EP3477024B1 - Electronic lock comprising an anti-dust valve - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electronic lock comprising a dust cover.

• un stator dans lequel est aménagé un canal rectiligne qui s'étend le long d'un axe d'introduction de la clef, ce canal rectiligne étant apte à recevoir la lame de la clef lorsque la clef est dans une position enfoncée à l'intérieur de la serrure et sa paroi intérieure comportant un chemin circulaire centré sur l'axe d'introduction de la clef, et
• un contact électrique situé dans une paroi du canal rectiligne, ce contact électrique étant apte, lorsque la clef est dans sa position enfoncée, à venir directement en appui mécanique sur la borne électrique située sur la lame de la clef.

Locks and in particular electronic locks are known. These known locks are intended to be unlocked using a key comprising a straight blade. This rectilinear blade comprises at least one housing hollowed out in its periphery and an electrical terminal. These locks include:

• a stator in which is arranged a rectilinear channel which extends along an axis of introduction of the key, this rectilinear channel being able to receive the blade of the key when the key is in a position pressed inside of the lock and its inner wall comprising a circular path centered on the axis of insertion of the key, and
• an electrical contact located in a wall of the rectilinear channel, this electrical contact being able, when the key is in its depressed position, to come directly into mechanical support on the electrical terminal located on the blade of the key.

For example, such a lock and such a key are disclosed in their general principle in the application FR3025236 . From more detailed embodiments are described in the application filed under No. FR1756907 July 21, 2017 by the company COGELEC.

• une encoche creusée dans le chemin circulaire,
• une bague logée à l'intérieur du canal et montée libre en rotation autour de l'axe d'introduction de la clef, cette bague comportant :
  • un boyau rectiligne qui s'étend le long de l'axe d'introduction de la clef, ce boyau rectiligne étant traversé par la lame de la clef lors de son introduction à l'intérieur du canal et ce boyau rectiligne étant apte à coopérer avec la lame, par coopération de forme, de manière à entraîner en rotation la bague autour de l'axe d'introduction de la clef lorsque la lame est tournée autour de ce même axe,
  • un conduit comportant une extrémité avant qui débouche à l'intérieur du boyau rectiligne et une extrémité arrière qui débouche sur le chemin circulaire,
  • une goupille montée à l'intérieur du conduit et présentant une partie avant tournée vers le boyau rectiligne et une partie arrière tournée vers le chemin circulaire, cette goupille étant déplaçable entre :
    • une position de retenu de la clef à l'intérieur de la serrure, dans laquelle, lorsque la clef est dans sa position enfoncée, sa partie avant est reçue à l'intérieur du logement de la clef et sa partie arrière est en appui sur le chemin circulaire pour empêcher le retrait de la clef de la serrure par coopération de forme entre le logement de la lame et la partie avant de la goupille, et
    • une position rétractée dans laquelle sa partie avant est repoussée vers l'intérieur du conduit et en dehors du logement de la clef et sa partie arrière est reçue à l'intérieur de l'encoche pour autoriser le retrait de la clef de la serrure uniquement lorsque la partie arrière de la goupille est en vis-à-vis de cette encoche, et
  • des moyens de rappel qui sollicitent en permanence la goupille vers sa position de retenu.

Known locks also include:

• a notch dug in the circular path,
• a ring housed inside the channel and mounted free in rotation around the axis of insertion of the key, this ring comprising:
  • a straight hose which extends along the axis of insertion of the key, this straight hose being traversed by the blade of the key when it is inserted inside the channel and this straight hose being able to cooperate with the blade, by shape cooperation, so as to rotate the ring around the axis of insertion of the key when the blade is turned around this same axis,
  • a conduit comprising a front end which opens into the interior of the straight hose and a rear end which opens onto the circular path,
  • a pin mounted inside the duct and having a front part facing the straight hose and a rear part facing the circular path, this pin being movable between:
    • a key retention position inside the lock, in which, when the key is in its depressed position, its front part is received inside the key housing and its rear part is supported on the circular path to prevent withdrawal of the key from the lock by form cooperation between the blade housing and the front part of the pin, and
    • a retracted position in which its front part is pushed towards the inside of the conduit and outside the key housing and its rear part is received inside the notch to allow the withdrawal of the key from the lock only when the rear part of the pin is facing this notch, and
  • return means which permanently urge the pin towards its retained position.

