EP1080286A1

EP1080286A1 - Electronic lock with mechanical clutch

Info

Publication number: EP1080286A1
Application number: EP99920916A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michel Iscla
Original assignee: Euronetics France
Current assignee: Euronetics France
Priority date: 1998-05-27
Filing date: 1999-05-26
Publication date: 2001-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-26
Also published as: ES2182520T3; AU3831499A; CA2333140A1; IL139698A0; TR200003463T2; HUP0102645A3; JP2002516936A; PL344473A1; DE69902380D1; HU225755B1; CN1265071C; FR2779168A1; FR2779168B1; WO1999061728A1; ATE221609T1; HK1038387A1; KR20010071326A; EP1080286B1; JP4526706B2; PL192770B1

Abstract

The invention concerns an electronic barrel comprising a barrel body (12, 14) and a rotary-lock key bit (10), the barrel body comprising at least a rotor (32, 34) having a common axis with the body and the rotary-lock key bit and freely rotating in said body, a clutch part (40, 42) coupled in rotation with the rotor and comprising meshing means co-operating with means matching the key bit so as to drive in rotation said key bit by the rotor by the action of a rotating torque of the key (8), and locking means for preventing the clutch part (40, 42) from being translated when there is no recognition of an identification code transmitted between the key and the barrel, the locking means are further mounted integral in the rotary-lock key bit and the rotor is mobile in translation for thrusting the clutch part towards the key bit when said identification code is recognised.

Description

Electronic lock with mechanical clutch

Technical area

The present invention relates to an electronic lock, the unlocking of which is ensured by a key having a right of access recognized by an identification code.

Prior art

Currently, most of the conventional or security locks available on the market are mechanical locks. However, there are certain locks, called electromechanical, which combine traditional mechanical coding (resulting from the more or less elaborate profile of the blade of the key) with electronic coding.

Furthermore, it is shown, in particular by US Pat. No. 4,856,310, another type of lock, qualified as an electronic lock, the locking and unlocking of which results from the simple comparison of an identification code present at the same time in the lock and in the key, without it being necessary to add any additional mechanical coding to it. This type of lock, fully electronic, is however still completely absent from the market today. This is of course not a coincidence. Indeed, such an electronic lock still has particularly significant drawbacks which, in practice, effectively prohibit its marketing. First of all, in case of loss of key for example, the modification of the identification codes proves impossible without resorting to the manufacturer of the lock. Then, the power supply of these locks is supposed to be carried out by batteries, which is a problem given their necessarily limited lifetimes. Finally, the internal structure of these locks, and in particular their barrel, is still particularly complex (because often simply adapted from traditional mechanical locks) and above all unreliable as illustrated by the structure of the barrel (notably based on several springs compressed at rest ) of the aforementioned patent. The first two problems are fortunately no longer relevant. Indeed, with the European patent application EP-A-805 906, the company under Luxembourg law Electronic key Systems (EKS) SARL has solved the problem of modifying the identification code of the lock by adding means to the key. programming allowing this modification directly by the user. Likewise, the problem posed by the power supply is also recently resolved by the international PCT patent application WO 97/48867, filed on behalf of this same company, which proposed a key having means of autonomous generation of energy. So more remains to this day than looking for these electronic locks a simple barrel structure which allows finally, and against all odds, their marketing.

