JP5584501B2 - Key management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a key management system for storing and managing a key in a box with a door.

  Conventionally, when managing keys, the keys are managed together in a dedicated storage box. The person who uses the key takes out the required number from the box. At this time, if another person wants to use the same key, if the key is being taken out, it is not convenient to know who owns the key. In order to solve this, by deciding the address where the key inside the management is stored, giving each key an ID, and making the box address and the key ID correspond one-to-one, 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique that can manage whether or not a key is owned is known. Further, there is a technique in which a door is provided in the key management box, and each key user has a different ID as an authority to open the door, and the door can be unlocked only by the ID. This makes it possible to manage when and who is taking out the key at which location. As such a key management system, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

  In the invention of Patent Document 1, a number is assigned to a key tag of a key, and a different number is assigned to each key. Then, the same number as that number is assigned to each storage position in the box, and when the key tag is stored at that position, the presence or absence of the key is automatically detected by a switch or the like equipped on the key tag. On the other hand, when the key is taken out of the place, the key can be recognized by the switch being not recognized. The person who opens the key storage box, for example, causes the reader to recognize a wireless tag, a magnetic card, etc. owned only by that person, recognizes the individual, and automatically manages the unlocking authority confirmation and the take-out time. Alternatively, automatic identification methods such as fingerprint authentication, vein authentication, and face authentication may be employed.

  The ID for identifying the individual key, the mechanism for associating the ID with the storage position in the box, and the ID for managing the take-out person require very complicated implementation means, and there is a problem that the implementation cost is increased. In particular, when the number of keys to be managed increases, the number of keys when a wireless tag having a complicated structure or other hardware is used as a means for realizing a mechanism for managing and managing the unique ID of a key and its storage location. The number of minute hardware is required and there is a drawback that is very cost-sensitive.

  Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the applicant invented and proposed Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-160104. According to the present invention, information on "where the key is stored in the key management box" is managed, but the number of each key is not managed as electronic information. As for “which key is being taken out”, the individual key can be distinguished by managing the storage position unique to the key. That is, only the function of determining the presence / absence of a key by providing a simple switch ON / OFF is provided in the key management box where the key is stored. As a result, the individual ID of each key is not particularly distinguished, and it is possible to identify and manage individual keys by identifying whether there is a key in the stored position only by turning this switch ON / OFF. Can do. On the other hand, for the person who uses the key, an ID different for each individual is identified by an inexpensive RFID tag card, and this is read by the RFID tag reader to give permission to unlock the key management box.

JP 2005-139789 A

  However, when the presence / absence of the key is determined by a simple switch at the key storage position, there is a risk that an error may occur in which the key is inserted into a storage position different from the key unique number. That is, even if a key tag is inserted at a position of a number different from the number unique to the key by mistake, the switch detects the key tag. In other words, the invention of the prior application has a problem that even if the key is stored in the wrong position, the number unique to the key and the storage position number are not managed as electronic information, and are stored as they are.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to prevent a key from being stored in a wrong position by a mechanical means in order to prevent storing the key in a wrong position. The position is to provide a key management system that prevents keys from entering.

To achieve the above object, the key management system of the present invention, a key storage box provided with a plurality of key storage unit for storing the respective internal key, a switch to each key storage unit, the key is connected to the storage box, the key management system characterized Rukoto comprises determining control whether the key based on the plurality of information for the switch provided in each key storage unit of the key storage box, the key storage the switch provided on the parts, possess only oN / OFF contact without having a storage position information individually, the control device a switch of the same structure in each key storage unit, the control device, each key The presence or absence of a key in each key storage unit is determined from the ON / OFF information of the switch from the storage unit , and each key storage unit is made of a plate-like member and is locked by hooking the key, and A key to keep there While a protrusion provided in or Re, an opening is provided in the other, when the shape of the protrusion the opening match, characterized in that storing the key in the locking portion.
In addition, in order for each locking part and each key or the key tag of the key to be accurately engaged, a guide for guiding the key tag is provided in the locking part, or the upper edge of the locking plate provided with the locking part. It is also possible to form the guides by folding the portions on both sides of the locking portion of the portion or the lower edge portion to the back side of the locking plate, or by overlapping the plate on the horizontally long locking plate. It is one aspect | mode.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can be managed reliably whether the peculiar key which should be stored at the right position inside a key management box is stored. Moreover, this function can be realized very simply and inexpensively by using a key tag with a simple structure and providing only one hole or protrusion at an arbitrary position of the key tag. In addition, the key management box side can also be realized simply and inexpensively by using only a hook metal fitting provided with a protrusion and storing it without erroneously inserting only a specific key at a specified position. Furthermore, even after moving, it is possible to cope with expansion or replacement by simply exchanging the parts in this part.