For example, such a known lock is disclosed in the application FR2816267A3 .

In these known locks, the ring allows withdrawal and insertion of the key only in a predetermined withdrawal position. This has several advantages. For example, this prevents the blade from rotating during the insertion of the key. Thanks to this, the electrical terminal of the key is correctly positioned inside the channel to come into mechanical support on the electrical contact of the lock. The ring also makes the lock more robust against drilling attacks by using a drill whose diameter is less than that of the channel. Indeed, in this case, the fact of trying to pierce the lock only results in the fact that this causes the ring to rotate.

Furthermore, locks equipped with a dust cover are known. For example, such locks equipped with a dust cover are known from US6694788B1 , US3524335A and US6041628A . These locks have the advantage of limiting the entry of dust inside the lock and therefore of reducing the fouling of the lock.

The electronic demand lock FR2816267A3 does not have a dust cover and therefore clogs up fairly quickly. In addition, the applicant has discovered that the known dust dampers are not suitable for operating in a lock comprising a ring like that of the application FR2816267A3 . In particular, the applicant has noted that if a known dust cover is installed in the application lock FR2816267A3 , then this prevents or strongly brakes the rotation of the ring, Indeed, typically, the known dust valve has a spring which extends along the axis of insertion of the key and which permanently pushes a valve towards the hole through which the key is inserted. This valve is pushed towards the inside of the lock by the introduction of the key into the lock. In the absence of a key, this valve bears against a rear face of the ring and immobilizes it in rotation. If, for example due to improper handling during assembly of the lock or during its use, we find ourselves in a configuration where, in the absence of a key, the ring is not in the predetermined withdrawal position , then it becomes difficult to insert the key into the lock. Indeed, to get out of this configuration, you must rotate the ring until you reach the withdrawal position which allows you to insert and remove the key. As long as the withdrawal position has not been reached, the key cannot be inserted inside the lock and therefore push the valve back inside the lock. Thus, as long as the withdrawal position is not reached, the valve remains in abutment against the rear face of the ring. As long as the valve is resting on the rear face of the ring, the rotation of the ring is much more difficult which hinders its rotation to its withdrawn position.

The invention aims to propose an electronic lock, simple to manufacture, which has the advantages of the electronic lock on demand. FR2816267A3 while clogging less quickly.

• empêcher le retrait de la clef en dehors d'une ou plusieurs positions angulaires prédéterminées,
• limiter l'encrassement de la serrure, et
• allonger la durée de vie de la batterie de la clef électronique ou de la serrure.

The invention therefore aims to achieve at least one of the following objectives:

• prevent the key from being withdrawn outside one or more predetermined angular positions,
• limit the fouling of the lock, and
• extend the battery life of the electronic key or lock.

It therefore relates to such a lock according to claim 1.

The embodiments of this lock may include one or more of the features of the dependent claims.

• la figure 1 est une illustration schématique d'une porte équipée d'une serrure électronique ;
• la figure 2 est une illustration schématique en perspective d'un cylindre de la serrure de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une illustration schématique en coupe verticale et longitudinale du cylindre de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une illustration schématique partielle, en vue de dessus, d'un demi-cylindre de la serrure de la figure 2 avec une clef dans une position enfoncée;
• la figure 5 est une illustration schématique, en perspective et en vue éclaté, de la clef de la figure 4 ;
• les figures 6 et 7 sont des illustrations schématiques, en vue de côté, de la clef de la figure 5 dans deux états différents ;
• la figure 8 est une illustration schématique, en perspective et en vue éclatée, d'une bague du demi-cylindre de la figure 2
• les figures 9 et 10 sont des illustrations, en vue de face, d'un clapet anti-poussiere de la bague de la figure 8 dans des positions fermée et ouverte respectivement ;
• la figure 11 est une illustration schématique, en coupe partielle et en perspective, d'un stator du cylindre de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 12 est une illustration schématique, en vue de face, du stator de la figure 11 ;
• les figures 13 et 14 sont des illustrations schématiques, en vue de côté, de la bague de la figure 8 dans deux positions différentes ;
• les figures 15 et 16 sont des illustrations schématiques, en coupe transversale, du stator de la figure 11 et de la bague de la figure 8 dans deux positions différentes ;
• la figure 17 est une illustration schématique d'un profil transversal d'une gorge de la clef de la figure 5 ;
• la figure 18 est une illustration schématique partielle, en vue de dessus, d'un demi-cylindre de la serrure de la figure 2 avec une clef dans une position reculée;

