EP1141505B1 - Electronic key, especially for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic key comprising electronic components for receiving or transmitting signals. Said components are integrated in a housing (20). A mechanical emergency key (30') is provided in case of an electronics failure. Said emergency key (30') can be inserted into a recess (27) in the housing (20) together with its key shaft (31'). The aim of the invention is to produce a key which can be handled easily. To this end, one end of the housing is provided with a recess which is undercut at least in places and which usually prevents the inserted emergency key (30') from being pulled out. Usually, the key is in a holding position in the housing (20) with an essentially positive fit. However, the emergency key can be turned in the recess (27) of the housing (20) from a holding position to a release position (30') in which the positive fit between the widening (32') in the key (30') and the recess is eliminated in the pull-out direction of the emergency key.

Description

The invention is directed to a key in the preamble of Claim 1 specified type. This is not only as an electronic key trained, but also includes a mechanical emergency key. Of the Emergency key is used to mechanically lock in case of failure of the lock to be able to open.

In the known from DE 297 22 484 U1 key of this type has the Housing of the electronic key a receptacle for the emergency key. in the In case of use the emergency key can be attached to a key head acting broadening od. Like. Capture. One problem is the To secure insertion position of the emergency key in the receptacle. This fuse but should not handle the emergency key when plugging in and Hinder pulling out.

DE 44 44 913 A1 discloses a mechanical emergency key which is in Housing interior of an electronic key is inserted. To secure the insertion position is an additional Verrasterung for the emergency key in the Recording shown so that the emergency key captive in the recording is held. To remove the key from the recording, the Latching element e.g. a two-armed lever or a resilient tongue previously be released manually via a push button. This backup of Emergency key is realized via additional locking elements and is so consuming.

The invention is based on the object, a convenient to use To develop keys that are reliably held in the housing in the plug-in case becomes. This is inventively by the in the characterizing part of claim 1 the following particular importance due.

The widening of the key is expediently also used as a handle of the emergency key and is usually made of a key head. It goes without saying
that such broadening does not have to have the function of handling the emergency key. For the sake of simplicity, however, this widening will always be referred to as "key head" below. With regard to the housing, the key head can be transferred between two mutually rotationally offset layers, namely a retaining position securing its position in the housing and a release layer enabling its removal from the housing. In the holding position there is a positive connection, where the broadening or the key head is at least partially in an outbreak of a housing end itself. In the holding position pulling out the emergency key from the housing is not possible. However, the extraction is quick and easy to carry out, because the key head is not covered in a lying substantially perpendicular to the plane of the outbreak direction of the housing and in the opposite twisted release position can be moved. This movement takes place as a rotation about an axis of rotation running in the longitudinal direction of the key shaft. In the release position, the key head is no longer positively locked. Then a translational movement of the emergency key in the sense of pulling out is possible. The extraction of the emergency key from the housing in the release position thus takes place in a rotationally offset plane with respect to the position previously existing in the retaining position between the housing and the key head.

This movement of the components when coupling and uncoupling can be as Describe "Einrenkbewegung". The broadening of the key or the Its handling key head can have a sufficiently large area without endangering the securing function in the holding position. This is the handling both when coupling and uncoupling and finally in the Key operation easier. This is especially true when looking at the key head and the housing forms a plate-like, in the holding position a flush Ensure transition of the outer surfaces of these components. Disturbing edges or Projections are not available. Therefore, the storage of the key is in the Trouser pocket very pleasant.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf das Gehäuse des elektronischen Schlüssels mit eingestecktem Notschlüssel,

Fig. 2,

schematisch, einen Längsschnitt durch das Gehäuse von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 + 4

zwei Querschnitte durch das Gehäuse von Fig. I und 2 längs der Schnittlinien III - III bzw. IV - IV,

Fig. 5,

in einer der Fig. 4 entsprechenden Darstellung, die Lage der Bauteile von Fig. 4 in einer anderen, drehversetzten Lage,

Fig. 6,

in einer der Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung, nachdem der Notschlüssel aus dem Gehäuse entnommen worden ist,

Fig. 7,

in Draufsicht, den aus dem Gehäuse entnommenen Notschlüssel und

Fig. 8,

in perspektivischer, gestreckter Position eine flexible Leiterplatte zur Aufnahme elektronischer Bauteile, die in gefaltetem Zustand im Gehäuse untergebracht wird.

