EP1497517A4

EP1497517A4 - Lock and key incorporating a magnet

Info

Publication number: EP1497517A4
Application number: EP02795409A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Noah Eizen
Original assignee: Se Yardeni (metal Products) Ltd; S E YARDENI METAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: Se Yardeni (metal Products) Ltd; S E YARDENI METAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2001-12-20
Filing date: 2002-12-16
Publication date: 2005-03-02
Also published as: AU2002360200A1; WO2003054330A3; IL147219A0; WO2003054330A2; EP1497517A2; AU2002360200A8

Abstract

The invention relates to cylinder locks which combine a mechanical-magnetic cylinder lock which can be manufactured in different configurations.The lock comprises a revolvable rotor (16) supporting a first plurality of axially movable mechanical tumbler pins (18) and at least part of a magnetically-operated locking element (32). A stator body (14) revolvably supporting the rotor (16) and supporting a second plurality of axially movable mechanical tumbler pins (20) and the remaining elements of the locking element (32) and a locking cam (28) which projects from the lock body when the lock is in its locked position.The key (12) is insertable in the rotor and provided with recesses (38) for positioning the mechanical tumbler pins (18) along a shear line and carrying an inserted profiled magnet (24) located at the key center line, for opening the magnetically-operated locking element (32).

Description

LOCK AND KEY INCORPORATING A MAGNET

Filed and background of the invention

The present invention relates to cylinder locks.

More particularly, the invention provides a combined mechanical-magnetic cylinder lock which can be manufactured in many different configurations.

A lock can be arranged for operation by mechanical (key or combination), electric, magnetic, electronic, audible, optical, radio or other means. The majority of locks in use today are completely mechanical. Electric locks are also in use, and radio controlled locks are common on recent-mode! automobiles. Other locks are provided for special purposes.

The contest between those designing locks and those who try to open them without being in possession of a correct key has of course been going on for hundreds of years. The matter of opening locks illegally can be divided into two: violent methods, the prevention of which is the subject of a co-pending application, and non-violent means, the subject of the present disclosure.

Those tampering with locks are often expert at overcoming a lock of a type with which they are familiar. However locks using a combination of at least two different operational modes are exceptionally difficult to open without possession of a correct key. Furthermore, the key for operation of a multi-mode lock is also very difficult to copy unless the equipment for this purpose, such as is licensed by the manufacturer, is available.

A search of US Patents revealed several totally magnetic locks.

Herriot discloses a totally magnetic lock in US Patent 4,476,701. A magnetic key carries a magnetic locking element moves in aligned longitudinal grooves in inner and outer members of the lock. A further fully magnetic lock depending on rotating wheels is disclosed by Sedley in US Patent No. 5,388,437. The long-term reliability of this arrangement appears doubtful as it depends on retaining free wheel movement.

Yet a further totally magnetic lock assembly is disclosed by Lin in US Patent no. 6,041 ,628. A plurality of tumbler sockets are radially distributed in the lock sleeve. The key has magnet sockets positioned to match the magnet tumblers in the lock.

A combined magnetic-mechanical lock is known wherein a magnetic insert is carried by the key, said insert being located adjacent to an edge of the key. Such configuration allows the key to be inserted in one position only, and the number of different magnetic locking configurations is also limited. Alternatively, the magnetic insert must be inserted into both sides of the key. At any rate such insert is not an integral part of the locking mechanism or the key.

Objects of the invention

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to obviate the disadvantages of prior art locks and keys and to provide a mechanism which is more versatile, and which can be built in a variety of different configurations, as will become clear with reference to the diagrams.

It is further a primary object of the present invention to provide a mechanism and key where the magnet insert is an integral part of the key's profile and which operates the locking mechanism proper.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a combined mechanical-magnetic lock which is very resistant to tampering and is opened by a key which is very difficult to copy without the manufacturers equipment for this purpose. Yet a further object is to provide a key which can be inserted any either side up. Finally an object and advantage of the invention is that the tumblers which are urged from the rotor center prevent the rotation of the rotor and eliminate the possibility of picking the pin as usually done during attempts to pick the lock, which can be done when the tumblers are urged by a spring to the center of the rotor.

Summary of the invention

The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a combined mechanical and magnetic cylinder lock and key, comprising: a rotor revolvable when the key is inserted, the rotor supporting a first plurality of axially movable mechanical tumbler pins and at least part of a magnetically-operated locking element; a stator body revolvably supporting the rotor, and supporting a second plurality of axially movable mechanical tumbler pins, and further supporting the remaining elements of the magnetically-operated locking element; a locking cam which projects from the lock body when the lock is in its locked position; and the key insertable in the rotor, the key being provided with recesses for positioning the mechanical tumbler pins along a shear line, and carrying an inserted profiled magnet for opening the magnetically-operated locking element, characterized in that the magnet is located substantially at the key center line, along the key profile.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a key and lock wherein the magnetically-operated locking element comprises a pair of axially-aligned tumbler pins.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a key and lock wherein the magnetically-operated locking element supported by the rotor comprises an element movable in a direction radially spaced apart from the plurality of mechanically-operated tumbler pins, and when no key is inserted the locking element is urged by a spring means to engage a recess in the stator body thereby preventing rotor rotation, and after insertion of the key the locking element is magnetically withdrawn by the key magnet from the recess to allow revolution of the rotor relative to the stator body.