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a door equipped with an electronic lock;
• the figure 2 is a schematic perspective illustration of a cylinder of the lock of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a schematic illustration in vertical and longitudinal section of the cylinder of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a partial schematic illustration, in top view, of a half-cylinder of the lock of the figure 2 with a key in a depressed position;
• the figure 5 is a schematic illustration, in perspective and in exploded view, of the key to the figure 4 ;
• the Figures 6 and 7 are schematic illustrations, in side view, of the key to the figure 5 in two different states;
• the figure 8 is a schematic illustration, in perspective and in exploded view, of a ring of the half-cylinder of the figure 2
• the Figures 9 and 10 are illustrations, in front view, of a dust valve of the ring of the figure 8 in closed and open positions respectively;
• the figure 11 is a schematic illustration, in partial section and in perspective, of a stator of the cylinder of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 12 is a schematic illustration, in front view, of the stator of the figure 11 ;
• the Figures 13 and 14 are schematic illustrations, in side view, of the ring of the figure 8 in two different positions;
• the Figures 15 and 16 are schematic illustrations, in cross section, of the stator of the figure 11 and the ring of the figure 8 in two different positions;
• the figure 17 is a schematic illustration of a transverse profile of a groove in the key of the figure 5 ;
• the figure 18 is a partial schematic illustration, in top view, of a half-cylinder of the lock of the figure 2 with a key in a remote position;

In these figures, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements. In the remainder of this description, the characteristics and functions well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail.

Chapter I: General context

The figure 1 shows a door 2. This door 2 has an interior side, typically located inside a room, and an exterior side on the opposite side. Subsequently, the terms "interior" and "exterior" refer, respectively, to the interior and exterior side of the door 2. The door 2 here extends in a vertical plane. Thereafter, the vertical direction is designated by the direction Z of an orthogonal coordinate system XYZ. The direction X is perpendicular to the vertical plane in which the door 2 mainly extends. All the figures are oriented relative to this reference XYZ.

Door 2 is equipped with a handle 4 and an electronic lock 6. To simplify the figure 1 , only part of door 2 is shown.

The general mechanical architecture of lock 6 is, for example, identical to that described in the application FR3025236 . For this reason, only the details necessary for understanding the invention are given here. For other details, the reader is returned upon request FR3025236 .

The lock 6 comprises a bolt 10 movable in translation, parallel to the direction Y, alternately and reversibly, between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the bolt 10 projects beyond the edge of the door 2 to engage in a keeper fixed without any degree of freedom on the frame of the door 2. In the locked position, the bolt 10 locks door 2 in its closed position. In the unlocked position, the bolt 10 is returned inside the door 2 and no longer projects beyond the edge of this door 2. In the unlocked position, the door 2 can be moved by a user of a closed position to an open position by operating the handle 4.

The lock 6 also includes a cylinder 12 and a screw 14 for fixing the cylinder 12 in the door 2. The cylinder 12 moves the bolt 10 from its locked position to its unlocked position when a key 16 ( figure 2 ), authorized to unlock the lock 6, is introduced, then turned inside this cylinder. The cylinder 12 also moves the bolt 10 from its unlocked position to its locked position when the authorized key is introduced and then turned in the opposite direction inside this cylinder. Conversely, when an unauthorized key is inserted inside the cylinder 12, this cylinder prevents the bolt 10 from moving from its locked position to its unlocked position.