Further measures and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings. In the drawings, the invention is shown in one embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1

a top view of the housing of the electronic key with inserted emergency key,

2,

schematically, a longitudinal section through the housing of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 + 4

two cross sections through the housing of Fig. I and 2 along the section lines III - III and IV - IV,

Fig. 5,

in a representation corresponding to FIG. 4, the position of the components of FIG. 4 in another, rotationally offset position,

6,

in a representation corresponding to FIG. 2, after the emergency key has been removed from the housing,

Fig. 7,

in plan view, the emergency key removed from the housing and

8,

in perspective, extended position a flexible circuit board for receiving electronic components, which is housed in the folded state in the housing.

The key according to the invention comprises a combination of the actual electronic key 10 and a mechanical emergency key 30. The Electronic key 10 may not be closer to a larger distance on a shown, arranged on a motor vehicle lock by coded signals 15th Act. For this purpose, the housing 20, which consists of several housing parts 21 to 24 may be composed of suitable electronic components 11 and Operating points 13, 14 which generate this signal 15 and, optionally in Dialogue, to the corresponding complementary transmitting and receiving device in the Forward the vehicle. In case of success, if the coding of the signals 15 accepted becomes, is not shown in detail electronic or electromechanical lock effectively set. In the area of these operating points 11 to 14 are microswitches 17, which have recognizable switching elements 62 from FIG. 8. These sit, together with the components 11 on a preferably also electrical Track having film 60, which is shown in Fig. 8. This film 60 can have in places dents 61, in which some of the elements 11 or members 62 sunk arranged. The film 60 can be folded and in a more or accommodate less cylindrical space inside the housing 20. The housing 20 is of longitudinal symmetry with respect to its illustrated in Fig. 1 Longitudinal center 16. The housing 20 is designed plate-shaped, as from 63 in Fig. 4 to is seen and determines a dot-dash line in Fig. 4 indicated mid-plane 18th

The basic structure of the emergency key 30 is shown in FIG. 7. This includes the key shank 31 with not shown profiled incisions or Lanes for appropriate control means in the castle. Located at its outer end itself a widening, in one piece or in several pieces opposite to the Key shank 31 can be. In the present case it consists of one Key head 32 made of plastic. The key shank 31 has a flat profile 50, which preferably consists of metal. The key head 32 also determines one the dotted line 38 in Fig. 4 illustrated center plane 38. The flat profile 50 of Key shank 31 is, as shown in Fig. 4, opposite to the preferably symmetrical cross-sectional profile of the key head 32, as evidenced by dash-dotted line cross-sectional plane 50 by an angle 39 with respect to tilted this center plane 38. Both the outline of the housing 20 and the of the Key head 32 are indeed plate-like 63, 64, as shown in FIG. 4, formed, can but be profiled in itself. Normally, the emergency key 30 is in his 1 to 4 shown rest position, hereinafter briefly "holding position" of Emergency key should be called. In this case, the middle plane 18 of the Housing 20 substantially equal in height with the center plane 38 of the Key head 32.

As best seen in Fig. 6 it can be seen, the rear housing end 28 has a Outbreak 40, which is designed here as a fork opening. This creates the Outbreak 40 delimiting fork legs 41, 42. The outbreak 40 inside delimiting end wall 26 is provided with a receptacle 27 for the already described Key shank 31 of the emergency key 30 provided when the retaining layer 30 shown in FIG. 1 to 4 is present. The receptacle 27 is formed here by a with the end wall 26th one-piece quiver 25, which forms an inner housing and is in this Embodiment in the aforementioned longitudinal center 16 of the housing 20th located. In the holding position shown in FIG. 1 to 4 of the emergency key 30 is in his Inserted position in the receptacle 27 initially secured and can not be without pull out further in the direction of the arrow 47 of FIG. These are the following special measures are proposed.

