TW201700845A - Rekeyable lock cylinder with enhanced torque resistance - Google Patents

Abstract

A rekeyable lock cylinder with a cylinder body and a plug assembly. The lock cylinder includes a plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks disposed in the plug assembly. The lock cylinder includes means for blocking rotation of the plug assembly with respect to the cylinder body to prevent unlocking of the rekeyable lock cylinder with an unauthorized object. In some embodiments, the blocking means is configured such that torqueing the plug assembly with an unauthorized object applies force to the blocking means without translating such force to the plurality of racks. This type of arrangement enhances torque resistance of the lock cylinder against attempted forced entry.

Description

Locking key with replaceable key for enhanced torque resistance [Related application]

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/180,339, filed on Jun.

The present invention relates generally to locks; in particular, the present invention relates to a lock having one of a replaceable key lock with enhanced torque resistance.

It is known to replace the lock cylinder without removing the lock cylinder. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,033,150 describes a replaceable key lock. These types of locks are extremely advantageous to the consumer because they can be easily replaced without the use of a locksmith.

Although the lock cylinder lock should be free to rotate as soon as the authorized key is inserted into the lock slot, the lock core should be structurally designed to resist rotation of the lock cylinder when torque is applied by an unauthorized key (or other object). A large amount of torque resistance against the lock is the key to forced entry. Therefore, there is a need for a replaceable key lock with enhanced torque resistance.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a replaceable key lock core having a lock core body and a lock cylinder assembly. The lock body defines a longitudinal axis and includes a recess. The lock cylinder assembly is disposed in the lock body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The lock contains a plurality of keys The follower and the corresponding plurality of racks disposed in the lock cylinder assembly. Responding to the application of a force inserted by an object into the replaceable key lock to facilitate replacement of the key to a new key, at least one of the plurality of racks selectively from at least the plurality of key followers One is detached. The lock core includes means for blocking rotation of the lock cylinder assembly relative to the lock body to prevent unlocking of the replaceable key lock using an unauthorized item. In some embodiments, the blocking member is structurally designed such that an unauthorized item is used to twist the lock bar assembly to apply a force to the blocking member without converting the force to the plurality of racks. This type of configuration enhances the torque resistance of the lock.

In some embodiments, the blocking member includes a locking lever that is laterally movable relative to the longitudinal axis to a locked position in the recess to the lock body and from the recess of the lock body One of the unlocked positions between. For example, the locking bar can include a surface that engages a surface of the groove when the locking bar is in the locked position. In some illustrative embodiments, the respective surfaces of the locking bars and grooves that engage when the locking bar is in the locked position are in an approximately parallel plane. Depending on the environment, the surface of the locking bar that engages the groove in the body of the lock when the locking bar is in the locked position is not an inclined surface. For example, the surfaces can be flat relative to each other. In some cases, the edge of the locking bar is substantially square, such as having an approximately rectangular cross section.

In some embodiments, there are one or more biasing members that urge the locking lever toward the plurality of racks. With this configuration, when an authorized key is inserted into the lock slot, the biasing members push the lock lever out of the recess in the lock body. In some illustrative embodiments, one of the biasing members has a spring force that is less than one of the spring loaded key followers. Thus, the spring loaded key followers will overcome the spring force of the biasing member to lock the lock when a key is not inserted into the lock slot.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the <RTIgt;

