EP3301248B1 - Key for a lock cylinder and locking device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key for a lock cylinder, the key having a key shank extending along a longitudinal direction with two opposite broad side faces of the key, the key shank having a recess through the broad side faces of the key, a shaft extending transversely to the longitudinal direction through the recess, and wherein the shaft is non-rotatably disposed in the key shank. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a locking device with a key and a lock cylinder.

Such keys and lock cylinders are, for example, from the publication DE 100 58 590 C1 known.

This publication shows a key for a lock cylinder with a key shank which has locking recesses which interact with the core pins of the lock cylinder and in which a spacer is movably mounted, the direction of movement of which is inclined at an angle of approximately 45° to the broad side of the key. The spacer is a ring arranged in a slanting slot of the key bit, through which a pin with play of movement is inserted and which is inserted in a slanting hole in the broad side surface of the key.

Such keys with movable elements are known in principle in the prior art. They serve to increase the forgery security of the key. Furthermore, they serve to increase the security of a locking device consisting of the key and an associated locking cylinder. The moving elements increase the possibility of security-related queries in the lock cylinder and thus increase security against unauthorized unlocking of the lock cylinder.

For example, further shows the document EP 1 662 077 A1 a key with a movably arranged ring which is rotatably mounted on a pin.

The publications also show DE 699 16 570 T2 and DE 699 20 530 T2 a key in which a ring is also rotatably mounted on a shaft.

In addition, the pamphlet shows EP 2 754 792 A1 a further key with a recess, with a plurality of shafts extending transversely through the recess and the key shank, and on each shaft exactly one ring is rotatably mounted without play.

Furthermore, the pamphlet shows FR 2 762 345 A1 a key having two recesses, each of the recesses being penetrated by a respective shaft and a single movable element being located in each of the recesses.

The pamphlet EP 2 930 920 A1 forms the prior art according to Art. 54(3) EPC and shows a lock-key system comprising a lock cylinder housing with a cylinder core rotatably mounted therein, in the keyway of which a flat key can be inserted, which has a coding on its flat side that can be detected in the lock cylinder is. The one defined in this publication

The invention is characterized in that the coding consists of rings arranged in a recess in the key shank, that a corresponding clearance is provided in the cylinder core in order to be able to insert the key with the rings into the key channel, that at a defined point in the key channel the clearance is such extended is that the rings can be displaced transversely to the longitudinal plane of the key shank and that this displacement is effected by two blocking elements which are associated with the rings and can be moved transversely to the longitudinal plane of the key shank and which are arranged on both sides and engage with both rings. The pamphlet WO 2009/012541 A1 shows a cylinder lock, an associated one

key and a blank key for it. It is a key for a lock cylinder, the key having a key shank extending in a longitudinal direction with two broad side faces of the key, the key shank having two recesses through the broad side faces of the key, a shaft extending through the recesses, and the shaft being non-rotatable disposed in the key shank with two rings disposed in the recesses on the shaft, an inside diameter of each ring being greater than an outside diameter of the shaft. The key is also designed as a reversible key.

Proceeding from this state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative key and an alternative locking device that allow greater security of the locking device against unauthorized unlocking and increase the security of the key against unauthorized duplication.

According to the invention, therefore, a key for a lock cylinder is provided, the key having a key shank extending along a longitudinal direction with two broad side faces of the key, the key shank having a recess through the broad side faces of the key, a shaft extending through the recess, and the shaft is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the key shank, and wherein two rings are arranged directly next to one another on the shaft in the recess, wherein an inner diameter of each ring is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft. Furthermore, according to the invention, the key is designed as a reversible key.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that one of the rings is arranged on each side of a central plane of the key shank extending perpendicularly to the broad side surfaces of the key and parallel to the longitudinal direction. One of the rings is then arranged on each side of the center plane. In this way, the key can be configured as a reversible key. Regardless of its orientation in the keyway, one of the rings is arranged on each side of the center plane and can actuate a corresponding locking device.

According to the invention, two rings are thus arranged directly next to one another on the shaft in the recess, with an inner diameter of each ring being larger than an outer diameter of the shaft. The design as a reversible key is characterized by the fact that the orientation in which the key is inserted into the keyway is irrelevant. It can be provided, for example, by a symmetrical, in particular a point-symmetrical, design of the security-relevant features of the key shank with respect to a central plane of the key shank.

The term "ring" designates a rotationally symmetrical element with a constant ring cross-section, an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The inner diameter indicates the diameter of the opening through the ring. In principle, the ring cross-section can be designed as desired, for example also asymmetrically to a so-called ring center plane. The ring center plane designates a plane running perpendicularly to an axis of rotational symmetry at half the width of the ring. The inner diameter of the ring is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft. The shaft—which can also be referred to as a pin or bolt—does not necessarily have to be rotationally symmetrical. For example, an outer circumference of the shaft can have a circular cross section. For example, an outer circumference of the shaft can also have an elliptical cross section. The term "outside diameter" therefore indicates the largest outside diameter of the outer circumference of the shaft. With others In other words, it is the diameter of an outer circle around the outer circumference of the shaft. If the outer peripheral contour of the shaft is circular, the outer diameter is constant and consequently corresponds to the largest outer diameter of the shaft. Consequently, the ring can rotate around the shaft and is mounted on the shaft with a play that allows the ring to also move translationally relative to the shaft.

At least two rings are arranged side by side on the shaft. The rings are each arranged directly next to each other. "Next to each other" means that the rings are arranged directly adjacent to one another. There are therefore no sleeve elements, spacers or other elements between the rings. In particular, the rings can rest against one another. It goes without saying that a certain amount of play is maintained in order to allow the rings to rotate relative to one another or to allow the rings to move in translation relative to one another. The two rings are arranged directly next to each other on the common shaft. Due to the configuration according to the invention, the rings can rotate independently of one another on the shaft. Furthermore, the rings can be moved independently of one another perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. This is made possible because their inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft. The extent to which a ring can be moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft is measured by how much larger the inside diameter of the ring is than the outside diameter of the shaft. In particular, the inner diameter of the ring can be 1.25 times the outer diameter of the shaft, in particular 1.5 times, in particular 2 times, more particularly 2.5 times.

