Key management device

Abstract

To provide a key management device configured such that despite a simple and compact structure, removing a key holder whose state allows a key exchange from the key exchange unit can be restricted.SOLUTION: A key holder 4 includes a holder body portion 12 in which a holder-side locking portion 10a is formed, a holding member 13 which holds a key, and a lock portion 14 which switches the holding member 13 between a removable state in which the key can be removed and a non-removable state in which the key cannot be removed, and locks the holding member 13 in the non-removable state to the holder body portion 12. The key exchange unit includes a cylinder 31 into which the holder body portion 12 is inserted, a unit-side locking portion 32a which is locked to the holder-side locking portion 10a when the holder body portion 12 inserted into the cylinder 31 rotates, and a release portion 33 which releases the locking of the holding member 13 by the lock portion 14 when the holder body portion 12 rotates through a specified angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a key management device that manages keys to prevent unauthorized use of the keys. [Background technology]

[0002] This type of key management device is equipped with multiple locking mechanisms, and a key holder holding a key is inserted into the key mechanism and can be freely attached and detached from the key mechanism.Only those authenticated by the authentication means can remove the key holder from the key mechanism and use it, thereby preventing unauthorized use of keys by unauthorized persons.

[0003] During operation of the key management device, for example, if the locking / unlocking unit that has been used until now is replaced, the key will change, and it will be necessary to replace the key held in the key holder. If anyone other than the key administrator can freely remove and replace the key from the key holder at the time of replacement, the purpose of preventing unauthorized use of the key will not be achieved, so a predetermined authentication must be performed even when replacing the key held in the key holder (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The key holder of Patent Document 1 comprises a holder main body and an arm detachably attached to the holder main body. The arm is attached to the holder main body to hold a key, while the arm can be removed from the holder main body to allow key replacement. The key replacement unit also includes a replacement insertion opening into which the holder main body is inserted when replacing a key, and a drive means for driving an engaging member that engages with the holder main body inserted into the opening. The drive means includes a drive motor, multiple link mechanisms driven by the drive motor, and connecting pins. When the arm is removed from the holder main body inserted into the replacement insertion opening, the holder main body cannot be removed from the replacement insertion opening. However, when the arm is attached to the holder main body, the holder main body can be removed from the replacement insertion opening. This prevents key replacement when the holder main body is removed from the replacement insertion opening, and key replacement can only be performed in front of the key replacement unit, preventing unauthorized use of keys. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6004986 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, the drive means for preventing the holder main body inserted into the insertion opening during replacement from being pulled out is composed of a combination of multiple movable parts including a drive motor, multiple link mechanisms, and connecting pins, etc., and a control device for controlling the drive motor is also required, which makes the structure of the drive means complex, resulting in higher costs, and also makes the drive means larger, reducing the freedom of incorporation into the key replacement unit.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and its purpose is to restrict the removal of a key holder that is in a state where a key can be changed from a key change unit while maintaining a simple and compact structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present disclosure can be based on a key management device including a key holder for holding a key and a key exchange unit to which the key holder is attached. The key holder includes a holder main body having a holder-side locking portion formed on its outer surface, a holding member for holding a key, and a locking portion that switches the holding member between a removable state in which the key can be removed and an unremovable state in which the key cannot be removed and locks the holding member in the unremovable state relative to the holder main body. The key exchange unit also includes a cylinder that is rotated with the holder main body inserted, a unit-side locking portion that locks with the holder-side locking portion when the holder main body inserted into the cylinder rotates from its initial insertion position, and a release portion that releases the lock on the holding member by the locking portion when the holder main body rotates a predetermined angle.

[0009] According to this configuration, when a user of the key management device (hereinafter referred to as the user) changes a key, the user inserts the holder main body of the key holder into the cylinder of the key exchange unit and rotates it from the inserted position, whereby the unit-side locking portion locks into the holder-side locking portion of the holder main body, preventing the holder main body from being removed from the cylinder and holding the holder main body in place. In this way, to prevent the holder main body from being removed from the key exchange unit during key replacement, the user rotates the holder main body to lock the unit-side locking portion into the holder-side locking portion. This eliminates the need for a drive motor, multiple link mechanisms, connecting pins, control unit, etc., as in conventional examples, resulting in a simple and compact configuration.

[0010] Furthermore, when the holder main body is rotated a predetermined angle, the release part releases the lock part of the holder main body, making the holding member removable, allowing the user to remove the current key. After removing the current key, the user can change to another key and make the holding member non-removable, thereby holding the other key. After changing the key, the user can rotate the holder main body to the initial insertion position, which causes the unit-side locking part to separate from the holder-side locking part of the holder main body, allowing the holder main body to be removed from the cylinder.

[0011] The key replacement unit according to the second aspect of the present disclosure may have a stopper portion that abuts against the holding member in the removable state to prevent the holder main body portion from rotating to the initial insertion position.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the retaining member of the key holder inserted into the cylinder is in a state in which the key can be removed, the retaining member abuts against the stopper portion of the key exchange unit, preventing it from rotating to the initial insertion position. Therefore, the unit-side locking portion remains locked to the holder-side locking portion of the holder main body, and the holder main body cannot be removed from the cylinder. In other words, since the holder main body cannot be removed from the cylinder unless the retaining member is in a state in which the key cannot be removed, the effect of preventing unauthorized use of keys is further enhanced.

