EP1080286B1 - Electronic lock with mechanical clutch - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic barrel comprising a barrel body and a rotary-lock key bit, the barrel body comprising at least one rotor having a common axis with the body and the rotary-lock key bit and freely rotating in said body, a clutch part coupled in rotation with the rotor and comprising meshing means co-operation with additional means matching the key bit so as to drive in rotation said key bit by the rotor under the action of a rotating torque of the key, and locking means for preventing the clutch part from being translated when there is no recognition of an identification code transmitted between the key and the barrel, characterised in that said 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

Technical area

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

Prior art

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

Furthermore, it is shown, in particular by US patent 4,856,310 or application W0 96/02721 which reflects the state of the art according to the preamble of claim 1 of the present invention, another type of lock, qualified as electronic lock, the locking and unlocking of which results from the only comparison of an identification code present at a time in the lock and in the key, without the need to add a any additional mechanical coding. This type of lock, fully electronic, however is still completely absent from the market. This is of course not a coincidence. Indeed, such an electronic lock also has drawbacks particularly important which, in practice, effectively prohibit its marketing. First of all, in case of loss of key for example, the modification of identification codes is impossible without resorting to manufacturer of the lock. Then the power supply of these locks is supposed to be done by batteries, which is a problem considering of their necessarily limited lifetimes (the demand mentioned above, however, remedies this drawback). Finally, the internal structure of these locks, and in particular their barrel, is still particularly complex (because often simply adapted locks traditional mechanical) and above all unreliable as illustrated by barrel structure (based in particular on several compressed springs at rest) of the aforementioned US patent.

The first two problems are fortunately no longer topical. Indeed, with the European patent EP-0-805 906, the company of Luxembourg law Electronic Key Systems (E.K.S.) SARL has resolved the problem of changing the lock identification code in adding to the key programming means allowing this modification directly by the user. Similarly, the problem posed by energy supply has also recently been resolved by the demand for PCT international patent WO 97/48867, filed in the name of the same company, which proposed a key having generation means autonomous energy. So there is more to date than looking for these electronic locks a simple barrel structure which finally allows, and against all odds, their marketing.

Object and definition of the invention

The present invention therefore relates to an electronic barrel of simple structure, suitable for an electronic environment and comprising including a very limited number of internal parts. An object of the invention is also to offer a particularly reliable (robust) barrel and efficient, especially with reduced energy consumption. A another object of the invention is to obtain a barrel which is well protected from shock and vibration or dust. Yet another object of the invention is to make a resistant barrel as much as possible tearing, sinking or picking (burglary protection). A goal is also to be able to manage conflicts very simply of keys.

These goals are achieved by an electronic barrel defined by the features of claim 1.

By this structure to the number of mechanical parts particularly limited, the displacement 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 means control locking (unlocking) the bit does not require much energy.

Preferably, the stop of the electronic barrel is constituted by a simple protective flap pivoting around an axis parallel to the axis of the at least one rotor, between an initial position and a final position of release. The protective shutter acts against the action of a spring reminder intended to automatically return this flap to its position initial when removing the key.

Advantageously, the drive means comprise a 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 microactuator electric and meshing on a toothed sector integral with the stop.

The clutch part is formed by a cylindrical ring provided a central disc and comprising on either side of this central disc means of meshing 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 has a stud central intended to cooperate with the release stop of this part.

According to an embodiment characteristic, the electronic barrel further comprises at least one compression spring interposed between the rotor and clutch part. It can also include at least one return bracket integral with the rotor and intended to cooperate with the part clutch to allow its release from the bit during removal of the key. Preferably, the return bracket includes 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 one 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 towards the bit.

According to yet another embodiment characteristic, the barrel electronics comprises at least one release finger formed by two independent parts separated by a single compression spring and intended to secure the key in the rotor to allow the workpiece clutch to disengage from the rotary bit when removing the key. Of preferably, this release finger is mounted perpendicular to the axis of the at least one rotor in an opening partly passing through the rotor, a first end of this clutch release finger flush with the key conduit to come into contact with a key hole and a second end beyond the outer wall of the rotor to come into contact with a longitudinal groove in the internal wall of the barrel body. The groove of the internal wall of the barrel body may comprise at least one inclined part to facilitate compression of the single spring during displacement of the rotor after the introduction of the key. So the removal of the key is impossible outside an angular position defined by the precise location of the groove.

