WO2012171899A1

WO2012171899A1 - Torque transmitting arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2012171899A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/061082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johan Calleberg
Original assignee: Futurama Innovation Ab
Priority date: 2011-06-16
Filing date: 2012-06-12
Publication date: 2012-12-20

Abstract

A torque transmitting arrangement is presented. The system comprises a longitudinal axis, a first follower arranged to rotate around the longitudinal axis, a second follower arranged to rotate around the longitudinal axis, and arranged to operate a lock. The system further comprises a torque transferring member. The torque transferring member is in an active state arranged to provide torque transfer between the follower and the follower and the torque transferring member is in an inactive state arranged to prevent torque transfer between the follower and the follower. The torque transferring member is arranged at a periphery of the follower, and is arranged to engage with a first recess in an outer periphery of the follower in the active state. Thereby the torque transferring member transfers torque between the follower and the follower during rotational movement of the follower The torque transferring member is arranged to slide on the outer periphery of the follower during rotational movement of the follower in the inactive state, whereby torque is prevented from being transferred to the second follower during rotational movement of the first follower.

Description

TORQUE TRANSMITTING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a torque transmitting arrangement comprising a longitudinal axis, a first follower arranged for rotation on the axis of the system and a second follower arranged for rotation on the longitudinal axis. The arrangement comprises a torque transferring member in an active state arranged to provide torque transfer between the first follower and the second follower; and in an inactive state arranged to prevent torque transfer between the first follower and the second follower. The torque transferring member is arranged at a periphery of the second follower, and is arranged to engage with a first recess in an outer periphery of the first follower in the active state, whereby the torque transferring member transfers torque between the follower and the follower during rotational movement of the follower.

BACKGROUND

A traditional lock device operated by use of a mechanical key is associated with risks and drawbacks when it comes to handling of the mechanical key per se. The key might be lost, or subject for unauthorized copying. Although copy-protected keys are available, modern technology including scanners and three-dimensional printers increase the risk of copying. Electromechanical lock devices eliminate the need for a key to operate the Sock and thereby also the drawbacks related to the mechanical keys.

Examples of electromechanical lock devices are devices including an electrically controlled release mechanism for manoeuvring a lock cylinder. Such lock devices are described for example in US 5,839,307 and SE 9904771 -4. An actuator is rotated by means of an electric motor. The actuator in turn permits or prevents the movement of a side bar. Attempts to force and to manipulate such a mechanism may be to hammer on the lock, or try to force rotational movement of the actuator in order to reach the release position.

US 2010139341 A1 discloses a lock device comprising interlocking means with two axially movabie parts interconnecting a cylinder core and an extension so that free-turning operation is provided in one mode of operation, and where the extension rotates together with the cylinder core in another operational mode. By providing such free-turning operation, attempts to force the lock by unauthorised interference are aggravated. Although providing an improved solution, the presented system has some drawbacks and weaknesses. The relatively weak construction will not withstand torque, and wiS! thus, if exposed to large radial forces, break relatively easily.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, a torque transmitting arrangement is provided. The system comprises a longitudinal axis, a first follower arranged for rotation on the longitudinal axis and a second follower axially spaced along the longitudinal axis from the first follower and arranged for rotation on the longitudinal axis. A torque transferring member able to adopt an active state and an inactive state is arranged to provide torque transfer

between the first follower and the second follower in the active state, and the torque transferring member is arranged to prevent torque transfer between the first follower and the second follower in the inactive state. The torque transferring member is arranged at a periphery of the second follower and is arranged to engage with a first recess in a periphery of the first follower in the active state in which the torque transferring member torque transfers torque between the first follower and the second follower during

rotational movement of the first follower. In the active state, the torque transferring

member is retained in the first recess in the periphery of the first follower, and in the inactive state the torque transferring member is free to slide on the periphery of the first follower during relative rotational movement between the first follower and the second follower to thereby leave the first recess during the relative rotational movement. Thereby, a robust and secure construction is achieved. Due to the construction, in the inactive state, the arrangement does not transfer torque since the torque transferring member will perform a sliding movement along the periphery of the first follower. In the active state, torque is transferred between the first follower and the second follower.