[0013] The retaining member according to the third aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to protrude in the counter-insertion direction when in the removable state more than when in the non-removable state. In this case, the stopper portion is configured not to abut the retaining member when in the non-removable state but to abut the retaining member protruding in the counter-insertion direction, so that the change in position of the retaining member between the removable state and the non-removable state can be utilized to prevent the holder main body from rotating to the initial insertion position.

[0014] The retaining member according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure may be arranged so as to protrude from the outer surface of the key exchange unit when the holder main body is inserted into the cylinder. In this case, the stopper portion can be provided at a location on the outer surface of the key exchange unit away from the insertion port of the cylinder. This prevents the stopper portion from getting in the way when inserting the holder main body into the insertion port of the cylinder, improving the ease of insertion.

[0015] The locking unit according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure may include a locking pin made of a magnetic material that can be switched between a locking position in which the holding member in the unremovable state is locked to the holder main body and an unlocking position in which the holding member is not locked. In this case, the release unit may be configured to include a unit-side magnet that applies a magnetic force to the locking pin so as to displace the locking pin from the locking position to the unlocking position when the holder main body is rotated a predetermined angle from the initial insertion position. Therefore, since the locking of the holding member by the locking unit can be released by magnetic force, an electric actuator and its control unit for unlocking the holding member are not required, and the configuration of the key management device is further simplified.

[0016] The holder-side locking portion according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure may be configured as a notch formed by cutting out only a portion of the outer surface of the holder main body in the circumferential direction. In this case, the unit-side locking portion may be configured to include a protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the cylinder radially inward until it reaches the notch. This allows for a simple structure consisting of a notch and a protrusion, while still ensuring that the holder main body does not come loose when rotated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, the user can rotate the holder main body to prevent the holder main body from coming off the key exchange unit during key exchange, thereby restricting the removal of a key holder that is ready for key exchange from the key exchange unit while maintaining a simple and compact structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a key management device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a key management device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a key management device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main part of the key exchange unit and the key holder. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another form of a key holder. [Figure 11] 5 is a view equivalent to FIG. 4 showing a state in which the holder main body is inserted into the cylinder. [Figure 12] A vertical cross-sectional view of the main part of the key replacement unit with the holder main body inserted into the cylinder. [Figure 13] 11 when the holder main body is in the rotation completion position. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a view equivalent to FIG. 12 when the holder main body is in a rotation completion position. FIG. [Figure 15] 11, showing the state in which the ring has been removed from the holding member. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a front view of the holder body in the initial insertion position. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a view taken along the arrow Y in FIG. [Figure 18] 17 is a view equivalent to FIG. 16 showing the holder main body in a rotation completion position and the holding member in a state in which the key cannot be removed. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a view taken along arrow Y in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] 17 is a view equivalent to FIG. 16 showing the holder main body in a position where rotation has been completed and the holding member in a state where the key can be removed. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a view taken along the arrow Y in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before a holder main body according to a fourth embodiment is inserted. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the key replacement unit in which the holder main body according to the fourth embodiment is inserted into the cylinder. [Figure 25] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first flexible plate, the second flexible plate and the rod when the holder main body is in the initial insertion position. FIG. [Figure 26] 24 when the holder main body according to the fourth embodiment is in the rotation completion position. FIG. [Figure 27] 26 is a view equivalent to FIG. 25 when the holder main body is in the rotation completion position. [Figure 28] 24 when the holding member according to the fourth embodiment is switched to a state in which the key can be removed. FIG. [Figure 29] 26 is a view equivalent to FIG. 25 when the holding member is switched to a state in which the key can be removed. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an example of a key management device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The key management device 1 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a key storage 2 capable of storing a plurality of keys, a key exchange unit 3, and a key holder 4 that holds keys that can be exchanged by the key exchange unit 3. The key holder 4 is attached to and detached from the key exchange unit 3 when exchanging a key K (shown in FIG. 4). During normal use when the key K is not being exchanged, the key exchange unit 3 is not used, and the key holder 4 is stored in the key storage 2. Note that the structure shown in FIG. 1 is an example and is not limited to this structure, and the key exchange unit 3 can be configured as desired.

[0021] A conventionally known authentication device 2a is provided in the key storage cabinet 2. The authentication device 2a is a part that determines whether or not a person is authorized to take out a key K from the key storage cabinet 2, and is configured to be able to perform authentication processing using various authentication methods, such as authentication using an authentication card held by the person, authentication by inputting a personal identification number, or biometric authentication.

[0022] A door 5 is provided on the side of the key storage cabinet 2. A key exchange unit 3 is provided in the area covered by the door 5, and the door 5 can be closed when the key exchange unit 3 is not in use. The key exchange unit 3 does not have to be covered by the door 5. Use of the key exchange unit 3, i.e., exchange of the key K, also requires authentication by the authentication device 2a, and only authenticated individuals can exchange the key K. The person permitted to take out the key K may be different from the person permitted to exchange the key K. For example, the authentication device 2a can also set a security level such that taking out the key K is permitted but exchanging the key K is not permitted. If the authentication device 2a is authenticated as a person permitted to exchange the key K as a result of the authentication process, it transmits an authentication signal (permission signal) to a control unit 40 (shown in FIG. 4), which will be described later.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a key management device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The key management device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the key exchange unit 3 can be installed at a location remote from the key storage cabinet 2. A communication cable 2b can be connected to the key storage cabinet 2 of the second embodiment, and communication between the key exchange unit 3 and the key storage cabinet 2 is possible via this communication cable 2b. For example, authentication results by the authentication device 2a can be transmitted to the key exchange unit 3 via the communication cable 2b. Furthermore, as will be described later, a control unit 40 that the key exchange unit 3 has can also be provided on the key storage cabinet 2 side, and a control signal from the control unit 40 is transmitted to the key exchange unit 3 via the communication cable 2b.

