FR2928678A1 - Lock for use in pay and display machine to block shutter with respect to cavity, has rotor connected to outlet shaft, so that opening control movement of lock drives opening movement of lock in coupled configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

The lock (20) has an output shaft (26) coupled to a latch (34), and an rotor (24) movable with respect to a frame (22) to perform opening control movement of the lock. A connecting unit (38) connects the rotor and the shaft for passing the rotor and the shaft from a decoupled configuration, in which the rotor is movable with respect to the shaft, such that opening control movement of the lock is independent from opening movement of the lock, to a coupled configuration, in which the rotor is connected to the shaft, so that the opening control movement drives the opening movement of the lock. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a pay and display machine comprising a cavity (2) a method for blocking a structure with another structure.

Description

The present invention relates to a lock for locking a first structure with respect to a second structure, of the type comprising: a frame intended to be fixed; at the first structure; an output element intended to be coupled to a locking element, and movable relative to the frame so as to be able to effect an opening movement of the lock intended to move the blocking element from a position blocking the structures at a position unlocking the structures; and - an input member movable relative to the frame so as to make an opening control movement of the lock. Currently, there is known such a lock, intended to restrict access to an area to be protected from a time stamp. The area to be protected is delimited by an enclosure, which forms the second structure, the enclosure being provided with an opening that can be closed by a flap, which forms the first structure. The lock is used to lock the flap relative to the enclosure, the frame being fixed to the flap. A shaft, provided with a first end, which forms the input member, and a second end, which forms the output member, is provided to open the lock, by passing a latch, which forms the blocking element, the position blocking the flap relative to the enclosure in the unlocking position of the shutter of the enclosure. In this known lock, the input element is permanently secured to the output element, and kept locked in the frame by a stop element as long as a key containing an identification code has not been inserted in a cavity provided for this purpose in the input element, and as long as the code has not been identified by identification means of the lock. However, it has been noticed that the lock can be forced by introducing a screwdriver into the cavity of the input element so as to rotate the latter, then actuating the output element by breaking the stop element. , thereby allowing access to the area to be protected.

The invention aims to reduce the risk of fraud by forcing the input element. For this purpose, the invention relates to a lock of the aforementioned type, characterized in that: - the input element is distinct from the output element, and movable relative to the output element; and the lock includes means for connecting the input and output elements able to pass the input and output elements of a decoupled configuration in which the input element is movable relative to the the output member so that the opening control movement of the lock is independent of the opening movement of the lock, to a coupled configuration in which the input member is connected to the output member so that that the opening control movement of the lock causes the opening movement of the lock. The lock according to the invention thus makes it possible, thanks to the decoupling between the input and output elements, to prevent the output element from being actuated in case of forcing of the input element by a screwdriver and therefore of prevent access to the area to be protected.

The lock according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: the connecting means comprise a connecting element movable with respect to the input and output elements between a retracted position in which the input elements and output are in the decoupled configuration, and an expanded position in which the link element links the input element to the output element so that the input and output elements are in the coupled configuration; a first orifice is formed in the input element and a second orifice is formed in the output element, the connecting element extending in the second orifice and being disengaged from the first orifice in its retracted position, and the connecting element extending in both the first and second ports in its deployed position; - The connecting means comprises an electric motor for moving the connecting element from its retracted position to its extended position so as to insert the connecting element in the first orifice; - The connecting element is movable in translation relative to the input and output elements; it comprises a stop element movable relative to the frame and to the output element between a locked position in which the output element is fixed relative to the frame so as to prevent the opening movement of the lock , and an unlocked position in which the output member is movable relative to the frame so as to allow the opening movement of the lock; the stop element is formed by the connecting element; the input and output elements are shafts rotatable relative to the frame; - The input and output elements are rotatable about a same axis of rotation; a cavity is formed in the input element, the cavity being adapted to receive a key adapted to move the input element so as to effect the opening control movement of the lock; and it comprises means for receiving a radiofrequency signal for controlling the connection of the input and output elements containing an identification code, and means for identifying said code suitable for operating the connection means case of identification of said code. The invention also relates to an assembly of a lock as described above and a data carrier comprising means for generating the radiofrequency signal for controlling the connection of the input and output elements. The assembly according to the invention may comprise the characteristic according to which the lock is as defined above, and the key forms the data carrier.

