U.S. patent application number 10/837646 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for portable device with electronic key system and mechanical key system having downsized structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to DENSO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Nakagawa, Mitsuru, Shimura, Tokio.
Application Number | 20040237613 10/837646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33432217 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040237613 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shimura, Tokio ; et
al. |
December 2, 2004 |
Portable device with electronic key system and mechanical key
system having downsized structure
Abstract
A portable device is constructed with an emergency key and a
device body having a receiving part. The emergency key has a lock
mechanism constructed with a holding member and a button urged by
the holding member to be protruded from the emergency key. The
device body has a first holding hole engaging with the button when
the emergency key is received in the receiving part. When the
button is pushed, the emergency key can be pulled out of the
receiving part. The emergency key is inserted into the receiving
part, so that the button engages with the hole. The emergency key
has the lock mechanism, so that the electronic key system is
downsized.
Inventors: |
Shimura, Tokio;
(Kariya-city, JP) ; Nakagawa, Mitsuru;
(Chiryu-city, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POSZ & BETHARDS, PLC
11250 ROGER BACON DRIVE
SUITE 10
RESTON
VA
20190
US
|
Assignee: |
DENSO CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
33432217 |
Appl. No.: |
10/837646 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/456R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 9/00944 20130101;
Y10T 70/8676 20150401; E05B 19/0082 20130101; G07C 2009/00952
20130101; G07C 2009/00992 20130101; E05B 19/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
070/456.00R |
International
Class: |
A45C 011/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 30, 2003 |
JP |
2003-155104 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable device for an entrance system which is locked and
unlocked electronically or mechanically, the portable device
comprising: a key for mechanically engaging with the entrance
system in order to lock and unlock the entrance system; a device
body for electrically instructing locking and unlocking the
entrance system and having a receiving part for receiving the key
therein; and a lock mechanism that detachably holds the key in the
receiving part, wherein the key has at least a part of the lock
mechanism.
2. A portable device according to claim 1, wherein: the key has an
elongated key part on one longitudinal end side of the key for
mechanically engaging with the entrance system; the receiving part
of the device body detachably receives at least one of the
longitudinally end side of the key, on which the key part is
located, and the other longitudinally end side of the key which is
longitudinally opposite to the key part; and when the key is
received in the receiving part from the longitudinally end side
opposite to the key part by a predetermined length, the key part
protrudes from the device body.
3. A portable device according to claim 1, wherein: the key has an
elongated key part on one longitudinal end side of key for
mechanically engaging with the entrance system; the lock mechanism
includes: a button part that is provided longitudinally separate
from the key part to outwardly protrude from a side face of the
key, wherein the button part is displaced from a reference position
in which the button part is at least partially outwardly protruded
from the side face of the key to a position in which the button
part is not outwardly protruded from the side face of the key, when
the button part is pushed from an outside of the key to an inside
of the key; and a holding member that supports the button part,
wherein the holding member resiliently biases the button part to be
in the reference position when the button part is pushed from the
outside of the key to the inside of the key; and the device body
defines a first holding hole that engages with the button part of
the key when the key is at least partially received in the
receiving part of the device body.
4. A portable device according to claim 3, wherein: the receiving
part of the device body detachably receives at least one of the
longitudinally end side of the key, on which the key part is
located, and the other longitudinally end side of the key which is
longitudinally opposite to the key part; and when the key is
received in the receiving part from the longitudinally end side
opposite to the key part by a predetermined length, the button part
of the key engages with the first holding hole of the device body,
and the key part protrudes from the device body.
5. A portable device according to claim 4, wherein: the device body
defines: a first opening that is connected to the receiving part; a
second opening, which is connected to the receiving part, on an
opposite side as the first opening with respect to the receiving
part; and a second holding hole that is located in the same plane
as a plane defining the first holding hole, wherein the second
holding hole engages with the button part of the key when the key,
which is inserted from the first opening into the receiving part of
the device body, is in a position in which the key part of the key
at least partially protrudes from the second opening of the device
body.
6. A portable device according to claim 5, wherein: the device body
defines a slit that connects the first holding hole and the second
holding hole; and the button part of the key has a protrusion which
slidably protrudes from the slit of the device body when the
protrusion is in a position between the first holding hole and the
second holding hole.
7. A portable device according to claim 3, wherein the device body
has a biasing member in the receiving part for biasing the key in a
direction in which the key is displaced from the receiving part
when the key is received in the receiving part and the button part
engages with the first holding hole.
8. A portable device according to claim 1, wherein at least a key
body of the key is made of a resinous material.
9. A portable device according to claim 2, wherein the key part
defines a recession shaped in an elongated groove to be engaged
with the entrance system.