The arrangement of two rings directly next to each other on the same shaft makes it possible to interrogate the two rings separately from one another in locking devices, in particular pin tumblers. Only when both rings are successfully queried and deflected separately from each other can each of the assigned locking devices be unlocked become. Providing two rings directly next to each other can, on the one hand, increase the security of the locking device, and on the other hand, as will be explained in more detail below, the property as a reversible key can also be retained. Security is also increased with regard to the possibility of unauthorized duplication of the key. Using conventional machines for reworking key profiles and key cuts, the key is first scanned, for example as part of 3D printing processes, in order to be able to record and reproduce the features of the key. Movable elements can be detected statically, but cannot be read out with regard to their mobility. The proposed key makes this even more difficult by arranging two rings side-by-side on the same shaft, since the two rings cannot readily be grasped as separate moving elements that can move independently of one another.

According to a further dependent aspect of the invention, a locking device is provided with a key according to the invention and a lock cylinder, the key having a key shank extending in a longitudinal direction with two broad side faces of the key, the key shank having a recess through the broad side faces of the key, with a shaft passing through the Recess extends, and wherein the shaft is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the key shank, and wherein at least two rings are arranged directly next to one another on the shaft in the recess, wherein an inner diameter of each ring is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft, and wherein the key is designed as a reversible key and in each case one of the two rings is arranged on each side of a central plane of the key shank extending perpendicularly to the broad side surfaces of the key and parallel to the longitudinal direction. The lock cylinder has a housing and a cylinder core, wherein the lock cylinder has a plurality of locking devices corresponding to at least the two rings, each locking device between a locking state and a release state, and blocks a rotary movement of the cylinder core relative to the housing in the blocked state and releases it in the released state, one of the blocking safety devices being assigned to each ring, and wherein the lock cylinder can be switched from the blocked state to the release state can be transferred, where the cylinder core for each ring has a support pin assigned to the respective locking device, and wherein by inserting each of the rings between the respective assigned supporting pin and the respective assigned locking device, the respective assigned locking device can be moved into the release state, the key having exactly a first ring and a second ring, so that the lock cylinder has at least one first locking device assigned to the first ring and one second locking device assigned to the second ring, and whereby the cylinder core has a first supporting pin assigned to the first locking device and a second supporting pin assigned to the second locking device, the first supporting pin in the released condition supporting the first ring against the first locking catch, and wherein in the released condition the second support pin supports the second ring against the second locking catch.

By means of the proposed locking device it is possible, due to the plurality of blocking safeguards corresponding to at least the two rings, to interrogate each of the rings individually or the rings separately from one another. This means that for each of the two rings there is a locking fuse associated. A locking device can in particular be a pin tumbler. In addition, however, further locking devices or pin tumblers can be provided in the locking device for querying other features of the key. A "support pin" denotes a pin which is fixedly arranged in the cylinder core, for example by being pressed in. The pin is therefore immovable and deflects the respective associated ring in the fully inserted position of the key. It then supports the ring in relation to the respective associated locking device or pin tumbler, so that the locking device or pin tumbler is moved into the release state by means of the ring supported by the support pin. Instead of the term "support pin", the term "deflection pin" can also be used, for example. The locking device is thus only movable from the locking condition to the unlocking condition when the key actually has two separate rings on the shaft which can be independently deflected by the support pins. The security of the locking device is thus further increased.

The task set at the beginning is thus completely solved.

In one embodiment of the key according to the invention, it can be provided that the key has exactly two rings.

In this embodiment, exactly two rings are provided, which are arranged adjacent to one another on the shaft. Except for a usual clearance, the rings are directly adjacent to each other. The rings can rotate relative to each other on the shaft and can be translated relative to the shaft. The configuration with two rings provides the advantages according to the invention and also offers a simple structure which, due to the even number of rings, simplifies a symmetrical arrangement on the shaft and the provision of the key as a reversible key.

In a further embodiment of the key it can be provided that the rings are of identical design. In particular, the rings can have an identical shape and dimensioning.

In principle, it is possible for the rings to be designed differently from one another. However, in order to simplify the production of the individual elements of the key and to provide the key as a reversible key, it can be provided that the rings are identical. This does not necessarily mean that the rings are each formed symmetrically to a ring center plane. As will be explained below, the ring cross-sections can also be designed asymmetrically to a ring center plane.

Accordingly, in one configuration of the key, it can be provided that the rings are each formed symmetrically with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry and are formed asymmetrically relative to a ring center plane running perpendicularly to the axis of rotational symmetry. In this case, in particular, an outer peripheral surface of the ring can be formed asymmetrically to the ring center plane.

The asymmetrical design can make it possible, for example, to use the ring cross-section as an additional means of interrogation. For example, such an asymmetrical ring cross-section, in particular the outer peripheral surface, can correspond to a corresponding recess in a key channel, so that only appropriately designed asymmetrical rings allow the key to be inserted into the key channel.

In a further embodiment of the key, it can be provided that the cutout is arranged symmetrically to a central plane of the key shank that is perpendicular to the broad side surfaces of the key and parallel to a central plane that extends in the longitudinal direction.