[0024] 3 shows a key management device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In addition to a key exchange unit 3 and a key holder 4, the key management device 1 according to the third embodiment is equipped with a personal computer 6, a monitor 7, and a keyboard 8 (including a mouse, not shown), but does not include the key storage cabinet 2 of the first and second embodiments. The personal computer 6, the monitor 7, and the keyboard 8 can be general-purpose computers, and the personal computer 6 can be made to operate as part of the key management device 1 by installing a predetermined program in the personal computer 6. The personal computer 6 can also be used as an authentication device.

[0025] A communication cable 6a is connected to the personal computer 6, and communication between the key exchange unit 3 and the personal computer 6 is possible via this communication cable 6a. For example, authentication results and the like from the personal computer 6 can be transmitted to the key exchange unit 3 via the communication cable 6a. Furthermore, as will be described later, the control unit 40 of the key exchange unit 3 can also be provided on the personal computer 6 side, and in this case, a control signal from the control unit 40 is transmitted to the key exchange unit 3 via the communication cable 6a.

[0026] The configurations of the key exchange unit 3 and the key holder 4 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 9, but the key exchange unit 3 and the key holder 4 are common to embodiments 1 to 3. Therefore, the following description can be applied to all of embodiments 1 to 3. Note that the shape and structure of the key exchange unit 3 and the key holder 4 may be changed for each embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the key exchange unit 3 and the key holder 4 before it is inserted into the key exchange unit 3. In explaining this embodiment, the configuration of the key holder 4 will be explained first. As also shown in FIG. 5, the key holder 4 is for holding a key K, and can also be called a key holder. Although the key K is omitted in FIGS. 6 to 8, it can hold a key K as shown in FIG. 5 etc.

[0028] The key holder 4 is generally plate-shaped, with a key K held by a ring R at one longitudinal end. As shown in Figure 6, the key holder 4 has a holder main body 12 having an outer case 10 and an inner member 11, a holding member 13 that holds the key K, a lock pin (locking portion) 14, and a coil spring 15. The outer case 10, inner member 11, and holding member 13 are made of, for example, a resin material. On the other hand, the lock pin 14 is made of, for example, a magnetic material such as iron.

[0029] As will be described in detail later, when replacing the key K, the holder main body 12 of the key holder 4 is inserted into the cylinder 31 (shown in FIG. 4) of the key replacement unit 3. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, in the description of this embodiment, the insertion direction into the cylinder 31 and the counter-insertion direction opposite to the insertion direction into the cylinder 31 are defined. In addition, the end of the holder main body 12 in the insertion direction is also referred to as the tip end, and the end of the holder main body 12 in the counter-insertion direction is also referred to as the base end.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 8, the outer case 10 is a hollow plate that is long in the insertion direction. As shown in Fig. 9, the insertion direction of the outer case 10 is the longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is the lateral direction (width direction). Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions is the thickness direction. The end (tip end) of the outer case 10 in the insertion direction is closed, while the end (base end) in the opposite insertion direction is open, giving the outer case an overall cylindrical shape.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 6, a notch 10a is formed in the middle of one edge (the upper edge in Fig. 6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the outer case 10. This notch 10a constitutes the holder-side locking portion of the present invention. Although not shown, a notch may also be formed in the other edge (the lower edge in Fig. 6) of the outer case 10.

[0032] The outer surface of the outer case 10 constitutes the outer surface of the holder main body 12, and therefore the cutouts 10a are formed on the outer surface of the holder main body 12. Furthermore, since the outer case 10 is substantially rectangular tubular, the cutouts 10a are formed only in a portion of the outer surface of the outer case 10 in the circumferential direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 9, an IC chip 9 is built into the outer case 10. Information for identifying the key holder 4 is recorded on this IC chip 9. In other words, one key management device 1 manages multiple key holders 4. In this embodiment, an IC chip 9 on which different identification information is recorded for each key holder 4 is used as a method for identifying which key holder 4's key K has been replaced. The information recorded on the IC chip 9 can be read by a reader, which will be described later.

[0034] The outer case 10 may not have an IC chip 9 built in. In this case, the method of identifying which key holder 4's key K has been replaced is to control the key replacement unit 3 to be available when, among the multiple key holders 4 managed by the key management device 1, only one key holder 4 is removed from the lock mechanism and in use, and determine that the key K of that key holder 4 in use will be replaced.

[0035] 6, the inner member 11 has a plate-shaped portion 11a that is inserted into the outer case 10 from its opening side, and a protruding portion 11b that protrudes in the counter-insertion direction from the opening of the outer case 10. The plate-shaped portion 11a is fixed to the outer case 10 when inserted into the outer case 10, and is integrated with the outer case 10.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8, the inner member 11 has an insertion hole 11c into which the holding member 13 is inserted. The insertion hole 11c opens in the counter-insertion direction of the inner member 11. A coil spring 15 is housed in the innermost part of the insertion hole 11c. The coil spring 15 expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction of the outer case 10, i.e., the insertion direction and the counter-insertion direction. Furthermore, a wall portion 11d forming the insertion hole 11c of the inner member 11 has through holes 11e formed on both sides in the width direction.