Here, the key 16 can be inserted inside the cylinder 12 from the outside side and, alternately, from the inside side of the door 2. For this purpose, the cylinder 12 opens on each side of the door 2.

The screw 14 has a head which is flush with the edge of the door 2. The tapped end of the screw 14 is screwed into the cylinder 12 to hold it in place inside the door 2.

The figure 2 shows the cylinder 12 in more detail. Here, the cylinder 12 conforms to the European format. The cylinder 12 extends along an axis 20 for introducing the key. The axis 20 is here parallel to the direction X. The cylinder 12 comprises a stator 22 fixed without any degree of freedom to the door 2 by means of the screw 14 and a bit 24 housed inside a notch transverse 26.

The notch 26 extends in a transverse plane 28 parallel to the directions Y, Z. Here, only part of the plane 28 is shown on the figure 2 . The plane 28 is a plane of symmetry for the bit 24.

The bit 24 rotates counterclockwise around the axis 20 to move the bolt 10 from its locked position to its unlocked position and in the opposite direction to move the bolt 10 from its unlocked position to its locked position.

The plane 28 also divides the stator 22 into two parts. The part of the stator 22 located on the interior side of the door 2 is called "interior half-stator" and bears the reference 30. The part of the stator 22 located on the exterior side of the door 2 is called "exterior half-stator" the reference 32. In this particular embodiment, the half-stators 30 and 32 are almost symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane 28. Thus, only the half-stator 32 is described in more detail by the after.

The half-stator 32 has a front cover 34 parallel to the plane 28 and directly exposed outside of the door 2. This front cover prevents direct access to the moving parts located inside the cylinder 12 so as to protect them against burglary attempts. This cover 34 is crossed by an orifice 36 intended to receive a blade 38 of the key 16. The orifice 36 is centered on the axis 20. The orifice 36 is shaped so as to allow the introduction of the blade 38 to the inside of the cylinder 12 by a translational movement along the axis 20. The orifice 36 is arranged inside a ring 200 freely mounted for rotation about the axis 20. The orifice 36 is also shaped to drive in rotation, by form cooperation with the blade 38, the ring 200 around the axis 20 when the key 16 inserted inside the cylinder 12 is turned on itself around the axis 20.

The key 16 comprises a body 39 from which the blade 38 extends. This body 39 forms a gripping means which allows the user to insert and then turn the key 16 inside the lock 6.

• autorise le déverrouillage de la serrure 6 si le code d'accès reçu est celui d'une clef autorisée à ouvrir la porte 2, et en alternance
• interdise le déverrouillage de la serrure 6 si le code d'accès reçu est celui d'une clef non-autorisée.

Here, the key 16 is an electronic key capable of transmitting an access code to the cylinder 12 so that the latter, in response:

• authorizes the unlocking of lock 6 if the access code received is that of a key authorized to open door 2, and alternately
• prohibits the unlocking of lock 6 if the access code received is that of an unauthorized key.

To this end, the key 16 includes in particular a transmitter 40 and a battery 41 housed inside the body 39.

Here, the blade 38 is devoid of a raised pattern intended to move the pins of the lock to cause mechanical unlocking of the lock 6. On the other hand, the blade 38 comprises at least one pattern capable of cooperating with a pattern of complementary shape on a rotor of the cylinder 12 for driving this rotor in rotation when the key turns. Here, this pattern on the blade 38 is a flat 42 located on its distal end.

The transmitter 40 is in particular capable of transmitting, via a wired link, an access code to the lock 6. The battery 41 is also used to power the lock 6 via a wired link . These wire connections are established only when the key 16 is in a position pressed inside the lock 6. To this end, the blade 38 has electrical terminals capable of cooperating with corresponding electrical contacts of the lock 6 to establish these wired electrical connections between the key 16 and the lock 6. By way of illustration, the blade 38 has six electrical terminals arranged symmetrically on either side of the axis of the blade 38. For example, the symmetrical terminals one of the other are part of the same conductive ring. In the figures, only the terminals 44 to 46 located on the same side of the blade 38 are visible.