OBJECT AND DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is therefore an electronic barrel of simple structure, adapted to an electronic environment and comprising in particular a very limited number of internal parts. An object of the invention is also to propose a particularly reliable (robust) and efficient barrel, in particular with reduced energy consumption. Another object of the invention is to obtain a barrel which is well protected from shocks and vibrations or from dust. Yet another object of the invention is to produce a barrel that is as resistant as possible to tearing, sinking or picking (burglar-proof protection). One goal is also to be able to manage key conflicts very simply. These goals are achieved by electronic barrel comprising a barrel body and a rotary locking bit, the barrel body comprising at least one rotor having the same axis as the body and the rotary locking pin and free to rotate in this body, one piece clutch linked in rotation to the rotor and comprising meshing means cooperating with complementary means of the bit so as to allow the rotation of this bit by the rotor under the action of a torque of rotation of the key , and locking means for preventing the translation of the clutch part in the absence of recognition of an identification code transmitted between the key and the barrel, characterized in that said locking means are also mounted integrally in the rotary locking bit and in that said rotor is movable in translation to allow a thrust of the clutch part towards the bit in case of recognition of said identification code. By this structure with a particularly limited number of mechanical parts, the movement of the bit can be carried out without great difficulty through the clutch part from the simple torque of rotation of the key and without the control of the locking means (unlocking ) of the bit does not require much energy. Preferably, the stop of the electronic barrel is constituted by a simple protective flap pivoting about an axis parallel to the axis of the at least one rotor, between an initial position and a final release position. The protective flap acts against the action of a return spring intended to automatically return this flap to its initial position when the key is removed.

Advantageously, the motor means comprise an electric microactuator with an axis parallel to the axis of the at least one rotor, the release of the at least one stop being effected by means of a drive pinion carried by an output shaft. of the electric microactuator and meshing on a toothed sector integral with the stop.

The clutch part is formed of a cylindrical ring provided with a central disc and comprising on either side of this central disc meshing means in the form of grooves to ensure the connection in rotation on the one hand with the bit and on the other hand with the rotor. The central disc of the clutch part includes a central stud intended to cooperate with the release stop for this part.

According to an embodiment characteristic, the electronic barrel further comprises at least one compression spring interposed between the rotor and the clutch part. It may further comprise at least one return caliper secured to the rotor and intended to cooperate with the clutch part to allow its release from the bit when the key is withdrawn. Preferably, the return caliper comprises an annular disc provided with at least one foot passing through the clutch part and fixed to the rotor, the disc cooperating with a surface of the clutch part perpendicular to the axis of the at least a rotor. According to another embodiment characteristic, the electronic barrel further comprises at least one stop ring integral with the barrel body and intended to limit the translation of the at least one rotor in the direction of the bit. According to yet another characteristic of embodiment, the electronic barrel comprises at least one disengaging finger formed by two independent parts separated by a single compression spring and intended to ensure a blocking of the key in the rotor to allow the clutch part to disengage from the rotary bit when removing the key. Preferably, this disengaging finger is mounted peiculendicular to the axis of the at least one rotor in an opening partly passing through the rotor, a first end of this disengaging finger coming flush with the key conduit to come into contact with an orifice. of the key and a second end protruding from the outer wall of the rotor to come into contact with a longitudinal groove in the inner wall of the barrel. The groove of the internal wall of the barrel coφs can comprise at least one inclined part to facilitate the compression of the single spring during the displacement of the rotor after the introduction of the key. Thus, the removal of the key is impossible outside an angular position defined by the precise location of the groove.

Advantageously, the bit comprises an annular conductive track intended to cooperate with a single fixed electrical contact of the barrel coφs in order to allow a supply of energy to the motor means. Likewise, the barrel co comportes comprises at least one perforation peφendicular to the axis of the at least one rotor intended to receive an electrical contact, advantageously of the ball type, for cooperating with a corresponding conducting element of the key. Electronic circuits arranged in a cavity of the barrel co ets and connected on the one hand to at least one electrical ball contact and on the other hand to the single fixed electrical contact, are further provided so that the supply of the driving means bit can be made directly from the key through electronic circuits.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic barrel according to the invention comprises a first rotor or inner rotor and a second rotor or outer rotor and the protective flap of the outer rotor has a width greater than that of the protective flap of the inner rotor, so that the introduction of a key into the outer key conduit does not allow the bit to be driven in the presence of an unrecognized key in the conduit interior key. In this case, at least one connecting bar of a length greater than the width of the bit, disposed at this bit between the return stirrups and intended to cooperate with the latter to prevent the simultaneous engagement of the inner and outer rotors if two keys are inserted into the two key conduits. The invention also relates to a lock with one or two rotors provided with an electronic barrel as mentioned above.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following description, given by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a barrel of an electronic lock according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the various internal components of the barrel of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of the barrel of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a section on plane IV-IV of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a section along the plane V-V of FIG. 4, and