From a security point of view an improved arrangement is provided. Further, due to the non-complex and simple construction comprising few separate parts, manufacturing involving low costs is possible. The parts involved may be manufactured by machining without any need of specially adapted tools. The arrangement may be used together with almost any lock present today without exchange of lock case, lock plunger, lock plate or other vital parts. Further, due to high security and low power need the arrangement may advantageously be used at remote places with poor or no power supply for example telecommunication base stations, radio masts, military buildings or the like.

In another embodiment the torque-transmitting arrangement is further arranged within a cylinder housing. The cylinder housing further accommodates a blocking member displaceable between an active position and an inactive position. The blocking member in its active position is arranged to retain the torque transferring member in the first recess.

In another embodiment the blocking member is displaced between the active position and the inactive position by rotation about a second longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment the second longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment the blocking member is arranged to be moved between its active and inactive position by an electric motor.

In another embodiment the torque transferring member is arranged in a second recess arranged at the periphery of the second follower. In another embodiment the torque transferring member is arranged to pivot around a first end whereby movement between the active and the inactive state is enabled.

In another embodiment a biasing member is arranged to block the blocking member in its active position.

In another embodiment the first follower is connected to a thumb turn, and the second follower is arranged to operate a lock. In another embodiment a holding mechanism for use in a torque transmitting arrangement is provided. The torque transmitting arrangement comprises a first follower and a second follower, and a torque transferring member arranged to transfer torque between the first follower and the second follower. The mechanism comprises a blocking member arranged to, in an active position, hold the torque transferring member in an active state where torque is transferred between the first follower and the second follower via the torque transferring member. The blocking member is further arranged to, in an inactive position, enable the torque transferring member to enter an inactive position where torque is prevented from being transferred from the first follower to the second follower.

In another embodiment the blocking member is arranged to be moved between the active position and the inactive position by an electric motor. In another embodiment the blocking member is moved between its active and inactive position by way of rotational movement around a central axis of the blocking member.

In another embodiment the rotational movement is a portion of a revolution. The blocking member extends a first distance in a first direction and a second distance in a second direction. The first and the second directions are substantially perpendicular to the centra! axis and the first distance is longer than the second distance. In the active position the blocking member is arranged to abut against the torque transferring member along the first direction, and in the inactive position the blocking member is positioned such that the second direction is arranged in line with the torque transferring member.

In another embodiment a holding member is comprised. The holding member is arranged to, in an inactive holding position, hold the blocking member in the inactive position and arranged to, in an active position, enable the blocking member to enter the active position.

In another embodiment the holding member is arranged to be held in its inactive position by a biasing member. The biasing member may be a spring. In another embodiment the holding member is further provided with a protrusion arranged to protrude into a corresponding holding recess arranged in the blocking member. In another embodiment the holding member is moved between its active and inactive position by an axial movement along said longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment the protrusion is arranged to slide on an inner surface of the holding recess during rotational movement of the blocking member, whereby the axial movement of the holding member is achieved.

In another embodiment an enclosure system for a lock arrangement is provided, The system comprises a cylinder housing arranged for rotation on a common longitudinal axis. The housing is provided with a flange provided with at least one front recess, and a front cover arranged for rotation on the common longitudinal axis and provided with at least one radially protruding member arranged to fit into the at least one front recess thereby enabling the at least one protruding member to slide inside said flange when the cylinder housing and the front are rotated in relation to each other around the common longitudinal axis. The cylinder housing and the front cover are thereby held together.

In another embodiment the cylinder housing is provided with an opening in a direction parallel with the common longitudinal axis, and the front cover is provided with a through hole. The opening and the through hole are laterally displaced in relation to the common longitudinal axis, whereby the front cover and the cylinder housing are locked together by bringing the first and second through holes in line with each other when the cylinder housing and the front cover are rotated in relation to each other around the common longitudinal axis, and an elongated member is inserted through the opening and the through hole. In another embodiment a shell is comprised. The shell is arranged to extend circumferentially around the cylinder housing.

In another embodiment the shell is arranged to rotate around the common longitudinal axis in relation to the cylinder housing. In another embodiment the shell is supported by ball bearings.