The eruption 40 is undercut at least in places at 43, 44. in the In the present case, this is done on the two legs 41, 42 by more or less Convergent running towards each other inner surfaces 43, 44 of the two legs 41, 42nd reached. As a result, at least occasionally there is a form fit between the one undercut 45, 46 of FIG. 6 generating legs 41, 42 on the one hand and the key head 32, on the other hand. In this Haltelage is the Key head 32 in a position as flush as possible to the housing 20, as by the already mentioned matching altitude of the center plane 18, 38 of the two Plate molds 63, 64 can be seen from Fig. 4. For additional security of Haltelage of Fig. 1 to 4 can at the points of contact of the legs 41, 42 and circumferentially cooperating detent elements 51, 52 may be provided, e.g. a projection 51 and a recess 52, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 can be seen. It is a kind of Einrenkverbindung required to the emergency key 30 from the To be able to pull out housing 20 in the direction of the arrow 47. This will be described with reference to FIG. 5 will be explained in more detail.

The recess 40 in the housing 20 is open at the top and bottom, which is why a Rotation of the key head from its holding position in the direction of the arrow 49 of FIG. 3rd to 5 is possible. This rotation takes place about a rotation axis 19, in the present Case coincides with the mentioned housing longitudinal center 16. You can get out of it Fig. 5 recognizable other position of the components 20, 30 ', for good reasons hereinafter referred to as the "release position" of the emergency key. In this Loosening position 30 'is no longer the prescribed form fit. Now lets go the emergency key 30 'in the sense of the arrows 47 already mentioned several times pull out. A collision of the components 20, 30 'then no longer takes place. The aforementioned rotation 49 can by end stops 53, 54 in the interior of the receptacle 27 be limited. In the present case, the tilt angle 39 of FIG. 4 is approximately only half as large as the angle of rotation 48, based on the center plane 16 of the housing 20th

According to Fig. 1, the emergency key 30 is with a surprisingly large key head 32, which is shown in dot hatching for better clarity. The allows a comfortable handling both in the above-described removal 47 as also in the later rotary actuation of the emergency key 30 in the lock. Of the Key head 32 can even with a remnant 59 on the outermost boundary the housing 10 at the ends of the two legs 41, 42 in the holding position protrude.

The positive connection between the recess 40 and the emergency key 40 comes thus in the invention by axial support and optionally by radial Rotation stops in the area of the key head 32. Instead of the key head 32 could also widening in the key shaft 31 od. Like. Are used. It is favorable here to provide for a surface contact, which is why the above-described inner surfaces 43, 44 of the two legs 41, 42 of the rotation 49th have corresponding curves and with the closest possible joints with a corresponding counter-profile at 33, 34 of the key head 32 come to rest. in the present case are the two opposite head side surfaces 33, 34 in the sense of the auxiliary lines 35, 36 of Fig. 7 in the direction of the free head end 37 tapers substantially linearly. This results in a positive connection Surface contact between 33, 43 on the one hand and 34, 44 on the other. Because of the Rotation 49 for uncoupling and, as will be seen, even when coupling, could but the rear grip of the components 20, 30 in the holding position in other places become effective, e.g. at the free head end 37. Because of the good grip left the emergency key 30 located in the holding position also by large axial forces in the sense of the pull-out arrow 47 does not remove. The emergency key is in his Haltelage 30 so reliable in its outbreak 40 opposite in pull-out acting forces positioned that his key head 32 readily with a Aufhängeloch 56 for key chains od. Like. Be provided.

