Key Box

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved technique 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 includes a main body that stores keys inserted and removed through the opening in the internal space, a lid that transitions between a closed and an open state for the opening, and a latch that has a first insertion part that is inserted into the first upper hole and a second insertion part that is 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, and 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 key box technology. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known technology for key boxes that can be locked with an attached padlock while storing valuables such as keys inside. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to a key box with a padlock that can store car keys and the like in an electromagnetically shielded state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6936484 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The invention of Patent Document 1 has an exterior with an electromagnetic shielding that simply aims to protect the valuables inside. However, external factors that can adversely affect the valuables inside include the infiltration of rainwater, for example.

[0005] In view of the above background, the present invention provides an improved technique capable of preventing water from entering the inside of a key box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A key box according to one aspect of the present disclosure has an opening, an internal space connected to the opening, a first upper hole, and a second upper hole, and includes a main body that stores keys inserted and removed through the opening in the internal space; a lid that transitions between a closed state and an open state for the opening; and a latch that has a first insertion part that is inserted into the first upper hole and a second insertion part that is inserted into the second upper hole, and that 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.

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

[0008] The key box may have a lock space with a locking mechanism that secures the latch in the first position, the first separating wall separating the first storage space from the lock space, and the second separating wall separating the second storage space from the lock space.

[0009] The key box may have a dial for locking the lid that closes the opening when the latch is fixed in the first position.

[0010] In the key box, the dial may have a rotation mechanism that rotates in one direction and the opposite direction, and the rotation angle may be less than 360 degrees.

[0011] The key box may be provided with a shielding process on the main body so that the internal space is electromagnetically shielded when the lid is in a state where the opening is closed by the lid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, an improved technique can be provided that can prevent water from entering the inside of a key box. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of a key box 1 according to an embodiment when locked. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a key box 9 in the related art. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of a key box 1 according to an embodiment when opened. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separation wall W of the key box 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separation wall W of the key box 1 in another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0016] When storing a padlocked key box outdoors, it is exposed to rain, wind, etc., 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 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 itself of the key box 1. The latch 20 is a metal fitting for hooking the key box onto an object (locking location) 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 referred to collectively, they are simply referred to as the "upper holes." Details of the upper holes will be described later.

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

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

[0021] The dial D is a member for locking the lid C that closes the opening when the latch 20 is fixed in the first position. When the lid C is locked, the user can open the lid C by aligning the dial D with a preset number and depressing the open / close switch S.

[0022] Latch 20 is a U-shaped metal fitting made up of multiple members, a first insertion portion 21 and a second insertion portion 22. Basically, latch 20 may have any shape, but it is desirable that latch 20 be processed so that main body 10 is perpendicular to the ground when the key box main body is hung from an object. In Figure 1, the U-shaped portion of latch 20 is shown as being bent.

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

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

[0025] In this example, when unlocking the padlock, the first insertion portion 21 is removed from the main body 10, and the second insertion portion 22 rotates within the second upper hole H2, allowing it to be removed (or attached) to the object. The position of the latch 20 at this time is referred to as the second position. When the latch 20 is in the second position, the user can open the lid C at will. When there is no need to distinguish between the first insertion portion 21 and the second insertion portion 22 of the latch 20, they will simply be referred to as the "insertion portion."

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a key box 9 in the related art. In this example, the key box 9 represents a key box in the related art. A main body 91 of the key box 9 is provided with holes H91 and H92 for inserting latches. The figure shows the latch insertion portion 921 and second insertion portion 922 inserted into the holes H91 and H92, respectively. Note that FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram, and therefore does not show the lid attached to the main body 91.

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

[0028] Here, when the key box 9 is stored outdoors, if raindrops R fall in the direction shown in the figure, they may enter the internal space 900 through the gaps between the holes H91 and H92. In this case, the raindrops R may accumulate at the bottom of the internal space 900 and damage keys or valuables. Therefore, the present invention provides a key box structure that solves these problems.

[0029] 3 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a key box 1 according to one embodiment when it is open. In this example, the key box 1 has an internal space 100 inside the main body 10, which is a space for storing a 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 is the outer edge of the entrance of the internal space 100 to the main body 10, in other words, the part that corresponds to the "edge."

[0030] In this example, the user can insert and remove the key 2 into the internal space 100 through this opening O. Locking and unlocking the padlock (i.e., engaging and disengaging the main body 10 and the latch 20) is performed 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 (an example of a first position) where it engages with the main body 10. More specifically, it is a mechanism in which the latch 20 and the main body 10 are engaged or released via a latch (not shown) that can be operated only from the internal space 100. This will be described in more detail later.

