Key unit

Abstract

A key unit includes a grip case which includes at least a pair of synthetic resin case members joined to each other, and a mechanical key supported in the grip case and having a pivotable key head. A plurality of fitting projections are projectingly provided integrally on a metal holder ring held between the case members. The fitting projections are respectively fitted into a plurality of fitting holes provided in at least one of the case members. An engagement hook resiliently engaging with an engagement hole provided in the holder ring is projectingly provided integrally on one of the case members. This facilitates assembling and enhances assembly strength in attaching the metal holder ring to the grip case.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a key unit in a state in which a mechanical key according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is in a projecting position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the key unit in a state in which the mechanical key is in a retracted position.

FIG. 3 is a view from arrow 3 in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a side view when the mechanical key is viewed from a side opposite to that in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional side view showing a state in which the mechanical key is inserted into a cylinder lock.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the key unit.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8-8 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a part shown by arrow 9 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing one part of a module case in a state in which a lower case is insert-bonded thereto.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view along line 11-11 in FIG. 10, showing a state when the module case is being molded.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line 12-12 in FIG. 10 showing a state when the module case is being molded.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an upper case.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a state in which the mechanical key is pivotably supported on a support shaft.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view along line 15-15 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view along line 16-16 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing a state in which the uppercase is at a spring-engagement position.

FIG. 18 is a partially cut-away side view, corresponding to FIG. 17, in a state in which the upper case pivoted to a securing position is secured to the lower case.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19 in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20 in FIG. 1.

Claims

1. A key unit comprising: a grip case which includes at least a pair of synthetic resin case members joined to each other; anda mechanical key which is supported in the grip case and which includes a key plate capable of being inserted into a cylinder lock and a key head joined to one end of the key plate;the mechanical key being capable of pivoting the mechanical key between a retracted position in which the entire mechanical key is retracted and a projecting position in which the key plate projects,wherein the key unit further comprises a metal holder ring which is held between the two case members and which integrally includes a plurality of fitting projections, the fitting projections respectively being fitted into a plurality of fitting holes provided in at least one of the case members; andwherein an engagement hook is projectingly provided integrally on one of the case members so as to resiliently engage with an engagement hole provided in the holder ring.

2. The key unit according to claim 1, wherein the key plate has a circular support hole; wherein the grip case comprises, as some of the components, a support member having a support shaft fitted into the support hole, and a clamping member secured to the support member with the key head held between the clamping member and the support member; wherein a torsion spring has one end engaging with the key head so as to exhibit a resilient force for urging the mechanical key to a side that causes the key plate to project, and has the other end engaging with a spring-latching portion provided on the clamping member; wherein the clamping member is provided integrally with a support tube fitted and connected to an extremity of the support shaft; wherein the support shaft includes, around a periphery, a spring-engagement position and a securing position, in the spring-engagement position the torsion spring in a natural state with one end engaged with the key head without exhibiting no spring force causes the other end to be engaged with the spring-latching portion of the clamping member which is not secured to the support member, and in the securing position the clamping member having the torsion spring engaged with the spring-latching portion is pivoted by a predetermined amount to a side that causes the torsion spring to exhibit a resilient force; wherein a positioning restricting portion is provided on the support member so as to abut against the clamping member that has been pivoted from the spring-engagement position to the securing position around an axis of the support shaft; and wherein the clamping member abutting against the positioning restricting portion is secured to the support member.

3. The key unit according to claim 2, wherein abutment surfaces are respectively formed on the support member and the clamping member on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft, the abutment surfaces abutting against each other such that the spring force urging the clamping member away from the support member is received in a direction in which the abutment surfaces are in pressure contact with each other when the clamping member is at the securing position.