite to the tip portion 61. As shown in Figure 8, the cross-sectional shape of the second polygonal portion 622 is preferably square. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second polygonal portion 622 is provided at the end of the base portion 62 that is housed in the key head 7. When the unlocking key 5 is rotated, the strongest force is applied to the end of the key head 7 that is the handle, on the side opposite to the tip portion 61 where the second polygonal portion 622 is provided. Therefore, a square shape is preferable as it has high durability against rotational force.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the second polygonal portion 622 has a pair of recesses 622a, 622a formed at positions axially symmetric to the main body portion 6. As shown in Figure 8, the formation of the recesses 622a, 622a results in a cross-sectional shape of the second polygonal portion 622 where one pair of sides in the vertical direction is longer and one pair of sides in the horizontal direction is shorter. This configuration prevents the wall thickness around the fixing hole 72 of the corresponding key head 7 from being excessively thin, thereby improving the durability of the unlocking key 5 against the rotational force applied to the key head 7.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, inclined surfaces 623, 623 are formed at the end of the base portion 62 that is inserted into the key head 7. The inclined surfaces 623, 623 are formed in pairs at positions symmetrical to the axis of the main body portion 6, and are arranged so that the base portion 62 tapers towards the tip.

[0053] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the key head 7 has a grip portion 71 that serves as a handle, and a fixing hole 72 provided in the grip portion 71 corresponding to the unlocking key 5. The key head 7 is integrally molded from resin, and may be molded from a thermoplastic styrene resin such as ASA resin. Furthermore, although the grip portion 71 in this embodiment is circular, it can be any shape that facilitates the rotation of the unlocking key 5, and the grip portion of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it may be elliptical or have a rectangular shape with only the tip formed in an arc shape.

[0054] The shape of the fixing hole 72 is configured to correspond to the base end 62 of the unlocking key 5, and the end opposite to the direction in which the base end 62 is inserted has protrusions 721, 721 formed on the inner wall surface. The protrusions 721, 721 are formed in pairs at positions axially symmetrical to the fixing hole 72.

[0055] As shown in Figure 16, the recesses 622a, 622a of the main body 6 and the protrusions 721, 721 of the key head 7 engage with each other, thereby fixing the main body 6 to the fixing hole 72 of the key head 7. With this configuration, the recesses 622a, 622a are securely engaged with the protrusions 721, 721, and even when the key head 7 is subjected to a pulling motion to remove the unlocking key 5 from the keyhole 21, or a twisting motion to rotate the unlocking key 5, the main body 6 is prevented from falling out of the fixing hole 72 of the key head 7.

[0056] Next, the manufacturing method of the unlocking key 5 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the unlocking key 5 is manufactured by press-fitting the base end 62 of the main body 6 into the fixing hole 72 of the integrally molded key head 7. As shown in Figure 14, the main body 6 is formed to taper towards the base end 62 that is inserted into the fixing hole 72, so the base end 62 can be easily inserted into the fixing hole 72. Also, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, tapered inclined surfaces 623, 623 are formed at the tip of the base end 62, so even with respect to the protrusions 721, 721 formed in the fixing hole 72, the inclined surfaces 623, 623 can easily pass through the protrusions 721, 721 formed in the fixing hole 72 by applying pressure to the main body 6 and pushing in the direction of the arrow.

[0057] Next, the recesses 622a, 622a of the base end portion 62 fit into the protrusions 721, 721 of the fixing hole 72 through which the inclined surfaces 623, 623 of the base end portion 62 have passed, stopping the press-fitting of the main body portion 6. As the protrusions 721, 721 fit into the recesses 622a, 622a, the tip surface of the main body portion 6 and the tip surface of the key head 7 engage almost flush, and the key head 7 and the main body portion 6 are securely fixed together.

[0058] This configuration allows for the easy manufacture of the unlocking key 5 by simply press-fitting the main body 6 into the fixing hole 72 of the key head 7. The protrusions 721, 721 securely fit into the recesses 622a, 622a, eliminating the need for a crimping process after attaching the two components. Furthermore, compared to manufacturing methods that involve insert molding the main body and key head, or manufacturing methods that require a crimping or bonding process after assembling the main body to the divided key head component, the unlocking key 5 can be manufactured very easily.

[0059] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or manufacturing methods described above and may be modified as appropriate.

[0060] For example, in this embodiment, four first pins 21a and 22a are used in total, as they are fitted into a pair of first grooves 613, 61 and second grooves 614, 614, respectively, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the design of the cylinder lock 10, multiple first pins 21a and 22a may be formed at the end of the keyhole 21. Accordingly, the tip 61 of the unlocking key 5 may have multiple first grooves 613 and 2 grooves 614 that can be fitted into multiple first pins 21a and 22a.