The figure 3 represents in more detail the interior of the cylinder 12. The stator 22 comprises a channel 50, of circular cross section, passing right through the stator 22 and therefore the two half-stators 30 and 32. This channel 50 extends the along the axis 20. Here, the axis 20 coincides with the axis of symmetry of revolution of the channel 50. Here, in a portion comprising electrical contacts 100 to 102, the channel 50 comprises a portion made in another material such as ceramic. In this embodiment, this portion of the channel 50 is produced using a sheath 51 ( figures 4 and 18 ) inside which these electrical contacts are housed. This sheath 51 is not shown in the figures 3 and 11 .

The channel 50 receives a rotor 52. The rotor 52 is for example identical to that described in detail, in particular, with reference to Figures 5 and 6 demand FR3025236 . In particular, the rotor 52 comprises a housing 96 capable of receiving the end of the blade 38. The cross section of this housing 96 comprises at least one shape complementary to the distal end of the blade 38 so as to be geared in rotation by the blade 38. Here, this complementary shape is a flat adapted to mesh with the flat 42 of the blade 38. Thus, when an authorized key is turned inside the lock 6, the rotation of the key 16 causes the rotor 52 to rotate, which itself causes the bit 24 to rotate.

The ring 200 is mounted inside the channel 50. The ring 200 is located at the inlet of the channel 50, that is to say at the end of the channel 50 which opens into the cover 34 In addition, here, the front face of the ring 200 is flush with the cover 34.

The half-stator 32 comprises a shell 54 entirely situated on the outside of the plane 28 and one half of a bar 56 situated on the outside of this plane 28. The bar 56 is for example symmetrical with respect to the plane 28.

The shell 54 includes the front cover 34, the ring 200 and half of the channel 50 located on the outside. Preferably, the shell 54 is formed from a single block of rigid material. By “rigid material” or “rigid material”, is meant a material whose Young's modulus at 25 ° C. is greater than 100 GPa or 150 GPa and, preferably, greater than 200 GPa.

The half-stator 32 includes a controllable mechanism 76 for unlocking the lock. This mechanism 76 is able to move a member 80 for blocking the rotation of the rotor 52. This mechanism 76 is fixed, without degree of freedom, to the shell 54. For example, the mechanism 76 and the member 80 are similar or identical to those described in the request FR3025236 . To increase the readability of the figure 3 , the representations of the mechanism 76 and of the member 80 have been simplified.

The member 80 moves in translation between a blocking position (shown in the figure 3 ) and a retracted position. In the blocking position, a distal end of the member 80 is received inside a crevice formed in the rotor 52 to prevent rotation of this rotor around the axis 20. In the retracted position, the distal end of the member 80 is located outside the crevice, so that the rotor 52 can be rotated by the key 16 about the axis 20. For example, the member 80 moves only in translation between its locking position and its retracted position. Here, this translational movement is parallel to the direction Z.

The mechanism 76 typically comprises an controllable electric and / or magnetic actuator 82 and an electronic unit 84 for controlling this actuator 82. The actuator 82 is able to move the member 80 between its blocking position and its retracted position in response to a command transmitted by the unit 84. In the absence of a command, the actuator 82 maintains the member 80 in its locked position.

• à recevoir un code d'accès contenu dans une clef introduite dans le cylindre 12 aussi bien à partir du côté intérieur que du côté extérieur de ce cylindre 12, puis
• en fonction du code d'accès reçu, à transmettre à l'actionneur 82 une commande de déverrouillage qui déclenche le déplacement de l'organe 80 vers sa position escamotée et, en alternance, à inhiber cette commande pour maintenir l'organe 80 dans sa position de blocage.

Unit 84 is suitable:

• to receive an access code contained in a key introduced into the cylinder 12 both from the inside and from the outside of this cylinder 12, then
• depending on the access code received, to transmit to the actuator 82 an unlocking command which triggers the movement of the member 80 towards its retracted position and, alternately, to inhibit this command to keep the member 80 in its blocking position.