The invention further relates to a time stamp of the type comprising: - an enclosure defining an area to be protected, the enclosure being provided with an opening; and a flap movable relative to the enclosure, closing the opening, to selectively allow and prevent access to the area to be protected, characterized in that it comprises a lock as described above or a set as defined above, the first structure comprising one of the enclosure and the shutter, and the second structure comprising the other of the enclosure and the shutter.

The invention also relates to a method of locking a first structure with respect to a second structure, using a lock comprising: - a frame intended to be fixed to the first structure; an output element intended to be coupled to a locking element, and movable relative to the frame so as to be able to effect an opening movement of the lock intended to move the blocking element from a position blocking the structures at a position unlocking the structures; and - an input member movable relative to the frame so as to be able to effect an opening control movement of the lock, characterized in that, the input member being distinct from the output member, and movable relative to the output element, it comprises a step of connecting the input and output elements for passing the input and output elements of a decoupled configuration in which the input element is movable relative to the output member so that the opening control movement of the lock is independent of the opening movement of the lock, to a coupled configuration in which the input member is connected to the output member so that the opening control movement of the lock causes the opening movement of the lock. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pay and display machine equipped with a lock according to the invention; Figure 2 is an upward perspective view of the lock of Figure 1; 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of FIG.

- Figure 4 is a sectional view along the plane P of Figure 2, with input and output elements of the lock in a decoupled configuration; FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, the input and output elements being in a coupled configuration; Figure 6 is a block diagram of the lock of Figure 1; and - Figure 7 is a diagram showing the operating principle of the lock of Figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates a time stamp 10 having an interface 11 provided with keys, the time stamp 10 comprising an enclosure 12 defining an area to be protected 14 , for example an area containing a receptacle (not shown) for money. The chamber 12 is provided with an opening 16. The time stamp 10 comprises a flap 18, movable relative to the enclosure 12, closing the opening 16, to selectively allow and prevent access to the zone to protect 14.

The time stamp 10 comprises a lock 20 adapted to block the flap 18, which forms a first structure, with respect to the enclosure 12, which forms a second structure. The lock 20 is of small size, and can be substantially contained in a cube of 28 mm side.

As best seen in Figures 2 to 4, the lock 20 includes a frame 22, an input member 24 and an output member 26. The frame 22, or stator, is attached to the flap 18. The frame 22 comprises a body 22A of substantially hollow cylindrical shape, Z axis, and a support member 22B disposed inside and forming the bottom of the body 22A.

The support member 22B comprises a through bore 25, Z axis, and further has a slot 23 (Figure 3) which is drilled adjacent to the bore 25. The input member 24, or rotor, comprises a Z-axis shaft 24A and a body closure disk 24B 22A, the disk 22B being integral with the shaft 24A. The shaft 24A is movable in rotation with respect to the stator 22.

The shaft 24A further comprises a first orifice 28 extending transversely in the shaft 24A. A cavity 30 adapted to receive a key 32 is formed in the rotor 24. The cavity 30 is located along the Z axis and is open on the outside of the enclosure 12.

The rotation of the key 32 introduced into the cavity 30 drives the shaft 24A in rotation, so that the latter rotates about the opening control axis Z of the lock 20, as will be explained by the after.

The output member 26 comprises an output shaft 26A coupled to a locking member, in the example shown a latch 34. The output shaft 26A extends along the axis Z, inside the room 22B of the stator 22, and is rotatable relative to the stator 22.