Further embodiments will be seen in the drawings and description.

It will be realized that the position of the stator recess, which locks the stator to the rotor by partially inserting therein a magnetically actuated body, can be common to the mechanical tumbler pins. However a recess for magnetic locking can be positioned anywhere else around the stator circumference. Furthermore, as will be shown, the magnetic locking position can be disposed anywhere along the rotor axis. The wide array of positioning options provides a lock, the layout of which cannot be known in advance by persons attempting to open the lock by means of tools normally used by those attempting illegal entry to closed premises.

Short description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent by example preferred embodiments of the invention. Structural details are shown only as far as necessary for a fundamental understanding thereof. The described examples, together with the drawings, will make apparent to those skilled in the art how further forms of the invention may be realized.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the magnetic-mechanical lock and key according to the invention;

FIG. 1b is a partially-sectioned elevational view taken across the length of the lock provided with mechanical and magnetic oprated tumbler pins; FIG. 1c is a section taken at AA, the rotor being locked and no key being inserted;

FIG. 1d is a section taken at AA, the rotor being unlocked due to the insertion of a correct key; FIG. 1e is the same as 1d, showing the rotor being rotated;

FIG. 2a is an elevational view of the key;

FIGS. 2b - 2e are sectional views of various keys showing the magnetic insert and the different key profiles cross-section;

FIGS. 2f - 21 are perspective views of keys wherein the magnetic element is assembled at different longitudinal positions;

FIG. 3a is a partially-sectioned elevational view taken across the length of the lock provided with a magnetic oprated component and a stator tumbler pins and wherein a magnetic locking recess is disposed diametrically opposite to the mechanical tumbler pins; FIG. 3b is a section taken at AA, the rotor being locked and no key being inserted;

FIG. 3c is a section taken at AA, the rotor being unlocked due to the insertion of a correct key,

FIG. 3d is the same as 3c, showing the rotor being rotated; FIG. 4a is a partially-sectioned elevational view taken across the length of the lock, provided with a Z-shaped magnetic oprated component and wherein a magnetic locking recess is disposed at right angles to the mechanical tumbler pins;

FIG. 4b is a section taken at AA, the rotor being locked and no key being inserted;

FIG. 4c is a section taken at AA, the rotor being unlocked due to the insertion of a correct key, and

FIG. 4d is the same as 4c, showing the rotor being rotated.

Full description of the invention There is seen in FIG. 1a a combined mechanical and magnetic cylinder lock 10 and key 12. The outer dimensions and outward appearance of the stator 14 and rotor 16 is the same as the well-known all-mechanical lock cylinder. However the insertion of any key unprovided with an appropriate magnet at a correct location will fail to open the lock.

FIG 1b shows the stator 14 and rotor 16 supporting a first plurality of axially movable mechanical tumbler pins 18. Additionally, there is seen a magnetically-operated assembly 25. Referring now to FIGS. 1b 1d and 1e, it is seen that the lock rotor 16 is revolvable when a correct key 12 is inserted. In the present embodiment, the magnetically-operated locking element comprises a pair of axially-aligned tumbler pins 20a, 20b, resting on cylindrical member 26. The upper tumbler pin 20a is urged by spring means 22 away from the center 23 of the rotor 16. The figures show a key 12, containing a profiled magnetic element 24 inserted into the rotor 16. As a result, the tumbler pin 20a nearest the key and tumbler pin 20b have moved towards the key 12 to the shear line CC seen in FIG. 1b due to magnetic attraction, and against a spring 22. The key 12 thus aligns both the tumblers 20a, 20b, and the mechanical tumbler pins 18 along the shear line CC. In the present embodiment the shear line CC is common to all the tumbler pins.

As with prior-art cylinder locks, a locking cam 28 projects from the stator 14 when the lock 10 is in its locked position as in FIG. 1a. FIG. 1 c also shows the cylinder lock 10 in its locked position, as due to the absence of an inserted key the spring 22 has pushed the upper tumbler pin 20a to block the rotor 16 and stator 18 across the shear line CC.

Similar to prior art keys, the key 12 of the present invention is provided with recesses 30 for positioning the mechanical tumbler pins 18 along the shear line

CC. However the key 12 also carries an inserted profiled magnet 24 for opening the magnetically-operated locking element which in the present embodiment comprises the pair of axially-aligned tumbler pins 20a, 20b.

