Key storage device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a key storage device capable of reliably performing locking without causing a locking mechanism to malfunction. [Solution] As a locking mechanism 2 of a lid body 12, the present invention comprises: a latch 21 that is biased in a protruding direction by a spring 21a provided to the lid body 12 and that is locked to a housing body 11; a latch manipulation piece 22 that is provided to the housing body 11 and that retracts the latch 21; an electrical operation mechanism 23 for operating the latch manipulation piece 22; and a control means 24 for the electrical operation mechanism 23.

Description

key storage device

[0001] The present invention relates to a key storage device comprising a housing having a key storage space formed therein for storing keys for locking and unlocking a door.

[0002] In the past, for example, in the case of vacant rental properties, the manager kept the keys to lock and unlock the doors of the rental property's entrances, and the manager was required to be present when viewing the rental property.

[0003] However, when the key is taken out of storage to view a rental property, there is a problem in that the key is not in storage, making it difficult for other people who wish to view the same rental property to view it.

[0004] Furthermore, the method in which an administrator stores keys in a predetermined storage location has the problem that multiple people, for example, multiple construction workers, cannot individually access the keys.

[0005] To address these issues, key storage devices have been proposed and put into practical use, in which a key storage body that stores keys for locking and unlocking a door body is attached to the building or door body via an attachment member (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0006] The locking mechanism of the key storage body itself of this type of key storage device uses a combination lock such as that used in the key storage device disclosed in Patent Document 1 or a locking mechanism that uses a key such as that used in the key storage device disclosed in Patent Document 2. However, in recent years, key storage devices that use mobile terminals such as smartphones have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4).

[0007] Utility Model Registration No. 3138550 JP 2004-11145 A JP 2017-502185 A JP 2018-44312 A

[0008] In the case of a locking mechanism for a key storage device that uses a mobile device such as a smartphone for the locking mechanism of the key storage body itself, a limit switch or the like is used to detect when an open door of the key storage body is closed, and the locking mechanism is locked. However, there is a time lag between when the open door of the key storage body is closed and when the locking mechanism is locked, and if the door is opened during that time, the locking mechanism may malfunction and stop functioning.

[0009] The present invention is directed to the problems inherent in the locking mechanism of the key storage body of the above-mentioned key storage device, and aims to provide a key storage device that can reliably lock without the locking mechanism malfunctioning.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the key storage device of the present invention is a key storage device consisting of a housing with a key storage space formed inside for storing keys to lock and unlock a door body, wherein the housing has a lid body pivotally supported on the housing body, and the locking mechanism for the lid body comprises a latch that is biased in the protruding direction by a spring provided on the lid body and engages with the housing body, a latch operating piece provided on the housing body for retracting the latch, an electric operating mechanism for operating the latch operating piece, and a control means for the electric operating mechanism.

[0011] In this case, the electric operating mechanism for operating the latch operating piece may include a servo motor or a solenoid.

[0012] Furthermore, the control means of the electric operating mechanism may include a wireless communication unit, and may receive the authentication signal emitted by the portable terminal via wireless communication.

[0013] In addition, the power source for the control means of the electric operating mechanism can be a primary battery or a secondary battery arranged inside the housing and a 9V square dry battery connected to a battery snap for a 9V square dry battery arranged exposed on the housing.

[0014] The control means for the electric operating mechanism may also include a start switch.

[0015] In addition, a key storage space can be formed in the lid, and a cover portion covering the lower part of the key storage space can be provided so as to be swingable and with its upper end biased toward the housing body by a spring.

[0016] The cover may also be provided with a key storage space and a protrusion having a mountain-shaped projection on which the card key rests when the cover is opened.

[0017] The housing body may also be provided with a shackle whose protruding dimension from the housing body is adjustable, and a rack may be formed on the surface of the shackle to engage with a rack-shaped claw piece of a fixing mechanism for fixing the shackle.

[0018] The lid may be provided with a biasing means for biasing the lid in the opening direction and a deceleration means for decelerating the speed at which the lid is opened. The lid may have an extended edge at the top end thereof that covers the upper edge of the opening of the housing body, and a protrusion may be formed on the housing body along the edge.