Advantageously, the bit comprises a conductive track ring intended to cooperate with a single fixed electrical contact of the barrel body to allow energy to be supplied to the motor means. Similarly, the barrel body has at least one perforation perpendicular 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 body and connected on the one hand to at least an electrical ball contact and on the other hand a single fixed electrical contact, are further provided so that the supply of the motor means of the 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 cover of the outer rotor has a width greater than that of the protective flap of the inner rotor, in such a way that the introduction of a key into the external key duct does not not allow the bit to drive in the presence of a non-key recognized in the interior key channel. 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 rotors inside and outside if two keys are inserted in both key ducts.

The invention also relates to a lock with one or two rotors fitted with an electronic barrel as mentioned above.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective externe d'un barillet d'une serrure électronique selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue éclatée montrant les différents constituants internes du barillet de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une coupe longitudinale du barillet de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une coupe selon le plan IV-IV de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une coupe selon le plan V-V de la figure 4, et
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe similaire à celle de la figure 5 mais après une rotation du rotor.

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 VV 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, conforms in size to a conventional mechanical double cylinder (by example of symmetrical European type with double entry as illustrated), conventionally comprises, mounted between two upstream and downstream body parts 12, 14, an intermediate rotary locking bit 10 intended for actuation of the bolt (not shown) of this lock. These two parts upstream and downstream bodies fit into each other for example using a connecting finger extending from the upstream body part and fixed in a corresponding opening of the downstream body part (see Figure 3) at the by means of any fixing elements (for example two screws 16).

Each body part is crossed by two half-stop rod 18, 20 (shown outside the barrel) whose function will be explained in more detail. To prevent any loss of these rods, two upstream retaining rings and downstream (not shown) can be simply force-fitted to cover these two body parts of the barrel. However, all others means of protecting these rods in order to prohibit their removal can also be seen as a seal in body parts by soldering or soldering or total coverage by a single cover.

Note 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 example of a European double cylinder type barrel and it finds naturally applicable in all types of European barrel or international (and possibly even non-standardized models), by example in a barrel of the simple button cylinder type or of the type half cylinder.

The detail of the main internal parts constituting the barrel is illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 2. We distinguish, starting from one or the other of the two upstream and downstream ends of the barrel and going towards its center where the bit is located: an upstream or downstream rotor (respectively internal and external rotors 32) in which a duct 36 is made (respectively 38) to receive a key 8 (more precisely the rod or blade of this key), a clutch part 40 (respectively 42) driven by the rotor and intended to engage with the bit 10, and a stirrup of reminder 44 (respectively 46) secured to the rotor.

Between the two upstream and downstream stirrups, i.e. substantially at level of the bit, is arranged a support 48 intended to receive a electric actuator, for example a micromotor 50, which is traversed by a support pin 52 fixedly carrying at 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 fixed in solidarity with the support axis 52 and in engagement with a drive pinion 60 carried by an output shaft of the micromotor 50. A spring wound return 62 is mounted on the support shaft 52 and cooperates with a stop spring 64 to allow automatic recall of the protective flaps 54, 56 when removing the key.

Of course, this exemplary embodiment with shutters of pivoting protection under the action of a rotary micromotor is in no way restrictively and it is entirely possible to envisage a release an axial stop by means of a linear micromotor.

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

Figures 3 and 4 are views in longitudinal section of the barrel Figure 1 electronics 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 introduced into the inner rotor, is made in a horizontal passing plane by the axis of symmetry of the rotors. We find the locking bit 10 mounted between an internal stator 22 and an external stator 24 forming the external parts of the barrel body. The internal stator is secured to the external stator by a connecting finger through which two screws or pins pass fixing 16. These two stators are each provided with a perforation longitudinal cylindrical 26, 28 having the same axis and in which are arranged the main internal components of the barrel. One of these stators, for example the internal stator 22, is further provided with a cavity for receive 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), we find the inner rotor 32 (referenced 34 downstream) movable in translation in the internal stator 22 (24) between a rest position (in the absence of a key) and an open position limiting the translation of the rotor towards 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 cooperate with a corresponding second engagement means 74 (76) of the clutch part 40 (42). This clutch part which is provided with a axial protuberance, or central stud 78 (80), intended to cooperate with the release stop further comprises a third engagement means 82 (84) intended to cooperate with a fourth engagement means 86 (88) of the bit so as to allow training in rotation of the bit by the rotor under the action of the torque of rotation of the key 8. An elastic connecting element, for example a spring coil compression 90 (92), is interposed between the rotor and the part Clutch.

The return bracket 44 (46) is formed by an annular disc 94 (96) with which are fixed at least one foot 98 (100) crossing the room clutch and whose free ends are for example aimed or crimped in the rotor 32 (34). The clutch part is formed by a ring cylindrical provided with a central disc 102 (104) and comprising on the one hand and on the other side of this central disc the meshing means 74, 82 (76, 84) in form of grooves to ensure the connection in rotation on the one hand with the bit and secondly with the rotor. The central disc of the piece clutch is preferably intended to cooperate with the annular disc the calliper.