- Figure 6 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 5 but after a rotation of the rotor.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

Figure 1 shows in external perspective an embodiment of a barrel of an electronic lock according to the invention. This barrel, conforming in size to a conventional mechanical double cylinder (for example of European symmetrical type with double entry as illustrated), conventionally comprises, mounted between two parts of upstream and downstream coφs 12, 14, an intermediate rotary locking bit 10 intended upon actuation of the bolt (not shown) of this lock. These two parts of upstream and downstream costs fit into each other for example using a connecting finger extending from the upstream portion of coφs and fixed in a corresponding opening of the downstream portion of coφs (see FIG. 3) by means of any fixing elements (for example two screws 16).

Each part of coφs is crossed by two half-retaining rings 18, 20 (shown outside the barrel) whose function will be specified further. To prevent any loss of these rods, two upstream and downstream retaining rings (not shown) can simply be force fitted to cover these two parts of the barrel coφs. However, any other means of protecting these rods in order to prevent their removal can also be envisaged as a sealing in the parts of coφs by welding or brazing or total coverage by a simple cover.

It will be noted that in the initial rest position (in the absence of a key) as illustrated, the bit is slightly inclined relative to the vertical. Of course, the invention cannot be limited to this single embodiment of a barrel of the European double cylinder type and it naturally finds application in all types of European or international barrel (and even possibly non-standardized models), for example in a barrel of simple button cylinder type or even of half cylinder type.

The detail of the main internal parts constituting the barrel is illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 2. A distinction is made, starting from one or the other of the two upstream and downstream ends of the barrel and going towards its center where locates the bit: an upstream or downstream rotor (respectively inner 32 and outer 34 rotors) in which is made a conduit 36 (respectively 38) to receive a key 8 (more precisely the rod or blade of this key), a piece of clutch 40 (respectively 42) driven by the rotor and intended to come into engagement with the bit 10, and a return caliper 44 (respectively 46) integral with the rotor. Between the two upstream and downstream stirrups, that is to say substantially at the level of the bit, is disposed a support 48 intended to receive an electric actuator, for example a micromotor 50, and which is crossed by a support axis 52 fixedly carrying each of its two ends a stop constituted by a protective flap 54, 56. The release by pivoting of these flaps (in case of recognition of a code identification) is ensured by means of a toothed sector 58 also fixedly attached to the support axis 52 and engaged with a drive pinion 60 carried by an output shaft of the micromotor 50. A wound return spring 62 is mounted on the support axis 52 and cooperates with a spring stop 64 to allow automatic return of the protective flaps 54, 56 when the key is removed.

Of course, this exemplary embodiment with pivoting protective flaps under the action of a rotary micromotor is in no way limiting and it is entirely conceivable to provide for the release of an axial stop by means of a linear micromotor.

Finally, two connecting bars 66, 68 (without this number being limiting) whose length is greater than the width of the bit are provided to slide on each side of the support 48 and define a minimum distance between the upstream return stirrups 44 and downstream 46 and thus prohibit a simultaneous clutching of the two rotors on the bit 10 in the event of the simultaneous introduction of two keys on each side of the barrel.

Figures 3 and 4 are views in longitudinal section of the electronic barrel of Figure 1 which more precisely locate the internal parts illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 3 is made in the vertical plane of symmetry of the barrel and Figure 4, which is shown with the key 8 inserted in the inner rotor, is produced in a horizontal plane passing through the axis of symmetry of the rotors. We find the locking bit 10 mounted between an inner stator 22 and an outer stator 24 forming the outer parts of the barrel coφs. The internal stator is secured to the external stator by a connecting finger through which two screws or fixing pins 16 pass. These two stators are each provided with a longitudinal cylindrical perforation 26, 28 having the same axis and in which the main internal components are arranged. of the barrel. One of these stators, for example the internal stator 22, is furthermore provided with a cavity for receiving the electronic circuits of the barrel 30.