[0037] 6, the holding member 13 includes a sliding plate portion 13a that is inserted into the insertion hole 11c of the inner member 11 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction, and a sealing portion 13b that protrudes in the counter-insertion direction from the insertion hole 11c of the inner member 11. A coil spring 15 is interposed between the tip of the sliding plate portion 13a in the insertion direction into the insertion hole 11c (the tip of the sliding plate portion 13a) and the bottom of the insertion hole 11c of the inner member 11. This coil spring 15 constantly applies a biasing force to the holding member 13 in the counter-insertion direction.

[0038] A pin insertion hole 13d, into which a lock pin 14 is inserted, is formed in the sliding plate portion 13a at an intermediate portion in the insertion direction into the insertion hole 11c. The pin insertion holes 13d extend in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding plate portion 13a and open in opposite directions. When each lock pin 14 is inserted into its corresponding pin insertion hole 13d, the central axis of the lock pin 14 coincides with the central axis of the corresponding pin insertion hole 13d. Each lock pin 14 is supported by the inner surface of the corresponding pin insertion hole 13d so as to be movable in the direction of its central axis within the corresponding pin insertion hole 13d.

[0039] Both lock pins 14 are made of magnets. The polarities of the magnets are set so that the ends of the lock pins 14 face each other and repel each other. That is, the lock pins 14 are configured to exert a magnetic force in a direction that causes them to protrude from the pin insertion hole 13d. As shown in Figure 8, when the through hole 11e of the inner member 11 is aligned with the tip of the pin 14, the lock pin 14 advances into the through hole 11e.

[0040] The sealing portion 13b is a portion that seals the ring R. That is, as shown in Fig. 6, the ring R is a member formed, for example, from a metal wire rod formed into a ring shape, and has a sealed portion R1 protruding radially inward at each end. The sealing portion 13b has a groove 13e for receiving the two sealed portions R1, and a storage portion 13f for storing the two sealed portions R1 that have entered through the groove 13e. By storing the two sealed portions R1 in the storage portion 13f, the two sealed portions R1 are held by the sealing portion 13b in a mutually closed state, thereby sealing the ring R.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, the protruding portion 11b of the inner member 11 is provided with a closing portion 11f for closing the groove 13e of the sealing portion 13b. As shown in Figure 9, when the sliding plate portion 13a of the holding member 13 is slid all the way into the insertion hole 11c, the closing portion 11f closes the groove 13e of the sealing portion 13b. This prevents both sealed portions R1 of the ring R from coming out of the storage portion 13f, maintaining the sealed state of the ring R. When sliding the sliding plate portion 13a of the holding member 13 all the way into the insertion hole 11c, the sliding is performed against the biasing force of the coil spring 15. However, the coil spring 15 only has a spring force that is so strong that it is easily compressed and deformed when pressed by a typical user's finger, so sliding the spring does not pose a problem.

[0042] On the other hand, when the slide plate portion 13a of the holding member 13 is slid in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, the closing portion 11f separates from the sealing portion 13b, opening the groove 13e, and allowing both sealed portions R1 of the ring R to be removed from the storage portion 13f through the groove 13e. This allows the ring R to be opened and the key K to be removed.

[0043] When the sliding plate portion 13a of the holding member 13 is slid all the way into the insertion hole 11c, the holding member 13 enters a non-removable state in which the key K cannot be removed. On the other hand, when the sliding plate portion 13a of the holding member 13 is slid in the counter-insertion direction, the holding member 13 enters a removable state in which the key K can be removed. When the holding member 13 is in the non-removable state, the relative positions of the through hole 11e of the inner member 11 and the lock pin 14 are set so that they coincide with the tip of the lock pin 14. Therefore, the lock pin 14 advances into the through hole 11e, entering a locking position that locks the non-removable holding member 13 to the holder main body 12. When the lock pin 14 is in the locking position, the holding member 13 will not switch to a removable state even if the biasing force of the coil spring 15 acts on the holding member 13. In other words, the holding member 13 is locked in a non-removable state by the lock pin 14.

[0044] By retracting the lock pin 14 and completely inserting it into the pin insertion hole 13d, the lock pin 14 comes out of the through hole 11e, and the retaining member 13, which is in the non-removable state, enters an unlocked position where it does not lock with the holder main body 12. When the lock pin 14 is in the unlocked position, the biasing force of the coil spring 15 causes the retaining member 13 to naturally slide in the anti-insertion direction, switching to the removable state. In other words, the retaining member 13 is configured to protrude further in the anti-insertion direction when in the removable state than when in the non-removable state.

[0045] In this way, the lock pin 14 is a member that switches the holding member 13 between a removable state in which the key K can be removed and an unremovable state in which the key K cannot be removed, and that locks the holding member 13 in the unremovable state to the holder main body 12. The lock pin 14 is also a member that can be switched between an engaging position in which the holding member 13 in the unremovable state is engaged with the holder main body 12, and an unengaging position in which the holding member 13 is not engaged with the holder main body 12.

[0046] In the description of this embodiment, a pair of lock pins 14 are provided at opposing positions, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number and positions of the lock pins 14 can be changed as appropriate. The positions and numbers of the through holes 11e and pin insertion holes 13d are set as appropriate in accordance with the lock pins 14.

