EP0227505B1 - Safety device for a lock, and lock equipped therewith - Google Patents

Description

The present invention essentially relates to a safety device for a lock which makes it possible to considerably increase the number of codes allowing the locking or unlocking of the locks.

Safety devices are already known comprising a cylinder mounted to rotate in a body containing a plurality of bars capable of sliding in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the cylinder, these bars each comprising a finger cooperating with a single groove formed on one and the other face of the key bit so that when this key is inserted into the cylinder, said bars can be actuated according to the shape of the groove to separate the cylinder from the body and, by action of the key, allow the cylinder to rotate in this body in order to control a locking and unlocking member.

Such a device is for example described in US Patent No. 3,264,852 to which reference may be made.

However, in this type of security, the number of codes or combinations that can be provided is limited, this being due to the fact that one is limited at the level of the successive changes of direction of the single groove, if one wants to ensure the 'introduction and proper operation without seizure of the key inserted in the cylinder. The changes in slope of the groove cannot exceed a certain angle between approximately 40 and 45 °, which obviously limits the number of combinations. In other words, the different forms of groove that can be adopted are limited in number so as to allow actuation of the safety, which limits all the possible combinations. Furthermore, it should be noted that the single groove posed problems of wear of the groove and of the fingers of the bars by the fact that all the fingers, at each insertion or withdrawal of the key, pass through the single cam path that forms the groove.

To increase the possibilities of combination, it has been proposed, as described in European patent application No. 008 310, to vary the shape of the fingers integral with the bars, as well as the width and the depth of the groove on the key. However, here again, a maximum number of combinations cannot be obtained because the width and depth of the groove on the key, as well as the modification of the shape of the fingers, remain limited.

The present invention therefore aims to remedy the above drawbacks by proposing a safety device which includes simple and inexpensive improvements making it possible to significantly increase the number of possible combinations.

To this end, the invention relates to an improved safety device of the type defined above and essentially characterized in that, before the introduction of the key into the cylinder, the vertical offset of the fingers of a bar to the the other is such that the set of fingers between the two ends of the cylinder extends along at least approximately a line inclined in one direction or the other with respect to the axis of the cylinder, so that said fingers can cooperate with substantially as many grooves opening onto at least one of the edges of the key bit, as there are fingers to actuate, thereby in particular giving this device an increased multiplicity of combinations.

It is therefore understood that by shifting the fingers along any inclined line, and by multiplying and dissociating the grooves on the key, each groove, during the introduction of the key, will control the actuation of a bar, and we can thus solving the problem of the insufficiency of combinations relating to the existence on the key of a single groove cooperating with all the fingers of the bars, as was the case in the prior devices.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the cylinder rotating in the body comprises at least one stop projecting towards the axis of this cylinder and cooperating with the edge of the key bit.

According to a preferred embodiment, this stop takes the form of a part inclined relative to the axis of the cylinder and substantially parallel to the inclined line of the aforementioned fingers, which inclined part cooperates with a corresponding inclined part provided on the edge of the bit. the key.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the inclined part of the cylinder and of the edge of the key bit extends over approximately half the length of the cylinder and of the key.

The angle formed on the one hand between the horizontal and the inclined part of the cylinder, and on the other hand between the inclined part of the edge of the key bit and the remaining part of this edge is between approximately 130 and 170 °, and is preferably equal to 157 °.

It will also be added here that the bars, after introduction of the key into the cylinder, allow the displacement of at least one stud used to secure the cylinder to the body.

This flange may comprise a part which is urged permanently into a hollow formed in the internal wall of the body, and it has holes capable of cooperating with lugs or the like secured to the bars.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the grooves on the faces of the key bit all open out at the inclined part provided on the edge of the bit.

According to another embodiment, a groove opens at a straight part and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bit, while the other grooves lead into the inclined part of the bit.

According to yet another embodiment, the aforementioned grooves all open at a straight part and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bit.

It will also be specified here that the above-mentioned grooves have origins offset in the longitudinal direction of the bit.

A projecting part having a stop role can be provided at the connection of the bit to the key operating ring.

The invention also relates to a lock equipped with two identical security devices meeting the above-mentioned characteristics and mounted in alignment in the same block.