In the upstream part of the barrel (the different parts described below are identical in the downstream part), there is the inner rotor 32 (referenced 34 downstream) movable in translation in the inner stator 22 (24) between a rest position (in the absence of a key) and an open position limiting the translation of the rotor in the direction of the bit and in which this rotor is in contact with the upstream stop ring 18, 20.

The rotor has at one of its two ends the key duct 36 (38) and at the other end a first engagement means 70 (72) for cooperating with a corresponding second engagement means 74 (76) of the workpiece clutch 40 (42). This clutch part which is provided with an axial protuberance, or central stud 78 (80), intended to cooperate with the release bearing further comprises a third engagement means 82 (84) intended to cooperate with a fourth means complementary meshing 86 (88) of the bit so as to allow the bit to be driven in rotation by the rotor under the action of the torque of the key 8. An elastic connecting element, for example a compression spring with flange 90 (92), is inteφosed between the rotor and the clutch part. The return caliper 44 (46) is formed of an annular disc 94 (96) to which are fixed at least one foot 98 (100) passing through the clutch part and whose free ends are for example aimed or crimped in the rotor 32 (34). The clutch part is formed of a cylindrical ring provided with a central disc 102 (104) and comprising on either side of this central disc the meshing means 74, 82 (76, 84) in the form of splines to ensure the connection in rotation on the one hand with the bit and on the other hand with the rotor. The central disc of the clutch part is preferably intended to cooperate with the annular disc of the return caliper. The bit 10 whose positioning is ensured by a conventional indexing device 106 comprising an indexing finger compressing a spring in an opening of one of the stators (for example the internal stator 22) is also provided with a longitudinal perforation 108 whose axis coincides with that of the longitudinal perforations of the stators and which is intended to receive the micromotor 50 and its support 48. The support and its motor are secured to the bit by any fixing means (for example a screw whose orifice for passage through the support is referenced 109 in FIG. 2), the support axis of the protective flaps 54, 56 passing through this support. It will be noted that in order to manage key conflicts effectively, the external flap 56 has a width greater than the internal flap, so that the introduction into the external rotor 34 of an unrecognized key cannot in any case allow opening of the lock if a key is already present (clutch part 40 engaged) in the inner rotor 32 (thus taking advantage of the prior recognition). Only a new recognition of this external key will allow the tilting of the external flap 56 and, by causing a projection of the external clutch part 42 towards the bit, will cause the connecting bars 66, 68 to push the internal caliper 44 and to release the inner clutch part 40 so that a new clutching of the bit by the outer rotor becomes possible despite the presence of the key in the inner rotor.

The bit also comprises an annular conductive track 110 intended to cooperate with a single fixed electrical contact 112 of the barrel coφs in order to allow an energy supply of the motor means 50. For this, the two parts of the barrel coφs each have a perforation 114, 116 peφendicular to the axis of the rotors and intended to receive an electrical contact, advantageously of the ball type 118, 120, for cooperating with a corresponding conductive element of the key 8, for example an electrical contact or a conductive track 122. The various electrical contacts are interconnected through electronic circuits 30 arranged in a cavity of the barrel coφs, so that the power supply of the motor means of the locking bit can be carried out directly from the key through these electronic circuits.

The locking of the key in the rotor during its rotation is conventionally ensured by a disengaging finger, the particular structure of which is presented in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. This very simple structure is formed by two independent parts 124a, 124b; 126a, 126b separated by a single spring 128, 130 held in a blind hole 132a, 132b; 134a, 134b drilled in each of these two parts, advantageously cylindrical (the two blind holes facing each other). The disengaging finger thus formed is mounted peφendicular to the axis of the rotors in an opening 136, 138 partly passing through each rotor, a first end of this finger coming flush with the key conduit to cooperate with an orifice 140 of this key while its second end, projecting from the outer wall of the rotor, comes into contact with a groove 142, 144 formed longitudinally in the inner wall of the corresponding stator. In this exemplary embodiment which cannot be limiting, the compression of the single spring (which prohibits any removal of the key) carried out during the rotational movement of the rotor after the introduction of the key is facilitated by an inclined part of the groove of the internal wall of the stator on which the external part of the clutch release finger will slide.