In another embodiment a lock blocking mechanism is provided. The mechanism comprises a second follower arranged to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and is provided with a first surface arranged at an outer periphery and extending at least partially in a radial direction. A cylinder housing encloses the second follower and is provided with a second surface arranged at an inner periphery and extending at least partially in a radial direction. A torque transferring member is arranged in a second recess provided in the second follower and extending in parallel with the longitudinal axis. The torque transferring member has a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter. The first and second surfaces are directed in substantially opposite directions and a first member extends at least partially around the longitudinal axis in a position along the longitudinal axis between the first surface and the second surface. In an operating state, the torque transferring member is positioned such that the first member is positioned at the first portion of the torque transferring member, and in a blocking state, the torque transferring member is positioned such that the first member is positioned at the second portion of the torque transferring member. The first member is arranged to abut against both the first surface and the second surface when the second follower is moved along the longitudinal axis such that substantial axial movement of the second follower in relation to the cylinder housing is prevented.

In another embodiment the torque transferring member is displaceable in relation to the cylinder housing in parallel with the longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment the first surface is an inner wail of a first groove provided in the outer periphery of the second follower. In another embodiment the second surface is an inner wall of a second groove provided at the inner periphery of the cylinder housing.

In another embodiment the first portion of the torque transferring member is provided with a third groove. In another embodiment the first member is arranged to retract the torque transferring member from an inactive position to an active torque transferring position. In another embodiment the first member is a circlip.

In another embodiment the first member is at least partly made of stainless steel.

Any of the embodiments mentioned above may be used together with an arrangement according to Figs. 1 -2f.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present embodiments will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the foilowing detailed description. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope, as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of embodiments, including their particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates an arrangement in accordance with one embodiment.

Fig. 2a - 2j illustrates a free turning function and torque transfer.

Fig. 3a - 3d show detailed views of a blocking member and its activation mechanism. Fig. 4a - 4g show an enclosure. A connection between a hardened front and a cylinder housing is shown.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart. Fig. 6a-c shows another exemplified embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. Disclosed features of example embodiments may be combined as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a torque transmitting arrangement 1 in accordance with one

embodiment. The arrangement 1 is arranged around a longitudinal axis 2. The arrangement comprises a first follower 3 arranged for rotation on the longitudinal axis 2, and a second follower 4 axially spaced along the longitudinal axis 2 from the first follower and arranged for rotation on the longitudinal axis 2. Torque may be transferred from the first follower 3 to the second follower 4 via a torque transferring member 5. Torque may as well be transferred from the second follower 4 to the first follower 3. The first follower 3 may be connected to a thumb turn or the like {not shown) and the second follower 4 may be connected to a lock (not shown). The first end 8 of the torque transferring member 5 is arranged to rest in a second recess 7 arranged in the periphery of the second follower, The torque transferring member 5 is further arranged, in an active state, to retain in a first recess 6 arranged in the periphery of the first follower 3 during rotation of the first follower 3. Thereby, the torque transferring member will follow the rotational movement of the periphery of the first follower 3 during the rotational movement. As a result, the torque transferring member will transfer the rotational movement to the second follower 4 and torque is thereby transferred.

A further exemplary embodiment of an arrangement 1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2a. The arrangement is comprised in a system comprising a thumb turn 12 by which a lock provided with the locking system may be operated when a user turns the thumb turn. The thumb turn 2 is connected to the first follower 3. Bearings 18 may be provided to improve the rotation of the first follower 3 and the second follower 4. Further, the system comprises a front cover 13, preferably of hardened steel, arranged to be safely connected to a cylinder housing 15, and to a shell 14, preferably of hardened steel, thereby providing robust and secure outer protection covering and protecting vital parts of a locking system. The cylinder housing 15 encloses the first follower 3 and the second follower 4. Parts of the locking systems are provided with an enclosure. The shell 14 is arranged axially between a lock case 38 (not shown) arranged in a door and a flange 13a (not shown} arranged on the inside of the front cover 13. The shell 14 is arranged to rotate in relation to the other parts of the system either about the longitudinal axis 2 or another axis parallel therewith. Thereby, any attempt to force the lock by gripping the shell with for example a pipe wrench or the like will not be successful since the only result will be rotation of the shell.