The rotation of the output shaft 26A around the Z axis thus passes the latch 34 of a position blocking the flap 18 relative to the chamber 12 to a position unlocking the flap 18 of the enclosure 12. This Rotation thus constitutes an opening movement of the lock 20. The output shaft 26A further comprises a second orifice 36 extending transversely in the output shaft 26A. The rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 are distinct from each other, substantially coaxial, and rotatable relative to each other about the same axis of rotation Z (Figure 4). The lock 20 comprises connecting means 38 of the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26. The connecting means 38 comprise a key 40, an electric motor 42 and an eccentric 44. The key 40 is movable in translation, transversely to the Z axis, relative to the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 between a retracted position and an extended position. In its retracted position (FIG. 4), the key 40 extends into the second orifice 36 of the output shaft 26 (and into the stator 22), and is disengaged from the first orifice 28 of the input shaft 24A. . Thus, in the retracted position of the key 40, the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 are in a decoupled configuration in which the rotor 24 is movable relative to the output shaft 26 so that the control movement of opening of the lock 20 is independent of the opening movement of the lock 20. In addition, in the retracted position of the key 40, the output shaft 26 is in a locked position in which the output member 26 is fixed by relative to the frame 22 so as to prevent the opening movement of the lock 20. In its extended position (Figure 5), the key 40 extends into both the first and second orifices 28, 36 of the rotor and the output shaft 24, 26.

Thus, in the extended position of the key 40, the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 are in a coupled configuration in which the rotor 24 is connected to the output shaft 26 so that the opening control movement of the lock 20 causes the opening movement of the lock 20.

In addition, in the extended position of the key 40, the output shaft 26 is in an unlocked position in which the output member 26 is movable relative to the frame 22 so as to allow the opening movement of the lock 20 Thus, the key 40 forms both a connecting member of the input and output shafts 24A, 26A, and a stop member of the output shaft 26A. The motor 42 and the eccentric 44 extend along the axis Z through the lumen 23 of the support piece 22B of the stator 22. The motor 42 is adapted to drive the eccentric 44 in rotation so that this last push, pushing the key 40 from its retracted position to its deployed position.

The lock 20 comprises return means 46 adapted to resiliently return the key 40 in its retracted position. In the example considered, the return means 46 comprise a spring 48, housed at the bottom of the first orifice 34 of the rotor 24, associated with a return piece 50, housed in the first orifice 34 and in contact with the spring 48 and with the key 40. Referring to Figure 6, the lock 20 comprises means 52 for receiving radiofrequency signals. In particular, the receiving means 52 are adapted to receive a link control signal 54 of the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26, said signal 54 containing an identification code 56.

The reception means 52 are connected to means 58 for identifying the identification code. The identification means 58 are connected to the connection means 38 in order to actuate the connection means 38 in case of identification of the code 56, as will be explained in more detail later.

The radiofrequency signal 54 is emitted from generation means 60 contained in a data medium. In the embodiment described, the data carrier is constituted by the key 32, which thus integrates the generation means 60.

The lock 20 comprises detection means 64 capable of detecting the presence of the key 32 in the cavity 30 of the rotor 24. The detection means 64 are connected to the identification means 58 in order to actuate the latter in case of detection of the key 32.

The operation of the lock 20 will now be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 7. In a first step S1, the lock 20 is in a state of rest in which the latch 34 blocks the flap 18 relative to the chamber 12. The rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 are in the decoupled configuration (FIG. 4), their respective movements being independent of one another. In this state of rest, the rotor 24 is free to rotate around the axis Z so that the rotor 24 can not rotate the output shaft 26 to actuate the latch 34. In particular, in case of forcing with a screwdriver inserted in the cavity 30 of the rotor 24 so as to rotate the rotor 24, the rotor 24 rotates in the vacuum, the output shaft 26 remaining fixed relative to the stator 22, now the thus blocking the flap 18 relative to the enclosure 12 and preventing access to the area to be protected 14. In a second step S2, an operator performs a specific action of awakening of the lock 20. This specific action is constituted, in the example under consideration, by pressing a combination of keys of the interface 11 of the time stamp 10 (Figure 1). This action activates the detection means 64, the lock 20 thus being able to detect the presence of a key 32 in the cavity 30 of the rotor 24.