1 is a layout diagram showing the overall configuration of a key management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view of the key storage box in Example 1 of this invention Wiring diagram showing the configuration of the key storage box in Embodiment 1 of the present invention The figure which shows the structure of the hook metal fitting in Example 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the mounting state to the key tag and hook metal fitting in Example 1 of this invention The front view which shows the state which accommodated the key tag in the hook metal fitting provided in the inside of the key storage box in Example 1 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the front side of the hook metal fitting in Example 2 of this invention The perspective view which shows the back side of the hook metal fitting in Example 2 of this invention The perspective view seen from the front side at the time of accommodating the key tag in the hook metal fitting in Example 2 of this invention The perspective view seen from the back side at the time of accommodating the key tag in the hook metal fitting in Example 2 of this invention The perspective view which shows the front side of the hook metal fitting in Example 3 of this invention The perspective view which shows the back side of the hook metal fitting in Example 3 of this invention The perspective view seen from the front side at the time of accommodating the key tag in the hook metal fitting in Example 3 of this invention The perspective view seen from the back side at the time of accommodating the key tag in the hook metal fitting in Example 3 of this invention The perspective view which looked at the modification of the structure of the hook metal fitting in Example 3 of this invention from the back side

  Embodiments of a key management system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the same or similar components are denoted by common reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In each embodiment, the key tag is attached to the key tag. However, the key itself may be provided with the opening (or protrusion) of the present invention. The key in the present invention includes both the key itself and a key tag to which the key is attached.

[1-1. System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a key storage box having a key storage unit 6 for storing a plurality of keys therein. A cable 30 is connected to the key storage box 1 for transmitting ON / OFF information of a switch provided in the internal key storage unit 6 to the outside. As this cable 30, a standard serial signal interface cable such as RS232C can be used. When a plurality of key storage boxes 1 are installed, an extension cable 31 for transmitting data between the key storage boxes 1 is connected to the key storage box 1. An outlet 2 is connected to the key storage box 1 for supplying power.

  A control device 3 is connected to the key storage box 1 via the cable 30 and manages ON / OFF information of switches provided in the key storage unit 6. In order to manage the ON / OFF information of the switches provided in the storage unit, a general personal computer can be used as the control unit 1, and the AC adapter 4 is connected as the power source. Reference numeral 5 denotes a wireless tag card reader connected to the control unit 3. The wireless tag card reader 5 reads data recorded on a wireless tag card held by a user. As the wireless tag card reader 5, a non-contact type IC card such as FeliCa (registered trademark) can be used.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the key storage box 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the key storage box 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 6 denotes a key storage unit provided on the inner main body side of the key storage box 1. A plurality of storage units 6 are provided in the key storage box 1 in accordance with the number of keys stored in the key storage box 1. In the first embodiment, each key can be stored in a predetermined storage unit 6 by hooking a key tag (including a key holder) connected to the key via a key or a key ring. Inside each storage unit 6 is provided a key detection switch 7 that can be turned on / off by storing a key or key tag in the storage unit 6.

  A door switch 8 is provided on the main body side of the key storage box 1. When the lid of the key storage box 1 is opened and closed, the door switch 8 is pressed on a protrusion provided on the door switch 8 to distinguish ON / OFF. Reference numeral 9 denotes an electric lock provided on the lid side of the key storage box 1.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a control board provided on the main body side of the key storage box 1. The control board 10 is connected to the key detection switch 7 and the door switch 8 of each storage unit 6 in the key storage box 1, converts the ON / OFF signal input from each switch 7 into serial data, and passes through the cable 30. Then, the converted data is output to the control device 3. The control device 3 is connected to the electric lock 9 and opens and closes the electric lock 9 based on the command.

[1-2. Configuration of storage unit]
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the storage unit 6 in the first embodiment of the present invention. Each storage unit 6 is provided on a plurality of hooks 11 that are horizontally long plates. Each hook 11 is provided with a plurality of locking portions 11a for hooking the key tags, and the locking portions 11a serve as a key storage portion 6. The locking portion 11a is provided with a protruding portion 11b having a different position for each locking portion 11a. In the present embodiment, each storage unit 6 is composed of the locking portion 11a and the protruding portion 11b.