10‧‧‧Lock

12‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

14‧‧‧Lock body

16‧‧‧Lock column assembly

18‧‧‧Retainer fixture

20‧‧‧Basic cylindrical body

22‧‧‧ front end

24‧‧‧ Backend

26‧‧‧Cylinder wall

28‧‧‧ inner surface

30‧‧‧Internal locking lever engagement groove

32‧‧‧Lock column body

34‧‧‧ Carrier sub-assembly

36‧‧‧Lock cylinder

38‧‧‧Spring load pin

40‧‧‧ middle part

42‧‧‧ Drive section

44‧‧‧Lock slot opening

46‧‧‧Replace the key tool opening

48‧‧‧ channel

50‧‧‧Drill ball bearings

51‧‧‧ Torque blades

52‧‧‧ slot

54‧‧‧ center groove

56‧‧‧ main part

58‧‧‧ channel

60‧‧‧flat surface

62‧‧‧ recess

64‧‧‧ Keep the cover

66‧‧‧flat surface

68‧‧‧Bullet rack joint characteristics

70‧‧‧ Carrier

72‧‧‧ rack

73‧‧‧Spring card lock

74‧‧‧Lock lever

76‧‧‧ fixture

78‧‧‧Variable parts

80‧‧‧Return spring

82‧‧‧ Subject

84‧‧‧Bend surface

86‧‧‧flat surface

88‧‧‧Locking rod slot

90‧‧‧Spring card lock recess

92‧‧‧ biasing member receiving hole

94‧‧‧Parallel rack receiving slot

96‧‧‧ recessed area

98‧‧‧blocking part

100‧‧‧Clamp receiving recess

102‧‧‧Flange

104‧‧‧Lock lever engagement groove

106‧‧‧ Receiving part

108‧‧‧ authorized key

110‧‧‧Unauthorized key

112‧‧‧flat surface

114‧‧‧flat inner surface

The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting example only, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of the example locks according to one embodiment of the present invention; 2 is an exploded view of an example lock cylinder shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the example lock core shown in FIG. 1 showing the spring pushing the lock lever toward the rack; FIG. 4 is in FIG. A cross-sectional view of one of the example locks shown, showing the use of an authorized key in the lock slot between the lock lever and the lock body; FIG. 5 is a cross section of the example lock shown in FIG. Figure, which shows the use of an unauthorized key in the lock slot between the lock lever and the lock body; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of one of the example locks shown in Figure 1, shown on the lock lever The key between the lock body and the key is not used in the lock slot.

Throughout the several views, corresponding element symbols refer to corresponding parts. The examples set forth herein are illustrative of one embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

The present invention relates to a replaceable key lock that can be replaced without removing the lock cylinder. The operation for the key change lock is similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 8,033,150, which is incorporated herein by reference. Although the key change operation operates similarly, the present lock includes an enhanced torque resistance. In some embodiments, this enhanced torque resistance is designed in a manner that isolates the torque on the lock cylinder from the racks, which increases the durability of the lock.

An illustrative lock 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lock core 10 includes a longitudinal shaft 12, a lock core body 14, and a lock cylinder assembly 16. A retainer clamp 18 (Fig. 2) couples the lock core body 14 with the lock cylinder assembly 16.

The lock body 14 (as best seen in Figure 2) illustratively includes a generally cylindrical main The body 20 has a front end 22 defining a bottom surface 28, a rear end 24 and a cylindrical wall 26. The cylindrical wall 26 includes an internal locking bar engagement recess 30 (best seen in Figures 4, 5, and 6). In some embodiments, the locking bar engagement groove 30 has a generally rectangular cross section and extends longitudinally along a portion of the lock body 14 (typically from the front end 22).

The lock cylinder assembly 16 includes a lock cylinder body 32, a carrier subassembly 34, and a plurality of spring load pins 38 (also referred to as key followers). The lock cylinder main body 32 illustratively includes a lock cylinder surface 36, a middle portion 40, and a drive portion 42. The cylinder face 36 defines a lock slot opening 44, a replacement key tool opening 46 and a radially outwardly extending passage for receiving the pair of channels 48 of the counter drill ball bearing 50. Drive portion 42 is structurally designed to drive a torque blade 51 that can be coupled to a latch assembly (not shown). The drive portion 42 further includes a pair of slots 52 formed in its perimeter and a central recess 54 for receiving the retainer clamp 18 to retain the lock cylinder body 32 in the lock body 14.

The intermediate portion 40 includes a main portion 56 formed as a cylindrical section and having a plurality of passages 58 for receiving spring loaded pins 38. The passage 58 extends illustratively transverse to the longitudinal axis of the lock cylinder body 32. A flat surface 60 defines a recess 62 for receiving a retaining cover 64. The passage 58 extends partially through the lock cylinder body 32, wherein the sidewalls of the passages open to a flat surface 66. The flat surface 66 illustratively includes a plurality of bullet-shaped rack engagement features 68.

The carrier sub-assembly 34 includes a carrier 70, a plurality of racks 72, a spring latch 73, and a locking lever 74 for holding the corresponding biasing member 78 against the locking lever 74 to push the locking lever 74 against the rack. A pair of clamps 76 and a return spring 80. The carrier 70 includes a body 82 in the form of a cylindrical section that is complementary to the main portion 56 of the cylinder body 32 such that the carrier 70 and the main portion 56 combine to form a lock that fits within the lock body 14. . Carrier 70 includes a curved surface 84 and a flat surface 86. The curved surface 84 includes a locking bar slot 88, a spring latching recess 90, and a pair of receiving receiving recesses 100 for the receiving fixture 76. The locking lever slot 88 illustratively includes a pair of biasing member receiving apertures 92 for receiving the biasing member 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking lever 74 includes a corresponding pair of recessed regions 96 for receiving one of the biasing members 78.