The key shank has the key broad side surfaces lying opposite one another and two key narrow side surfaces which likewise lie opposite one another and which connect the key broad side surfaces. The key shank is essentially rectangular in cross section. The two longer sides of the rectangle are the "key broad sides". The two shorter sides are the "key facets". Consequently, the center plane runs exactly in the middle between the key narrow side surfaces and parallel to them. It follows that the median plane extends parallel to the longitudinal direction. The recess is arranged symmetrically to this center plane. This means that the recess has a cross section that is symmetrical to the center plane. Consequently, exactly one half of the recess lies on each side of the midplane. Such a configuration enables the arrangement of the two rings, described below, to be symmetrical with respect to the central plane.

In a further embodiment of the key, it can be provided that the rings are arranged symmetrically to a central plane of the key shank, which extends perpendicularly to the broad side surfaces of the key and parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The statements made above apply to the position of the central plane. In this case, the rings are aligned symmetrically to the median plane. If there are exactly two rings, one ring is arranged on each side of the center plane. The same applies to another even number of rings, for example, in the case of four rings, two are arranged on each side of the center plane.

In a further embodiment of the key, provision can be made for the rings to be arranged on the shaft in mirror-inverted fashion with respect to one another. In particular, the rings can be arranged as a mirror image of the center plane.

As described above, the rings may each have an asymmetric ring cross-section. If the rings are identical, they can nevertheless be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central plane. Their ring cross-sections are then arranged symmetrically or as mirror images of one another with respect to the central plane. The two rings are then arranged "back to back" on the shaft, so to speak.

In one configuration of the key, it can be provided that the recess is dimensioned in such a way that the rings are guided perpendicularly to the broad side surfaces of the key and can be rotated on the shaft.

In other words, the recess surrounds the rings with some clearance that allows rotation and movement of the rings perpendicular to the key broadsides, but prevents movement parallel to the key broadsides beyond the clearance. The usual play can be, for example, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm to each side.

Thus, in one embodiment of the key, it can be provided that a width of the recess is slightly larger than a total width of the rings arranged next to one another, so that a movement of each ring guided through the recess and the respective other ring perpendicular to the broad side surfaces of the key is made possible. Furthermore, a length of the recess parallel to the longitudinal direction can be slightly larger than a respective outside diameter of the rings.

As stated above, for example, the length of the recess can be 0.05 mm or 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm or 0.3 mm or 0.4 mm greater than a respective outer diameter of the rings. In other words, the length of the recess can be 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm greater than the respective outside diameter of a ring. Correspondingly, the width of the recess can be 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm, in particular 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm or 0.4 mm, larger than the total width of the adjacently arranged Rings be formed. This overall width thus denotes the sum of the widths of the individual rings. If, for example, exactly two rings are provided which are of identical design, then the total width corresponds to exactly twice the width of a single ring.

In a further embodiment of the key, it can be provided that the shaft is arranged parallel to the broad side surfaces of the key in the key shank.

In other words, the shaft does not lie obliquely in the key shank, but rather a longitudinal axis of the shaft extends parallel to the broad side surface of the key. This means that the rings are arranged perpendicularly to the broad side surfaces of the key. In this way, a symmetrical arrangement of the rings to a central plane of the key shank and the provision as a reversible key is simplified.

In a further embodiment of the key, it can be provided that the key shank has at least one longitudinal groove running parallel to the longitudinal direction in each of the broad side faces of the key.

In principle, therefore, at least one longitudinal groove is provided in each of the broad side surfaces, since in the case according to the invention it is a reversible key. The cross-sectional profile of the key bit can be adjusted by means of the longitudinal grooves and further queries are made possible, for example by appropriate configurations of a cross-sectional profile of a key channel in a cylinder core of the lock cylinder.

In a further embodiment of the key, it can be provided that the key shank has at least one depression for scanning a profile pin in at least one of the broad side surfaces of the key.

In this way, a further security feature can be implemented in the key by means of the indentation and in order to further increase the security of the key.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the recess is arranged in a front third, in particular a front quarter, of the key shank facing away from a key head.

In this way it is achieved that the rings have to be inserted deep into the key channel in order to fully insert the key into a cylinder core of a lock cylinder. In this way, for example, the mobility of the rings can be queried by the rings each having to go through a labyrinth during insertion of the key into the lock cylinder. In this way, the security of the locking device provided by the key can be further increased.

In a further embodiment of the key, it can be provided that the shaft extends through the entire key shank, and wherein the key shank has two opposite narrow side faces of the key, and each narrow side face of the key has an opening for pressing in the shaft.

In this way, assembly of the shaft and the rings is significantly simplified. The rings can be held in the recess and then fitted by pressing in the shaft from the outside. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the key has an opening on only one of the narrow side faces of the key. In particular, this opening can then be designed as a blind hole.

In a further embodiment of the key, it can be provided that an outside diameter of each ring is greater than a distance between the broad side faces of the key.

In this way, each ring always protrudes from the cross-sectional profile of the key shank. In this way it can be ensured, for example, that an external cross-sectional contour of each ring must be queried when it is inserted into a keyway.

In a further embodiment of the key, it can be provided that the key shank has at least one point depression in at least one of the broad side faces of the key, and the at least one point depression is adjacent to the recess.

In this way, further safety-relevant features can be provided and, in addition, the deflection of the rings can be simplified by means of corresponding support pins, without these colliding with the broad side surface of the key. The openings in the edges of the recess provided by means of the at least one tip depression also serve to simplify, for example, better sliding of profile pins provided in the lock cylinder.

In the configuration of a locking device with exactly two rings, at least two locking devices are provided. The first locking device is assigned to the first ring, the second locking device is assigned to the second ring. The locking devices can each be a pin tumbler. Furthermore, a first support pin associated with the first locking device is arranged on a side of the key channel opposite the first locking device. Correspondingly, a second support pin is arranged on a side of the key channel opposite the second locking device. When the key is in the fully inserted position in the key channel, a respective support pin supports the corresponding ring and deflects it in the direction of the opposite locking device. In this way, the locking fuse is moved and enters the release state.