To authorize or, on the contrary, inhibit the transmission of the unlocking command, the unit 84 compares the access code received with prerecorded access codes. If the access code received corresponds to one of the prerecorded access codes, then the unit 84 transmits the unlocking command. Otherwise, the unit 84 does not transmit this unlocking command.

Here, the unit 84 communicates with the transmitter 40 via a wired link 106 which is established when the key 16 is in its pressed position inside the lock 6. At the same time, the battery 41 transmits the energy necessary to supply the mechanism 76 via two wired links 107 and 108. The link 106 is established via terminal 44 and an electrical contact 100 of the half-stator 32. The connections 107 and 108 are established by means of the terminals 45, 46 and two electrical contacts 101 and 102 of the half-stator 32.

In the embodiment shown here, the key 16 and the half-stator 32 also comprise, respectively, three electrical terminals and three additional electrical contacts. These additional electrical terminals and contacts are used to simultaneously establish three additional redundant wire connections with the wire connections 106 to 108. These additional wire connections are deduced from the wire connections 106 to 108 by symmetries with respect to the vertical plane containing the axis 20. By therefore, they are not described in further detail below.

The electrical contacts 100 to 102 are made, for example, like those described in detail in the patent application filed under the number FR1756907 July 21, 2017 by the company COGELEC.

Chapter II: Detailed description of an embodiment

The figure 4 represents, in practically horizontal section, the key 16 in its depressed position inside the lock 6. In reality, the cutting plane is slightly inclined so that only the contacts 100 to 102 are visible in this figure. In this figure, certain details of the lock 6 have been omitted to simplify it. For example, paneton 4 is omitted.

In the depressed position, the contacts 100 to 102 are directly in mechanical abutment on the electrical terminals, respectively, 44 to 46. In the depressed position, the distal end of the blade 38 abuts on a push rod 120 which pushes the key 16 towards a remote position (shown on the figure 18 ). In the retracted position, the electrical contacts 100 to 102 are no longer directly in mechanical abutment on the electrical terminals, respectively, 44 to 46. Thus, in the retracted position, the electrical connections between the key 16 and the lock 6 are interrupted. Consequently, the lock 6 is no longer supplied by the key 16. Here, in the retracted position, a larger part of the blade 38 is located outside the channel 50 than in the depressed position.

The pusher 120 has a flat front face 122 parallel to the plane YZ and turned towards the orifice 36. The distal end of the blade 38 comes directly to bear on this face 122. On the opposite side, the pusher 120 has a rod 124 in rigid material which extends inwards along the axis 20. The rod 124 has a cylindrical portion 126 of circular section which has a circular bulge 128.

The pusher 120 also comprises a spring 130, for example a helical spring, which surrounds the cylindrical part 126. The spring 130 is on one side in abutment on the bulge 128 and, on the opposite side, in abutment on a shoulder 132 of the rotor 52. In the pressed-in position, the spring 130 permanently requests the key 16 from its pressed-in position towards its retracted position. More specifically, in the depressed position, the potential energy accumulated in the spring 130 is sufficient to move the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user withdraws his hand from the key 16. The stiffness of the spring 130 is therefore chosen as a function of the stroke of the key 16 between its depressed and retracted positions and of the various forces to be overcome in order to automatically return the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position. For example, the stroke 16 between the depressed position and the retracted position is greater than 0.6 mm. Here, this stroke is equal to 0.95 mm. As an example, the stiffness of the spring 130 is 1.55 N / mm.

The Figures 5 to 7 represent in detail the key 16. The key 16 comprises an electronic circuit 140 housed inside the body 39. This electronic circuit 140 comprises in particular the transmitter 40 and the battery 41. It is connected to the terminals 44 to 46 by the intermediate of conductive tracks arranged in the blade 38.

To receive the circuit 140 inside the body 39, this body 39 comprises a lower shell and an upper shell fitted one inside the other. In their nested positions, these shells delimit a hollow interior space in which the circuit 140 is housed and fixed. Figures 5 to 7 , only the lower shell 142 is shown.