The spring loaded locking lever 74 is sized and structurally designed to fit into the locking bar slot 88 in the carrier 70. The locking lever 74 illustratively includes a blocking portion 98 that is received in the locking lever engagement recess 30 in the locking core body 14 when in the locked position (Figs. 5 and 6) and when in an unlocked position ( The lock lever engagement groove 30 extends out in the middle of Fig. 4). In some embodiments, as shown schematically, the blocking portion 98 has a square edge that forms a rectangular cross section. This square surface stands relative to the triangular shaped edge of the locking bar described in U.S. Patent No. 8,033,150, which is moved out of the recess in the body of the lock by a cam action. By using the pushing of the biasing member 78 to move the blocking portion 98 out of the recess 30 in the key body 14, a square edge can be used with one of the corresponding flat surfaces of the locking lever engagement recess 30, thereby One of the triangular shaped edges and the corresponding triangular shaped locking rod engaging recesses described in U.S. Patent No. 8,033,150 increases the torque resistance of the lock core 10. Moreover, this releases the stress on the rack 72 because the torque applied by an unauthorized key (or other item) will not be converted from the locking lever 74 to the rack 72 via a cam action; rather, the locking lever 74 is Engagement of the locking lever engagement recess 30 will isolate the torque from the rack 72. Relative to the square edge of the blocking portion 98, the locking bar 74 includes a flange 102 that is structurally configured to engage the locking bar engagement groove 104 formed in the rack 72 (Figs. 4, 5, 6). The flat surface 86 of the carrier 70 includes a plurality of parallel rack receiving slots 94 that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the carrier 70.

3 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of one of the lock cores 10 of one of the laterally cutting clamps 76. In this view, the visible clamp 76 extends around the carrier 70. One end of the biasing member 78 is fixed against one of the receiving portions 106 of the clamp 76 and the other end is received in the recess 96 of the locking lever 74 and urges the locking lever 74 against the rack 72. In this embodiment, the locking lever 74 is continuously urged against the rack 72 by the biasing member 78.

4, 5 and 6 are schematic cross-sectional views of the lock core 10 cut transversely along the blocking portion 98 of the locking bar 74. In Figure 4, it shows that an authorized key 108 is inserted into the lock slot. In the port 44, the key cutout of the authorized key 108 is such that the spring load pin 38 is moved and thereby the rack 72 is moved to the flange 102 in which the locking lever 74 is received by the biasing member 78 to be received by the rack 72. The respective locking levers engage one of the positions in the recess 104. The blocking portion 98 of the positioning lock lever 74 moves out of its unlocked position of the locking lever engagement recess 30, thereby allowing free rotation of the lock cylinder assembly 16 relative to the lock core body 14 to unlock the lock core 10. The biasing member 78 causes the locking lever 74 to push out of the locking lever engagement recess 30. This is used in relation to the cam action described in U.S. Patent No. 8,033,150, which is used to move the locking lever out of a recess in the body of the lock cylinder. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which an unauthorized key 110 is inserted into the lock slot opening 44. Since the key cutout of the unauthorized key 110 is "unauthorized", the locking lever engagement recess 104 of at least one of the racks 72 is not aligned with the flange 102 of the locking lever 74. Thus, the locking lever 104 cannot be pushed out of the locking lever engagement recess 30 of the lock core body 14, which means that the blocking portion 98 prevents rotation of the lock cylinder assembly 16 relative to the lock core body 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the edges of the blocking portion 98 are square and the locking bar engagement recess 30 of the keying body 14 has a corresponding shape. This means that the force caused by the twisted lock cylinder assembly 16 relative to the lock core body 14 will be applied to the flat surface 112 of the blocking portion 98 relative to one of the flat inner surfaces 114 of the locking bar engagement groove 30. Since the surfaces 112, 114 are flat relative to each other, this enhances the torque resistance compared to an inclined surface such as the triangular edge of the locking lever of US Patent No. 8,033,150 and the corresponding triangular groove in the lock body. Sex. Moreover, unlike the flat surfaces 112, 114, the inclined surfaces described in U.S. Patent No. 8,033,150 create a cam action that applies a force to the rack, which in some cases may deform the rack or in other cases Reduce the durability of the rack. FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which no key is present in the lock core 10. The spring of the spring loaded pin 38 has a spring force that is higher than one of the biasing members 78. Accordingly, in the event that the lock slot does not have a key, the spring load pin 38 drives the rack 72 downwardly against the force of the biasing member 78 such that the flange 102 of the lock lever 74 is not received by the rack 74. The locking lever engages in the recess 104. This forces the blocking portion 98 of the locking lever 74 into the locking lever engagement recess 30 of the lock core body 14, which prevents the lock cylinder assembly 16 from opposing The rotation of the main body 14 of the lock.