In a further embodiment of the locking device it can be provided that the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged on opposite sides of the key channel.

This results in the two rings being deflected in opposite directions when there is a movement into the release state. This requires the rings to be able to move relative to one another and increases the security of the locking device.

In a further embodiment of the locking device it can be provided that the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged on the same side of the key channel.

In particular, the first support pin and the second support pin can protrude to different extents into the key channel. In particular, the first support pin, which is arranged on the same side of the key channel, and the second support pin can be designed in such a way that they cause a deflection of the first ring that is different from a deflection of the second ring. In particular, the distances by which the first ring and the second ring are deflected can be of different lengths.

In a further embodiment of the locking device it can be provided that the first support pin and the second support pin are arranged at an angle to the key channel. In particular, it can be provided that the first support pin and the second support pin are each arranged at an angle of 45° relative to the key channel. A further security feature can be provided in this way. In order to deflect a ring accordingly, it has to have an outer peripheral surface that cannot catch on a support pin or a profile pin. For example, with an angle of the support pin of 45° to the key channel, an outer peripheral contour of likewise 45° or a semicircular outer peripheral contour can be provided on a respective ring in order to be deflected along the corresponding support pin without blocking.

In a further embodiment of the locking device it can be provided that the key channel has a plurality of longitudinal grooves corresponding at least to the two rings, each ring being assigned a longitudinal groove whose cross-sectional contour is designed to complement an outer cross-sectional contour of the respective ring.

In this way, the outer cross-sectional contour of the ring can serve as a further security feature that is queried using the key channel. During the insertion of the key, the respective ring then rolls in the respectively complementary cross-sectional contour of the key channel and is deflected or deflected at its end by the respective support pin. A labyrinth can be formed in this way, which serves as a further safety feature.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that a first longitudinal groove is assigned to the first ring and a second longitudinal groove is assigned to the second ring, and wherein the first longitudinal groove and the second longitudinal groove are formed in mutually opposite surfaces of the key channel.

In this way, oppositely directed labyrinths are formed for the first ring and the second ring. When the key is inserted into the keyway, the rings are deflected in different directions in order to enable the key to be advanced into the keyway. At its end, they are then deflected in opposite directions by the support pins located opposite one another. In this way, the mobility of the two rings is queried in opposite directions to one another and in both directions in relation to a non-deflected position, which further increases safety. It can also be provided that a first longitudinal groove is assigned to the first ring and a second longitudinal groove is assigned to the second ring, and wherein the first longitudinal groove and the second longitudinal groove are formed in the same surface of the key channel. This configuration can be provided in particular when both support pins are arranged on the same side of the keyway.

Fig. 1

eine isometrische Ansicht auf eine Ausführungsform eines Schlüssels,

Fig. 2

eine entgegengesetzt isometrische Ansicht des Schlüssels in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf den Schlüssel in der Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

eine Querschnittsansicht entlang einer Linie IV-IV in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine Querschnittsansicht entlang einer Linie V-V in Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht eines einzelnen Rings,

Fig. 7

eine Querschnittsansicht, in der der Ring in einer Ringmittelebene geschnitten ist,

Fig. 8

eine isometrische Ansicht eines Rings,

Fig. 9

eine geschnittene isometrische Ansicht eines Rings,

Fig. 10

eine Baugruppendarstellung zweier Ringe auf einer Welle, wobei in gestrichelten Linien eine Aussparung in der Draufsicht dargestellt ist,

Fig. 11

eine isometrische Ansicht der entgegengesetzt zueinander ausgelenkten Ringe, wenn sie senkrecht zu der in Fig. 10 dargestellten Zeichnungsebene ausgelenkt sind,

Fig. 12

eine Explosionsdarstellung zur Erläuterung einzelner Elemente des Schlüssels und der Schließvorrichtung,

Fig. 13

eine isometrische Darstellung einer zusammengebauten Schließvorrichtung,

Fig. 14

eine Seitenansicht der Schließvorrichtung in Fig. 13,

Fig. 15

eine Querschnittsansicht der Schließvorrichtung entlang einer Linie XV-XV in Fig. 14,

Fig. 16a

eine Draufsicht in Richtung des Pfeils XVI in Fig. 13, wobei kein Schlüssel im Schlüsselkanal angeordnet ist, um dessen Profilquerschnitt zu verdeutlichen, die Ringe befinden sich in einem in den Schlüsselkanal eingeführten Zustand am Beginn des Schlüsselkanals,

Fig. 16b

eine Draufsicht in Richtung des Pfeils XVI in Fig. 13, wobei kein Schlüssel im Schlüsselkanal angeordnet ist, um dessen Profilquerschnitt zu verdeutlichen, die Ringe befinden sich hier in einem aus- bzw. umgelenkten Zustand,

Fig. 17

freigeschnittene Elemente der Schließvorrichtung, um eine Auslenkung der Ringe zur Bereitstellung des Freigabezustands zu verdeutlichen, und

Fig. 18

eine isometrische Darstellung der Anordnung in Fig. 17.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

1

an isometric view of an embodiment of a key,

2

an inverted isometric view of the key in 1 ,

3

a top view of the key in the 2 ,

4

a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV in 3 ,

figure 5

a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV in FIG 3 ,

6

a side view of a single ring,

7

a cross-sectional view in which the ring is cut in a ring center plane,

8

an isometric view of a ring,

9

a cut isometric view of a ring,

10

an assembly representation of two rings on a shaft, with a cut-out in the plan view being represented in dashed lines,

11

an isometric view of the rings deflected in opposite directions when viewed perpendicular to the in 10 shown drawing plane are deflected,

12

an exploded view to explain individual elements of the key and the locking device,

13

an isometric view of an assembled locking device,

14

a side view of the locking device in FIG 13 ,

15

a cross-sectional view of the locking device along a line XV-XV in 14 ,

16a

a plan view in the direction of arrow XVI in 13 , wherein no key is arranged in the keyway to illustrate its profile cross-section, the Rings are in a state inserted into the keyway at the beginning of the keyway,

Figure 16b

a plan view in the direction of arrow XVI in 13 , whereby no key is arranged in the key channel in order to clarify its profile cross-section, the rings are in a deflected state here,

17

cutaway elements of the latch to show deflection of the rings to provide the release condition, and

18

an isometric representation of the arrangement in 17 .