The shell 14 encloses the cylinder housing 15 comprising parts of a locking mechanism. The cylinder housing comprises an actuator mechanism for operating a lock, and a torque transferring member 5 providing a free turning inactive state and an active torque transferring state of the torque transmitting arrangement 1. The cylinder housing 15 further comprises a sensor pin 16 and a sensor plane 23 provided on top of a first follower 3, and arranged to cooperate with the sensor pin 16. The sensor plane 23 is shown as a planar surface being a chamfer of the circumference of the first follower 3. Thereby, a space is provided between the sensor plane 23 and the sensor pin 16 when they are in line with each other. The sensor pin 16 is a mechanical sensor actuated by rotational movement of the thumb turn 12 which in turn moves the first follower 3. When the first follower 3 is turned, the sensor plane 23 is no longer in line with the sensor pin 16, and the sensor pin 16 is instead brought in contact with the peripheral rounded edge of the first follower 3 whereby it is lifted upwards and thus activates a micro switch 24, or any other suitable sensing arrangement, preferably connected to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 25 comprising electronic equipment for controlling the actuator mechanism of the locking system when activated by a user using a tag and/or a code. Although shown as a mechanical sensor comprising a sensor pin 16 actuating a switch, any other suitable sensor arranged to provide a signal may be used.

The system may comprise an electric motor 0 held by a motor fixture 17. The motor fixture is arranged to keep the motor 10 in place axially as well as radia!ly. Although shown as an electric motor, any suitable actuator such as for example an

electromagnetic driving mechanism, a piezo electric actuator, an air pressure actuator, a vacuum actuator or a memory shape alloy may be used. The motor 10 is arranged to operate a blocking member 9 which in turn is arranged to retain the torque transferring member, in the active state, in the recess 6.

The cylinder housing may comprise two steel balls 26a, 26b with respective biasing means, in the figure shown as springs 27a, 27b. The steel balls 26a, 26b are arranged to be biased by the springs 27a, 27b to fit tightly into ball recesses 28a, 28b arranged in a first follower 3 and in a second follower 4, respectively. Thereby, the ball recesses 28a, 28b, and thus the first and second follower 3 and 4, are arranged in line with each other.

The system may comprise the ball bearings 18, and a plastic cap 19 covering the end of the shell 14, and an adapter 20 arranged to affect a lock. The plastic cap provides interruption of the thermal bridge present between the steel parts of the system. The use of a metal parts in a door in environments with large temperature difference outside and inside the door, may cause problems with condensation of cold air on the warmer side of the door, and, if the temperature on the outside is low enough, may result in icing occurring on the inside of the lock. Interruption of the thermal bridge prevents those kinds of problems.

A free turning function and a torque transferring function of the torque transmitting arrangement will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2a - 2f. The torque transferring member 5 is arranged to transfer torque from the first follower 3 to the second follower 4 when in an active state. Torque may as well be transferred from the second follower 4 to the first follower 3. The first follower 3 is arranged for rotation on the longitudinal axis 2 when a thumb turn 12 or the like is actuated, and is provided with a first recess 6 arranged to receive a second end of the torque transferring member 5. The second follower is arranged operatively connected with a lock. The first follower 3 and the second follower 4 are arranged inside a cylinder housing 15.

The torque transferring member 5 is pivotally moveable around its first end 8 between an active state, where the second end retains in the first recess 6, and an inactive state, where the second end rests on the rounded periphery of the first follower 3. The first end 8 of the torque transferring member 5 is further arranged to rest in a second recess 7 arranged in the periphery of the second follower 4 which in turn is arranged to transfer torque to a lock directly or via an adapter 20, whereby a lock is operated.

A blocking member 9 is arranged adjacent to the torque transferring member 5. The blocking member 9 is arranged for rotation on a second longitudinal axis between an inactive position, where a space is present between the blocking member 9 and the torque transferring member 5, and an active position where the blocking member 9 is brought in the near vicinity to the torque transferring member 5. The second axis is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2.