The magnet 24 is located substantially at the key center line BB. It will be realized that either the key carries a magnet 24 and the pin 20a is made of a soft ferrous material, or the reverse situation prevails. Furthermore, both components can be magnets if the key 12 is configured to be insertable in one direction only so that the magnets are arranged to face each other by opposite poles.

The key will be seen in more detail in FIG. 2.

With reference to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a - 2i, further details of the key are seen. FIG. 2a shows a key 12, typically made of a high-strength brass alloy with a magnetic insert 24. As seen in FIGS. 2b - 2e, many different profiles formations 24, a, b, and c can be provided. However all are symmetrical about the key axis, so that the key 12 can be inserted either side up. It should be noted the magnetic insert 24 forms part of the key profile being fixedly held in the key as an integral part thereof.

The magnetic insert 24 can be positioned at any station along the length of the key 12, and of course the magnetic mechanism in the cylinder lock is positioned accordingly. Different possible magnetic insert positions are illustrated in FIGS. 2f - 2i.

FIG. 3b illustrates an embodiment of the lock 30 wherein the magnetically-operated locking element 32 is shaped somewhat similarly to a step or letter Z. The locking element 32 is supported by the rotor 34 to comprise an element movable in a direction radially spaced apart from the plurality of mechanically-operated tumbler pins 18. As no key is inserted, the locking element 32 is urged by spring 36 to enter a recess 38 in the stator body 40. In the present embodiment the recess 38 is radially spaced 180° from the stator the present embodiment the recess 38 is radially spaced 180° from the stator housings 42 of the mechanically-operated tumbler pins 18 seen in FIG. 3a. As the magnetically-operated locking element 32 has engaged the recess 38, rotor rotation is prevented.

Referring now to FIGS. 3a, 3c and 3d, which show the same lock embodiment 30, it is seen that a key 44 has been inserted in the rotor 34. The locking element 32 is consequently magnetically pulled towards and contacts the key magnet 46, thus causing withdrawal of the locking element 32 from the recess 38 to allow revolution of the rotor 34 relative to the stator body 40, as seen in FIG. 3d.

Seen in FIG. 4b is a lock embodiment 48 similar to 30 seen in FIGS. 3a - d. The magnetically-operated locking element 50 is provided with a longer guide section 52, made possible by the positioning of the stator locking recess 54 at 90° from the mechanically-operated tumbler pins 42 seen in FIG. 4a. As the magnetically-operated locking element 50 has engaged the recess 54, rotation of the rotor 58 is prevented.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a, 4c and 4d, it is seen that a key 56 has been inserted in the rotor 58. The locking element 50 is consequently magnetically pulled towards the key magnet 64. The magnetic field passes through and around a portion of the non-magnetic section of the key 56, thus causing withdrawal of the locking element 50 from the recess 54 to allow revolution of the rotor 58 relative to the stator body 62 .

The scope of the described invention is intended to include all embodiments coming within the meaning of the following claims. The foregoing examples illustrate useful forms of the invention, but are not to be considered as limiting its scope, as those skilled in the art will readily be aware that additional variants and modifications of the invention can be formulated without departing from the meaning of the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A combined mechanical and magnetic cylinder lock and key, comprising:

a rotor revolvable when said key is inserted, said rotor supporting a first plurality of axially movable mechanical tumbler pins and at least part of a magnetically-operated locking element;

a stator body revolvably supporting said rotor, and supporting a second plurality of axially movable mechanical tumbler pins, and further supporting the remaining elements of said magnetically-operated locking element;

a locking cam which projects from said lock when said lock is in its locked position; and

said key insertable in said rotor, said key being provided with recesses for positioning said mechanical tumbler pins along a shear line, and carrying an inserted profiled magnet element for opening said magnetically-operated locking element, characterized in that said magnet is located substantially at the key center line, along the key profile.

2. The key and lock as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said inserted magnet is provided with a profile corresponding to the longitudinal profile grooves disposed along said key.

3. The key and lock as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said magnetically-operated locking element comprises a pair of axially-aligned tumbler pins.

4. The key and lock as claimed in claim 3, wherein said magnetically-operated tumbler pins are urged by a spring means away from the center of said rotor, and are magnetically attracted to move towards said key against said spring means when said key is inserted into said rotor, thereby aligning said tumbler pins along the shear line common to said mechanical tumbler pins.

5. The key and lock as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said magnetically-operated locking element supported by said rotor comprises an element movable in a direction radially spaced apart from said plurality of mechanically-operated tumbler pins, and when no key is inserted said locking element is urged by spring means to engage a recess in said stator body thereby preventing rotor rotation, and after insertion of said key said locking element is magnetically withdrawn by said key magnet from said recess to allow revolution of said rotor relative to said stator body.