The 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a key 10. The key has a key head 12, which is also called a key bow. The key head 12 is used for manually gripping the key 10. A key shank 14 extends from the key head 12. Various security features are arranged on the key shank 14 and are queried when the key 10 is inserted into a corresponding locking device. If the query is positive, the locking device can be moved from a locked state to a released state.

The key shank 14 extends along a longitudinal direction 16. The key shank 14 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile. The two longer sides of this rectangle are referred to as key broad side faces 18, 18'. The two shorter sides of the rectangle in cross section are referred to below as key narrow side faces 20, 20'. The key broad side surfaces 18, 18' and the key narrow side surfaces 20, 20' are consequently arranged opposite one another. Each of the broad side faces 18, 18' of the key can have at least one elevation 22, and at least one longitudinal groove 24 can also be provided. Both the at least one elevation 22 and the at least one longitudinal groove 24 serve as additional security features of the key shank 14, which is provided with a corresponding complementary configuration of a cross-sectional profile of a key channel of the locking device in order to allow the insertion of the key 10 only with suitable cross-sectional profiles.

A shaft 26 runs transversely to the longitudinal direction 16. This is pressed into the key shank 14 and is therefore arranged in the key shank 14 in a fixed manner, in particular in a rotationally fixed manner. On the shaft 26 two rings 28, 30 or a first ring 30 and a second ring 28 are arranged. The dimensioning of the rings 28, 30 is explained in more detail below. An inside diameter of each of the rings 28, 30 is larger than an outside diameter of the shaft 26. This allows for play of the rings 28, 30 on the shaft 26 and thus movement of each of the rings 28, 30 relative to the shaft 26.

Consequently, a recess 32 is provided which extends through the entire key shank 14 and the key broad side surfaces 18, 18'. The shaft 26 extends through the recess 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 32 has an elongated shape and extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 16. On the shaft 26 and in the recess 32, the rings 28, 30 are arranged. The dimensioning of the recess 32 relative to the rings 28, 30 is also explained in detail below. The recess 32 is slightly larger than the combined width of the two rings 28, 30 and has a longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal direction 16, which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rings. In this way, the rings 28, 30 are guided through the recess 32 with a small amount of play. The rings cannot move in the longitudinal direction 16, nor can they move transversely to the longitudinal direction 16 on the shaft 26, except for play provided. The game allows the rings 28, 30 to rotate on the shaft 26. In particular, this reduces frictional resistance through the rings 28, 30 when the key 10 is inserted. Furthermore, however, a movement perpendicular to the broad side surfaces 18, 18' of the key or the longitudinal direction 16 and parallel to the narrow side surfaces 20 of the key is made possible. The rings 28, 30 can thus be moved relative to the shaft 26 and the key shank 14, guided separately from one another through the recess 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, exactly two rings 28, 30 are provided. In principle, however, more than two rings 28, 30 can also be provided. For example an even number of rings, for example four or six rings, can be arranged on the shaft 26. The rings 28, 30 are arranged side by side on the shaft. This means that they do not have any spacers, sleeve elements or the like between them to space them apart. The rings 28, 30 are thus directly next to each other. The first ring 28 and the second ring 30 are disposed adjacent to each other on the shaft 26 .

The recess with the rings 28, 30 is arranged in a front third 15 of the shank 14 of the key. The front third 15 is understood to be a third 15 of the key shank 14 that extends from the key head 12 and faces away from the key head 12 .

The 2 shows the key 10 in the 1 in an isometric view from the opposite perspective. The key broad side surface 18 ′ opposite the key broad side surface 18 is thus shown. Identical elements are identified by the same reference symbols and will not be explained again. As can be seen, each of the key narrow side faces 20, 20' has an opening 42 through which the shaft 26 can be pressed into the key shank. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the broad side surface 18' of the key has a plurality of indentations 34 which can be interrogated by profile pins of a lock cylinder and serve as additional security features.

The 3 shows a plan view of the in the 2 shown key. Identical elements are again identified by the same reference symbols and will not be explained again. In this top view, the geometry of the recess 32 and the position of the rings 28, 30 are shown. The key 10 or key shank 14 has a midplane 36 . The central plane 36 lies halfway between the key narrow side faces 20, 20'. The recess 32 is arranged symmetrically to the center plane 36 . One of the rings 28, 30 is arranged on each side of the center plane 36. In this way, the symmetrical arrangement of the rings 28, 30 makes it possible in particular for the key 10 to function as a reversible key. Such a reversible key, regardless of its orientation in the key channel Closing device bring about a movement into the release state. This is provided by the appropriate design of the features, in particular the key broad side surfaces 18, 18'. In this respect, corresponding features, such as the depressions 34, can also be arranged opposite the key broad side surface 20 in the key broad side surface 20', even if they are not implemented in the illustrated embodiment for reasons of drawing, in order to provide functionality as a reversible key.

Furthermore, the key broad side surface 18 ′ can have at least one tip indentation 38 , in the illustrated embodiment two tip indentations 38 . A tip depression 38 merges into the recess 32 . This makes it possible, for example, to make it easier for a profiled pin to slide off an edge of the recess 32 during the insertion of the key 10 .