In a third step S3, the operator inserts the key 32 into the cavity 30. The key 30 is detected by the detection means 64 and then engage the following recognition operations. In a fourth step S4, the generating means 60 of the key 32 emit a radiofrequency signal 54 for controlling the connection of the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 containing an identification code 56. The receiving means 52 of the lock 20 receive the radiofrequency signal 54 and the identification means 58 analyze the code 56.

In case of identification of the code 56, the identification means 58 actuate, in the step S5, the connecting means 38 of the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26. The motor 42, provided with the eccentric 44, is rotated and slides the key 40 from its retracted position to its extended position, so that the key 40 is disposed in the orifices 28, 36 of the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26. The movement the key 40 slides the return piece 50 and compresses the spring 48.

In step S6, the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 are then in the coupled configuration F1 (FIG. 6). In case of non identification of the code 56 or in the absence of key 32, the rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 remain in the decoupled configuration F2 in step S7. Once the identification is made, the operator operates the key 32 in step S8 to drive the output shaft 26 and the latch 34, thus unlocking the flap 18 relative to the enclosure 12. A reverse maneuver of the key 32 in step S9 drives the output shaft 26 in the opposite direction to the opening movement of the lock 20, the latch 34 then blocking again the flap 18 relative to the enclosure 12.

The motor 42 and the eccentric 44 are then rotated in the opposite direction to their previous direction of rotation. Simultaneously, the spring 48 and the return piece 50 push the key 40 towards its retracted position by sliding it so that it is arranged outside the orifice 28 of the rotor 24.

The rotor 24 and the output shaft 26 are no longer connected to each other, the lock 20 is found in the idle state (step S1) and the key 32 can be removed from the cavity 30. L the invention therefore proposes a lock of the electromechanical type, that is to say a lock whose mechanical opening is made possible only after electronic identification of the person who wishes to open the lock, which makes it possible to avoid the cases of forcing fraud of the rotor. Indeed, as long as a key has not been inserted into the lock and recognized by the identification means, forcing is inoperative in the rotor since by default, the latter is free from the output shaft in its rotational movement. Thus, the introduction of a screwdriver into the rotor cavity can not affect the output shaft.

In addition, in case of forcing, the rotor is not blocked in the stator, it rotates in a vacuum and does not undergo deterioration, which avoids having to change it. In a variant, the stator is fixed to the enclosure, and the lock is thus adapted to block the enclosure with respect to the shutter.

In another variant, the data carrier is distinct from the key 32, and formed for example by a badge. In another embodiment of the invention, the rotor and the output shaft are rotatable about different axes of rotation. In yet another embodiment, the input and output elements are movable in translation relative to the frame. Still in another embodiment, the lock comprises a stop element, separate from the connecting element, and for selectively locking and unlocking the output shaft relative to the stator.

Claims (15)