[0032] In this example, the main body 10 is provided with a lid C for closing the opening O, and when locking, the user can close the lid C after storing the key 2 in the main body 10 (or open the lid C when removing the key 2). The lid C is a member 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 the lid C by operating the dial attached to the lid C. In other words, the lid C will not open unless the dial is set to a preset number, and unless the lid C is opened, the padlock cannot be unlocked. This structure ensures the security of the key box 1. Next, we will explain the structure for preventing water from entering the key box.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the separation wall W of the key box 1. In this example, Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the key box 1 cut in a direction perpendicular to the ground (not shown) when viewed from the front. Explanations of the first upper hole H1, the second upper hole H2, the first insertion section 21, the second insertion section 22, and the internal space 100 will be omitted.

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

[0036] The separation walls W1 and W2 are walls having outer wall surfaces that correspond to the outer walls of the interior space 100. The separation wall W1 is an example of a first separation wall, and the separation wall W2 is an example of a second separation wall. In this example, the surfaces F1 and F2 are the outer wall surfaces of the separation walls W1 and W2, respectively. In other words, these separation walls and outer wall surfaces provide a structure that separates each storage space from the interior space.

[0037] Furthermore, the lock space 300 is a space equipped with a locking mechanism that can fix the latch 20 to the main body 10, i.e., can lock with a padlock, and in FIG. 4, it is arranged adjacent to (or shares a part of) the storage space 201 that houses the first insertion part 21. The figure also shows, as an example, a structure in which the faces F1 and F2 correspond to the outer walls of the lock space 300. In this example, the lock space 300 is arranged near the upper hole, where water intrusion is a concern due to the structure of the key box. Therefore, it is desirable that each separation wall separates at least a part (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 can be operated when the cover C (not shown) is in the released state. Note that the locking mechanism may be equipped with any mechanism other than the operating method in the example described above.

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

[0040] When the key box 1 is used outdoors in a locked state, rainwater and other water 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 (e.g., the storage space 201 and the storage space 202) connected to the first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2, thereby preventing water from seeping into the internal space 100. Furthermore, the 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 preventing the infiltration, scattering, and inflow of rainwater. This water-resistant structure is maintained even when the lid C is open. Therefore, the separation wall structure described above allows the storage space to be constantly separated from the internal space (or the storage space to be separated from the lock space), thereby protecting valuables stored inside the main body and the lock mechanism from water seepage.

[0041] If the amount of rainwater that has entered the storage space is small or if the water droplets themselves dry or evaporate, it is not a problem if the water is not drained from the storage space. On the other hand, the bottom holes E1 and E2 serve as drainage ports to automatically drain rainwater that has entered the storage space. This eliminates the need to drain water from the first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2, which is expected to prevent corrosion of the latch 20 and water from entering the lock space 300.

[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 Figure 4. Here, we will explain a structural example in which the dial is attached directly to the main body 10, rather than to the lid.

[0043] In this case, the dial D is integrated with the locking mechanism, and a single mechanism can lock (or unlock) the padlock and close (or open) the lid. For example, a user can unlock the padlock and open the lid simultaneously by aligning the dial D with a preset number.

[0044] The cover lock CL is a member for fixing the lid (not shown) to the key box body, and is implemented in, for example, 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 with a preset number, and then open the lid by pressing an open / close switch (not shown).

[0045] Here, in addition to the route through which raindrops infiltrate through the first upper hole H1 and the second upper hole H2, it is conceivable that rainwater may infiltrate into 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 the space. In this case, a separation wall W1 is provided as shown in the figure, spatially connecting the storage space 201 and the lock space 301. Based on this structure, even if water is allowed to infiltrate the lock space 301, it can be drained directly into the storage space connected to the lock space. This makes it possible to limit damage caused by water infiltration.

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

[0047] 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.

[0048] (1) Key Box 1 The parts, materials, structure, and shape of the key box 1 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. The key box 1 may have any configuration as long as it can achieve the required functions. For example, the main body 10 and the lid C may be made of materials and have functions that provide excellent waterproofing. In this example, a waterproof packing may be provided in the opening O (or the lid C) of the internal space 100 where valuables and the like are kept. This will bring the opening O and the lid C into tight contact, ensuring waterproofing of the inside of the key box. Note that any material may be used for the waterproof packing.