[0019] According to the key storage device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a key storage device that can reliably lock without causing malfunction of the locking mechanism.

[0020] 1 shows an embodiment of a key storage device of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a bottom view.

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[0023] Figures 1A and 1B show the lid of the key storage device in an open state, with (a) a side view of the state where the end of the card key is not being pressed, (b) a side view of the state where the end of the card key is being pressed, and (c) a perspective view of the state where the end of the card key is not being pressed.

[0024] Figures 1A and 1B show an explanatory diagram of the locking mechanism of the shackle of the key storage device.

[0025] Figures 1A and 1B show an explanatory diagram of the shackle of the key storage device.

[0026] Figures 1A and 1B show the deceleration means of the lid of the key storage device, with (a) a front view of the key storage device, (b) an X-X cross-sectional view of (a), (c) a side view, and (d) an enlarged view of the main part of (b).

[0027] Figures 1A and 1B show the magnetic plate of the key storage device, with (a) a rear view, (b) a side view, and (c) a rear view of the housing with the magnetic plate attached.

[0028] Figures 1A and 1B show the attachment of the key storage device, with (a) a plan view of the state attached to the shackle, (b) a front view, (c) a left side view, (d) a right side view, and (e) a front view of the attachment in an open state. 1 shows an attachment for the key storage device, with (a) being a six-sided view of the left member and (b) being a six-sided view of the right member. 1 shows a modified embodiment of the key storage device, with (a) being a plan view, (b) being a front view, (c) being a right side view, (d) being a cross-sectional view, and (e) being a perspective view.

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a key storage device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Figures 1 to 14 show one embodiment of a key storage device of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this key storage device comprises a housing 1 having a key storage space 12a formed therein for storing keys for locking and unlocking a door. The housing 1 pivotally supports a lid 12 on a housing body 11 via a shaft 13, allowing the opening of the housing body 11 to be opened and closed. The lid 12 is constantly biased in the open direction by a push-out pin 14 biased by a spring provided in the housing body 11.

[0023] [Regarding the locking mechanism 2 of the lid body 12] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the key storage device is equipped with, as the locking mechanism 2 of the lid body 12, a latch 21 that is biased in the protruding direction by a spring 21a (not shown) provided on the lid body 12 and is engaged with the housing main body 11, a latch operating piece 22 provided on the housing main body 11 that retracts the latch 21, an electric operating mechanism 23 that operates the latch operating piece 22, and control means 24 for the electric operating mechanism 23.

[0024] The electric operating mechanism 23 that operates the latch operation piece 22 includes a servo motor 23a. The rotational force of the servo motor 23a is transmitted via a pinion gear 23b to a rack 23c formed on the latch operation piece 22 that meshes with the pinion gear 23b, thereby sliding the latch operation piece 22. Note that a solenoid can be used in place of the servo motor 23a for the electric operating mechanism 23.

[0025] The control means 24 of the electric operating mechanism 23 is provided with a wireless communication unit, and receives the authentication signal emitted by the portable terminal via wireless communication.

[0026] The locking mechanism 2 of the cover 12 operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, thereby enabling the key lending process to be carried out.

[0027] The control means 24 starts from an initial power-saving mode (step S1), and determines whether the start-up switch 24a has been operated based on an input from the start-up switch 24a (the start-up switch 24a is operated by pressing the pressing portion 11a provided on the housing body 11) (step S2). In the power-saving mode, the control means 24 reduces power consumption by stopping the supply of power to at least the wireless communication unit. In the power-saving mode, the control means 24 may also reduce power consumption by lowering the clock frequency of the CPU built into the control means 24 itself below the clock frequency used for normal operation.

[0028] If it is determined in step S2 that the start switch 24a has not been operated, the control means 24 returns to step S1 and implements the power saving mode.

[0029] While the start switch 24a is not being operated, the control means 24 sequentially repeats the processing loop of steps S1 and S2, thereby entering the power saving mode and reducing power consumption.

[0030] When the start switch 24a is operated and it is determined in step S2 that the start switch 24a has been operated, the control means 24 uses its own clock function to start measuring the elapsed time since the start switch 24a was operated (step S3). At this time, the control means 24 cancels the power saving mode, supplies power to the wireless communication unit, and, if the clock speed of the CPU built into the control means 24 itself has been lowered, restores the clock speed to the clock speed for normal operation. At this time, for example, an LED provided in the control means 24 can be illuminated so that the user can confirm that the start switch 24a has been operated.