[0047] 10, the key holder 4 may be composed of a first part 4A that is held in the key storage 2 or the like, and a second part 4B that has a sealing part. In this embodiment, the second part 4B has the holder main body 12, the holding member 13, the lock pin, and the coil spring described above.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the key exchange unit 3 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the key exchange unit 3 includes a front panel 30 and a cylindrical cylinder 31 that is rotated with the holder main body 12 of the key holder 4 inserted therein. The front panel 30 extends vertically, and an opening 30a is formed in the front panel 30. The cylinder 31 is provided on the rear side of the front panel 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the cylinder 31 is formed with an insertion port 31a into which the holder main body 12 is inserted. The shape of the insertion port 31a corresponds to the outer shape of the holder main body 12 and has a rectangular shape that is elongated in a predetermined direction. The center of the insertion port 31a is positioned on the central axis of the cylinder 31. As shown in FIG. 12, a flange portion 31b is formed at the end of the cylinder 31 on the front panel 30 side. The "right" in each drawing is the right side when the user faces the front panel unit 30, and the "left" in each drawing is the left side when the user faces the front panel unit 30. This definition of direction is provided merely for the convenience of explaining the embodiment and does not limit the present invention, and the device may be configured symmetrically.

[0049] 11 and 12, when the holder main body 12 is inserted into the cylinder 31, the sealing portion 13b of the holding member 13 and the closing portion 11f of the inner member 11 are arranged so as to protrude from the outer surface of the key exchange unit 3, i.e., the surface of the front panel portion 30. When rotating the holder main body 12 while it is inserted into the cylinder 31, the user can easily rotate it by pinching the sealing portion 13b of the holding member 13 or the closing portion 11f of the inner member 11.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 4, a cylindrical support member 32 that supports the cylinder 31 rotatably around its central axis is fixed to the back side of the front panel portion 30. As shown in Fig. 12, the flange portion 31b of the cylinder 31 is sandwiched between the support member 32 and the back surface of the front panel portion 30. This allows the cylinder 31 to rotate around its central axis while its movement in the axial direction is restricted.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 11 , in this embodiment, the initial position of the cylinder 31 is the rotation position where the longitudinal direction of the insertion port 31a is horizontal, and the holder main body 12 inserted into the insertion port 31a of the cylinder 31 in the initial position is in the insertion initial position. In the insertion initial position, the width direction of the holder main body 12 is horizontal, and the notch 10a is located to the right of the holder main body 12 when the user faces the insertion port 31a of the cylinder 31. The rotation direction of the cylinder 31 is set to be clockwise. Even if the user attempts to rotate it counterclockwise, the counterclockwise rotation is prevented by a stopper (not shown). The front panel 30 also has an indicator 30b that indicates the direction in which the holder main body 12 can be rotated. The initial position of the cylinder 31 is not limited to this; for example, the initial position may be set to a rotation position where the longitudinal direction of the insertion port 31a is vertical or diagonal.

[0052] The holder main body 12 inserted into the cylinder 31 can be rotated a predetermined angle from the initial insertion position (FIGS. 11 and 12) to a rotation completion position (FIGS. 13 and 14). In this embodiment, the predetermined angle is 90 degrees, so that the width direction of the holder main body 12 in the rotation completion position faces the vertical direction, and the notch 10a is located at the bottom of the holder main body 12. The predetermined angle is not limited to 90 degrees and can be set in the range of, for example, 30 degrees to 150 degrees, and is not particularly limited.

[0053] The lower part of the support member 32 is provided with a protrusion 32a that engages with the notch 10a when the holder main body 12 inserted into the cylinder 31 rotates from the initial insertion position. As shown in FIG. 14 , an opening 31c is formed in the cylinder 31 at a portion that is positioned lower when rotated by the predetermined angle. The protrusion 32a of the support member 32 protrudes from the inner surface of the cylinder 31 through the opening 31c toward the inside of the cylinder 31 in the radial direction until it reaches the notch 10a. The protrusion 32a corresponds to the unit-side locking portion of the present invention, and is positioned within the notch 10a so that it can be locked to the inner surface of the notch 10a. As a result, when the holder main body 12 rotated from the initial insertion position attempts to move in the removal direction from the cylinder 31, the protrusion 32a engages with the inner surface of the notch 10a, preventing the holder main body 12 from being removed. The rotation angle at which removal is prevented is not particularly limited and can be set to any angle. For example, it may be set so that removal is prevented even when the connector is rotated even slightly from the initial insertion position.

[0054] Unit-side magnets 33 are provided on the upper and lower parts of the support member 32. When the holder main body 12 is in the initial insertion position shown in Figures 11 and 12, the lock pin 14 extends horizontally and is located farthest from the upper and lower unit-side magnets 33. Therefore, the repulsive force of the magnets of the upper and lower lock pins 14 is greater than the magnetic force of the unit-side magnet 33, and the lock pin 14 is in the locked position advanced into the through-hole 11e.