10. A portable device according to claim 2, wherein the key part
defines a recession shaped in a pit to be engaged with the entrance
system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on and incorporates herein by
reference Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-155104 filed on May
30, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to a mobile portable device
having an electronic key system and a mechanical key system used
for an entrance system or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In an electronic key system having a security function, ID
codes are identified between a mobile portable device carried by a
user and an electronic device provided in a vehicle or the like by
wireless communication in order to lock and unlock a door, for
example. Especially in a vehicle, an electronic key system is in
practical use for permitting an engine starting operation in
accordance with an identification result of ID codes between a
portable device and an electronic device of a key mechanism of a
vehicle, so as to enhance antitheft performance of a vehicle.
[0004] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a vehicle has an entrance
system having an electronic key system and a mechanical key system.
The electronic key system locks and unlocks the mechanical key
system in accordance with the identification result of ID codes
between the portable device and the electronic device of the
vehicle. The mechanical key system of the entrance system is locked
and unlocked by a mechanical key plate of a portable device carried
by a user.
[0005] According to JP-A-2002-322841, an emergency key (mechanical
key plate) is received in a receiving part formed in a device body
of the portable device, in consideraton of a situation where
battery power of the portable device is run out.
[0006] Furthermore, in the portable device used for the electronic
key system, a lock mechanism is provided in the device body so that
the emergency key is not easily pulled out of the receiving part of
the device body.
[0007] Here, FIG. 9A is a front view showing an example of a
portable device and FIG. 9B is a side view showing the portable
device according to a related art. A device body 103 of the
portable device 101 has a communication unit 400 for performing
wireless communication with the electronic device of the vehicle.
The device body 103 of the portable device 101 also has a lock
mechanism. The lock mechanism includes a spring 107 and a sliding
member 105 that is manually operated by a user. The spring 107
urges (biases) the sliding member 105 in a predetermined direction.
A protrusion 105a is formed in the sliding member 105 on the
opposite side to the spring 107. The protrusion 105a engages with
an engaging slot 111a of an emergency key 111 received in a
receiving part 109 of the device body 103, so as to restrict the
emergency key 111 from being dropped out of the receiving part 109.
In this structure, when the sliding member 105 is slid against
urging force of the spring 107, i.e., when the sliding member 105
is slid in a left direction in FIG. 9A, engagement between the
protrusion 105a of the sliding member 105 and the engaging slot
111a of the emergency key 111 is released. In this situation, the
emergency key 111 can be pulled out of the receiving part 109 of
the device body 103.
[0008] However, in the above structure of the portable device, the
lock mechanism is provided in the device body for detachably
holding the emergency key in the receiving part of the device body.
Accordingly, downsizing of the portable device is difficult,
because the device body includes the lock mechanism. Additionally,
the interior space of the plate-shaped emergency key having a
predetermined thickness and a predetermined length is not used, and
the emergency key becomes a dead space in the above structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the foregoing problems, it is an object of the
present invention to produce a downsized portable device for a
mechanical key system and an electronic key system.
[0010] According to the present invention, a portable device is
used for an entrance system that is locked and unlocked by an
electronic system or by a mechanical system. The portable device
has a key, a device body and a lock mechanism. The key mechanically
engages with the entrance system in order to lock and unlock the
entrance system. The device body electrically instructs locking and
unlocking the entrance system. The device body has a receiving part
for receiving the key. The lock mechanism detachably holds the key
in the receiving part. The key has at least a part of the lock
mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description made with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a portable device in a
normal condition where the portable device is carried by a user,
and FIGS. 1B-1D are perspective views showing the portable device
in a using condition where an emergency key received in the
portable device is used, according to the first embodiment in the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a front view showing the emergency key, FIG. 2B
is a right side view showing the emergency key, FIG. 2C is a rear
view showing the emergency key, and FIG. 2D is a partial
cross-sectional view showing the emergency key taken along the line
IID-IID in FIG. 2A;
[0014] FIG. 3A is a front view showing an emergency key, FIG. 3B is
a right side view showing the emergency key, FIG. 3C is a rear view
showing the emergency key, and FIG. 3D is a partial cross-sectional
view showing the emergency key taken along the line IIID-IIID in
FIG. 3A, according to the second embodiment in the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a front view showing an emergency key, FIG. 4B is
a right side view showing the emergency key, FIG. 4C is a rear view
showing the emergency key, and FIG. 4D is a partial cross-sectional
view showing the emergency key taken along the line IVD-IVD in FIG.