In the inactive state of the torque transmitting arrangement, rotational movement of the thumb turn 12 results in a rotational movement of the first follower 3. When the first follower 3 is rotated, a space is present between the blocking member 9, when the blocking member is in an inactive position, and the torque transferring member 5 permits the torque transferring member 5 to perform a movement in a radial direction leaving the first recess 6 to follow a circumferential part of the periphery of the first follower 3. As the first follower 3 completes its rotational movement, the torque transferring member will rest in this position, sliding on the periphery of the first follower 3. Thereby, the thumb turn 12 may be rotated without transferring any torque from the first follower 3 to the second follower 4.

In the active state of the torque transmitting arrangement, the blocking member 9 is moved to its active position where a surface of the blocking member 9 is placed in the near vicinity of the torque transferring member 5. Rotational movement of the thumb turn 12 results in a rotational movement of the first follower 3. When the first follower 3 is rotated, the blocking member 9 prevents the torque transferring member 5 from deviating from its position in the first recess 6. As the first follower 3 completes its rotational movement, the torque transferring member will remain in the first recess 6, held in place by the cylinder housing 15. Thereby, the torque transferring member 5 is forced to follow the rotational movement of the first follower 3 and torque is transferred from the first follower 3 to the second follower 4 via the torque transferring member 5. Thereby, torque from the thumb turn is transferred to an adapter 20 operating a lock. in Figs. 2a-2d, the arrangement is shown in the inactive state. In Figs. 2a-2b the thumb turn 12 is positioned in a non-activated position. The blocking member 9 is positioned in the inactive position in which there is a space present between the surface of the blocking member 9 and the surface of the torque transferring member 5. The torque transferring member 5 rests in the first recess 6 arranged in the first follower 3.

!n Fig. 2c and 2d, the thumb turn 12 has been turned from its non-activated position. The thumb turn 12 is mechanically connected to the first follower 3 which is therefore also turned with the thumb turn 12. When the first foilower 3 is turned, the first end of the torque transferring member 5 performs a sliding movement along the surface of the first recess 6 and comes to slide on the circumferential periphery of the first follower 3. Due to the space present between the blocking member 9 and the torque transferring member 5 and that the torque transferring member is pivotally moveable about its first end 8, such sliding movement is possible. Thereby, the torque transferring member 5 wil! only perform a pivotal movement about its first end 8 and will not rotate together with the first follower 3. Thereby, no torque will be transferred from the first follower 3 to the second follower 4. After the torque transferring member 5 has performed the sliding movement on the surface of the first follower 3, the torque transferring member 5 will be brought back to its position in the first recess 6. The torque transferring member 5 may be brought back by gravity or by any applied force from example from a permanent magnet or a biasing member.

In Figs. 2e-2h, the arrangement is shown in the active state, the blocking member 9 has been moved to its active position whereby the space between the blocking member and the torque transferring member is reduced and the surface of the blocking member 9 is brought close to the torque transferring member 5.

Figs. 2g and 2h show how the thumb turn 12, and thus the first follower 3, again is turned from its non-activated position. The blocking member 9 is in an active position. When the thumb turn is turned, thus, space between the blocking member 9 and the torque transferring member 5 is reduced compared to the space available in the inactive position of the blocking member 9. The torque transferring member 5 is therefore retained in its position in the first recess 6. Due to that the space available between the torque transferring member 5 and the cylinder housing 15 is not large enough to permit the torque transferring member 5 to depart from the recess 7, the torque transferring member 5 is forced to follow the rotational movement of the first follower 3. When the rotation is continued, the torque transferring member 5 is retained in the recess6 by the cylinder housing 5. By the position of the torque transferring member 5 in first recess 6 and the second recess 7, torque will be transferred from the first follower 3 to the second follower 4.

Fig. 2i and 2j show that the blocking member 9 is returned to its inactive position during the rotational movement of the first follower 3. When the thumb turn starts to move from its non-activated position, the sensor pin generates a signal and the motor will be activated and retracts the blocking member 9 to its inactive position. After a full revolution is completed by the thumb turn, the blocking member will again allow the torque transferring member 5 to slide on the periphery of the first follower 3 and no torque will be transferred. The blocking member is preferably made of non-ferromagnetic materia! and is coupled to the axis of the motor drive, By using non-ferromagnetic materia!, the blocking member 9 may not be affected and manipulated by any magnetic force applied from the outside. Thereby, increased security is achieved. Figs. 3a - 3d show detailed views of a holding mechanism comprising a blocking member 9 and its activation mechanism. The holding mechanism may be used in the above described arrangement or in other lock systems. The blocking member 9 is moved between the inactive position and the active position by means of an electrical motor 10 combined with a holding member 29.