[0055] On the other hand, when the holder main body 12 is in the rotation completion position shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the lock pins 14 are positioned at the upper and lower positions and extend in the vertical direction. The upper unit-side magnet 33 is disposed directly above the upper lock pin 14 and applies a repulsive force to the upper lock pin 14. The magnitude of this repulsive force is set to be greater than the magnetic force caused by the repulsion between the magnets of the upper and lower lock pins 14, causing the upper lock pin 14 to displace downward and come out of the upper through-hole 11e. The lower unit-side magnet 33 is disposed directly below the lower lock pin 14 and applies a repulsive force to the lower lock pin 14. The magnitude of this repulsive force is set to be greater than the magnetic force caused by the repulsion between the magnets of the upper and lower lock pins 14, causing the lower lock pin 14 to displace upward and come out of the lower through-hole 11e. When the upper and lower lock pins 14 are removed from the through-holes 11e, the retaining member 13 switches to a state in which the key can be removed due to the biasing force of the coil spring 15. The upper and lower unit-side magnets 33 apply magnetic force to the lock pin 14 so as to displace the lock pin 14 from the locked position to the unlocked position when the holder main body 12 rotates a predetermined angle from the initial insertion position, and are included in a release unit that releases the lock on the retaining member 13 by the lock pin 14.

[0056] 16 to 21, the key exchange unit 3 has a stopper portion 36 that abuts against the holding member 13 when the key is in a removable state to prevent the holder main body 12 from rotating to the initial insertion position. As described above, the holding member 13 is configured to protrude in the counter-insertion direction when the key is in a removable state more than when the key is in a non-removable state, and this is used to restrict the holder main body 12 from rotating to the initial insertion position when the holding member 13 is in a removable state.

[0057] That is, the stopper portion 36 is provided in a position away from the insertion port 31a of the cylinder 31 on the front panel portion 30 that constitutes the outer surface of the key exchange unit 3. The stopper portion 36 does not abut against the holding member 13 when the key is in an unremovable state, thereby allowing rotation of the key holder 4. On the other hand, the stopper portion 36 is configured to abut against the holding member 13 that protrudes in the counter-insertion direction when the key is in a removable state, thereby preventing rotation of the key holder 4 to the initial insertion position.

[0058] More specifically, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the stopper portion 36 is formed to protrude from the front panel portion 30 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the upper surface 36a of the stopper portion 36 is located below the lower surface of the key holder 4 when it is in a position that allows it to be inserted into the cylinder 31. Also, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the upper part of the left side surface 36b of the stopper portion 36 is located above the lower surface of the key holder 4 when it is in the rotation completion position.

[0059] The stopper portion 36 is formed with a concave surface 36c that is recessed downward. The concave surface 36c is open upward and to the left. Figures 16 to 19 show the holding member 13 in a state in which the key cannot be removed. When the holding member 13 is in a state in which the key cannot be removed, the shape of the concave surface 36c is set so that the holding member 13 does not come into contact with the concave surface 36c even when the key holder 4 is rotated from the initial insertion position (shown in Figures 16 and 17) to the rotation completion position (shown in Figures 18 and 19).

[0060] 20 and 21, when the retaining member 13 is in a state in which the key can be removed, the left side surface 36b of the stopper portion 36 is formed so that the right side surface of the retaining member 13 abuts against the upper part of the left side surface 36b of the stopper portion 36 when an attempt is made to rotate the key holder 4 from the rotation completion position to the initial insertion position. This prevents the key holder 4 from rotating to the initial insertion position, and therefore prevents the key holder 4 from being removed from the cylinder 31.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the key exchange unit 3 includes a locking member 37 for restricting rotation of the cylinder 31 and a support member 38 for supporting the locking member 37. The support member 38 is fixed to a housing or frame (not shown) inside the key exchange unit 3. The support member 38 is provided with a support shaft 38a that supports the locking member 37 so that it can swing up and down. The support shaft 38a is positioned further back than the cylinder 31. The back portion of the locking member 37 is supported by the support shaft 38a. The front portion of the locking member 37 is formed so that it can be inserted into a locking groove 31d formed on the outer surface of the cylinder 31. The locking groove 31d extends in the axial direction of the cylinder 31 and opens on the outer surface of the cylinder 31. When the cylinder 31 is rotated so that the longitudinal direction of the insertion port 31a faces left and right, the opening of the locking groove 31d faces directly upward. When the opening of lock groove 31d faces directly upward, the front portion of lock member 37 can be inserted into lock groove 31d. On the other hand, when cylinder 31 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the opening of lock groove 31d faces to the right. When the opening of lock groove 31d faces to the right, the front portion of lock member 37 cannot be inserted into lock groove 31d.

[0062] The key exchange unit 3 includes a control unit 40, a solenoid 41, a photoelectric sensor 42, and a reader 43. The solenoid 41 is a swing force generator that swings the locking member 37 around the support shaft 38a and is controlled by the control unit 40. The control unit 40 controls the solenoid 41 to keep the locking member 37 inserted into the lock groove 31d until an authentication signal is received from the authentication device 2a. This locks the cylinder 31, preventing anyone other than the authenticated person from rotating the cylinder 31. On the other hand, upon receiving an authentication signal from the authentication device 2a, the control unit 40 controls the solenoid 41 to swing the locking member 37 until it exits the lock groove 31d. This unlocks the cylinder 31 and allows it to rotate. A limit switch 44 included in the key exchange unit 3 enables the control unit 40 to detect whether the locking member 37 is in the upper or lower position.

[0063] The photoelectric sensor 42 is a sensor for detecting whether the opening of the lock groove 31d faces directly upward, i.e., whether the cylinder 31 is at a rotation angle that allows the lock member 37 to be inserted into the lock groove 31d. For example, when the rotation angle of the cylinder 31 is at a rotation angle that allows the lock member 37 to be inserted into the lock groove 31d, the photoelectric sensor 42 outputs an ON signal to the control unit 40, whereas when the rotation angle is at a rotation angle that prevents the lock member 37 from being inserted into the lock groove 31d, the photoelectric sensor 42 outputs an OFF signal to the control unit 40.