  FIG. 5A shows the key tag 12 stored in the storage unit 6. The key tag 12 is provided with a key attachment portion 12a. The key tag 12 has a substantially U shape so that the hook portion 12b at the top of the tag can be hooked on the locking portion 11a. The hook 12b is provided with an opening 12c having a different position for each key tag 12. In addition, the key tag 12 may be provided with a hole 12d in the key attachment portion, and the key may be attached via the key ring 12e.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a configuration of the storage unit 6 using a box-type micro switch as the key detection switch 7. That is, 14 is a back plate of the storage unit 6, 15 is a base connected to the control base 10 inside the key storage box 1 provided on the back plate 14, and a box-shaped microswitch is placed on the base 15. 16 is installed. The microswitch 16 is a box-shaped case in which movable and fixed contacts of the switch are housed, and a part of the movable contact protrudes from the case. For the movable and fixed contacts in the case, an ON / OFF signal is transmitted to the outside by soldering a lead wire from the outside of the case. Reference numeral 17 denotes a stay for supporting the microswitch 16 on the hook metal fitting 11 constituting the storage unit 6. This stay 17 adjusts the installation position of the micro switch 16 so that the micro switch 16 is turned on when the key tag is hooked on the hook metal fitting 11.

[1-3. System Action]
In Example 1 having such a configuration, when a key is taken out from the key storage box 1, the user causes the wireless tag card reader 5 to read the wireless tag card owned by the user. The ID of the wireless tag card read by the wireless tag card reader 5 is transmitted to the control device 3. The control device 3 checks whether or not the read ID has the key take-out authority, and if it has the take-out authority, outputs a lid unlocking command to the key storage box 1 and simultaneously opens it. Record the time when the lock command is output. The key storage box 1 to which the unlocking instruction is input outputs an unlocking instruction to the electric lock 9 from the control base 10, the key of the electric lock 9 is removed, and the lid of the key storage box 1 is opened. On the other hand, if the read ID has no take-out authority, the lid unlocking command is not output to the key storage box 1, so that the lid of the key storage box 1 is not opened.

  When the lid of the key storage box 1 is opened, the user takes out the desired key from the storage unit 6. Thus, when the key tag 12 is removed from the storage unit 6, the key detection switch 7 is turned off. The OFF signal of the key detection switch 7 is transmitted to the control board 10, changed to serial data by the control board 10, and output to the control device 3. Based on this signal, the output device 3 records which storage unit 6 key has been taken out.

  On the other hand, when the key is stored in the key storage box 1, the key storage box 1 is opened in the same procedure as when the key is taken out from the key storage box 1. Thereafter, the user stores (hangs) the key tag 12 with the key in the storage unit 6. When the key tag 12 with the key is stored in the storage unit 6, the key detection switch 7 is turned on. The ON signal of the key detection switch 7 is transmitted to the control board 10, changed to serial data by the control board 10, and output to the control device 3. Based on this signal, the output device records where the key of the storage unit 6 is stored.

[1-4. Operation of storage unit]
The operation of the storage unit 6 having the configuration as shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, since the position of the locking portion 11b is different for each storage portion, when the key tag is inserted into the hook metal fitting 11 of the storage portion 6, the protrusion of the hook metal fitting 11 must be inserted unless it is inserted into the correct storage portion 6. Since the positions of the portion 11b and the opening 12a of the key tag 12 do not match, the key tag is not inserted. On the other hand, when the key tag is inserted into the correct storage section 6, the positions of the protrusion 11b and the opening 12a coincide with each other, so that the key tag is inserted to the back. Thus, the key tag is detected by the switch provided inside the storage unit 6.

[1-5. effect]
As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to checking the take-out authority using a wireless tag card, an unlock command is output when a lid unlock command is output to the key storage box 1. Record the time spent. As a result, a user without take-out authority cannot open the key storage box, and security is maintained. Furthermore, even when there are a plurality of users having the take-out authority, it becomes clear which user opened the door at what time, so that convenience can be improved.

  Further, when the key storage box 1 is unlocked and the key is taken out from the inside of the box, it is possible to manage and record the location where the key stored is taken out. This makes it possible to manage and record when and who took out which key.

  Further, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated RFID tag card, and the ID data portion of the ID card can be used. For this reason, Suika (registered trademark), Ikoka (registered trademark), and the like, which are electronic commuter passes that are currently popular, may be used. This eliminates the need to create a new tag card for this system.