[0031] Next, the control means 24 proceeds to step S4, where it determines whether the elapsed time since the activation switch 24a was operated has reached a set time, and if it determines that the set time has not been reached, it proceeds to step S5. The set time in this case may be set to correspond to the maximum time expected to be required for the user to operate the mobile terminal used as authentication means and perform the process of transmitting an authentication signal, and may be set to, for example, a few seconds to about 10 minutes, or about 10 seconds in this embodiment.

[0032] In step S5, the control means 24 determines whether or not an authentication signal has been received based on the input from the wireless communication unit.

[0033] If it is determined in step S5 that the authentication signal has not been received, the control means 24 returns to step S4 and repeats the processing loop of steps S4 and S5 until it is determined in step S4 that the elapsed time since the activation switch 24a was operated has reached the set time, or until it is determined in step S5 that the authentication signal has been received.

[0034] If the control means 24 determines in step S4 that the elapsed time since the start switch 24a was operated has reached the set time while repeatedly executing the processing loop of steps S4 and S5, the control means 24 proceeds to step S1 and restarts the power saving mode.

[0035] When the control means 24 determines that an authentication signal has been received at the time of proceeding to step S5, the control means 24 proceeds to step S6.

[0036] In step S6, the control means 24 issues an opening operation command to the servo motor 23a of the electric operating mechanism 23 serving as an opening operation means for the locking mechanism 2 of the lid body 12.

[0037] When the servo motor 23a is operated in accordance with this opening command, the rotational force of the servo motor 23a is transmitted via the pinion gear 23b to the rack 23c formed on the latch operation piece 22 that meshes with the pinion gear 23b, causing the latch operation piece 22 to slide (advance). The slidable (advance) latch operation piece 22 then retracts the latch 21, which is urged in the protruding direction by the spring 21a and engaged with the housing body 11. This releases the latch 21 from the housing body 11, and the lid 12 is opened by the urging force of the ejector pin 14, which is urged by a spring provided on the housing body 11. Subsequently, the control means 24 rotates the servo motor 23a in the opposite direction to the previous rotation, causing the latch operation piece 22 to slide (retract). The time from when the latch operation piece 22 slides (advance) until when it slides (retracts) can be set to approximately one to several seconds.

[0038] The lid 12 is locked in an open position by the hinge portion at approximately 90 degrees, and in this position, the key stored in the key storage space 12a can be removed.

[0039] When the user has finished using the key, he or she returns the key to the key storage space 12a and then rotates the lid 12 to close it. Because the latch operating piece 22 has been slid (retracted) in step S6, simply closing the lid 12 engages the latch 21 on the lid 12 with the housing body 11, keeping the lid 12 in the closed position and locking it, preventing the key from being removed.

[0040] The control means 24 returns to the initial state (step S7), returns to step S1, and restarts the process from step S1.

[0041] Here, the control means 24 may be equipped with, as necessary, a detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid 12, a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a key in the key storage space 12a, and further a detection means for detecting the shape (volume) and weight of the key stored in the key storage space 12a so that a malicious user can find out by checking the history whether or not they have temporarily replaced a key with a different key in order to duplicate it. This allows for more accurate management of the key storage device and increases safety.

[0042] In this way, keys can be loaned only to users who are authenticated by operating a mobile terminal used as authentication means and transmitting an authentication signal, and a highly secure key storage device can be provided that can reliably lock the lock without causing malfunction of the locking mechanism 2.

[0043] Furthermore, when the user operates the mobile terminal used as authentication means and an authentication signal is input to the wireless communication unit, the control means 24 performs processing to issue an open operation command to the servo motor 23a of the electric operating mechanism 23. Therefore, the control means 24 does not require information such as user information or when the user will use the key. Therefore, there is no need to connect to an external device via a network, and the equipment costs required for automatic key lending can be reduced. Note that the period and time when the key can be used, such as when the authentication signal can be transmitted, can be managed by an application program on the mobile terminal used by the user as authentication means.