[0064] After receiving the authentication signal, the control unit 40 receives an ON signal from the photoelectric sensor 42, then an OFF signal, and when it receives an ON signal again, it controls the solenoid 41 to insert the locking member 37 into the locking groove 31d. This locks the cylinder 31, preventing successive key changes and requiring new authentication if another key is to be changed. Note that the rotation angle of the cylinder 31 may be detected by another sensor or switch, such as a microswitch, so that the cylinder 31 is locked when the key holder 4 inserted in the cylinder 31 is changed and returned from the rotation completion position to the initial insertion position.

[0065] 14, the reader 43 is an information reading unit provided at a position where it can read information from the IC chip 9 when the key holder 4 is inserted into the key exchange unit 3. The information read by the reader 43 is output to the authentication device 2a via the control unit 40. This allows the authentication device 2a to record and manage which key holder 4's key K has been exchanged.

[0066] (Effects of the embodiment) When exchanging a key K using the key management device 1 according to this embodiment, the user first inserts the holder main body 12 of the key holder 4 into the insertion port 31a of the cylinder 31 of the key exchanging unit 3, and then performs authentication processing using the authentication device 2a. When the control unit 40 receives an authentication signal from the authentication device 2a, it controls the solenoid 41 to unlock the cylinder 31, allowing the user to rotate the holder main body 12, which is in the initial insertion position, to the right to move it to the rotation completion position.

[0067] When the holder main body 12 is rotated from the initial insertion position, the protrusion 32a engages with the notch 10a of the holder main body 12, making it impossible to remove the holder main body 12 from the cylinder 31, and the holder main body 12 is held in the cylinder 31. In this way, the configuration that prevents the holder main body 12 from being removed from the key exchange unit 3 during key K exchange is such that the user rotates the holder main body 12 to cause the protrusion 32a to engage with the notch 10a, eliminating the need for a drive motor, multiple link mechanisms, connecting pins, control unit, etc., as in conventional examples, resulting in a simple and compact configuration.

[0068] Furthermore, when the holder body 12 rotates to the rotation completion position, the magnetic force of the upper and lower unit-side magnets 33 causes the lock pin 14 of the holder body 12 to retract and come out of the through-hole 11e to the unlocked position. Then, the biasing force of the coil spring 15 causes the holding member 13 to naturally slide in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, switching to a state in which the key K can be removed.

[0069] This allows the user to remove the current key K from the holder main body 12, and after removing the current key K, change to another key and then press the holding member 13 to make the key unremovable, so that the other key is held by the holding member 13. Then, when the user rotates the holder main body 12 to the initial insertion position, the lock pin 14 is urged in the protruding direction by the magnetic force and advances into the through-hole 11e to the locking position. This makes it impossible to remove the key K from the holding member 13.

[0070] Furthermore, when the user rotates the holder main body 12 to the initial insertion position, the protrusion 32a comes out of the notch 10a, and the holder main body 12 can be removed from the cylinder 31. The control unit 40 controls the solenoid 41 to lock the cylinder 31.

[0071] When the holding member 13 inserted into the cylinder 31 is in a state in which the key K can be removed, a part of the holding member 13 abuts against the stopper portion 36 of the key exchange unit 3, making it impossible to rotate the holder main body 12 to the initial insertion position. As a result, the protrusion 32a remains engaged with the notch 10a, and the holder main body 12 cannot be removed from the cylinder 31. In other words, the holder main body 12 cannot be removed from the cylinder 31 unless the holding member 13 is put into a state in which the key K cannot be removed, further enhancing the effect of preventing unauthorized use of the key K.

[0072] (Embodiment 4) Figure 22 is an exploded view of a key holder 4 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention. This embodiment 4 differs from embodiments 1 to 3 in that the seal can be released without using magnetic force, allowing the key K to be removed. Since the other parts are the same as embodiments 1 to 3, the same symbols will be used below for the parts that are the same as embodiments 1 to 3, and explanations will be omitted, and the different parts will be described in detail.

[0073] The holding member 13 is provided with a first flexible piece 131 and a second flexible piece 132. The first flexible piece 131 and the second flexible piece 132 both protrude in the insertion direction and are arranged at an interval from each other in the width direction of the holding member 13. The first flexible piece 131 and the second flexible piece 132 are capable of bending and deforming in directions approaching and separating from each other. Such flexibility can be imparted by the properties (elasticity) of the resin that constitutes the holding member 13.

[0074] A claw portion 131a is formed at the tip end of the first flexible piece 131 so as to protrude toward the second flexible piece 132 side (the lower side in FIG. 22). A protrusion 131b is formed on the first flexible piece 131 on the base end side of the claw portion 131a so as to protrude toward the second flexible piece 132 side.

[0075] The second flexible piece 132 is formed to be shorter than the first flexible piece 131. A first protrusion 132a and a second protrusion 132b are formed at the tip of the second flexible piece 132 so as to protrude in opposite directions. The first protrusion 132a protrudes toward the first flexible piece 131 side (upper side in FIG. 22), while the second protrusion 132b protrudes toward the opposite side to the first flexible piece 131 (lower side in FIG. 22).