As shown in fig. 3a, an electrical motor 10 is provided with a motor axis is coupled to the blocking member 9. The motor axis and the blocking member 9 are arranged for rotation on a second axis. The blocking member 9 is kept in an inactive position by means of the holding member 29 in cooperation with a biasing member 30, in the figure shown as a coil spring. The biasing member 30 may however be any type of biasing member. The blocking member 9 as well as the holding member 29 are preferably made of non- ferromagnetic material and may therefore not be manipulated by any external magnetic field. Fig. 3b shows the blocking member 9 in an inactive position where a space is present between the blocking member 9 and a torque transferring member 5 (not shown). The holding member 29 is provided with a protrusion 31 arranged to fit into a corresponding holding recess 32 arranged in the blocking member 9 whereby the blocking member 9 is prevented from moving from the inactive position to the active position. In this position the biasing member 30 is extended towards the blocking member 9 along the second axis. in Fig. 3c, a signal has been sent to the motor 10 and the motor 10 thereby starts a rotational movement of the blocking member 9. The force of the motor 10 overcomes the force provided by the biasing member 30 and the holding member 29 starts to move axially away from the biocking member 9 along the second axis, compressing the biasing member 30. The protrusion 31 slides on the inside surface of the holding recess 32 during the rotational movement of the blocking member 9.

In fig. 3d, the blocking member 9 has reached its active position. The holding member 29 has been further moved axiaiiy away from the blocking member 9 and is now positioned in an active stop position with the protrusion 31 positioned outside the holding recess 32 and resting against a stop surface 37 provided on the biocking member 9. In this axially retracted position of the holding member 29, the biasing member 30 is compressed. The blocking member 9 will stay in this active position until the motor 10 starts a rotational movement of the blocking member 9 whereby the protrusion 31 again slides on the inside of the holding recess 32. In the active position, when used in an arrangement as disclosed in Figs. 1 -2j, the torque transferring member 5 is blocked from performing any radial movement by the biocking member 9 and therefore the torque transferring member 5 is retained in the recess 6 and follows the rotational movement of the first follower 3 whereby torque is transferred. A further advantage with the hoiding mechanism is that manipulation of the position of the blocking member 9 from the outside will be very difficult. Manipulation by biows, vibration, pressurized air, vacuum, etc. may be withstood to a large extent. Due to the construction comprising the holding member 29 kept in place by the biasing member 30, the blocking member 9 will remain safely in its inactive position even if large forces are applied. Especially, axially applied forces will only result in that the holding member 29 will even more keep the biocking member 9 in its inactive position. Therefore, it is further ensured that the torque transmitting arrangement 1 will not transfer any torque between the first follower 3 and the second follower 4 as a result of outer violence. Parts of locking systems may be provided with an enclosure for holding the parts together and/or to withstand attempts to force the locking systems. Traditionally enclosures protecting locks are made of brass. The enclosure may by for example comprise hardened parts to make breaking the locking system more difficult. Such parts are often separate loose parts in the form of pins. If an attacker is aware of where such hardened pins are located, the drill may be placed in-between the hardened pins and the enclosure may be broken. Thereby, access may be given to the locking mechanism.

A connection according to embodiments between a hardened front cover 13 and the cylinder housing 15 will now be described in detail with reference to fig. 4a - 4g.