The above-described Einrenkbewegung takes place in the opposite sense, if one, starting from a removed emergency key back into the recess of the Housing 20 of FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrow 58 of FIG. 6 in the housing 20th wants to plug in. In this case, the emergency key is initially in his Löselage 30 'outside the housing 20 and then, in the direction of the arrow 58 of Fig. 6, pushed into the receptacle 27 until by axial stops the End position is reached. Then the emergency key in the opposite direction to the rotary arrow 49 returned to its holding position 30 of Fig. 3 and 4 respectively.

The housing 20 consists, as already mentioned, of a plurality of housing parts 21st to 24. They comprise a central region arranged in the upper shell 21 and Lower shell 22 and two side parts 23, 24. The side parts are of cams 57th od. Like. Passed through, sitting on the upper and lower shell 21, 22 and for a Cohesion of these housing parts provide. The outbreak 40 is done by Extensions of the housing side parts 23, 24 over the end of the upper and Lower shell 21, 22 addition, whereby the already mentioned fork legs 41, 42nd arise. The front housing end 29 is of the assembled upper and Lower shell 21, 22 formed and has at 65 of Fig. 2 on a dull shape. On This front housing end 29, the two side parts 23, 24 begin in one Axial distance 66 opposite the blunt front 65.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

electronic key

11

electronic components

12

first actuation point of 10

13

second actuating point of 10

14

third actuation point of 10

15

Signal of 10

16

Housing longitudinal direction, longitudinal center

17

microswitch

18

Center plane of 20, housing level

19

Rotation axis for 30 in 30 '

20

Housing, overall housing

21

Upper shell of 20

22

Lower shell of 20

23

first side part of 20

24

second side part of 20

25

Quiver for 31 in 20

26

End wall of 25 between 21, 22

27

Recording in 25 for 31

28

rear housing end of 20

29

front housing end of 20

30

Emergency key (holding position, secured)

30 '

Release of 30

31

Key shaft of 30 (holding position)

31 '

Loose position of 31 at 30 '

32

Key head of 30 (holding position)

32 '

Loose position of 32

33

Counter profile for 43 to 32 (FIG. 7), first head side surface of 32

34

Counter profile for 44 to 32 (FIG. 7), second head side surface of 32

35

Rejuvenation of 33

36

Rejuvenation of 34

37

free headboard of 32

38

Level of the key head, center plane of 32 (in holding position, Fig. 4)

38 '

Release position of 38 (Figure 5)

39

Tilt angle between 31, 38

40

Eruption in 28, fork opening

41

first leg of 23, fork leg

42

second leg of 24, fork legs

43

Inner surface of 41

44

Inner surface of 42

45

Angle of the undercut of 43

46

Angle of the undercut of 44

47

translatory pull-out arrow of 30 '

48

Rotation angle between 30, 30 '

49

Turning arrow of 30

50

Flat profile of 31

51

first locking element on 33, 34, projection

52

second locking element 43, 44, recess

53

first turning stop in 27 for 31

54

second rotation stop in 27 for 31 '

55

Level of 50

56

Hanging hole in 32 (Fig. 7)

57

lateral cam at 22 and 21 for 23 and 24, respectively

58

translatory arrow of the insertion movement of 30 '(FIG. 6)

59

outstanding remnant of 32 (Fig. 1)

60

Foil in 12 and 17

61

Dent in 60 for 17

62

Switching element on 17 (FIG. 8)

63

Plate shape of 20 (Fig. 4)

64

plate-like shape of 32 (Fig. 4)

65

blunt front of 29

66

Axial distance of 23, 24 opposite 29 (FIG. 1)

Claims (17)