The 4 FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV in FIG 3 . Consequently, a cross section is shown along the longitudinal direction 16 in the center plane 36 through the key 10. The cross section shows the recess 32 and the shaft 26 arranged in the recess 32, the longitudinal direction of which is transverse to the longitudinal direction 16 and perpendicular to the center plane 36 in the illustrated embodiment runs. A distance between the broad side surfaces 18 ′ and 18 of the key is denoted by reference numeral 41 . As can be seen, the ring 28, and also the ring 30, which is of identical design in the illustrated embodiment, has an outer diameter which is greater than this distance 41. Consequently, the ring 28 protrudes beyond the key broad side surface 18 in the in the 4 illustrated deflected position. In the position shown, the ring 28 is deflected in the direction of the directional arrow 40 which runs within the plane 36 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16 . This movement is guided by the recess 32, which is only slightly larger, for example 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm larger in its parallel extension to the longitudinal direction 16 as an outer diameter of the ring 28 . In this way, a deflection of the ring 28 parallel to the direction 40 is possible. The same applies to the ring 30. The two rings 28, 30 can be deflected independently of one another.

The figure 5 FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV in FIG 3 . It can be seen that the shaft 26 extends through the entire key shank 14 . As already mentioned, each of the narrow side surfaces 20 of the key has an opening 42 . In this way, the shaft 26 can be pressed transversely through the key shank 14 . The remaining elements are marked with the same reference numbers and will not be explained again.

Also shown is the deflection of the rings 28, 30 in opposite directions. Consequently, the ring 28 protrudes beyond the broad side surface 18 of the key. The ring 30 protrudes beyond the broad side surface 18' of the key. Thus, not only a parallel movement of the rings 28, 30 is possible, but movements in opposite directions. This further increases the security of a locking device that can be provided by means of the key 10 .

In the Figures 6 to 9 a single ring 28 is shown. The 6 shows a side view of the ring. The 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the ring. The 8 shows an isometric view of the ring 28 of FIG 6 . The 9 shows an isometric view of a cut-away half of the ring 28.

The ring has an inner diameter 50 and an outer diameter 52 . The ring 28 is rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotational symmetry 62 . The ring has an outer peripheral surface 56 on an outer periphery. A width of the ring in the 7 is denoted by reference numeral 51. The so-called ring center plane 64 lies at half the width of the ring. The ring 28 is asymmetrical with respect to the ring center plane 64 . In particular, an outer peripheral surface 56 of ring 28 is asymmetrical. The outer peripheral surface 56 has a section 58 . In the illustrated embodiment, this is inclined by approximately 45° to the ring center plane 64 . In principle, this section 58 should be designed in such a way that it cannot catch on a profile pin or support pin of the lock cylinder. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 56 has a concave portion 60 . Such a concave section 60 can be provided, for example, in order to enable the ring 28 to be advanced in the keyway by means of the free space provided by it. Due to the lower provided by the concave portion 60 Cross-sectional area of the ring 28 can thus avoid collisions or provide more space for other security features of a locking device.

The 10 12 shows the shaft 26 and the identically designed rings 28 and 30 arranged thereon. A plan view is shown, this direction corresponds to that of FIG 3 . The shaft 26 extends, as indicated by the arrow 66, transversely to the longitudinal direction 16 of the key and perpendicularly to the central plane 36. An outer diameter of the shaft is indicated by the reference number 54. As already described, the inner diameter 50 of the rings 28, 30 is larger than the outer diameter 54 of the shaft 26. A length of the recess parallel to the longitudinal direction 16 is denoted by the reference numeral 74. A width of the recess 32 is denoted by the reference number 76 . As already mentioned, the width 76 of the recess 32 is slightly larger than an overall width 72 of the rings 28, 30. The overall width here means the width of the rings 28, 30 taken together. In the case of the illustrated embodiment of two identically designed rings 28, 30, the overall width 72 is twice the width 51. The length 74 of the recess 32 is slightly larger than the outer diameter 52 of the rings 28, 30. In order to enable the function as a reversible key , the rings 28, 30 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central plane 36. The rings 28, 30 are thus formed identically, but are arranged on the shaft 26 in opposite orientations. This results in a situation quasi "back to back". That is, the concave portions 60 face each other. This results in an overall symmetrical arrangement with regard to the center plane 36, despite the asymmetrical design of each of the rings with respect to its ring center plane 74.

The 11 shows again an isometric view of the representation of the 10 . From the in the 10 illustrated "neutral position" in which the rings 28, 30 are not deflected, shows the 11 a deflected state in which ring 30 is deflected in direction 68 and ring 28 is deflected in the opposite direction 70. As will be explained below, this design state is particularly relevant to safety for a locking device in order to bring it into the release state.

The 12 Figure 12 shows an exploded view of a locking device 80. The locking device 80 includes the key 10 as described above in connection with FIGS Figures 1 to 11 was described. Identical elements are therefore marked with the same reference symbols and will not be explained again. In addition, the locking device 80 has a locking cylinder 81 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lock cylinder 81 is a profile cylinder. However, it can also have a different shape, for example a round cylinder or an oval cylinder.

The lock cylinder 81 has a housing 82 and a cylinder core 84 . The cylinder core 84 is mounted in the housing 82 by means of a snap ring 86 . The housing 83 is otherwise provided, for example, with a mounting hole 87 or threaded hole in order to be able to screw the lock cylinder 81 into a door. Furthermore, the housing 82 and also the cylinder core 84 can have a large number of bores, in each of which locking devices, in particular pin tumblers, are guided in order to query various security features of a key 10 . Only the locking devices associated with the rings 28 and 30, in particular pin tumblers, which interact with the rings 28, 30, are shown and explained below.