[0044] Furthermore, since the control means 24 is in a standby state until an authentication signal is input to the wireless communication unit, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the control means 24 including the wireless communication unit.

[0045] [Power Supply] As shown in Figure 6, the power source for the servo motor 23a of the electric operating mechanism 23 and the control means 24 including the wireless communication unit can be a primary or secondary battery attached to a battery case 25a disposed within the housing body 11 of the housing 1, and a 9V square dry battery connected to a battery snap 25b for a 9V square dry battery disposed exposed on the housing body 11. Of these, the primary or secondary battery attached to the battery case 25a is used as a normal power source, while the 9V square dry battery connected to the battery snap 25b for the 9V square dry battery is used as an emergency power source in case the normal power source is cut off. In particular, the 9V square dry battery used as an emergency power source can be fixed to the housing body 11 by connecting it to the battery snap 25b for the 9V square dry battery, which has the advantage of eliminating the need to hold it by hand.

[0046] 8, the key storage space 12a is formed in the lid 12, and the cover part 15 covering the lower part of the key storage space 12a can be pivoted and biased by a spring 15a at its upper end toward the housing body 11. This prevents keys (including card keys C) stored in the key storage space 12a from falling out of the gap between the housing body 11 and the lid 12 when the lid 12 is opened or closed.

[0047] The lid 12 can be provided with a protrusion 12b having a mountain-shaped convex portion on which the card key C rides when the lid 12 is open (when opened approximately 90 degrees). This allows the card key C to be lifted from the back surface of the lid 12 by pressing the end of the card key C with a finger when the lid 12 is open, making it easy to remove.

[0048] 9 and 10 , the housing body 11 is provided with a shackle 3 whose protruding dimension from the housing body 11 is adjustable, and a rack 31 is formed on the surface of the shackle 3 to engage with a rack-shaped claw 32c of a fixing mechanism 32 for fixing the shackle 3. This eliminates a protrusion on the inside of the shackle 3, and when the wireless communication unit of the control means 24 uses radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example, by ensuring a distance (typically about 16 mm or more) from the metal shackle 3, it is possible to prevent the shackle 3 from affecting the wireless communication unit. The fixing mechanism 32 for fixing the shackle 3 includes an operating piece 32a that can be operated when the cover 12 is open, a claw 32c that moves back and forth due to an inclined surface 32b formed on the operating piece 32a when the operating piece 32a is operated up and down, and a spring 32d that biases the claw 32c toward the inclined surface 32b. When the lid 12 is closed, the operating piece 32a fits into the recess 12c of the lid 12 and does not move downward even when an impact is applied, etc. This prevents the shackle 3 from being released from its fixed state when the lid 12 is closed.

[0049] [Regarding the deceleration means for slowing down the speed at which the lid 12 is opened] The lid 12 is constantly biased in the open direction by a biasing means for biasing the lid 12 in the open direction, i.e., a push-out pin 14 biased by a spring provided in the housing body 11, and may be provided with a deceleration means 16 for slowing down the speed at which the lid 12 is opened, which has been accelerated by the push-out pin 14, as shown in Fig. 11 . The deceleration means 16 is composed of a spring piece 16a formed integrally with the side surface of the lid 12, and the speed at which the lid 12 is opened is slowed down by the resistance generated when a protrusion 16b formed on the spring piece 16a moves from a guide groove 16c formed in the side surface of the housing body 11 while abutting against the side surface of the housing body 11. This slows down the speed at which the lid 12 is opened, preventing keys (including card keys C) stored in the key storage space 12a from flying out due to impact when the lid 12 is opened.

[0050] 12, a rectangular recess 11b is formed on the back surface of the housing body 11, and the magnetic plate 4 is attached to this recess 11b. As a result, when the key storage device is attached to the door knob of the door body via the shackle 3, the magnetic plate 4 is attracted to the door body made of a magnetic material, allowing the housing 1 to be installed in a stable state.

[0051] [Regarding the attachment 5] When the door knob of the door body is a lever handle, the key storage device is attached to the door knob of the door body via an attachment 5 as shown in Figures 13 and 14. The attachment 5 allows the left side member 51 and the right side member 52 to be integrated via shaft portions 53 formed integrally with the left side member 51 and the right side member 52, respectively. As a result, when attaching the key storage device to the door knob of the door body via the shackle 3, the attachment 5 allows the key storage device to be installed in a stable state.