4A, according to the third embodiment in the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a portable device in a
normal condition where the portable device is carried by a user,
FIGS. 5B and 5C showing the portable device in a condition where an
emergency key received in the portable device is used, and FIG. 5D
is a perspective view showing the emergency key, according to the
fourth embodiment in the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a portable device in a
normal condition where the portable device is carried by a user,
FIGS. 6B and 6C showing the portable device in a condition where an
emergency key received in the portable device is used, and FIG. 6D
is a perspective view showing the emergency key, according to the
fifth embodiment in the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partially cross-sectional view showing a
portable device and the emergency key, according to the sixth
embodiment in the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8A is a front view showing an emergency key, FIG. 8B is
a right side view showing the emergency key, FIG. 8C is a rear view
showing the emergency key, and FIG. 8D is a partial cross-sectional
view showing the emergency key taken along the line VIIID-VIIID in
FIG. 8A, according to the seventh embodiment in the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 9A is a front view showing a portable device using an
electronic key system, and FIG. 9B is a side view showing the
portable device according to a related art; and
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of an
entrance system of a vehicle, which has a mechanical key system and
an electronic key system, and a relationship between the entrance
system and a mechanical key and a device body according to the
related art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] In the present invention, a portable device is used as a
small sized mobile electronic key unit used for an immobilizer
system. Besides, the portable system is used in an entrance system
(FIG. 10) of the vehicle which has a mechanical key system and an
electronic key system. The mechanical key system of the entrance
system is locked and unlocked when a mechanical emergency key
engages with the mechanical key system for opening a door of the
vehicle, for example. The electronic key system electrically
instructs locking and unlocking the mechanical key system of the
entrance system in accordance with an identification result of ID
codes between a device body of the portable device and an
electronic device, such as the wireless communication circuit of a
vehicle using the wireless communication method. That is, the
portable device identifies between an ID code of the small sized
electronic key unit (portable device) carried by a user and an ID
code of the vehicle electronic device using the wireless
communication, in order to lock and unlock a vehicle door, to
permit an engine start or the like in accordance with the
identification result of the ID codes.
[0023] [First Embodiment]
[0024] A portable device 1 has a device body 3 formed in a
substantially parallelepiped shape with a resinous material. The
device body 3 receives a communication unit 300 constructed with an
antenna, an ID communication processing section, a battery, a
transponder, and the like. The antenna is used for performing
wireless communication in order to identify ID codes between the
portable device 1 and a communicating circuit provided in a vehicle
electronic device. The ID communication processing part is
constructed with a transmitting/receiving circuit, a microcomputer
and the like. The battery energizes the ID communication processing
section. The transponder identifies the ID codes between the
transponder and a transponder-transmitting/receiving circuit
provided in the vehicle electronic device using an electromagnetic
wireless communication, when the battery power is run out.
[0025] The device body 3 has a receiving part 7 for receiving an
emergency key 5 which mechanically engages with the entrance system
in order to lock and unlock the entrance system, and is mainly used
when the battery power is run out. In a normal condition, the
emergency key 5 is inserted into the receiving part 7 to be
received in the receiving part 7. The receiving part 7 is formed
inside a side face 3a of the device body 3, and is located along
with the side face 3a. Specifically, the emergency key 5 is
inserted into a key cylinder provided in a vehicle door in order to
lock and unlock the vehicle door, mainly when the battery of the
portable device 1 is run out. In an electronic key system of the
entrance system, the emergency key 5 is inserted into another key
cylinder provided in a passenger compartment of the vehicle for
example, in order to switch an operating mode of the vehicle
electronic device to an electromagnetic communication mode. In the
electromagnetic communication mode, the ID codes are identified
between the transponder of the portable device 1 and the
transponder-transmitting/receiving circuit of the vehicle
electronic device.
[0026] The emergency key 5 has a button 9 in the vicinity of the
back end (upper end in FIG. 2A) of the emergency key 5 in which a
recession 200 such as an elongated key groove, cuts and the like is
not formed. That is, the button 5 is located in the substantially
longitudinally opposite side with respect to a direction in which
the emergency key is inserted into the key cylinder of the vehicle
or the like. The button 9 is pushed in a direction from the outside
of the emergency key 5 toward the inside of the emergency key 5 in
the thickness direction of the emergency key 5. In this situation,
the button 5 is displaced from a reference position in which the
button 5 is protruded from a front face (side face in the left side
in FIG. 2D) of the emergency key 5 toward a position in which the
button 5 is not protruded from the front face of the emergency key
5. When the pushing is stopped, i.e., when pushing force working on
the button 9 is released, the position of the button 5 is returned
to the reference position.
[0027] The emergency key 5 has a ring 11 on its back end. The ring
11 can be used when the emergency key 5 is hooked on a key holder
or the like, while the emergency key 5 is reserved or carried when
the emergency key 5 is pulled out of the receiving part 7 of the
portable device 1.
