EP1851404A1

EP1851404A1 - Rotary cylinder lock which can be actuated with a multi-groove key

Info

Publication number: EP1851404A1
Application number: EP06707987A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hervé VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE Calor
Original assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle SAS
Current assignee: Minebea AccessSolutions France SAS
Priority date: 2005-02-11
Filing date: 2006-02-02
Publication date: 2007-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-02
Also published as: KR20070120097A; JP5031586B2; US20080178647A1; FR2882081A1; WO2006084818A1; FR2882081B1; EP1851404B1; CN101137811A; BRPI0608318A2; CN101137811B; MX2007009761A; KR101254827B1; JP2008530399A; BRPI0608318B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary cylinder lock (1) which is designed to be actuated with a multi-groove key. The inventive lock comprises: a rotor (10) which is mounted such that it can rotate inside a stator (20) and at least one spring which is mounted such that it can move inside a guide housing (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) between a locked position and an unlocked position, each spring being coupled to an elastic return means which moves same into the locked position. The invention is characterised in that each guide housing (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) can receive two different types of springs which can co-operate respectively with each of the two key grooves which extend such as to oppose the drive force exerted by the associated elastic return means when the key is inserted into the rotor.

Description

ROTATING BARREL LATCHABLE BY MEANS OF A MULTI-TRACK KEY

The present invention relates to a rotary lock cylinder, which is intended to be operated via a key provided with a plurality of separate tracks.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application, but not exclusive, in the field of lock mechanisms of motor vehicles.

A rotating barrel latch is schematically composed of a rotor mounted to rotate axially inside a stator, and locking means able to block the rotation in question. The assembly is arranged so that the activation and / or deactivation of the locking means, as well as the rotational drive of the rotor, is performed using a key.

Among the known devices of the state of the art, there are those whose rotor is capable of being immobilized in rotation by a plurality of flakes which are mounted transversely sliding in guide housings formed through said rotor.

The mobility of each flake is generally exerted between a locking position in which one end of the flake in question is nested at least partially in a locking housing formed in the stator, and an unlocked position in which said flake is integrated substantially completely in the rotor.

To guarantee the rotational locking of the rotor when the key corresponding to the latch is not inserted, each flake is commonly coupled to a resilient biasing means which permanently drives it into the locking position.

The assembly is also arranged so that the axial insertion of the key inside the rotor is able to cause the sliding of each flake from its locking position to its unlocked position.

Of course, the burglar resistance of a rotary lock cylinder is directly related to the degree of sophistication of the key associated with it. In the present case, this resistance is a function of the number of tracks which are formed along the insert of the key in question and which are actually involved during the decoding of the flakes.

The displacement of each straw between its locking position and its unlocked position is indeed conventionally generated by sliding a bearing surface of said straw along one of the tracks of the key during the insertion of the latter inside the rotor. It is therefore understandable that the use of a maximum number of tracks makes it more complex to decode glitters, and consequently to complicate the task of any individual wishing to force such a lock.

At the present time, a four-track key, that is to say having four different active teeth, is a solution that offers one of the best compromises in terms of structural simplicity and level high security. Schematically, in such a configuration, the flakes are divided into two groups that are located head to tail inside the rotor, and the associated elastic return means are arranged to move each group of flakes in parallel directions but in opposite directions. It should be noted that the straws of the same group, that is to say those which are driven in the same direction, are then able to cooperate with the two tracks of the key, which are respectively provided on both faces, in opposition to the driving direction of said flakes.

This type of rotary cylinder lock and four-track key has however the disadvantage of only allowing a relatively fixed distribution of flakes within the rotor, in that the different flakes may be implanted in a same guide housing will always cooperate with the same key track; only the height positioning of the support surface varies from one flake to another depending on the track profile selected for each key.

However, the fact that the flakes come into contact with the key always in the same places, and whatever the distribution adopted, has the effect of facilitating the reading of the code. Indeed, thanks to the wear marks, any malicious individual in possession of a key can determine the logical sequence in which were implanted flakes. By also evaluating the different heights of support surfaces possible from the different profiles of tracks, it will then be relatively easy to deduce all conceivable combinations.