The bit 10 whose positioning is ensured by a device conventional indexing device 106 comprising a compressing indexing finger a spring in an opening of one of the stators (for example the stator interior 22) is also provided with a longitudinal perforation 108 of which the 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 means of fixing (for example a screw whose opening for passage through the support is referenced 109 in FIG. 2), the support axis of the protective flaps 54, 56 crossing this support.

Note that to effectively manage key conflicts, the component exterior 56 has a width greater than the interior flap, so that that the introduction into the outer rotor 34 of an unrecognized key cannot in no case allow opening of the lock if a key is already present (clutch part 40 engaged) in the inner rotor 32 (in thus taking advantage of previous recognition). Only a new recognition of this external key will allow tilting of the shutter outside 56 and, causing an advance of the clutch part outside 42 towards the bit, will cause the connecting bars 66, 68 to push the inner caliper 44 and release the inner clutch part 40 so that a new clutch of the bit by the outer rotor becomes possible despite the presence of the key in the inner rotor.

The bit also includes an annular conductive track 110 intended to cooperate with a single fixed electrical contact 112 of the body of the barrel in order to allow an energy supply of the means motors 50. For this, the two parts of the barrel body comprise each a perforation 114, 116 perpendicular to the axis of the rotors and intended to receive an electrical contact, advantageously of the ball type 118, 120, to cooperate with a corresponding conductive element of the key 8, for example an electrical contact or a conductive track 122. The different electrical contacts are connected to each other through circuits electronics 30 arranged in a cavity of the barrel body, so that the power supply to the motor means of the locking bit can be made directly from the key through these circuits e.

Locking of the key in the rotor during its rotation is ensured conventionally by a release finger whose particular structure is shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6. This very simple structure is formed of two independent parts 124a, 124b; 126a, 126b discarded 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 release finger thus formed is mounted perpendicular 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, going beyond the outer wall of the rotor, comes into contact with a groove 142, 144 made longitudinally in the internal wall of the corresponding stator. In this example of an embodiment which cannot be limiting, the compression of the spring unique (which prohibits any removal of the key) made during the trip in rotation of the rotor after the introduction of the key is facilitated by a part inclined of the groove of the internal wall of the stator on which will slide the external part of the release finger.

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

When a key is inserted (for example at the level of the rotor inside), the release finger disappears to let the key pass (more precisely the blade or rod of this key) which will then come into abutment at bottom of the rotor key duct. From this contact with the bottom of the rotor, any new push of the key will cause a push corresponding rotor which will thus advance until it comes into contact with the half stop rods. The movement of the rotor in turn causes that of the associated clutch part, while compressing the connecting spring, and the advancement of the return bracket integral with the rotor ensures 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 trips, the conductive track of the key is automatically linked electric with the ball contact of the barrel (a few fractions of seconds sufficient to ensure this connection). Therefore, an exchange of information between the key and the barrel can be made between the memory means of the key and those of the barrel for recognition of identification codes respectively. 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 spring and releases the clutch part which can then, under the effect of rebound of the compression spring, advance towards the bit as soon as the angle opening the shutter allows it. This movement puts the clutch part in taken 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 means of engagement (grooves) of these three components. In addition, when the rotation starts, the key is found blocked in the rotor due to blockage of the clutch release finger resulting from the exit of the groove of the internal stator.

When the key is removed, the rotor returns to its initial position under the action release lever, the calliper bringing the clutch part back towards the rotor. In its return stroke, the clutch part will release the protective shutter which will automatically return to its closed position initial under the action of the return spring.

The structure thus described is particularly simple and not very energy consuming. Indeed, the protective flap is maintained automatically in the released (released) position by the clutch part, once it is engaged with the bit. Continuous feeding of motor is therefore not necessary and only an initial impulse to release this clutch part is essential for the proper functioning of the barrel. In addition, it may be noted that in the illustrated version (barrel double), a single motor ensures the tilting of the two protective flaps.