The cylinder core 84 has a keyway 88 . The key 10 is inserted into this key channel 88 . After the key 10 has been fully inserted and all of the security features of the key 10 have been positively interrogated, all of the locking catches are moved to a position that allows the cylinder core to rotate relative to the housing 82 . This is the release state. If the key 10 is not completely inserted into the key channel 88 or is completely withdrawn from it, it is not possible for the cylinder core 81 to rotate relative to the housing 82 . This is called a lockout condition.

As already described above, a plurality of profile pins 90 are provided in the lock cylinder 80 and can be used to interrogate depressions 34 in the key shank 14 . However, with regard to the functionality of the rings 28, 30, these are not of particular importance. A first support pin 92 and a second support pin 94 interact with the rings 28, 30. The support pins 92, 94 are in the cylinder core 84 pressed in. They are not moveable. The support pins 92, 94 direct a respective ring 28, 30 in the 11 indicated position and support it with respect to a respective locking device or pin tumbler 104, 106. A first locking device or pin tumbler is denoted by reference numeral 104 . This interacts with the first support pin 92 . The first locking device is indicated schematically and usually has a core pin 96 . A housing pin 98 is supported against a support element 102 by means of a spring element 100 or support spring. In the locked state, protrusion of the housing pin 98 into the cylinder core 84 prevents rotation of the cylinder core 84. In the release state, a contact surface between the core pin 96 and the housing pin 98 is arranged in such a way that the housing pin 98 does not protrude into the cylinder core 84, the Core pin 96 does not protrude into housing 82. In this way, the rotation of the cylinder core 84 relative to the housing 82 is made possible. In addition, the second locking device or pin tumbler 106 is indicated only schematically using a core pin 98. The other elements of this locking device are not shown for reasons of clarity. This second locking device 106 interacts with the second support pin 94 .

The 13 shows an isometric assembled view of the locking device 80. The key 10 is fully inserted into the cylinder core 84. The cylinder core is mounted in the housing mouth 82 by means of the snap ring 86 .

The 14 FIG. 12 shows a corresponding side view of the assembly view of FIG 13 . Identical elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

The 15 FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view taken along a line XV-XV of FIG 14 . Same elements as in the exploded view of 12 are marked with the same reference symbols and will not be explained again. In the view shown, the locking device 80 is in a release state. The key 10 is fully inserted into the keyway 88 . In this position, the first support pin 92 deflects the ring 30 and thereby moves the core pin 96. This in turn displaces the housing pin 98 against the force of the spring 100, which is supported on the support element 102. As can be seen, there is thus a contact surface between the core pin 96 and the housing pin 98 directly on a peripheral surface of the cylinder core 84, so that this can be rotated in the housing 82. A corresponding deflection results from a deflection of the ring 28 on the second support pin 94, so that the core pin 99 is deflected. As already explained, the other side of the locking device or pin tumbler 106 is indicated only schematically. Each of the support pins 92 and 94 is inclined at approximately a 45° angle to the keyway. Each of the support pins 92 and 94 has a conical tip which slides along the respective outer peripheral surface 56 of each ring 28, 30 in order to deflect it when the key 10 is inserted. Support pins 92 and 94 are located on opposite sides of keyway 88 . Correspondingly, the first pin tumbler 104 and the second pin tumbler 106 are also arranged on opposite sides of the key channel 88 .

The 16a shows a view of the key channel 88. The viewing direction is in the 13 shown. However, the key 10 is cut out here except for the shaft 26 and the rings 28,30. It has already been explained that the outer peripheral surface 56 is asymmetrical with respect to a respective ring center plane 64 . As can be seen, each keyway 88 has a complementary cross-sectional profile in opposite faces to interrogate this asymmetric outer peripheral cross-section of each ring 28,30. It can thus be seen that the ring 28 is initially in a neutral position in the 16a "up" offset into the key channel 88 is performed. The ring 30 is correspondingly shifted "downwards" and guided through the keyway 88 . The respective asymmetrical outer peripheral cross-sections fit into the complementary profile cross-sections 109 and 110. The complementary profile cross-sections 109, 110 extend as longitudinal grooves completely through the key channel 88 and guide the rings during the insertion of the key 10 to a rear end of the key channel 88, in which the rings 28, 30 are deflected by the support pins 92 and 94.

The Figure 16b shows a view of key channel 88. In the in the Figure 16b shown position is the locking device 80 in a release state. Like in the Figure 16b As can be seen, the rings are then deflected in correspondingly opposite directions away from their respective complementary profile cross sections 109, 110. In this way a labyrinth is provided through which the rings 28, 30 must be performed as moving elements in order to reach the release state. It is therefore imperative that the rings 28, 30 can be moved on the shaft 26 separately or independently of one another. In this way, the security of the locking device 80 shown can be significantly increased. Furthermore, the security of the key 10 against unauthorized reworking or copying is significantly increased because the rings 28, 30 are known as elements that can be moved separately from one another and must be remanufactured.

Furthermore, further longitudinal grooves 112, 112', 113, 113' are shown, which interact with corresponding elevations 22 of the key and also serve as a security-related query. It can be seen that the key channel 88 has a point-symmetrical cross section in order to support the function of the key 10 as a spiral key. The complementary profile cross-sections 109, 110 are arranged on an opposite side 115, 117 of the key channel 88, respectively.

The 17 and 18 11 again show an unobstructed view of the elements of the lock cylinder 81 involved in the release state and in interaction with the rings 28 and 30. The deflection of the rings 28 and 30 in the opposite direction can again be clearly seen. These are deflected via the support pins 92 and 94, which are inclined at an angle 108, in particular an angle of 45°, relative to the key channel 88 or a longitudinal extension of the shaft 26. These deflect one of the rings 28, 30 and support it against a respective one core pin 96, 99 off. Thus, insertion of the key 10 slides each of the rings 28, 30 between an associated support pin and core pin. The ring 30 is slid between the support pin 92 and the core pin 96 . The ring 28 is slid between the support pin 94 and the core pin 99 . Due to the fixed arrangement of the support pins 92, 94, a respective ring 29, 30 is deflected and moves a corresponding core pin 96, 99, so that an associated locking device 104, 106 is moved into the release state. As already explained above, the rings 28, 30 are in particular moved in opposite directions to one another.