Also the technical problem to be solved by the object of the present invention is to provide a rotary lock cylinder intended to be actuated by a multi-track key, said lock comprising a rotor mounted to rotate axially to the inside a stator, and at least one flail movably mounted in displacement in a guide housing formed through the rotor, between a locking position blocking the axial rotation of said rotor and an unlocked position releasing said axial rotation, each straw is, on the one hand, coupled to an elastic return means which permanently drives it into the locking position, and on the other hand, able to be moved to the unlocked position by sliding along one of the tracks of the key during the complete insertion of said key inside the rotor, a lock which would make it possible to avoid the problems of the state of the art, in particular by offering a resistance significantly improved burglary, without compromising the structure of the rotor and the stator for obvious reasons of costs. The solution to the technical problem consists, according to the present invention, in that each guide housing is adapted to receive indifferently two types of separate flakes, which are respectively able to cooperate with each of the two tracks of the key that are intended to extend in opposition to the driving force exerted by the associated elastic return means, when said key is inserted into the rotor.

It should first be clarified that the invention is perfectly applicable to any type of multi-track keys, regardless of the number and relative positioning of the tracks actually involved, and regardless of the orientation of each notch that is, internal or external.

It should then be noted that the mobility of each straw may be of any nature, provided that it is exerted between a locking position blocking the axial rotation of the rotor and an unlocked position releasing said axial rotation.

Note also that the driving force can be of any origin, and in particular a thrust force or a tensile force depending on the exact nature of the elastic return means used.

Anyway, the invention as defined thus has the advantage of being able to change the distribution of glitter within the same rotor, when the latter must be adapted to become compatible with a new one. key. The principle consists, from one key to another, to change the contact points of the different flakes on the tracks of the key in question. In this sense, this principle can be likened to that of the rotating codes that are encountered in the computer field.

It is therefore not simply a matter of substituting a straw with another which is distinguished only by a difference in height of positioning at the support surface, but to replace it with another type of straw which is able to cooperate with the track formed substantially at the same level on the other side of the insert of the key.

The fact that each guide housing can be equipped with the choice of two different types of flakes can increase the number of possible combinations, number of constant guide housing. This feature thus makes it much more difficult to read the key, and consequently the decoding glitter. But more generally, this obviously allows to increase also the resistance of the lock vis-à-vis the traditional techniques of crook type break-ins.

The present invention also relates to the features that will emerge during the following description, and which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

This description, given by way of non-limiting example, is intended to do better understand what the invention is and how it can be done. It is also given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0023] Figure 1 is an exploded view illustrating a rotary lock cylinder according to the invention. Figure 2 shows in side view the insert of a key compatible with the lock of Figure 1; the four tracks of said key being simultaneously represented by transparency. Figure 3 shows the rotor in perspective before, with the flakes in the locking position.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but in rear perspective. Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the rotor in which is inserted the insert of the key; the flakes being in the unlocked position.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, but in rear perspective. Figure 7 is a cross section of the rotor, which is made at a first flake. Figure 8 is a cross section of the rotor, which is made at a second flake. Figure 9 is a cross section of the rotor, which is made at a third flake. Figure 10 is a cross section of the rotor, which is made at a fourth straw. For the sake of clarity, the same elements have been designated by identical references. Likewise, only the essential elements for understanding the invention have been represented, and this without regard to the scale and in a schematic manner. [0034] Figure 1 illustrates a rotary lock cylinder 1 which is intended to equip a locking / unlocking device of an opening of a motor vehicle, and which is to be actuated by a key 100 provided with an insert 105 to four tracks 101, 102,

103, 104, partially visible in Figure 2. It is clearly seen in this Figure 1 that the lock 1 is mainly composed of a rotor 10 mounted to rotate axially inside a stator 20. By cons it is not apparent that the latch 1 comprises a plurality of flakes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,

36 which are responsible for immobilizing the rotation of the rotor 10 relative to the stator 20, when the key 100 is not inserted into the rotor 10. Indeed, the flakes in question

31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 have not been shown in this first figure, to further highlight the presence of guide housings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 formed through the rotor 10. The rotor 10 constitutes the mobile part of the latch 1. It therefore supports the flakes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, it cooperates by interlocking with the insert 105 of the key 100 and is provided with a cover 12. On the contrary, the stator 20 forms the fixed part of the latch 1. It plays with both a guiding support role and locking means for the rotor 10, and it is doomed in the present case to be fixed rigidly on the opening of the motor vehicle.