The operation of the double barrel illustrated is as follows. We will first assume that no key is inserted into the lock. The two rotors are therefore in a first rest position, free to rotate. The clutch parts are linked to the rotors but not to the bit. In this initial state, the protective flaps are in a first position (initial closed position) in which movement of the clutch parts towards the bit is not possible. The bit is held by the indexing finger in a position offset from the vertical, preferably about 30 °.

With the introduction of a key (for example at the level of the interior rotor), the disengaging finger disappears to let pass the key (more precisely the blade or rod of this key) which will then come into abutment at the bottom of the rotor key duct. From this contact with the bottom of the rotor, any new thrust of the key will cause a corresponding thrust of the rotor which will thus advance until it comes into contact with the stop half-rings. The displacement of the rotor in turn causes that of the associated clutch part, while compressing the connecting spring, and the advance of the return caliper secured to the rotor ensures a displacement of the connecting bars so as to prevent any introduction of a key into the opposite rotor (in this case the outer rotor). During all these movements, the conductive track of the key is automatically put in electrical connection with the ball contact of the barrel (a few fractions of seconds are enough to ensure this connection). Consequently, an exchange of information between the key and the barrel can be carried out between the memory means of the key and those of the barrel for recognition of the respective identification codes. If this recognition proves conclusive (which means that the key has a right of access to the barrel), the electric micromotor is powered ensuring through its drive pinion a pivoting of the toothed sector. The protective flaps tilt by forcing the return spring and releases the clutch part which can then, under the effect of the relaxation of the compression spring, advance towards the bit as soon as the opening angle of the flap authorized. This movement puts the clutch part in engagement with the bit that a rotation of the key is then enough to drive. The opening torque is therefore transmitted from the rotor to the clutch part, then to the bit by the different meshing means (splines) of these three components. In addition, at the start of the rotation, the key is blocked in the rotor due to the blocking of the disengaging finger resulting from the exit of the groove of the internal stator.

When the key is withdrawn, the rotor returns to its initial position under the action of the disengaging finger, the calliper returning the clutch part to the rotor. In its return stroke, the clutch part will release the protective flap which will automatically return to its initial closed position under the action of the return spring.

The structure thus described is particularly simple and consumes little energy. Indeed, the protective flap is automatically maintained in the released (released) position by the clutch part, once the latter engages with the bit. A continuous supply of the engine is therefore not necessary and only an initial pulse to release this clutch part is essential for the proper functioning of the barrel. In addition, it will be noted that in the illustrated version (double barrel), a single motor ensures the tilting of the two protective flaps.

Claims

1. Electronic barrel comprising a barrel coφs (12,14) and a rotary locking bit (10), the barrel co comportants comprising at least one rotor (32,34) having the same axis as the co verrouillages and the rotary locking bit and free in rotation in this case, a clutch part (40,42) linked in rotation to the rotor and comprising meshing means (82,84) cooperating with complementary means (86,88) of the bit so as to allow the rotation of this bit by the rotor under the action of a torque of the key, and locking means (50,60) to prevent the translation of the clutch part in the absence for recognizing an identification code transmitted between the key and the barrel, characterized in that said locking means are also mounted integrally in the rotary locking bit and in that said rotor is movable in translation to allow thrust clutch part ve rs the bit in case of recognition of said identification code.

2. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking means comprise at least one stop (54, 56) released by motor means (50, 58, 60) in the event of recognition of said identification code.

3. Electronic barrel according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one stop is constituted by a protective flap pivoting about an axis (52) parallel to the axis of the at least one rotor between an initial position and a position release final.