[0028] The side face 3a of the device body 3 forms a sidewall of
the receiving part 7. The side face 3a has a hole (first holding
hole) 13, with which the button 9 of the emergency key 5 engages,
when the emergency key 5 is received in the receiving part 7.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2D, the emergency key 5 is constructed with
a key body 15, the ring 11 and a bracket 17. The key body 15 is a
main body part of the emergency key 5, and is formed in an
elongated plate shape, for example. The bracket 17 supports the
button 9 located in the vicinity of the back end of the key body
15, and holds the ring 11 located in the back end of the key body
15.
[0030] The key body 15 has a key part K (FIG. 2A) in which the
recession 200 is formed to mechanically engage with a key mechanism
of the entrance system which is provided in the key cylinder behind
the key hole of the vehicle, for example. The key part K is a part
of the key body 15 from the fore-end (lower end in FIG. 2) of the
key body 15 to a part between the fore-end and the back end of the
key body 15.
[0031] The key body 15 has a slot 15a (FIG. 2D) in the front face
of the key body 15, in which the button 9 is provided, in the
vicinity of the back end of the key body 15. The key body 15 has a
fitting hole 15b on the opposite side (rear face) with respect to
the front face of the key body 15 for holding the bracket 17. The
key body 15 is preferably made of resin (e.g., PA66).
[0032] The bracket 17 is made of a blade spring, and is formed in a
substantially U-shape in its cross-section so as to pinch the front
face and the rear face of the key body 15 in the vicinity of the
back end of the key body 15. The bracket 17 is attached to the back
end of the key body 15 so as to pinch the front face and the rear
face of the key body 15 while hooking the ring 11 on its U-shaped
top section, so that the bracket 17 is connected with the back end
of the key body 15.
[0033] The bracket 17 has a protrusion 17b formed in a part at
which the bracket 17 contacts the rear face of the key body 15.
When the bracket 17 is attached to the back end of the key body 15,
the protrusion 17b engages with the fitting hole 15b of the key
body 15. The blade spring part 17a fits to the slot 15a of the key
body 15. An L-shaped part 17c, which is a bottom part of the blade
spring part 17a, hooks on a wall 15c of the slot 15a, so that the
bracket 17 is fixed to the key body 15.
[0034] The button 9 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of
the blade spring part 17a engaging with the slot 15a of the key
body 15. The button 9 can be integrally formed with the bracket 17.
Alternatively, the button 9 can be formed separately from the
bracket 17, and can be put on the bracket 17.
[0035] When the pushing force is not applied to the button 9, the
button 9 is urged (biased) by the bracket 17 (specifically, the
blade spring 17a ), so as to be located at the reference position
(FIGS. 2B and 2D). In the reference position, at least the outer
face (surface on the left side in FIGS. 2B and 2D) of the button 9
is outwardly protruded from the front face of the key body 15.
[0036] When the button 9 is pushed from the outside of the key body
15 (left side in FIG. 2D) into the inside of the key body 15 (right
side in FIG. 2D), the blade spring part 17a of the bracket 17 is
resiliently bent. In this situation, the outer face of the button 9
is displaced to the same level as the level of the front face of
the key body 15, or is more deeply displaced into the key body 15
exceeding the level of the front face of the key body 15. In this
situation, the blade spring part 17a of the bracket 17 is used as a
holding member which resiliently holds the button 9 in a direction
in which the button 9 returns to the reference position.
[0037] Referring back to FIG. 1A, when the emergency key 5 is
received in the receiving part 7 of the device body 3, the button 9
of the emergency key 5 engages with a first holding hole 13 of the
device body 3. Therefore, the emergency key 5 can be restricted
from dropping out of the receiving part 7 of the device body 3.
[0038] When the button 9 engaging with the first holding hole 13 is
pushed from the outside of the device body 3 in the direction shown
by Y1, an engaging condition, i.e., locking condition between the
button 9 and the first holding hole 13 can be released.
Subsequently, the back end of the emergency key 5 (ring 11) is
pulled in the direction shown by Y2 in FIG. 1B while the button 9
of the emergency key 5 is pushed from the outside of the device
body 3, so that the emergency key 5 can be pulled out of the
receiving part 7 of the device body 3.
[0039] When battery power is run out for example, the emergency key
5 is pulled out of the receiving part 7 of the device body 3, and
is used for the mechanical key system. Alternatively, the emergency
key 5 can be removed from the device body 3 when a user orders
another person to move the vehicle in a hotel, for example. In this
case, the emergency key 5 can be pulled out of the device body 3,
so as not to be illegally duplicated.
[0040] When the emergency key 5 is used for the mechanical key
system, the emergency key 5 is pulled out of the receiving part 7
of the device body 3 in the same manner as described above.
Subsequently, the emergency key 5 is inserted into a first opening
7a of the receiving part 7 of the device body 3 from the back end
(ring 11) side of the emergency key 5 in a direction shown by Y3 in
FIG. 1C by a predetermined length. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1D, the
portable device 1 becomes in a using condition in which the button
9 engages with the first holding hole 13, and the key part K of the
key body 15 protrudes from the device body 3. In this situation,
the device body 3 becomes a grip for twisting the emergency key
5.