Claims (20)

1. Electronic barrel comprising a barrel body (12, 14) and a rotary-lock key bit (10), the barrel body comprising a clutch part (40, 42) that is mobile in translation and at least one rotor (32, 34) having a common axis with the body and the rotary-lock key bit and freely rotating and mobile in translation in said body so as thrust said clutch part (40, 42), coupled in rotation with the rotor, towards the key bit when there is recognition of an identification code transmitted between the key and the barrel, the clutch part (40, 42) comprising meshing means (82, 84) co-operating with additional means (86,88) matching the key bit so as to drive in rotation said key bit by the rotor under the action of a rotating torque of the key, and locking means (50, 60) for preventing the clutch part from being translated when there is no recognition of said identification code, characterised in that said locking means are mounted integral in the rotary-lock key bit
2. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterised in that said locking means comprise at least one stop (54, 56) freed by motor means (50, 58, 60) when said identification code is recognised.
3. Electronic barrel according to claim 2, characterised in that at least one stop is constituted by a protection flap pivoting around an axis (52) parallel to the axis of at least one rotor between an initial position and a final freeing position.
4. Electronic barrel according to claim 2, characterised in that said motor means comprise an electric micro-actuator (50) with an axis parallel to the axis of at least one rotor, the freeing from at least one stop being effected by means of a drive pinion (60) borne by a final drive shaft of the electric micro-actuator and gearing on a sector gear (58) integral with the stop.
5. Electronic barrel according to claim 3, characterised in that the protection flap acts against the action of a return spring (62) intended to automatically bring this flap back into its initial position when the key is removed.
6. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterised in that said clutch part is formed of a cylindrical ring fitted with a central disk (102, 104) and comprising on both sides of this central disk meshing means (74, 76; 82, 84) in the shape of grooves so as to ensure coupling in rotation with firstly the key bit and secondly with the rotor,
7. Electronic barrel according to claim 6 and claim 2, characterised in that said central disk of the clutch part comprises a central heel (78, 80) for co-operating with the stop (54, 56) for freeing this part.
8. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises at least one compression spring (90, 92) inserted between the rotor (32, 34) and the clutch part (40, 42).
9. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises at least a return clamp (44, 46) integral with the rotor (32, 34) and intended to co-operate with the clutch part (40, 42) to enable it to be freed from the key bit (10) when the key is removed.
10. Electronic barrel according to claim 9, characterised in that said return clamp comprises an annular disk (94, 96) fitted with at least one foot (98, 100) traversing the clutch part and fixed to the rotor, the disk co-operating with a surface of the clutch part perpendicular to the axis of at least one rotor.
11. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises at least one circlip (18, 20) integral with the body of the barrel and intended to limit the translation of at least one rotor (32, 34) in the direction of the key bit.
12. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises at least one disengaging finger formed of two independent portions (124a, 124b; 126a, 126b) spaced by a single compression spring (128, 130) and intended to ensure locking of the key (8) in the rotor to enable the clutch part (40, 42) to be freed from the rotary-lock key bit (10) when the key is removed.
13. Electronic barrel according to claim 12, characterised in that said disengaging finger is mounted perpendicular to the axis of at least one rotor in an opening (136, 138) partly traversing the rotor, a first extremity of this disengaging finger being flush in the key duct (36, 38) so as to come into contact with an orifice (140) of the key (8) and a second extremity going past the external wall of the rotor so as to come into contact with a longitudinal groove (142, 144) of the internal wall of the body of the barrel.
14. Electronic barrel according to claim 13, characterised in that said groove of the internal wall of the barrel body comprises at least one slanted portion so as to facilitate compression of the sole spring (128, 130) when the rotor is moved after the key is introduced.
15. Electronic barrel according to claim 2, characterised in that said key bit comprises an annular conductive track (110) for cooperating with a sole fixed electric contact (112) of the body of the barrel so as to permit energy feeding from motor means.
16. Electronic barrel according to claim 1, characterised in that the barrel body comprises at least one perforation (114, 116) perpendicular to the axis of at least one rotor for receiving an electric contact, preferably of the ball type (118, 120), for co-operating with a corresponding conductive element (122) of the key (8).
17. Electronic barrel according to claim 15 and claim 16, characterised in that it further comprises electronic circuits (30) placed in a cavity of the body of the barrel and connected firstly to at least the electric ball contact (118, 120) and secondly to the sole fixed electric contact (112) so that feeding the key bit from the motor means (50) can be effected directly from the key through the electronic circuits.
18. Electronic barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 17 comprising a first rotor or internal rotor (34) and a second rotor or external rotor (36), characterised in that the width of the protection flap of the external rotor (56) is larger than that of the protection flap of the internal rotor (54) so that the introduction of an unrecognised key in the external key duct (38) does not allow driving of the key bit (10) when a key (8) is present in the internal key duct (36).
19. Electronic barrel according to claim 18, characterised in that it further comprises at least one linking barrel (66, 68) having a length larger than the width of the key bit and placed at the level of this key bit (10) between the return clamps (44, 46) and intended to co-operate with the latter to prevent the simultaneous engaging of the internal and external rotors (32, 34) when two keys are introduced into the two key ducts (36, 38).
20. Lock with one or two rotors fitted with an electronic barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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