[0052] [Modified Example] Figure 15 shows a modified example of a key storage device. This key storage device is an improved version of the key storage device. The periphery of the pressing portion 11a on the housing body 11 of the key storage device is recessed to form a recess 11c, and a sticker can be attached to this recess 11c. This prevents rainwater from seeping in through the gap in the pressing portion 11a. For example, this sticker can be one with a fingertip design printed on it, which makes it possible to clearly indicate the operation location.

[0053] Furthermore, this key storage device has a covering edge 12d extending from the top end of the lid 12 to cover the upper edge of the opening of the housing body 11, and a protrusion 11d formed along the covering edge 12d on the housing body 11. This eliminates a gap between the upper edge of the opening of the housing body 11 and the top end of the lid 12, making it possible to prevent the lid 12 from being opened improperly using a screwdriver or the like.

[0054] The key storage device also has a recess 12e formed in the upper end of the lid 12, allowing a sticker to be affixed to the recess 12e. For example, this sticker may have a number printed on it to identify the key storage device.

[0055] The above describes the key storage device of the present invention based on its embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiments, and the configuration can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0056] The key storage device of the present invention can reliably lock without causing the locking mechanism to malfunction, and can therefore be widely used as a key storage device for storing keys to lock and unlock doors in vacant rental properties, as well as rooms where entry needs to be restricted, such as private lodging properties and document rooms of large companies.

[0057] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 casing 11 casing body 11a pressing portion 11b recess 11c recess 11d protrusion portion 12 lid body 12a key storage space 12b protrusion 12c recess portion 12d covering edge 12e recess 13 shaft 14 ejector pin 15 cover portion 15a spring 16 deceleration means 2 locking mechanism 21 latch 21a spring 22 latch operation piece 23 electric operation mechanism 23a servo motor 23b pinion gear 23c rack 24 control means 24a start switch 25a battery case 25b battery snap for 9V square dry cell battery 3 shackle 31 rack 32 fixing mechanism 32a operation piece 32b inclined surface 32c claw piece 32d spring 4 Magnet plate 5 Attachment 51 Left side member 52 Right side member 53 Shaft

Claims

1. A key storage device consisting of a housing with an internal key storage space for storing keys to lock and unlock a door, wherein the housing has a lid pivotally supported on the housing body, and the locking mechanism for the lid comprises a latch that is biased in the protruding direction by a spring provided on the lid and engages with the housing body, a latch operating piece provided on the housing body for retracting the latch, an electric operating mechanism for operating the latch operating piece, and control means for the electric operating mechanism.

2. The key storage device according to claim 1, wherein the electric operating mechanism for operating the latch operating piece comprises a servo motor or a solenoid.

3. A key storage device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means of the electric operating mechanism is provided with a wireless communication unit and is adapted to receive the authentication signal emitted by the mobile terminal via wireless communication.

4. A key storage device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power source for the control means of the electric operating mechanism is a primary or secondary battery arranged within the housing and a 9V square dry battery connected to a battery snap for a 9V square dry battery arranged exposed on the housing.

5. A key storage device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means for the electric operating mechanism is provided with a start switch.

6. A key storage device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a key storage space is formed in the lid, and a cover part covering the lower part of the key storage space is arranged to be swingable and with its upper end biased toward the main body of the housing by a spring.

7. A key storage device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lid defines a key storage space and is provided with a protrusion having a mountain-shaped convex portion on which the card key rests when the lid is opened.

8. A key storage device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body of the housing is provided with a shackle whose protruding dimension from the main body of the housing is adjustable, and a rack is formed on the surface of the shackle to engage with a rack-shaped claw piece of a fixing mechanism for fixing the shackle.

9. A key storage device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a biasing means for biasing the lid in an opening direction; and a deceleration means for decelerating the speed at which the lid is opened.

10. A key storage device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a covering edge is extended from the upper end of the lid body to cover the upper edge of the opening of the housing body, and a protrusion portion is formed on the housing body along the covering edge.

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