[0041] When the using condition of the emergency key 5 shown in
FIG. 1D is changed to the normal condition shown in FIG. 1A, the
emergency key 5 and the device body 3 are operated in an opposite
order to the above operation process. That is, in the using
condition in FIG. 1D, the fore-end of the emergency key 5 is drawn
from the first opening 7a while the button 9 of the emergency key 5
is pushed from the outside of the device body 3, so that the
emergency key 5 can be pulled out of the device body 3. The
emergency key 5, which is pulled out of the receiving part 7 of the
device body 3, is inserted into the first opening 7a of the
receiving part 7 from the fore-end side of the emergency key 5.
Thus, as shown in FIG. 1A, the emergency key 5 is received in the
receiving part 7 of the device body 3, and the button 9 engages
with the first holding hole 13 of the device body 3.
[0042] In the first embodiment, the bracket 17 (holding member) and
the button 9 (button part) are provided on the emergency key 5 for
constructing a lock mechanism.
[0043] In the above structure of the portable device 1, the lock
mechanism is provided in the emergency key 5, so that the emergency
key 5 is detachably received in the receiving part 7 of the device
body 3. Therefore, only the first holding hole 13 needs to be
formed in the device body 3 for constructing the detachable
structure between the emergency key 5 and the device body 3.
Besides, a manually slidable member (FIG. 9A) or the like needs not
to be provided in the device body 3. Therefore, the device body 3
(i.e., the portable device 1) can be downsized. Here, an engaging
condition and a non-engaging condition between the button 9 of the
emergency key 5 and the first holding hole 13 of the device body 3
can be manually switched using the lock mechanism in the above
structure of the portable device 1.
[0044] Conventionally, the width of the emergency key needs to be
enlarged, or a large grip part (FIG. 9A) is additionally needed at
the back end of the emergency key to improve operability for
twisting the emergency key when the mechanical key system is locked
and unlocked.
[0045] By contrast, in the above structure of the portable device
1, the emergency key 5 is oppositely inserted from the back end
side of the emergency key 5 into the receiving part 7 of the device
body 3 when the emergency key 5 is used, so that the device body 3
can be used as a grip for twisting the emergency key 5. Therefore,
even when the width of the emergency key 5 (key body 15) is small,
the back end of the emergency key 5 is not enlarged, or a large
grip is not additionally provided, operability for twisting the
emergency key 5 can be preferably maintained. As a result, the
portable device 1 can be further downsized.
[0046] Furthermore, when the emergency key 5 is used, the button 9
of the emergency key 5 engages with the first holding hole 13 of
the device body 3 so as to be in the locking condition. Therefore,
the emergency key 5 is steadily fixed to the device body 3 which is
used as a grip body, so that operability for twisting the emergency
key 5 is further improved.
[0047] The key body 15 of the emergency key 5 can be made of a
metallic material. However, when the key body 15 is made of a
resinous material, the weight of the key body 15 can be reduced,
and the key body 15 does not affect a communicating operation of a
wireless communication circuit provided in the device body 3.
[0048] [Second Embodiment]
[0049] In the second embodiment, only the emergency key 5 is
different from the portable device 1 in the first embodiment. As
shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the button 9 (button part), a spring part
19 (holding member) supporting the button 9, and the ring 11 are
integrally formed with the resinous key body 15 of the emergency
key 5. The button 9 and a spring part 19 construct the lock
mechanism, so as to detachably hold the emergency key 5 received in
the receiving part 7 of the device body 5.
[0050] In the emergency key 5 of the second embodiment, a space 21
is formed in a part located in the vicinity of the back end of the
key body 15. The space 21 penetrates the key body 15 from its front
face to its rear face. The space 21 is equivalent to the slot 15a
in the first embodiment.
[0051] The spring part 19 is integrally formed with the key body 15
and the button 9, so as to support the button 9 in the space 21 of
the key body 15. The ring 11 is integrally formed with the back end
of the key body 15.
[0052] In the emergency key 5 of the second embodiment, when the
pushing force is not applied to the button 9, the button 9 is urged
by the spring part 19, so as to be located at the reference
position (FIGS. 3B and 3D). At the reference position, at least the
outer face (surface on the left side in FIGS. 3B and 3D) of the
button 9 is outwardly protruded from the front face of the key body
15.
[0053] When the button 9 is pushed from the outside of the key body
15 (left side in FIG. 3D) into the inside of the key body 15 (right
side in FIG. 3D), the spring part 19 is resiliently bent. In this
situation, the outer face of the button 9 is displaced to the same
level as the level of the front face of the key body 15, or is more
deeply displaced into the key body 15 exceeding the level of the
front face of the key body 15. In this case, the spring part 19 is
used as a holding member which resiliently holds the button 9 in a
direction in which the button 9 returns to the reference
position.