Instance

An illustrative example of a replaceable key lock disclosed herein is provided below. One embodiment of the replaceable key lock can include any one or more of any of the examples described below and any combination.

Example 1 is a replaceable key cylinder having a lock body having a longitudinal axis and including a recess. The lock core includes a lock cylinder assembly disposed in the lock body that is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A plurality of key followers and corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the lock cylinder assembly. Responding to the application of a force inserted by an object into the replaceable key lock to facilitate replacement of the key to a new key, at least one of the plurality of racks selectively from at least the plurality of key followers One is detached. The lock core includes means for blocking rotation of the lock cylinder assembly relative to the lock body to prevent unlocking of the replaceable key lock using an unauthorized item. The blocking member is structurally designed such that a force from using an unauthorized object to twist the lock cylinder assembly is primarily distributed between the lock body and the blocking member as compared to any force that is converted to the plurality of racks In order to enhance the torque resistance of the replaceable key lock.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 is further structurally designed such that the blocking member includes at least one locking bar that is laterally movable relative to the longitudinal axis to a locked position in the groove of the lock body One of the grooves of the lock body is unlocked between the positions.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 is further structured such that the at least one locking bar includes a surface that engages a surface of the groove when the at least one locking bar is in the locked position. The respective surfaces of the at least one locking bar and the groove engaged when the at least one locking lever is in the locked position are in an approximately parallel plane.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 is further structured such that when the at least one locking bar is in the locked position, the at least one lock of the groove in the body of the lock is engaged The surface of the rod is not an inclined surface.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 3 is further structured such that when the at least one locking bar is in the locked position, the surface of the at least one locking bar that engages the groove in the locking body is flat surface.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 3 is further structured such that the surface of the at least one locking rod that engages the groove in the body of the lock is approximately parallel to a plane normal to one of the axes of the longitudinal axis. in.

In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 2 is further structured such that when the at least one locking lever is in the locked position, one of the edges of the at least one locking lever is received in the recess of the lock body.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 is further structured such that the edge of the at least one locking bar is substantially square.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 7 is further structured such that the edge of the at least one locking bar has an approximately rectangular cross section.

In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 1 is further structured to include pushing the barrier member toward a biasing member toward one of the plurality of racks.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 is further structurally designed such that the plurality of key followers are spring loaded, and wherein one of the biasing members has a spring force and one of the spring loaded key followers has a spring force Proportional to ensure that any key followers will not be raised by the at least one locking lever.

Example 12 is a replaceable key cylinder that includes a lock body having a longitudinal axis including a recess. The lock core includes a lock cylinder assembly disposed in the lock body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A carrier assembly is provided that includes a plurality of racks and at least one locking bar. The lock core includes a plurality of key followers that are disposed in the lock cylinder assembly. Responding to the application of a force inserted by an object into the replaceable key lock to facilitate replacement of the key to a new key, at least one of the plurality of racks selectively from the plurality of locks At least one of the key followers is disengaged. The at least one locking bar is rotatably movable transverse to the longitudinal axis about the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the at least one locking lever is movable between a locked position in the recess of the lock body and an unlocked position of the recess in the lock body. The at least one locking lever is structurally designed to prevent the replaceable key lock from unlocking using an unauthorized item. The at least one locking lever is structurally configured such that a force from using an unauthorized object to twist the lock cylinder assembly is mainly distributed over the lock body and the carrier total compared to any force that is converted to the plurality of racks Between.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 is further structured such that a biasing member urges the at least one locking bar toward the plurality of racks.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 12 is further structured such that the plurality of key followers are spring loaded and one of the biasing members has a spring force that is less than one of the spring loaded key followers.

Example 15 is a replaceable key cylinder that includes a lock body that has a longitudinal axis that includes a recess. A lock cylinder assembly is disposed in the lock body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The lock core includes a plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks, and the like is disposed in the lock cylinder assembly. Responding to the application of a force inserted by an object into the replaceable key lock to facilitate replacement of the key to a new key, at least one of the plurality of racks selectively from at least the plurality of key followers One is detached. At least one locking bar is rotatably movable transverse to the longitudinal axis about the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the at least one locking lever is movable between a locked position in the recess of the lock body and an unlocked position of the recess in the lock body. The portion of the at least one locking rod received into the recess has an approximately rectangular cross section. The lock core includes a biasing member that urges the at least one locking lever toward the plurality of racks.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 is further structured such that the plurality of key followers are spring loaded and one of the biasing members has a spring force that is less than one of the spring loaded key followers.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the specific elements, materials, and embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art can readily recognize the basic characteristics and various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. And modified to suit various uses and features.