• - la figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale et axiale du dispositif, cette coupe étant faite suivant la ligne 1 - de la figure 2;
• - la figure 2 est une vue en coupe transversale et axiale, suivant la ligne Il - Il de la figure 1;
• - les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en coupe suivant la ligne repérée III - III et IV - IV sur la figure 1, et montrant respectivement le cylindre en position solidarisée et désolidarisée du corps après rotation à l'aide d'une clé;
• - les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues en coupe suivant la ligne repérée V - V et VI - VI sur la figure 1, et montrant respectivement le cylindre avant et après rotation dans le corps;
• - la figure 7 est une vue en élévation de côté et à petite échelle d'une clé utilisable avec le dispositif de sûreté selon l'invention;
• - la figure 8 est une vue de côté, en élévation et à plus grande échelle de la clé montrée sur la figure 7;
• - la figure 9 est une vue également de côté et en élévation montrant un autre mode de réalisation de clé suivant l'invention;
• - la figure 10 montre en coupe axiale un dispositif de sûreté dans lequel est introduite la clé de la figure 7 ou 8; et
• - la figure 11 illustre en coupe axiale une autre réalisation de dispositif de sûreté dans lequel est introduite la clé montrée sur la figure 9.

However, other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better in the detailed description which follows and which refers to the appended drawings:

• - Figure 1 is a vertical and axial sectional view of the device, this section being taken along line 1 - of Figure 2;
• - Figure 2 is a cross-sectional and axial view, along the line II - II of Figure 1;
• - Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views along the line marked III - III and IV - IV in Figure 1, and respectively showing the cylinder in the secured and disengaged position of the body after rotation with a key;
• - Figures 5 and 6 are sectional views along the line marked V - V and VI - VI in Figure 1, and respectively showing the cylinder before and after rotation in the body;
• - Figure 7 is a side elevational view on a small scale of a key usable with the security device according to the invention;
• - Figure 8 is a side view, in elevation and on a larger scale of the key shown in Figure 7;
• - Figure 9 is a side view also in elevation showing another embodiment of key according to the invention;
• - Figure 10 shows in axial section a safety device into which the key of Figure 7 or 8 is inserted; and
• FIG. 11 illustrates in axial section another embodiment of a safety device into which the key shown in FIG. 9 is introduced.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is shown a safety device for a lock comprising a cylinder 1 rotatably mounted in a body 2 and containing a plurality of bars, flakes or the like 3a to 3e capable of sliding in the cylinder 1 in a direction orthogonal to its axis X - X '.

The bars 3a to 3e each have ends E which can abut on the internal wall of the body 2, and this under the action of gravity, when the cylinder is at rest, that is to say before introduction of the key. These bars are each provided with a finger or the like 4a to 4e projecting on one side of the bars in the direction of the axis X - X '.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the cylinder 1 actually comprises two parallel rows of bars 3a to 3e whose fingers 4a to 4e face each other and which delimit between them a space forming groove 5 into which the bit can be introduced 6 of a key 7 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9.

The bit 6 of the key 7 shown in Figures 7 to 9 has on its two faces grooves 8a to 8e which, during the introduction of the key, cooperate with the fingers 4a to 4e, so that the bars are actuated depending on the shape of the grooves to separate the cylinder 1 from the body 2 and thus allow, by action of the key 7, the rotation of the cylinder in the body in order to control any drive system ensuring the locking and unlocking.

In accordance with the invention, and as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 10 and 11, the fingers 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e respectively equipping the bars 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e extend along a line inclined with respect to the axis X - X 'of the cylinder 1, when said bars are at rest, that is to say before the introduction of the key 7. This line of fingers which extends between the two ends of the cylinder 1 can be inclined in one direction or the other with respect to the axis X - X 'and it can be straight, broken or even slightly curved depending on the offset position of the fingers 4 of a bar to the other. That said, the line of fingers 4 must be such that said fingers can each cooperate with as many distinct grooves 8a to 8e provided on one and the other face of the bit 6 of the key 7. In other words, when we introduce the key 7 in the space 5 (FIG. 2), the fingers 4a will penetrate into the grooves 8a, the fingers 4b will penetrate into the grooves 8b, the fingers 4c will penetrate into the grooves 8c etc ... Consequently, each groove 8a ... 8th of the bit 6 of the key 7 will control the actuation of a bar 3a ... 3rd, which, as we understand, will considerably increase the number of combinations by playing on the combinations of shapes of various grooves, and this without any constraint on the level of the forms, which was not the case in the previous safety devices where one used a key with groove in which penetrated successively all the fingers of the bars during the introduction of the key.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, the cylinder comprises, along the axis X - X 'a stop marked generally at 9 and projecting towards said axis. This stop 9 serves as a fulcrum for the edge of the bit 6 of the key 7 visible in FIGS. 7 and 8.

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 10, the stop 9 forms an inclined part 10 relative to the axis X - X 'of the cylinder, this inclined part 10 being substantially parallel to the inclined line formed by the succession of fingers 4a to 4th. This inclined part 10 cooperates with an inclined part corresponding 11 provided on the edge of the bit 6 of the key, as seen in Figures 7 and 8, and into which open the grooves 8a to 8e.