[0054] The structure of the second embodiment can produce the same
function as that of the first embodiment, even though the
construction of the lock mechanism differs from that of the first
embodiment.
[0055] [Third Embodiment]
[0056] In the third embodiment, only the emergency key 5 is
different from the portable device 1 in the first embodiment. As
shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the button 9 (button part) and a spring
part 23 (holding member) supporting the button 9 are formed
separately from the key body 15. The button 9 and the spring part
23 construct the lock mechanism, which is made of resin, so as to
detachably hold the emergency key 5 in the receiving part 7 of the
device body 3.
[0057] In the emergency key 5 of the third embodiment, a space 25
is formed in a part in the vicinity of the back end of the key body
15. The space 25 is equivalent to the slot 15a in the first
embodiment. The space 25 penetrates the key body 15 from its front
face to its rear face, so as to form a front opening 25a in the
front face and a rear opening 25b in the rear face of the key body
15. The rear opening 25b is larger than the front opening 25a in
the key body 15. The front opening 25a is formed in a substantially
circular shape or the like, so that the button 9 located in the
front opening 25a can partially protrude from the front opening
25a.
[0058] The key body 15 has a fixing hole 27 on the fore-end side
(lower side in FIG. 4) of the key body 15 with respect to the front
opening 25a. The fixing hole 27 penetrates the key body 15 from the
front face to the rear opening 25b of the key body 15.
[0059] The spring part 23 has the button 9 in its one longitudinal
end portion, and has a fitting protrusion 23a in the other
longitudinal end portion longitudinally opposite to the button 9.
The fitting protrusion 23a is snap-fitted to the fixing hole 27 of
the key body 15, so as to be engaged with the fixing hole 27.
[0060] The spring part 23 is put into the space 25 of the key body
15 from the side of the rear opening 25b, so as to be fixed to the
key body 15. In this situation, the button 9 is supported by the
spring part 23 so as to be protruded from the front opening
25a.
[0061] In the emergency key 5 of the third embodiment, when the
pushing force is not applied to the button 9, the button 9 is urged
by the spring part 23, so as to be located at the reference
position (FIGS. 4B and 4D). At the reference position, at least the
outer face (left side in FIGS. 4B and 4D) of the button 9 is
outwardly protruded from the front face of the key body 15.
[0062] When the button 9 is pushed from the outside of the key body
15 (left side in FIG. 4D) into the inside of the key body 15 (right
side in FIG. 4D), the spring part 23 is resiliently bent. In this
situation, the outer face of the button 9 is displaced to the same
level as the level of the front face of the key body 15, or is more
deeply displaced into the key body 15 exceeding the level of the
front face of the key body 15. In this case, the spring part 23 is
used as a holding member which resiliently supports the button 9 in
a direction in which the button 9 returns to the reference
position.
[0063] The structure of the third embodiment can produce the same
function as that of the first embodiment, even though the
construction of the lock mechanism differs from that of the first
embodiment.
[0064] In the third embodiment, the key body 15 of the emergency
key 5 can be made of a metallic material. However, it is more
advantageous when the key body 15 is made of a resinous material.
In this case, the spring part 23 is preferably made of a highly
resilient (highly elastic) resinous material compared with a
resinous material constructing the key body 15. The key body 15
needs strength so as to be durable in repeated use for dozens of
times, however the spring part 23 needs high resilience (high
elasticity) so as to be.durable for repeated bending.
[0065] [Fourth Embodiment]
[0066] A portable device 31 in the fourth embodiment has two
following structures different from those of the portable device 1
in the first embodiment.
[0067] First, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the emergency key 5 is
received in the receiving part 7 of the device body 3. The device
body 3 has a side face 7c in the opposite side to the side face 3b
having the first opening 7a of the receiving part 7. The side face
7c has a second opening 7b connected with the first opening 7a
through the receiving part 7. That is, the second opening 7b is
opposite as the first opening 7a with respect to the receiving part
7, and the emergency key 5 can pass through the receiving part 7 of
the device body 3 in the longitudinal direction of the device body
3.
[0068] Second, the side face 3a of the device body 3 has a second
holding hole 33 in addition to the first holding hole 13. That is,
the first holding hole 13 and the second holding hole 33 are
located in the same plane. The second holding hole 33 and the first
holding hole 13 are substantially symmetrically located with
respect to the substantially longitudinal center of the side face
3a. The second holding hole 33 has a substantially same shape and a
substantially same dimension as those of the first holding hole
13.