  Also, in the storage space of the key storage box, each key is not identified, but only the presence or absence of the key is identified, so there is no need to embed an ID tag for recognizing each key in the key. . For this reason, even if the key management quantity increases, it is not necessary to embed an ID tag in the newly added key, so that the cost of the key itself accompanying the introduction of the system can be reduced to zero. On the other hand, the key storage box 1 itself is simple because the mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of a key is sufficient if it has only one very simple switch. Furthermore, if the number of keys to be managed increases, the number of key management boxes will be increased by adding a new key storage box 1 and connecting the control boards inside the key storage box 1 with a communication cable. can do.

  Furthermore, it is possible to automatically manage whether a unique key that should be stored is stored in a correct position inside the key management box. Moreover, this function can be realized very simply and inexpensively by using a key tag with a simple structure and only making one hole in the key tag. A structure capable of storing only a specific key in the designated storage unit 6 without mistaken insertion can be realized simply and inexpensively by using only a hook metal fitting provided with a protrusion on the key management box side. Furthermore, even after the apparatus is moved, it is possible to cope with expansion or replacement by simply exchanging the parts in this portion.

  In the present embodiment, guides are provided on the left and right so that the key tag does not enter the hook metal fitting 11 of the storage unit 6 of the first embodiment obliquely. This prevents the key tag from being detected despite the wrong key tag when the key tag is inserted obliquely.

[2-1. Constitution]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the front side of the hook metal fitting 11 of the storage unit 6 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the back side of the hook metal fitting 11. 7 and 8, a part of the metal plate constituting the hook metal 11 is folded back on the back surface by the thickness of the key tag. The folded portion serves as a guide portion 11c that protrudes to the left and right of the locking portion 11a of the hook portion 11 that houses the key tag.

[2-2. Action]
In Example 2 having such a configuration, a portion where a part of the hook metal fitting 11 is folded back serves as a guide 11c for guiding the left and right sides of the key tag, thereby preventing the key tag from being inserted obliquely. Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  9 is a perspective view seen from the front side when the key tag 12 is housed in the hook metal fitting 11, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from the back side when the key tag 12 is housed in the hook metal fitting 11. FIG. 9 and 10, the left and right edges of the key tag 12 are guided by the guide portion 11 c of the hook metal fitting 11 and do not shift to the left and right. That is, the key tag inserted into the gap portion corresponding to the thickness of the key tag surrounded by the hook metal fitting 11, the guide portion 11c, and the surface of the back plate 14 of the storage unit 6 is guided vertically and inclined. There is nothing.

As a result, when the key tag 12 is stored in the hook metal fitting 11, when the opening of the key tag and the protrusion of the tag match, the key tag 12 is inserted into the storage space. On the other hand, if the opening of the key tag does not match the protrusion of the tag, it cannot be inserted into the storage space. Further, since the key tag 12 is prevented from being shifted left and right by the guide of the hook metal fitting 11, even if an attempt is made to insert the key tag obliquely into the predetermined storage unit 6, the key tag is inserted because of the guide. Never happen.
[2-3. effect]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the key tag does not enter diagonally by the guide 11c provided on the hook metal fitting 11. Therefore, the key can be securely stored in the correct place.

  In the present embodiment, a guide plate 13 having a notch matched to the width of the key tag is superimposed on the back side of the hook 11 of the storage unit 6 of the first embodiment. This ensures that the key is stored in the correct place.

[3-1. Constitution]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the front side of the hook 11 of the storage unit 6 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the back side of the hook 11. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a guide plate 13 is fixed to the back surface of the hook metal fitting 11. The guide plate 13 is formed with an upper-opening cutout portion 13a into which the hook portion 12a of the key tag 12 is inserted, and the left and right become guide portions 11c.

[3-2. Action]
In Example 3 having such a configuration, when the key tag 12 is inserted into the locking portion 11a, the guide portion 11c of the guide plate 13 superimposed on the back surface of the hook metal fitting 11 is prevented from inserting the key tag obliquely. To do. Hereinafter, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  13 is a perspective view seen from the front side when the key tag 12 is housed in the hook metal fitting 11, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view seen from the back side when the key tag 12 is housed in the hook metal fitting 11. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the key tag 12 is guided to the guide portion 11 c of the guide plate 13 on the back of the hook 11, so that it does not shift to the left and right when inserted. That is, the key tag inserted in the gap corresponding to the thickness of the key tag surrounded by the hook metal fitting 11, the guide plate 13 and the surface of the back plate 14 of the storage unit 6 is guided vertically (in the insertion direction) and inclined. Absent.