1. A lock (20) for locking a first structure with respect to a second structure, of the type comprising: - a frame (22) intended to be fixed to the first structure; an output element (26) intended to be coupled to a locking element (34) and movable relative to the frame (22) so as to be able to effect an opening movement of the lock (20) intended to pass the locking member (34) of a position blocking the structures at a position unlocking the structures; and - an input element (24) movable relative to the frame (22) so as to be able to effect an opening control movement of the lock (20), characterized in that: - the input element ( 24) is distinct from the output member (26), and movable relative to the output member (26); and - the lock (20) comprises connecting means (38) of the input and output elements (24, 26) capable of passing the input and output elements (24, 26) of a a decoupled configuration in which the input member (24) is movable relative to the output member (26) so that the opening control movement of the lock (20) is independent of the opening movement of the the lock (20) to a coupled configuration in which the input member (24) is connected to the output member (26) so that the opening control movement of the lock (20) causes the opening movement of the lock (20). 2. A lock (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (38) comprise a connecting element (40) movable relative to the input and output elements (24, 26). between a retracted position in which the input and output elements (24, 26) are in the decoupled configuration, and an extended position in which the connecting element (40) links the input element (24) to the output element (26) so that the input and output elements (24, 26) are in the coupled configuration. 3. A lock (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that a first orifice (28) is formed in the input element (24) and a second orifice (36) is formed in the output element. (26), the connecting element (40) extending into the second orifice (36) and being disengaged from the first orifice (28) in its retracted position, and the connecting element (40) extending both in the first and second ports (28, 36) in its deployed position. 4. A lock (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting means (38) comprise an electric motor (42) for moving the connecting element (40) from its retracted position to its deployed position in order to insert the connecting element (40) in the first orifice (28). 5. A lock (20) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the connecting element (40) is movable in translation relative to the input and output elements (24, 26). 6. A lock (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a stop member (40), movable relative to the frame (22) and to the output member ( 26) between a locked position in which the output member (26) is fixed relative to the frame (22) so as to prevent the opening movement of the lock (20), and an unlocked position in which the element outlet (26) is movable relative to the frame (22) so as to allow the opening movement of the lock (20). 7. A lock (20) according to any one of claims 2 to 5 and claim 6 taken together, characterized in that the stop member is formed by the connecting member (40). 8. A lock (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the input and output elements (24, 26) are shafts movable in rotation relative to the frame (22). 9. A lock (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that the input and output elements (24, 26) are rotatable about a same axis of rotation (Z). 10. A lock (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a cavity (30) is formed in the input element (24), the cavity (30) being adapted to receive a key (32) adapted to move the input member (24) to effect the opening control movement of the lock (20). 11. A lock (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises means (52) for receiving a radiofrequency signal (54) for controlling the connection of the input elements and outputting means (24, 26) containing an identification code (56), and means (58) for identifying said code (56) adapted to actuate the connecting means (38) in case of identification of said code (56). 12. A set of a lock (20) according to claim 11 and a data carrier (32) comprising means (60) for generating the radiofrequency signal (54) for controlling the connection of the input and output elements. output (24, 26). 13.- assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the lock (20) is in accordance with claim 10, and in that the key (32) forms the data carrier. 14. Horodator (10) of the type comprising: - an enclosure (12) defining an area to be protected (14), the enclosure (12) being provided with an opening (16); and a flap (18), movable relative to the enclosure (12), for closing the opening (16), for selectively allowing and preventing access to the zone to be protected (14), characterized in that it comprises a lock (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or an assembly according to claim 12 or 13, the first structure comprising one of the enclosure (12) and the shutter (18), and the second structure comprising the other of the enclosure (12) and the flap (18). 15.- A method of locking a first structure with respect to a second structure, using a lock (20) comprising: - a frame (22) intended to be fixed to the first structure; an output element (26) intended to be coupled to a locking element (34) and movable relative to the frame (22) so as to be able to effect an opening movement of the lock (20) intended to pass the locking member (34) of a position blocking the structures at a position unlocking the structures; and - an input member (24) movable relative to the frame (22) so as to effect an opening control movement of the lock (20), characterized in that, the input member (24) ) being distinct from the output element (26), and movable relative to the output element (26), it comprises a step of connecting (S5) the input and output elements (24, 26). ) for passing the input and output elements (24, 26) of a decoupled configuration in which the input element (24) is movable relative to the output element (26) so that the opening control movement of the lock (20) is independent of the opening movement of the lock (20), to a coupled configuration in which the input element (24) is connected to the output member (26) so that the opening control movement of the lock (20) causes the opening movement of the lock (20).