[0061] For example, the base end portion 62 of this embodiment has a pair of inclined surfaces 623, 623, but the number of inclined surfaces can be any number depending on the design, for example, a tapered surface may be formed around the entire circumference of the main body portion 6.

[0062] Furthermore, although the fixing hole 72 of the key head 7 in this embodiment is a through hole, the side on which the base end portion 62 of the main body portion 6 is positioned may be a closed-end hole that does not go all the way through.

[0063] [Aspect 1] An unlocking key used in a cylinder lock comprising an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder rotatably fitted into the outer cylinder, The unlocking key comprises a cylindrical body and a key head provided on the base end side of the body. The main body is, A tip portion provided on the front end of the main body portion, which is inserted into a keyhole formed in the inner cylinder, The main body portion has a base end portion that is provided on the base end side and is inserted into a fixing hole formed in the key head, The key head has a protrusion formed on the inner wall surface of the fixing hole, The base end has a recess formed on its outer surface, An unlocking key in which the main body is fixed to the fixing hole of the key head by the fitting of the recess and the protrusion. [Aspect 2] The aforementioned protrusions are formed in pairs at positions symmetrical to the axis of the fixing hole, The unlocking key according to embodiment 1, wherein the recesses are formed in pairs at positions symmetrical to the axis of the main body. [Aspect 3] The unlocking key according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the base end portion has a first polygonal portion having a polygonal cross-sectional shape in at least a part of the tip end portion. [Aspect 4] The unlocking key according to embodiment 3, wherein the first polygonal portion has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. [Aspect 5] The unlocking key according to embodiment 4, wherein the hexagonal shape is a hexagon having one pair of opposing long sides and two pairs of opposing short sides shorter than the long sides. [Aspect 6] The unlocking key according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the first polygonal portion expands in diameter toward the tip. [Aspect 7] The unlocking key according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the base end has a second polygonal portion having a polygonal cross-sectional shape on at least a portion opposite to the tip end. [Aspect 8] The unlocking key according to embodiment 7, wherein the second polygonal portion has a square cross-sectional shape. [Aspect 9] A method for manufacturing an unlocking key according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, A method for manufacturing an unlocking key, comprising pressing the base end of the unlocking key into the fixing hole of the key head, thereby fitting the recess and the protrusion together and fixing the key in place. [Aspect 10] A building fixture equipped with a cylinder lock that uses an unlocking key as described in any of embodiments 1 to 8. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] S1 Rotating axis (axis of the main body), 1 Locking device, 2 Inner cylinder, 3 Outer cylinder, 6 Main body, 7 Key head, 10 Cylinder lock, 21 Keyhole, 60 Outer surface, 61 Tip, 62 Base, 72 Fixing hole, 100 Joinery, 721, 721 Protrusions, 621 First polygonal part, 621a, 621a Side (short side), 621b, 621b Side (short side), 621c, 621c Side (long side), 622 Second polygonal part, 622a, 622a Recess

Claims

1. An unlocking key used in a cylinder lock comprising an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder rotatably fitted into the outer cylinder, The unlocking key comprises a cylindrical body and a key head provided on the base end side of the body. The main body is, A tip portion provided on the front end of the main body portion, which is inserted into a keyhole formed in the inner cylinder, The main body portion has a base end portion that is provided on the base end side and is inserted into a fixing hole formed in the key head, The key head has a protrusion formed on the inner wall surface of the fixing hole, The base end has a recess formed on its outer surface, An unlocking key in which the main body is fixed to the fixing hole of the key head by the fitting of the recess and the protrusion.

2. The aforementioned protrusions are formed in pairs at positions symmetrical to the axis of the fixing hole, The unlocking key according to claim 1, wherein the recesses are formed in pairs at positions symmetrical to the axis of the main body.

3. The unlocking key according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base end portion has a first polygonal portion having a polygonal cross-sectional shape in at least a part of the tip end portion.

4. The unlocking key according to claim 3, wherein the first polygonal portion has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

5. The unlocking key according to claim 4, wherein the hexagonal shape is a hexagon having one pair of opposing long sides and two pairs of opposing short sides shorter than the long sides.

6. The unlocking key according to claim 3, wherein the first polygonal portion expands in diameter toward the tip.

7. The unlocking key according to claim 3, wherein the base end has a second polygonal portion having a polygonal cross-sectional shape on at least a portion opposite to the tip end.

8. The unlocking key according to claim 7, wherein the second polygonal portion has a square cross-sectional shape.

9. A method for manufacturing an unlocking key according to claim 1 or 2, A method for manufacturing an unlocking key, comprising pressing the base end of the unlocking key into the fixing hole of the key head, thereby fitting the recess and the protrusion together and fixing the key in place.

10. A building fixture equipped with a cylinder lock using the unlocking key described in claim 1.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Key with function of displaying locking confirmation

    JP2008267111A