10‧‧‧Lock

12‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

14‧‧‧Lock body

16‧‧‧Lock column assembly

36‧‧‧Lock cylinder

44‧‧‧Lock slot opening

46‧‧‧Replace the key tool opening

Claims (16)

A replaceable key cylinder comprising: a lock core body having a longitudinal axis and including a groove; a lock cylinder assembly disposed in the lock body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis; a key follower and a plurality of racks are disposed in the lock cylinder assembly, wherein the force is applied in response to insertion of an object into the replaceable key lock to facilitate replacement of the key to a new key At least one of the plurality of racks is selectively detached from at least one of the plurality of key followers; a member for blocking rotation of the lock cylinder assembly relative to the lock core body to prevent use of a Unlocking of the replaceable key cylinder of an unauthorized object, wherein the blocking member is structurally designed such that the force from using an unauthorized object to twist the lock cylinder assembly is compared to the conversion to the plurality of racks Any force is mainly distributed between the lock body and the blocking member, thereby enhancing the torque resistance of the replaceable key lock. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 1, wherein the blocking member comprises at least one locking lever that is laterally movable relative to the longitudinal axis to a locking position of the recess to the locking body and for One of the grooves of the lock body is unlocked between the positions. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 2, wherein the at least one locking lever includes a surface that engages a surface of the recess when the at least one locking lever is in the locked position, wherein the at least one locking lever is The respective surfaces of the at least one locking bar and the groove that are engaged in the locked position are in an approximately parallel plane. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 3, wherein the surface of the at least one locking lever that engages the recess in the lock body when the at least one locking lever is in the locked position is not an inclined surface. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 3, wherein the surface of the at least one locking lever that engages the recess in the lock body when the at least one locking lever is in the locked position is a flat surface. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 3, wherein the surface of the at least one locking lever that engages the recess in the lock body is in a plane that is approximately parallel to a radial axis of one of the longitudinal axes. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 2, wherein an edge of one of the at least one locking lever is received in the recess of the lock body when the at least one locking lever is in the locked position. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 7, wherein the edge of the at least one locking lever is substantially square. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 7, wherein the edge of the at least one locking lever has an approximately rectangular cross section. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 1, further comprising pushing the blocking member toward one of the plurality of racks to bias the member. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 10, wherein the plurality of key followers are spring loaded and wherein a spring force of the biasing member is proportional to a spring force of one of the spring load key followers to ensure Any key follower will not be raised by the at least one locking lever. A replaceable key cylinder comprising: a lock core body having a longitudinal axis including a recess; a lock cylinder assembly disposed in the lock core body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis; a carrier An assembly comprising a plurality of racks and at least one locking lever; a plurality of key followers disposed in the lock cylinder assembly, wherein one of the forces is inserted into the replaceable key lock core by an object Applying to facilitate the replacement of the key to a new key, at least one of the plurality of racks selectively from the Separating at least one of the plurality of key followers; wherein the at least one locking lever is rotatably movable transversely to the longitudinal axis about the longitudinal axis, wherein at least a portion of the at least one locking lever is movable to the lock body One of the locking positions is in a locked position from one of the recesses in the lock body; and the at least one locking lever is structurally designed to prevent the replaceable key lock from being used Unlocking the authorized item, wherein the at least one locking lever is structurally configured such that a force from using an unauthorized object to twist the lock cylinder assembly is primarily distributed over the force converted to the plurality of racks Between the lock body and the carrier assembly. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 12, further comprising a biasing member that urges the at least one locking lever toward the plurality of racks. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 13 wherein the plurality of key followers are spring loaded and wherein one of the biasing members has a spring force that is less than a spring force of the spring load key followers. A replaceable key cylinder comprising: a lock core body having a longitudinal axis including a recess; a lock cylinder assembly disposed in the lock body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis; a key follower and a plurality of racks are disposed in the lock cylinder assembly, wherein the force is applied in response to insertion of an object into the replaceable key lock to facilitate replacement of the key to a new key At least one of the plurality of racks is selectively detachable from at least one of the plurality of key followers; at least one locking lever movable transversely to the longitudinal axis and about the longitudinal axis, wherein the At least a portion of the at least one locking lever is movable between a locked position in the recess of the lock body and an unlocked position of the recess in the lock body; The portion of the at least one locking lever received into the recess has an approximately rectangular cross section; and a biasing member that urges the at least one locking lever toward the plurality of racks. The replaceable key cylinder of claim 15, wherein the plurality of key followers are spring loaded and wherein one of the biasing members has a spring force that is less than a spring force of the spring load key followers.