4. Electronic barrel according to claim 2, characterized in that said motor means comprise an electric microactuator (50) with an axis parallel to the axis of the at least one rotor, the release of the at least one stop being effected by the intermediate a drive pinion (60) carried by an output shaft of the electric microactuator and meshing on a toothed sector (58) integral with the stop.

5. Electronic barrel according to claim 3, characterized in that the protective flap acts against the action of a return spring (62) intended to automatically return this flap to its initial position when the key.

6. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that said clutch part is formed of a cylindrical ring provided with a central disc (102, 104) and comprising on either side of this central disc means meshing (74, 76; 82, 84) in the form of grooves to ensure the connection in rotation on the one hand with the bit and on the other hand with the rotor.

7. Electronic barrel according to claim 6 and claim 2, characterized in that said central disc of the clutch part comprises a central stud (78, 80) intended to cooperate with the stop (54, 56) for releasing this room.

8. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one compression spring (90, 92) inteφosé between the rotor (32, 34) and the clutch part (40, 42).

9. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one return caliper (44, 46) integral with the rotor (32, 34) and intended to cooperate with the clutch part (40, 42) to allow it to be disengaged from the bit (10) when the key is removed.

10. Electronic barrel according to claim 9, characterized in that said return caliper comprises an annular disc (94, 96) provided with at least one foot (98, 100) passing through the clutch part and fixed to the rotor, the disc cooperating with a surface of the clutch part peφendicular to the axis of the at least one rotor.

1 1. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one stop ring (18, 20) integral with the barrel coφs and intended to limit the translation of the at least one rotor (32, 34) in the direction of the bit.

12. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one disengaging finger formed by two independent parts (124a, 124b; 126a, 126b) separated by a single compression spring (128, 130) and intended to ensure that the key (8) is locked in the rotor to allow the clutch part (40, 42) to disengage from the rotary bit (10) when the key is withdrawn.

13. Electronic barrel according to claim 12, characterized in that said disengaging finger is mounted peφendicular to the axis of the at least one rotor in an opening (136, 138) partly passing through the rotor, a first end of this disengaging finger coming flush with the key conduit (36, 38) to come into contact with an orifice (140) of the key (8) and a second end protruding from the external wall of the rotor to come into contact with a longitudinal groove (142, 144) of the internal wall of the barrel coφs.

14. Electronic barrel according to claim 13, characterized in that said groove of the internal wall of the barrel coφs has at least one inclined portion to facilitate the compression of the single spring (128, 130) during movement of the rotor after introduction of the key.

15. Electronic barrel according to claim 2, characterized in that said bit comprises an annular conductive track (110) intended to cooperate with a single fixed electrical contact (112) of the barrel coφs in order to allow an energy supply of the motor means .

16. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrel coφs comprises at least one perforation (1 14, 116) peφendicular to the axis of the at least one rotor intended to receive an electrical contact, advantageously of the ball type (118, 120), to cooperate with a corresponding conductive element (122) of the key (8).

17. Electronic barrel according to claim 15 and claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises electronic circuits (30) arranged in a cavity of the barrel coφs and connected on the one hand to at least the electrical ball contact (1 18, 120) and on the other hand to the single fixed electrical contact (1 12), so that the power supply of the motor means (50) of the bit can be carried out directly from the key through the electronic circuits .

18. Electronic barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 17 comprising a first inner rotor or rotor (34) and a second outer rotor or rotor (36), characterized in that the protective flap of the outer rotor (56) has a width greater than that of the protective flap of the inner rotor (54), so that the introduction of an unrecognized key in the outer key conduit (38) does not allow the bit (10) to be driven in presence of a key (8) in the interior key conduit (36).

19. Electronic barrel according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises at least one connecting bar (66, 68) of a length greater than the width of the bit, disposed at this bit (10) between the return stirrups (44, 46) and intended to cooperate with the latter to prevent the simultaneous engagement of the inner and outer rotors (32, 34) if two keys are inserted into the two key conduits (36, 38)

20. Lock with one or two rotors provided with an electronic barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 19.