We also note in Figure 1, the presence of a lever 200 which is responsible for mechanically controlling the locking or unlocking of the lock which is coupled to the latch 1. In order to be able to be tilted during the axial rotation of the rotor 10 by the key 100, the lever 200 is able to be rigidly secured to the end 11 of said rotor 10. A spiral spring type 201 is conventionally provided.

In this particular embodiment, chosen solely by way of example, the rotor 10 is able to be immobilized in rotation by six flakes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 mounted transversely sliding in six housing units. 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 formed through said rotor 10. The mobility of each straw 31, 32, 33,

34, 35, 36 is exerted between a locking position (FIGS. 3 and 4) in which one of its ends 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, 35a, 36a protrudes from the surface of the rotor 10 and is nested partially in a locking housing formed inside the stator 20, and an unlocked position (FIGS. 5 and 6) in which said straw 31,

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 is integrated substantially completely into the rotor 10. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, each straw 31, 32,

33, 34, 35, 36 is coupled to an elastic return means 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 which permanently drives it into the locking position. The purpose is to guarantee the rotational locking of the rotor 10 relative to the stator 20 when the key 100 is not inserted into the lock 1. It should also be noted that even if they have not been directly illustrated, the elastic return means 51 and 55, which are associated with the guide housings 41 and 45 and the flakes 31 and 35, have the same structural and functional characteristics as their counterparts here shown.

In this presently preferred embodiment of the invention, each elastic return means 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 is constituted by a cylindrical compression spring which permanently exerts on the flake 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 which is associated with it, a longitudinal thrust force in the direction of the locking position.

The sliding drive of each flake 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 between its locking position (FIGS. 3 and 4) and its unlocked position (FIGS. 5 and 6) is carried out here in a completely random manner. in fact classic. It is in fact generated by sliding of a bearing surface 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b, 35b, 36b formed on the straw 31, 32, 33, 34,

35, 36, along one of the tracks 101, 102, 103, 104 of the key 100, during the translation of the insert 105 inside the rotor 10. The assembly is arranged so that that the complete insertion of the insert 105 is able to drive each flake 31,

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 precisely in the unlocked position.

As in any lock 1 operable by means of a key 100 to four tracks 101, 102, 103, 104, the flakes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are divided into two groups which are located head- spade inside the rotor 10. The elastic return means 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 associated with them are also arranged to drive each group of flakes 31, 32, 34, 35 in translation. ; 33, 36 in parallel directions but in opposite directions. It should be noted that the flakes 31, 32, 34, 35;

33, 36 of the same group, that is to say those which are driven in a common sense, are then able to cooperate with the two tracks 101, 102, 103, 104 which are respectively formed on both sides key 100, in opposition to the driving direction of said flakes 31, 32, 34, 35; 33, 36.

According to the object of the present invention, each guide housing 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 is able to receive indifferently two types of separate flakes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 , which are respectively able to cooperate with each of the two tracks 101, 103; 102, 104 of the key 100 which are intended to extend in opposition to the driving force exerted by the associated elastic return means 51, 52, 52, 54, 55, 56, when said key 100 is inserted in the rotor 10.

As can be seen in Figures 7 to 10, the straws 33 and 36 are part of the same group, since they are slidably driven in the same direction, in this case upwards. But within this group, flakes 33 and 36 belong to two different types of flake, since they are intended to cooperate with respectively the tracks 103 and 101 of the key 100.

The straws 32 and 34 are part of another group, since they are slidably driven in another common direction, namely downwards. And within this second group, the flakes 32 and 34 belong to two different types of flakes, since they are dedicated to cooperate respectively with the tracks 102 and 104 of the key 100.

Following this logic, the last two flakes 31 and 35 must be classified in the second group since they are also driven down, regardless of the position of their respective bearing surfaces.