The inclined part 10 can be slightly curved, as seen in Figure 1, or it can be straight, as seen in Figure 10 or as shown by dotted lines 10a in Figure 1. We will emphasize here on the fact that the stop 9 can have any suitable shape, without departing from the scope of the invention, as well as the edge of the bit 6 of the key which will obviously have to have a shape compatible with the stop 9.

In this regard, it can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 that the edge of the bit 6 has an inclined portion 11 at the level of which the grooves 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d open, and a part 22 which is straight and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the key, into which emerges a single groove, namely the 8th groove.

According to the embodiment of the key illustrated in FIG. 9, the grooves 8a to 8e on each face of the bit 6 all open out at the level of a straight part marked at 33 and which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the key 7. The edge bottom 34 of bit 6 is also straight, but parallel to the longitudinal axis of the key.

The key of FIGS. 7 and 8 could perfectly, without departing from the scope of the invention, comprise only the inclined part 11, without the straight part 22, it being understood that the grooves 8a to 8e would all lead in this case to the level of said inclined part 11.

It will be noted here that with the bit configuration shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, that is to say a bit comprising a wafer into which open a plurality of grooves, not only does the number of possible combinations increase, but the friction and the wear are considerably reduced, by the fact that each finger 4a to 4e of the bars 3a to 3e penetrates respectively into the groove 8a to 8e which corresponds to it and which is relatively short, whereas, in the prior devices, there was a gradual wear of successive fingers due to the passage of all these fingers in the same groove.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 10, the inclined part 10 of the cylinder 1, as well as the inclined part 11 of the edge of the bit 6 visible in FIGS. 7 and 8, extend, according to a preferred example, over approximately and even a little more than half the length of cylinder 1 and bit 6 of key 7.

The angle formed between the horizontal and the inclined part 10 of the cylinder 1, as well as the angle formed between the inclined part 11 of the edge of the bit 6 of the key and the remaining part 6a of this edge can be understood between about 130 and 170 °. In the example shown, this angle is equal to 157 °, but it can of course be different, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the grooves 8a to 8e are relatively short and have origins 23 offset in the longitudinal direction of the bit.

In FIGS. 2 to 4, there is shown at 21 a chin bar constantly urged by springs 12 against the internal wall of the body 1. More specifically, the chin bar 21 has, in cross section, a projecting part 11 a, forming for example a sharp angle, which cooperates with a corresponding hollow formed in the internal wall of the body 2. The jib 21 which here in fact constitutes two units, has holes 13 which are capable of cooperating with lugs or the like 14 integral with the bars 3a to 3rd and provided on the face of the bars opposite to that carrying the fingers 4a to 4th.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the studs 21 serve to secure the cylinder 1 to the body 2, thanks to the cooperating parts 11 a and 1a.

When the key 7 is introduced into the cylinder 1, this key can control the rotation of the cylinder 1 in the body 2, since the studs 21 can move radially thanks to the holes 13 which will come over the lugs 14. In other words, the part protruding 11 has studs 21 will escape the hollow 1a in the internal wall of the body 2.

If we now refer to FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be seen that the inlet of the cylinder 1 is advantageously provided with two parts 15 acting as shielding and protecting the safety against any external action. The two parts 15 are each urged permanently by a spring 16 against the internal wall of the body 2 and they can rotate with the cylinder 1 under the effect of the rotation of the key 7, as can be seen in FIG. 6.

There is shown at 17 a ball interposed between the cylinder 1 and the body 2, this ball being located at the entrance of the cylinder and capable of cooperating with a notch 18 provided on the edge of the key bit 7 so as to retain the key when 'it is in the depressed position in the cylinder 1 after the start of the rotation thereof as seen in Figure 6. We can still see in Figures 1, 2, 10 and 11 a drive piece 19 which can be any and is not within the scope of the present invention, this part may cause any locking and unlocking member.

In Figures 1 and 2, 10 and 11, there is shown at 35 a projecting part or abutment flange located at the connection of the bit 6 with the operating end M of the key. The abutment flange 35 and the notch 18 play their role after introduction of the key 7 into the safety device.

When the key 7 of FIGS. 7 and 8 is introduced into the safety device shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the inclined part 11 of the edge of the key bit comes to bear on the corresponding inclined part 10 belonging to the cylinder 1.

When the key is introduced into cylinder 1, fingers 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4th belonging respectively to the bars 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e slidingly mounted in the cylinder 1, will be engaged respectively in the grooves 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 8e of the key. This will allow the actuation of the bars and therefore the separation of the cylinder 1 and the body 2.

It will be noted that the notch 18 cooperates with the ball 17 housed between body 2 and cylinder 1, while the flange 35 serves as an end-of-travel stop for the key in the cylinder 1.