Claims (14)

1. Key (10) for a lock cylinder (81), wherein the key (10) comprises a key shank (14) which extends along a longitudinal direction (16) and which has two key broad side faces (18, 18'), wherein the key shank (14) has a cutout (32) through the key broad side faces (18, 18'), wherein a shaft (26) extends through the cutout (32), and wherein the shaft (26) is arranged in the key shank (14) in a rotationally fixed manner, and wherein two rings (28, 30) are arranged directly next to one another on the shaft (26) in the cutout (32), wherein an inside diameter (50) of each ring (28, 30) is larger than an outside diameter (54) of the shaft (26), and wherein the key (10) is designed as a reversible key, and wherein in each case one of the two rings (28, 30) is arranged on each side of a centre plane (36) of the key shank (14) that extends perpendicularly to the key broad side faces (18, 18') and parallel to the longitudinal direction (16).
2. Key (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the key (10) has exactly two rings (28, 30).
3. Key (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rings (28, 30) are of identical design, in particular wherein the rings (28, 30) have an identical shape and dimensioning.
4. Key (10) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in the rings (28, 30) are each formed symmetrically to a rotational symmetry axis (62), and are formed asymmetrically relative to a ring centre plane (64) extending perpendicularly to the rotational symmetry axis (62), in particular wherein a respective outer circumferential face (56) of the rings (28, 30) is formed asymmetrically with respect to the ring centre plane (64).
5. Key (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cutout (32) is arranged symmetrically and parallel to the centre plane (36) of the key shank (14) that extends perpendicularly to the key broad side faces (18, 18') and in the longitudinal direction (16).
6. Key (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rings (28, 30) are arranged symmetrically to a centre plane (36) of the key shank (14) that extends perpendicularly to the key broad side faces (18, 18') and parallel to the centre plane (36) of the key shaft (14) that extends in the longitudinal direction (16).
7. Key (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the rings (28, 30) are arranged on the shaft (26) in mirror-image fashion with respect to one another.
8. Key (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cutout (32) is dimensioned in such a way that the rings (28, 30) are guided perpendicularly to the key broad side faces (18, 18') and can be rotated on the shaft (26).
9. Key (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a width (76) of the cutout (32) is somewhat larger than a total width (72) of the rings (28, 30) which are arranged next to one another, thereby allowing a movement (68, 70) of each ring (28, 30), guided by the cutout (32) and the respective other ring (30, 28), perpendicularly to the key broad side faces (18, 18'), in particular wherein a length (74) of the cutout (32) parallel to the longitudinal direction (16) is somewhat larger than a respective outside diameter (52) of the rings (28, 30).
10. Key (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the shaft (26) is arranged parallel to the key broad side faces (18, 18') in the key shank (14).
11. Key (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cutout (32) is arranged in a front third (15) of the key shank (14) that is directed away from a key head (12).
12. Key (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the shaft (26) extends through the entire key shank (14), and wherein the key shank (14) has two mutually opposite key narrow side faces (20, 20'), and wherein each key narrow side face has an opening (42) for pressing in the shaft (26).
13. Key (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an outside diameter (52) of each ring (28, 30) is larger than a distance (41) between the key broad side faces (18, 18').
14. Locking device (80) having a key (10) for a lock cylinder (81),

    wherein the key (10) comprises a key shank (14) which extends along a longitudinal direction (16) and which has two key broad side faces (18, 18'), wherein the key shank (14) has a cutout (32) through the key broad side faces (18, 18'), wherein a shaft (26) extends through the cutout (32), and wherein the shaft (26) is arranged in the key shank (14) in a rotationally fixed manner, and wherein two rings (28, 30) are arranged directly next to one another on the shaft (26) in the cutout (32), wherein an inside diameter (50) of each ring (28, 30) is larger than an outside diameter (54) of the shaft (26), and wherein the key (10) is designed as a reversible key, and wherein in each case one of the two rings (28, 30) is arranged on each side of a centre plane (36) of the key shank (14) that extends perpendicularly to the key broad side faces (18, 18') and parallel to the longitudinal direction (16),

    wherein the lock cylinder (81) has a housing (82) and a cylinder core (84) wherein the lock cylinder (81) has a plurality of blocking means (104, 106) corresponding to at least the two rings (28, 30), wherein each blocking means (104, 106) is movable between a blocking state and a release state and blocks a rotary movement of the cylinder core (84) with respect to the housing (82) in the blocking state and releases it in the release state, wherein each ring (28, 30) is assigned one of the blocking means (104, 106), and wherein the lock cylinder can be transferred from the blocking state into the release state by completely inserting the key (10) into a key channel (88) of the cylinder core, wherein the cylinder core (84) has, for each ring (28, 30), a supporting pin (92, 94) assigned to the respective blocking means (104, 106), and wherein the respective assigned blocking means (104, 106) can be moved into the release state by inserting each of the rings (28, 30) between the respective assigned supporting pin (92, 94) and the respective assigned blocking means (104, 106), wherein the key (10) has exactly a first ring (30) and a second ring (28), such that the lock cylinder (81) has at least a first blocking means (104) assigned to the first ring (30) and a second blocking means (106) assigned to the second ring (28), and whereby the cylinder core (84) has a first supporting pin (92) assigned to the first blocking means (104) and has a second supporting pin (94) assigned to the second blocking means (106), wherein the first supporting pin (92) supports the first ring (30) against the first blocking means (104) in the release state, and wherein the second supporting pin (94) supports the second ring (28) against the second blocking means (106) in the release state.

Images