By way of a concrete example, and in accordance with the subject of the present invention, the flake 33 of the guide housing 43 (FIG. 7) could be replaced by a straw similar to the flake 36 of the guide housing 46 (FIG. figure 8), and vice versa. In the same way, the flake 32 of the guide housing 42 (FIG. 9) could be exchanged with a flake similar to the flake 34 of the guide housing 44 (FIG. 10), and vice versa. According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the latch 1 is provided with at least four flakes 32, 33, 34, 36 which are able to cooperate with respectively each of the four tracks 101, 102, 103, 104 of the key 100.

This specificity ensures that all tracks 101, 102, 103, 104 of the key 100 are active, that is to say that they are all effectively implemented during the decoding glitter 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. The latch 1 can then be considered as a true four tracks.

According to another feature of the invention, all the elastic return means 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 are located in the rotor 10 on the same side of the flakes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36.

This feature is of obvious interest in terms of manufacturing process, because the fact of combining all the springs on the same side allows for simultaneous crimping which ultimately simplifies the assembly of the lock 1.

Although this feature has not been implemented in the embodiment chosen to illustrate the invention, the lock 1 may also advantageously comprise substantially as many flakes 33, 36 driven in the locking position in a given direction, that straws 31, 32, 34, 35 driven in the locking position in the opposite direction.

It is noted that the phrase "substantially as much" means "as much" in the case where the number of flakes is even, and "the same number to one unit" if their number is odd.

This feature allows anyway to ensure a certain homogeneity in the distribution of flakes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 arranged in the head-to-tail position, which allows to optimize the number of combinations possible.

Of course, the invention relates to any locking / unlocking device having a rotary lock cylinder 1 as previously described. It is specified that the term locking / unlocking device means any mechanism essentially comprising a lock controlled a lock. One thinks in particular here of a locking / unlocking device for any opening of a motor vehicle.

Furthermore, the invention is more generally relating to any motor vehicle provided with at least one locking / unlocking device as previously defined.

Claims

claims

Rotary barrel lock (1) intended to be actuated by a key (100) with multiple tracks (101, 102, 103, 104), said latch (1) comprising a rotor (10) mounted to rotate axially to the inside of a stator (20), as well as at least one straw (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) movably mounted in displacement in a guide housing (41, 42, 43, 44, 45 , 46) arranged between the rotor (10), between a locking position blocking the axial rotation of said rotor (10) and an unlocked position releasing said axial rotation, each straw (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36). being, on the one hand, coupled to an elastic return means (51, 52, 53,

54, 55, 56) which permanently drives it into the locking position, and on the other hand, able to be moved into the unlocked position by sliding along one of the tracks (101, 102, 103, 104) of the key (100) during the complete insertion of said key (100) into the interior of the rotor (10), characterized in that each guide housing (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) is adapted to receive indifferently two types of flakes (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) which are respectively capable of cooperating with each of the two tracks (101, 102, 103, 104) of the key (100) which are intended to extend in opposition to the driving force exerted by the associated elastic return means (51, 52, 53, 54,

55, 56), when said key (100) is inserted into the rotor (10).

Lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least four flakes (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) respectively adapted to cooperate with each of the four tracks (101, 102, 103, 104) of the key (100).

[0003] Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises substantially as many flakes (33, 36) driven in the locking position in a given direction, that glitter (31, 32 , 34, 35) driven in the locking position in the opposite direction.

[0004] Lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all the elastic return means (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) are located in the rotor (10) of the same side glitter (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36).

Lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each straw (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) is slidably mounted inside its guide housing ( 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) between the lock position and the unlocked position.

Lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each elastic return means (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) is constituted by a cylindrical compression spring which exerts permanently on the flake (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) associated with it, a longitudinal thrust towards the locking position. Lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the locking position, each straw (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) comprises a portion (31a, 32a , 33a, 34a, 35a, 36a) which is at least partially nested in a locking housing in the stator (20). Lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the unlocked position, each straw (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) is integrated substantially completely in the rotor ( 10). Locking / unlocking device especially for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a rotary lock cylinder (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. [0010] A motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking / unlocking device according to the preceding claim.