[0069] In the portable device 31 of the fourth embodiment, the
emergency key 5 can be used in the following operating process in
addition to the same operating process as that of the portable
device 1 in the first embodiment.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 5A, the emergency key 5 is received in the
receiving part 7 of the device body 3, and the button 9 of the
emergency key 5 engages with the first holding hole 13 of the
device body 3. In this situation, the lock mechanism between the
emergency key 5 and the device body 3 is locked. When the button 9
of the emergency key 5 is pushed from the outside of the device
body 3, the lock mechanism between the emergency key 5 and the
device body 3 is unlocked. As shown by Y4 in FIG. 5A, the back end
of the emergency key 5 (i.e., ring 11) is pushed toward the device
body 3 in the direction where the fore-end of the emergency key 5
protrudes from the second opening 7b of the receiving part 7, while
the button 9 of the emergency key 5 is pushed. Thus, as shown in
FIG. 5B, the emergency key 5 is slid to the second opening 7b in
the receiving part 7, so that the fore-end of the emergency key 5
protrudes from the second opening 7b of the receiving part 7.
Subsequently, the fore-end of the emergency key 5 protruding from
the second opening 7b of the receiving part 7 is drawn in the
direction shown by Y5 in FIG. 5B. Subsequently, as shown in FIG.
5C, the button 9 of the emergency key 5 engages with the second
holding hole 33 of the device body 3, while the key part K of the
emergency key 5 is protruded from the second opening 7b of the
receiving part 7. In this situation, the key part K of the
emergency key 5 is protruded from the opposite side compared with
the portable device 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1D.
[0071] In the portable device 31 of the fourth embodiment, the
emergency key 5 can be used depending on a user preference.
Therefore, a commercial value and luxuriousness of the portable
device 31 can be enhanced.
[0072] Next, the emergency key 5 is returned from the using
condition shown in FIG. 5C to the normal condition shown in FIG. 5A
in the following manner. The fore-end of the emergency key 5 in
FIG. 5C is pushed toward the device body 3 in an opposite direction
with respect to Y5 in FIG. 5B, while the button 9 engaged with the
second holding hole 33 is pushed from the outside of the device
body 3 so as to unlock the lock mechanism. The emergency key 5 is
slid toward the first opening 7a in the receiving part 7 until the
button 9 engages with the first holding hole 13 of the device body
3. Alternatively in the condition shown in FIG. 5C, the fore-end of
the emergency key 5 is pulled out of the device body 3 in the
direction Y5 in FIG. 5B, while the button 9 of the emergency key 5
is pushed from the outside of the device body 3. The emergency key
5 pulled out of the device body 3 is inserted into the first
opening 7a of the receiving part 7 from the side of the fore-end of
the emergency key 5, so that the button 9 engages with the first
holding hole 13 of the device body 3 as shown in FIG. 5A.
Alternatively, the emergency key 5 pulled out of the device body 3
can be inserted into the second opening 7b of the receiving part 7
from the side of the fore-end of the emergency key 5, so that the
emergency key 5 is received in the receiving part 7 and the button
9 engages with the second holding hole 33.
[0073] The emergency key 5 described in the second embodiment and
the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be used in the
structure of the portable device 31 in the fourth embodiment.
[0074] [Fifth Embodiment]
[0075] A portable device 31 of the fifth embodiment has two
following structures different from those of the portable device 31
in the fourth embodiment.
[0076] First, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the side face 3a of the
device body 3 has a linear slit 37 connecting between the first
holding hole 13 and the second holding hole 33.
[0077] Second, an emergency key 5' received in the device body 35
has a protrusion 9a on the outer face of the button 9 in addition
to the emergency key 5 in the first embodiment. Specifically, the
width of the protrusion 9a is slightly smaller than the gap of the
slit 37. When the emergency key 5' is slid in the receiving part 7
of the device body 3, and when the protrusion 9a is in a position
between the first holding hole 13 and the second holding hole 33,
the protrusion 9a outwardly slidably protrudes from the slit 37.
The height of the protrusion 9a is slightly larger than the depth
of the slit 37, i.e., the height of the protrusion 9a is slightly
larger than the thickness of a sidewall on the side of the side
face 3a of the device body 3.
[0078] In the structure of the device body 35 in the fifth
embodiment, the user can easily operate the emergency key 5' to
slide in the receiving part 7 so as to protrude the key part K of
the emergency key 5' from the second opening 7b of the device body
3. When the emergency key 5' is received in the receiving part 7 of
the device body 3 as shown in FIG. 6A, the protrusion 9a of the
button 9 engaging with the first holding hole 13 is pushed from the
outside of the device body 3 so as to unlock the lock mechanism.