[0049] (2) Main unit 10 The main body 10 is not limited to the example shown in the embodiment. In this example, the main body 10 may have any structure that separates the storage space for the latch 20 connected to the upper hole from the internal space of the main body when rainwater seeps in through the upper hole. The components, material, structure, and shape of the separation wall may be any. For example, the separation wall may be made of a metal material such as aluminum, a material with a waterproof coating (water-repellent finish), 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 waterproofed.

[0050] Furthermore, the main body 10 may be made of a material that is waterproof and has excellent electromagnetic shielding properties for the interior space. For example, the main body 10 and the lid C may be made of a metal material, a plastic composite material, 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 is shielded using a metal foil shield, a metal mesh shield, plating, paint shield, or a conductive polymer treatment including carbon nanotubes. This provides electromagnetic shielding to keys and other items enclosed in the interior space, preventing physical access by malicious third parties.

[0051] 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 diagonal, and may be in any direction. In this example, the opening and closing mechanism of the lid C may be a rotating, sliding, or push type, or may have a structure that allows it to be completely detached from the main body.

[0052] (3) 20% stake The latch 20 is not limited to the example shown in the embodiment. The latch 20 may have any parts, material, structure, and shape as long as it can achieve the required function. The latch 20 can be moved to a first position that holds the lid closed and a second position that opens the lid, but the movement of the latch 20 may be performed in any manner. The latch 20 may also be detached from the main body 10. Furthermore, the engagement and release of the latch 20 with the locking mechanism may be achieved by any structure.

[0053] As another variation, the shape of the latch 20 may be processed in any manner. In this embodiment, the latch 20 has been described as having a structure in which it bends when viewed horizontally, that is, when viewed from a 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 shape.

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

[0055] (5) Bottom hole E The bottom hole E is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, a plurality of bottom holes E may be provided, or the bottom hole E may be in a mesh shape, etc. Furthermore, the bottom hole E may be provided with a lid or the like for freely draining water. For example, by opening and closing this lid only when draining water, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering from the outside during normal use.

[0056] (6) Dial D The dial D is not limited to the example shown in the embodiment. In this example, the dial D may be installed in a location other than the lid C. Furthermore, the locking system of the key box does not have to be a dial system, and may be a push button system or the like.

[0057] The dial D also has a rotation axis and a mechanism that allows it to rotate around the axis. The user rotates the dial D in one direction and the opposite direction around the axis to set a number (e.g., numbers 0 to 9) to a specific position. However, if rainwater or other water gets on the dial D, the user's hand may slip, making it difficult to properly control the rotation of the dial D. For this reason, a limit may be placed on the rotation angle of the dial D. In other words, instead of the usual structure in which the dial D continues to rotate around the axis, a structure may be adopted in which the dial D cannot be rotated any further after rotating a predetermined angle in one direction (or the opposite direction). In this case, the maximum rotation angle of the dial D is preferably less than 360 degrees, or preferably less than 315 degrees, 270 degrees, 225 degrees, or 180 degrees. For this purpose, a rotation control mechanism using, for example, a stopper may be employed. This prevents the dial D from rotating too far and causing the user to make an incorrect operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1...key box, 10...main body, 20...latch, 21, 22...insertion part, 100...internal space, 201, 202...storage space, 300, 301...lock space, H...upper hole, E...bottom hole, W...separation wall, F...surface (outer wall surface), O...opening, C...lid, S...opening / closing 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, the opening being provided on a surface different from the outer surface on which the first upper hole and the second upper hole are provided, and storing keys inserted and removed through the opening in the internal space; a cover that transitions from one of a closed state and an open state of the opening to the other; a latch having a first insertion portion inserted into the first upper hole and a second insertion portion inserted into the second upper hole, the latch moving to a first position that restrains the lid in the closed state and a second position that opens the lid; and The body includes: a first accommodation space that accommodates the first insertion portion; a second accommodation space that accommodates the second insertion portion; a first separation wall separating the first accommodation space from the internal space; a second separation wall separating the second accommodation space from the internal space; A key box with

2. a first bottom hole disposed on the opposite side of the first upper hole and provided at the bottom of the first accommodating space; a second bottom hole disposed on the opposite side of the second upper hole and provided at the bottom of the second accommodating space; The key box of claim 1 , comprising:

3. a locking space having a locking mechanism for locking the latch in the first position; the first separating wall separating the first receiving space from the lock space; The second separating wall separates the second receiving space from the lock space. The key box according to claim 1 .

4. a dial for locking the lid that closes the opening while the latch is fixed in the first position; The key box of claim 1 , comprising:

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

6. With the lid closing the opening, the lid is attached to the main body so that the internal space is electromagnetically shielded. and shielding was applied. The key box according to claim 1 .

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