As shown in fig. 4a, the hardened front cover 13 is provided with at least one protruding member 13a arranged to fit into a corresponding flange recess 15a arranged in a flange 33 at the periphery of the cylinder housing 15. The protruding member 13a protrudes radially, and may either be directed inwardly or outwardly. The front cover 13 and the cylinder housing 15 are arranged to be rotated in relation to each other around a common rotational axis whereby the protruding member 13a engages with the flange 33. Since the protruding member 13a engages with the flange 33, the front cover 13 and the cylinder housing 15 will be axially connected to each other as shown in fig. 4c and 4d. Both the front cover 13 and the cylinder housing 15 are provided with a through hole radially displaced in relation to the common rotational axis. When the front cover 13 and the cylinder housing 15 are rotated to a predetermined position, the through hole 34 will be arranged in line with an opening in the cylinder housing 15 as shown in fig. 4e and 4f. An elongated member such as an end of the above mentioned first follower 3, is inserted through the opening of the cylinder housing 15 and the through hole 34. Due to the radial displacement of the holes in relation to the rotational axis of the part, the parts will thereby be securely locked together. in Fig. 4g an exploded view of a lock system according to embodiments is shown. The system comprises a hardened front cover 13 arranged to be connected to a cylinder housing 15. A shell 14 extends around the cylinder housing 15. A first follower 3 is enclosed by the cylinder housing 15. The system is arranged to operate a lock case 38. The system may be used in conjunction with the arrangement according to Figs. 1-2j, the blocking mechanism according to Figs. 3a-3d, or the blocking mechanism shown below in Figs. 6a-c.

With reference to the flow chart shown in Fig. 5, the system works as follows. A user activates the system 1 from a sleeping mode 101 by turning 102 the thumb turn 12. Thereby, a mechanical sensor activates the system by generating 103 a signal.

Thereafter, a system code is given 104, for example via a key pad or by a remote signal sent from a separate unit. The signal from the mechanical sensor together with the correct system code activates 105 the motor 10 and the blocking member 9 is moved 106 from its inactive position to its active position. When the thumb turn again is turned 107, the torque transferring member 5 will follow the rotational movement of the first follower 3 and torque will be transferred 108. Further, the turning of the thumb turn will again activate the mechanical sensor and a new signal will be sent 109 to the motor 10. The motor is activated 1 10 and rotates the blocking member 9 back to its inactive position. If the thumb turn remains unaffected, the system will preferably return to sleeping mode after a predetermined period of time, for example 10s.

With reference to Figs. 6a-6c a blocking mechanism for a lock system according to embodiments is shown in detail. The blocking mechanism may be arranged in conjunction with an arrangement as described in connection with Figs. 1 -2j or other lock systems. A second follower 4 is arranged to rotate about a longitudinal axis 2. A first surface 43 is arranged at an outer periphery of the second follower 4 and extends at least partially in a radial direction thereof. A cylinder housing 1 5 at least partially encloses the second follower 4 and is provided with a second surface 44 arranged at an inner periphery of the cylinder housing 15. The second surface 44 extends at least partially in a radial direction and is arranged to face in a direction substantially opposite to the direction the first surface 43 is facing. A torque transferring member 5 is arranged in a second recess 7 provided in the second follower 4 and extends substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis 2. The torque transferring member 5 has a first portion 41 with a first diameter and a second portion 42 with a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter. A first member 22, shown as a circlip which is a form of steel ring spring, extends at ieast partially around the second follower 4 and the longitudinai axis 2 in an axial position between the first surface 43 and the second surface 44. The first member 22 is shown to act on the torque transferring member 5 and providing a retracting movement thereof into the second recess 7. The first member 22 may be arranged in a first circumferential groove 35 provided in the second follower 4, and optionally in a second groove 36 arranged at an inside of the cylinder housing 15.

The blocking mechanism may be in an operating state, in which the second follower 4 may be rotated as required for normal operation of the lock system. In the operating state, the torque transferring member 5 is positioned in the second recess 7, seen in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 2, such that the first member 22 is positioned at the first portion 41 of the torque transferring member 5.

The blocking mechanism may be changed into a blocking state, in which the first member 22 abuts against the first surface 43 and the second surface 44. Thus the second follower 4 may not be displaced other than a minor distance in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 2 in relation to the cylinder housing 15. If unauthorized access to the lock system is attempted by applying a force in the direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 2, the torque transferring member 5 will be forced in an axial direction such that the first member 22 will be moved from a position at the first portion 41 to a position at the second portion 42. As mentioned above, in the operating state, the first member 22 is arranged at the first portion 41 , and in the blocking state the first member 22 is arranged at the second portion 42, of the torque transferring member 5.