1. Electronic key (10), in particular for motor vehicles, with a housing (20) which receives electronic components (11) and contains them for sending or receiving signals (15) for actuating an associated electronic or electromechanical lock,
   with a mechanical emergency key (30), which can be inserted with its key shaft (31) into a receptacle (27) of the housing (20) and is secured in the housing when it is inserted, the emergency key (30) being provided with a widened portion (32),
   characterized in that
   one housing end (28) has a cutout (40), of which at least parts (45, 46) are undercut, and normally, with the emergency key (30) inserted, prevents its pulling-out movement (47),
   that the key head is in a substantially positive-locking securing position (30) in the housing (20),
   and that the emergency key in the receptacle (27) of the housing (20) can be rotated out of this securing position (30) into a release position (30'), in which the positive locking between the widened portion (32') and the cutout (40) is removed in the direction of the pulling-out movement (47) of the emergency key.
2. Key according to Claim 1, characterized in that the widened portion in the emergency key (30) consists of the grip for key actuation, such as a key head (32).
3. Key according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cutout (40) is delimited on at least one of its sides by a leg (41; 42), and the leg (41; 42) has the undercut (45; 46) on the inner flank (43; 44) which faces the cutout (40)
   and that the key head (32) tapers at least in parts towards the free head end (37) with its head side surface (33; 34) which faces the inner flank (43; 44) of the housing leg (41; 42), and in the securing position (30) of the emergency key is supported at least in parts on the housing leg (41; 42).
4. Key according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the key head (32) and housing (20) are plate-shaped (63; 64), the plate shape defining two centre planes (18, 38),
   and that the centre planes (18, 38) are substantially aligned with each other in the securing position, but the two planes (18, 38') are rotationally displaced (48) relative to each other in the release position.
5. Key according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that between the key head (32) and the cutout (40) in the housing (30), locking arrangements which secure the securing position (30) against rotations (49) are arranged.
6. Key according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the receptacle of the housing rotational stops (53; 54), which determine the position of the key shaft in the securing position (31) and/or the release position (31') and limit the rotation (49) of the key shaft between these two positions (31, 31'), are provided.
7. Key according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the key shaft (31) has a flat profile (50),
   that the key head (32) of the emergency key (30) has a preferably symmetrical cross-sectional profile which determines the centre plane (38) in the key head (32),
   and that the plane (55) of the flat profile (50) of the key shaft (31) is tilted (39) relative to the centre plane (38) in the key head (32) relative to the rotational axis (19) which determines the rotation (49) of the emergency key between the securing position (30) and the release position (30').
8. Key according to Claim 7, characterized in that the tilt angle (39) between the flat profile plane (55) of the key shaft (31) and the centre plane (38) of the key head (32) is approximately equal to half the rotational angle (48) of the key shaft between its resting position (31) and release position (31').
9. Key according to one or more of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the receptacle (27) for the key shaft (31) in the housing consists of a quiver (25) of an inner housing.
10. Key according to Claim 9, characterized in that the inner housing is arranged between an upper shell (21) and a lower shell (22) of a multi-part complete housing (20).
11. Key according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the leg (41, 42) of the cutout (40) is formed from the end piece of a housing side part (23) or (24) which generates the longitudinal edge of the complete housing (20).
12. Key according to Claim 11, characterized in that lateral cams (57) or similar connect the upper and lower shells (21, 22) of the complete housing (20) to the housing side part or parts (43; 24).
13. Key according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the receptacle (27) is arranged substantially in the longitudinal centre (16) of the housing (20)
    and that the longitudinal centre (16) determines a symmetry axis of the housing (20).
14. Key according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the rear housing end (28) is forked (40), and
    that the cutout in the housing (20) consists of a fork opening (40), which is bordered on both sides by two fork legs (41; 42) which delimit it.
15. Key according to Claim 14, characterized in that the two fork legs (41; 42) at their inner flanks (43; 44) which face each other each have an oppositely oriented undercut (45; 46) for the key head (32) of the emergency key (30).
16. Key according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the electronic components (11) are located on a foil (60) which is used as a flexible circuit board
    and that - viewed in cross-section - this foil (60) runs in a C-shaped curve around the receptacle (27), which extends in the longitudinal direction (16) of the housing.
17. Key according to Claim 16, characterized in that the foil (60) has dents (61) in some places, and microswitches (17) are positioned in them,
    and that the contact elements (62) on the microswitches (17), if the foil (60) is curved, are aligned with the actuating locations (12, 13, 14) on the outer side of the housing (20).

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