It is important to note here that the key according to the invention has as many grooves 8 as there are fingers 4 and therefore bars 3 to be actuated, which makes it possible to give said key and the cylinder which receives it a multiplicity combinations resulting from the multiplicity of shapes that can be given to the grooves 8 which are numerous and relatively short.

The same advantages are found on the key illustrated in FIG. 9 and which is intended to actuate the safety device shown in FIG. 11.

Indeed, we can still see here that each finger 4 engages in a groove 8 of the key and that we can provide for these grooves a multiplicity of shapes corresponding to as many combinations, it being understood that the arrangement of the fingers 4a to 4e must be such that it allows the introduction of said fingers in their respective grooves of the bit 6 of the key.

However, it will be noted here that the cylinder 1 does not have the inclined part 10 visible in FIG. 10, since the key shown in FIG. 9 does not have an inclined edge 11 but quite simply a lower edge 34 which is horizontal and perpendicular to the straight edge 33 which in a way forms a finger attack edge 4.

A safety device has therefore been produced according to the invention which makes it possible to considerably increase the number of combinations thanks to a particular orientation of the succession of the fingers on the bars in the cylinder, so that the fingers can correspond to substantially as many grooves provided on both sides of the key, it being understood that it should also be noted that with the device according to the invention, the path of the fingers in the grooves of the key is minimized, which considerably reduces the friction times and wear.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example.

Thus, the number of bars in the cylinder and the shape of the line of successive fingers carried by these bars can be arbitrary. Similarly, a key groove can receive more than one finger, for example two fingers belonging to two adjacent bars.

Claims (13)

1. Improved lock safety device comprising a cylinder (1) mounted rotating in a body (2) and containing a plurality of small bars , rods or the like (3a - 3e) liable to slide along a direction orthogonal to the axis (X - X') of cylinder (1), each of these small bars having a finger (4a - 4e) cooperating with a groove (8a - 8e) provided on both faces of the bit (6) of a key (7), so that when this key is inserted into cylinder (1), the said small bars can be operated according to the shape of the groove in order to unlock the cylinder (1) of the body (2) and, through the action of the key (7), allow the cylinder to rotate in this body for the purpose of controlling a locking and unlocking element, characterized in that, when the key is not inserted into the cylinder, the vertical shift of fingers (4a - 4e) from one small bar to the next is such that the whole of the fingers between the two ends of cylinder (1) extends at least approximately along a line slanting in either direction with relation to axis (X - X') of cylinder (1), so that the said fingers can cooperate with about as many grooves (8a - 8e) opening onto at least one of the edges of the bit (6) of the key as there are fingers to be operated, thus providing in particular this device with an increased multiplicity of combinations.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforesaid cylinder comprises at least one stop means (9) protruding towards the axis (X - X') of this cylinder and cooperating with the edge of the bit (6) of the key (7).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforesaid stop is made up of a portion (10) slanting with relation to the axis (X - X') of cylinder (1) and approximately parallel to the slant line of fingers (4a - 4e), which slant portion (10) cooperates with a corresponding slant portion (11) provided on the edge of the bit (6) of key (7).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the slant portion (10, 11) of cylinder (1) and of the bit edge of the key extends over about half the length of cylinder (1) and of bit (6).

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the angle formed between, on the one hand, the horizontal line and the slant portion (10) of cylinder (1), and, on the other hand, between the slant portion (11) of the key bit edge and the remaining portion (6a) of this edge is comprised between about 130 and 170° and is preferably equal to 157°.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforesaid small bars (3a - 3e), after the key (7) has been inserted into the cylinder (1), allow moving at least one tappet (21) used to interlock cylinder (1) and body (2).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the aforesaid tappet (21) comprises a portion (11 a) constantly acted upon in a recess (1a) provided in the interior surface of the body (2) and is fitted with holes (13) liable to cooperate with snugs or the like (14) solid with small bars (3a - 3e).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that all the grooves (8a - 8e) on the faces of the bit (6) of the key (7) open out at the level of a slanting portion (11) provided on the edge of the bit.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a groove (8e) opens out at the level of a straight portion (22) perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the bit (6), whereas the other grooved (8a - 8e) open out into the slanting portion of the bit.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that all the aforesaid grooves (8a - 8e) open out at the level of a straight portion (33) perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the bit (6).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforesaid grooves (8a - 8e) comprise origins (23) shifted along the lengthwise direction of the bit (6).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a protruding portion serving as a stop (35), and located at the junction of the bit with the operating ring (M) of the key.

13. Lock equipped with two identical safety devices according to one of claims 1 to 12 and mounted in an aligned manner inside a same block.

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