  In such a present Example, when the opening part 12a of the key tag 12 and the projection part b of the hook metal fitting 11 match, it inserts to the back of the latching | locking part 11a. On the other hand, if the positions of the key tag opening 12a and the protrusion 11b do not match, the key tag cannot be inserted into the locking portion 11a. In particular, since the key tag 12 is prevented from being shifted left and right by the guide portion 11c of the guide plate 13, even if the key tag 12 is to be inserted into the fixed storage portion 6 at an angle, the guide plate 13 is present. The key tag 12 cannot be inserted diagonally.

[3-3. effect]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, if the positions of the key tag opening 12a and the protrusion 11b are shifted, the key tag cannot be set in the locking portion 11a. Insertion can be reliably prevented. As a result, a key management system that can manage whether or not a unique key that should be stored at the correct position of the hook 11 is stored can be realized very simply and inexpensively.

[Other embodiments]
The storage unit and each switch are not limited to the structures exemplified in the above embodiments, and the shape thereof can be modified as follows, for example, as long as the function of the present invention can be realized.

(1) FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the configuration of the storage unit 6 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, a cut groove 12 f is provided in the hook portion 12 b of the key tag 12, and a protrusion 13 b is also provided in the guide plate 13 on the back surface of the hook metal 11. By combining the two, the key tag 12 is locked only at the correct position of the hook 11. Thereby, erroneous insertion can be reliably prevented.

(2) Avoiding the key detection switch 7 on the surface of the back plate 14 of the key storage box 6, and providing a pair of protrusions (rod-like protrusions) along the insertion direction of the key tag on the left and right sides of the insertion portion of the key tag 12, The protrusions may use the left and right sides of the key tag as a guide. Instead of attaching a single guide plate 13 as in the third embodiment, a thin square bar is attached, the back plate 14 is press-molded, or a part of the back plate 14 is cut and raised to form a rail. Anyway. When the back plate 14 is plastic, the guide may be formed by integral molding.

(3) In each embodiment, a general micro switch is taken as an example of the key detection switch 7, but a switch such as an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a piezoelectric sensor may be used. In particular, the present invention can be realized at low cost by using a switch having a simple structure and a leaf spring.

(4) In the illustrated embodiment, the key tag 12 is provided with the opening 12c and the hook 11 is provided with the protrusion 11b. However, the opening 12c and the protrusion 11b may be reversed. Instead of changing the plate of the opening 12c and the projection 11b with the storage unit 6 and the corresponding key (key tag), the width, shape, number, etc. of both are changed for each storage unit 6 and the key (key tag). Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Key storage box 2 ... Outlet 3 ... Control apparatus 4 ... AC adapter 5 ... RFID tag reader 6 ... Storage part 7 ... Key detection switch 8 ... Door switch 9 ... Electric lock 10 ... Control board 11 ... Hook 11a ... Stop part 11b ... Projection part 11c ... Guide part 12 ... Key tag 12a ... Key attachment part 12b ... Hook part 12c ... Opening part 12d ... Hole 12f ... Cut groove 13 ... Guide plate 13a ... Section part 13b ... Projection part 14 ... Back plate 15 ... Board 16 ... Microswitch 17 ... Stay

Claims (4)

A plurality of key storage unit for storing each key within a key storage box provided with a switch to each key storage unit,
Connected to said key storage box, in the key management system characterized Rukoto comprises determining control whether the key based on the plurality of information for the switch provided in each key storage unit of the key storage box,
The switch provided in the key storage unit, possess only ON / OFF contact without having a storage position information individually,
The control device consists of a switch of the same structure in each key storage unit, the control unit discriminates whether the key in the key storage unit by ON / OFF information on the switch from the key storage unit,
Each key storage part is made of a plate-like member and is provided with a locking part that is locked by hooking the key, and a protrusion is provided on one of the keys stored therein, and an opening is provided on the other .
The key management system shape of the protruding portion and the opening portion if they match, characterized by storing the key in the locking portion. The key management system of claim 1 wherein the locking portion, characterized in that said projection and said opening is provided with a guide for guiding the key tag in a direction to correctly engage. The plurality of locking portions are provided on the horizontally long plate at regular intervals,
The key management system according to claim 2 , wherein a guide is formed by folding an upper edge or a lower edge of the plate on both sides of the locking portion to a back side of the plate. The plurality of locking portions are provided on the horizontally long plate at regular intervals,
3. The key management system according to claim 2, wherein a guide plate is formed by overlapping another plate having a cutout portion in accordance with the position of each locking portion on the horizontally long plate, and an edge of the cutout portion. .