[0076] The inner member 11 is formed with a first locking portion 110a that locks onto the claw portion 131a of the first flexible piece 131. When the holding member 13 is set to a state where the key cannot be removed, the first locking portion 110a locks onto the claw portion 131a, and the holding member 13 is held in a state where the key cannot be removed. The inner member 11 is also formed with a second locking portion 110b. When the holding member 13 is set to a state where the key cannot be removed, the second locking portion 110b locks onto the first protrusion 132a of the second flexible piece 132. The locking portion of the fourth embodiment is composed of the first locking portion 110a and the second locking portion 110b.

[0077] Furthermore, a third locking portion 110c is formed on the inner member 11. When the holding member 13 is set to the key-removable state and slid in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, the third locking portion 110c is adapted to lock onto the second protrusion 132b of the second flexible piece 132, thereby preventing the holding member 13 from falling off.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 23, a rod 310 made of a material with higher rigidity than the first flexible piece 131 and the second flexible piece 132 is provided inside the cylinder 31. The rod 310 protrudes from the back side of the cylinder 31 toward the front side, and its center line coincides with the center of the cylinder 31. As shown in Fig. 24, a first operation protrusion 310a is formed at the tip of the rod 310 on the side opposite the insertion direction. In addition, a second operation protrusion 310b is formed on the rod 310 closer to the insertion direction than the first operation protrusion 310a. The protrusion directions of the first operation protrusion 310a and the second operation protrusion 310b are opposite to each other.

[0079] 25, the length of the rod 310 is set so that when the holder main body 12 is inserted into the insertion port 31a of the cylinder 31, the tip of the rod 310 abuts against the second locking portion 110b of the inner member 11. Furthermore, when the holder main body 12 is in the initial insertion position, the first operation protrusion 310a and the second operation protrusion 310b are positioned so as not to press the protrusion 131b of the first flexible piece 131 and the first protrusion 132a of the second flexible piece 132.

[0080] 26 and 27 show the case where the holder main body 12 has rotated to the rotation completion position. As the holder main body 12 rotates relative to the rod 310, the first operating protrusion 310a of the rod 310 presses the first protrusion 132a of the second flexible plate 132, bending the second flexible plate 132, causing the first protrusion 132a to disengage from the second locking portion 110b. At the same time, the second operating protrusion 310b of the rod 310 presses the protrusion 131b of the first flexible plate 131, bending the first flexible plate 131, causing the claw portion 131a of the first flexible plate 131 to disengage from the first locking portion 110a. Then, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the biasing force of the coil spring 15 causes the retaining member 13 to slide, enabling the key to be removed.

[0081] In the case of the fourth embodiment, similar to the first to third embodiments, the configuration is simple and compact, while restricting the removal of the key holder 4, which is in a state where a key can be replaced, from the key replacement unit 3. Furthermore, the holding member 13 can be brought into a state where the key can be removed by flexibly deforming the member without using magnetic force.

[0082] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] As described above, the key management device according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, to manage keys to prevent unauthorized use of keys. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Key management device 3 Key Exchange Unit 4 Key Holder 10a Notch (holder side locking portion) 12 Holder body 13 Retaining member 14 Lock pin (lock part) 31 cylinders 31a outlet 32a Protrusion (unit side locking part) 33 Unit side magnet (release part) 36 Stopper part

Claims

1. A key management device comprising a key holder for holding a key and a key exchange unit to which the key holder is attached and detached, The key holder has a holder main body with a holder-side locking portion formed on its outer surface, a holding member that holds a key, and a locking portion that switches the holding member between a removable state in which the key can be removed and an unremovable state in which the key cannot be removed, and that locks the holding member in the unremovable state relative to the holder main body, The key replacement unit is a key management device that has a cylinder that is rotated while the holder main body is inserted, a unit side locking portion that locks with the holder side locking portion when the holder main body inserted into the cylinder rotates from the initial insertion position, and a release portion that releases the lock on the holding member by the locking portion when the holder main body rotates a predetermined angle.

2. 2. The key management device according to claim 1, The key management device, wherein the key replacement unit has a stopper portion that abuts against the holding member in the removable state to prevent the holder main body portion from rotating to the initial insertion position.

3. 3. The key management device according to claim 2, The holding member is configured to protrude in the counter-insertion direction when in the removable state more than when in the non-removable state, A key management device in which the stopper portion is configured not to abut against the holding member in the non-removable state, but to abut against the holding member protruding in the opposite insertion direction.

4. 4. The key management device according to claim 3, The holding member is arranged so as to protrude from the outer surface of the key exchange unit when the holder main body is inserted into the cylinder, A key management device in which the stopper portion is provided on the outer surface of the key exchange unit at a location away from the insertion port of the cylinder.

5. 2. The key management device according to claim 1, the locking portion has a locking pin made of a magnetic material that can be switched between a locking position where the holding member in the unremovable state is locked to the holder main body portion and a non-locking position where the holding member is not locked, The release section is a key management device that includes a unit-side magnet that applies magnetic force to the lock pin so as to displace the lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position when the holder main body section is rotated a predetermined angle from the initial insertion position.

6. 2. The key management device according to claim 1, the holder-side locking portion is configured as a notch portion formed by cutting out only a portion of the outer surface of the holder main body in the circumferential direction, A key management device in which the unit-side locking portion includes a protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the cylinder radially inward until it reaches the cutout portion.

Images