In the blocking state, the first member 22 has been forced out of position in a radial direction. The second follower 4 and the cylinder housing 15 will therefore no longer be axially moveable in relation to each other as the first member 22 abuts against both the first surface 43 and the second surface 44. Thus, breaking of a lock system comprising the second follower 4 and the cylinder housing 15, in a direction parallel with the longitudinai axis 2, may be prevented. If further axiai force should be applied to the second follower 4, the member 22 may cause the second follower 4 and the housing 15 to harsh together. Although this may damage the blocking mechanism, forced entry of the iock system still may be prevented.

The first groove 35 comprises the first surface 43 and the second groove 36 comprises the second surface 44. The first portion 41 of the torque transferring member 5 having a smaller diameter may be a third groove 39 arranged circumferentially in the torque transferring member 5. A steel ball 21 is further provided. The object of the steei ball 21 is to provide a small contact surface for a first follower 3 in an axial direction. Transfer of torque from the first follower 3 to the second follower 4 by applying an axial force wiil be very difficu!t due to the small contact surface. Thereby, the risk of break-down due to axial forces applied to the first follower 3 is iimited. Such a small contact surface may be provided by other means than the exemplified steel ball 21. A tapered end of any of the parts involved may provide a small contact surface, or a separate part having any shape with a small contact surface like a cone or the like.

Example embodiments described above may be combined as understood by a person skilled in the art.

Although example embodiments have been described, many different alterations, modifications and the like wiil become apparent for those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments. Modifications to the disclosed embodiments, combinations of features of disclosed embodiments as well as other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Example embodiments should not be construed as Iimited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shape that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Claims

39 CLA!MS

1 . A torque-transmitting arrangement {1 ) comprising a iongitudinai axis (2), a first follower (3) arranged for rotation on the longitudinal axis (2);

a second follower (4) axialiy spaced along the Iongitudinai axis (2) from the first follower (3) and arranged for rotation on the longitudinal axis (2), a torque transferring member (5) able to adopt an active state and an inactive state, the torque transferring member (5) being arranged to provide torque transfer between the first follower (3) and the second foilower (4) in the active state; and the torque transferring member (5) being arranged to prevent torque transfer between the first follower (3) and the second follower (4) in the inactive state; wherein the torque transferring member (5) is arranged at a periphery of the second foilower (4), and is arranged to engage with a first recess (6) in a periphery of the first follower (3) in the active state, in which the torque transferring member (5) transfers torque between the first follower (3) and the second follower (4) during rotational movement of the first follower (3), characterized in that in the active state the torque transferring member (5) is retained in the first recess (6) in the periphery of the first foilower (3), and in the inactive state the torque transferring member (5) is free to slide on the periphery of the first follower (3} during relative rotational movement between the first follower (3) and the second follower (4) to thereby leave the first recess {6} during the relative rotational movement.

2. The torque-transmitting arrangement (1 ) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the arrangement is arranged within a cylinder housing (15), the cylinder housing further accommodating a blocking member {9} displaceable between an active position and an inactive position, the blocking member (9) in its active position being arranged to retain the torque transferring member (5) in the first recess (6).

3. The torque-transmitting arrangement {1 } as claimed in claim 2, wherein the blocking member is displaced between the active position and the inactive position by rotation about a second longitudinal axis,

4. The torque-transmitting arrangement (1 ) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis (2).

5. The iorque-transmitting arrangement (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the blocking member (9) is arranged to be moved between its active and inactive position by an electric motor (10).

6. The torque-transmitting arrangement (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said torque transferring member (5) is arranged in a second recess (7) arranged at the periphery of the second follower (4).

7. The torque-transmitting arrangement (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said torque transferring member (5) is arranged to pivot around a first end (8) whereby movement between the active and the inactive state is enabled.

8. The torque-transmitting arrangement (1 ) according to any of claims 2-7, wherein a holding member (29) cooperating with a biasing member (30) is arranged to block said blocking member in its active position.

9. The torque-transmitting arrangement (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first follower (3) is connected to a thumb turn (12), and the second follower {4} is arranged to operate a lock.