The user hooks a finger on the protrusion 9a so as to slide the
protrusion 9a toward the second holding hole 33 in the direction
shown by Y6 in FIG. 6B along with the slit 37, so that the
emergency key 5' can be slid in the receiving part 7. Thus, as
shown in FIG. 6C, the key part k of the emergency key 5' can be
protruded from the device body 3.
[0079] When the emergency key 5' is returned from the using
condition shown in FIG. 6C to the normal condition shown in FIG.
6A, the protrusion 9a of the button 9 engaging with the second
holding hole 33 is pushed from the outside of the device body 3 so
as to unlock the lock mechanism. Subsequently, the user hooks the
finger on the protrusion 9a so as to slide the protrusion 9a toward
the first holding hole 13 along with the slit 37, so that the
emergency key 5' can be slid in the receiving part 7 to the first
opening 7a. Therefore, the key part k of the emergency key 5' can
be easily operated so as to be received in the device body 3.
[0080] The protrusion 9a can be provided on the button 9 of the
emergency key 5 described in the second embodiment and the third
embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 so as to be used as the emergency
key 5' in the structure of the portable device 35 in the fifth
embodiment.
[0081] [Sixth Embodiment]
[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, a portable device 41 of the sixth
embodiment has two following structures different from those of the
portable device 31 in the first embodiment.
[0083] First, the device body 3 has an biasing member (urging
member) 43 constructed with a spring member or a rubber member in
the end of the receiving part 7 located on the opposite side with
respect to the first opening 7a in the device body 3. When the
emergency key 5 is inserted into the receiving part 7 and the
button 9 engages with the first holding hole 13, the biasing member
43 contacts the fore-end of the emergency key 5, so as to urge the
emergency key 5 in the direction where the emergency key 5 is
displaced from the receiving part 7.
[0084] In the portable device 41 of the sixth embodiment, when the
emergency key 5 is received in the receiving part 7 and the button
9 of the emergency key 5 engaging with the first holding hole 13 is
pushed from the outside of the device body 3, the lock mechanism is
unlocked. In this situation, the back end of the emergency key 5
automatically pops out of the first opening 7a of the receiving
part 7 by urging pressure of the biasing member 43. Therefore, when
the emergency key 5 is used to lock and unlock the mechanical key
system, for example, the emergency key 5 can be easily pulled out
of the receiving part 7 of the device body 3.
[0085] The emergency key 5 described in the second embodiment and
the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be used in the
structure of the portable device 41 in the sixth embodiment.
[0086] [Seventh Embodiment]
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, an emergency key 51, has pits
200' recessed from the surface of the in the key part k of the
emergency key 5". The pits (recession) 200' are formed to
mechanically engage with the mechanical key system of the entrance
system which is provided in the key cylinder behind the key hole of
the vehicle or the like. The structure of the holding member 9, 19,
23 of the emergency key 5 described in the second embodiment and
the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be used in the
emergency key 5" of the seventh embodiment.
[0088] The structure of the portable device in the present
invention can be applied to various structures of portable devices
or the like. For example, the button 9 of the emergency key 5, 5',
5" can be supported by another member or in another structure
different from those of the above embodiments as long as force
returning the button 9 to the initial position (reference position)
works when the button 9 is pushed. For example, the emergency key
includes a substantially cylindrical holding space for movably
supporting the button 9, so that the button 9 can protrude from the
side face of the emergency key 5, 5', 5" and can be received in the
emergency key 5, 5', 5". A spring is further provided in the
holding space to urge the button 9 in the direction where the
button protrudes from the side face of the emergency key 5, 5', 5".
In this case, the holding space and the spring are used as the
holding member.
[0089] The shape of the portable device is not limited to the
substantially parallelepiped, and can be in various other
shapes.
[0090] The emergency key 5, 5', 5" can be laterally received in the
device body 3. The physical relationship between the emergency key
5, 5', 5" and the device body 3 is not limited to those of the
above embodiments, and any structures of the emergency key 5, 5',
5" and the device body 3 can be used as long as the emergency key
5, 5', 5" has at least a part of the lock mechanism.
[0091] The shape of the emergency key is not limited to a plate
shape, and can be various other shapes, such as a cylindrical
shape. Various key systems, such as a magnetic lock key can be
applied to the emergency key 5, 5', 5".
[0092] The recession 200, 200' is not necessary formed in the
emergency key 5, 5', 5" when the emergency key is used in the
magnetic lock key or the like.
[0093] The location of the communication unit 300 is not limited to
the location shown in the above embodiments. The communication unit
300 can be located at any part of the device body 3.
[0094] The entrance system is not limited for locking and unlocking
the vehicle door. The entrance system can be also used for
permitting engine start or the like.
[0095] The present invention is not limited to the vehicle
electronic key system, and can be similarly used in any kinds of
electronic key systems of a house or the like.
[0096] Various modifications and alternations may be made to the
above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
* * * * *