The terminals 44 to 46 are located on a portion 144 of the blade 38 intended to be introduced inside the channel 50. Starting from the distal end of the key 16, the portion 144 successively comprises: the flat 42, the terminals 44 to 46, a housing and a section 148.

In this embodiment, the housing is a transverse groove 146. This groove 146 is described in more detail below.

The section 148 is a cylinder of non-circular cross section. More specifically, its cross section is the complement of the cross section of the orifice 36. Thus, the rotation of the blade 38 rotates the ring 200. For example, the section 148 has an upper flat 150 and a lower flat of the opposite side. On the figure 5 , only the flat 150 is visible.

The key 16 also includes a protective flap 160 movable in translation along the axis of the blade 38 between an advanced position and a retracted position. The forward and retracted positions of the flap 160 are shown, respectively, on the Figures 6 and 7 .

In the advanced position, the flap 160 completely covers the terminals 44 to 46. In this advanced position, the flap 160 therefore protects the electrical terminals from external aggressions. The shutter 160 thus makes it possible to prevent the terminals 44 to 46 from being accidentally short-circuited between them during the storage of the key 16. In particular, the shutter 160 prevents the terminals 44 to 46 from being accidentally short-circuited between them by another metallic object such as another key attached to the same key holder as the key 16. Such an accidental short circuit can lead to unnecessary consumption of electricity and therefore contributes to reducing the battery life. 41.

Conversely, in the retracted position, the terminals 44 to 46 are directly exposed to their external environment, which allows them to come into direct mechanical contact with the electrical contacts 100 to 102. In the retracted position, the groove 146 and section 148 are also directly accessible from the outside.

Here, the flap 160 is formed of a tip 162, of rigid material, mounted freely in translation along the blade 38. This tip 162 completely surrounds the blade 38. Its cross section is similar to that of the blade 38. By example, it has an upper flat 164 and a lower flat. The tip 162 has a stop 166 capable of moving, by form cooperation with a corresponding stop of the lock 6, the tip 162 from the advanced position to the retracted position when the blade 38 is inserted inside the channel 50 Here, this stop 166 corresponds to the annular distal end of the endpiece 162 facing the distal end of the blade 38. More precisely, when the blade 38 is introduced inside the channel 50 by the user, the stop 166 bears directly on the periphery of the orifice 36. Then, as the user introduces the blade 38 inside the channel 50, the periphery of the orifice 36 cooperates with the stop 166 for simultaneously moving the flap 160 from its advanced position to its retracted position. It is therefore the periphery of the orifice 36 which here constitutes the corresponding stop for the lock 6.

On the side opposite to the stop 166, the nozzle 162 has an annular proximal end. Here, this annular proximal end takes the form of a collar 168 projecting around its periphery.

The blade 38 also includes a portion 170 which remains outside the channel 50 when the key is in its depressed position. The portion 170 is covered with a rigid cap 172. This cap 172 is fixed without any degree of freedom to the body 39. This cap 172 completely encircles the portion 170 while providing around this portion 170 a hollow space able to receive entirely the end piece 162 when the latter is in its retracted position and only partially when the end piece 162 is in its advanced position. To this end, the cap 172 has an opening 174 through which the endpiece 162 slides between its retracted and advanced positions. In the advanced position, the flange 168 bears on the periphery of the opening 174, which retains the endpiece 162 around the blade 38.

Finally, the key 16 includes a spring 178 capable of automatically moving the flap 160 from its retracted position to its advanced position as soon as the stop 166 is no longer supported on the periphery of the orifice 36. The spring 178 urges this permanently effect the tip 162 towards its advanced position. Here, the spring 178 is a helical spring which surrounds the portion 170 of the blade 38. On one side, it is supported on the flange 168 and, on the opposite side, it is supported on the body 39. For example, he is resting on the shell 142. The spring 178 is also housed inside the cap 172 so that it is not accessible from the outside of the key 16.

In this embodiment, the spring 178 is not necessarily dimensioned to be capable on its own of moving the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user withdraws his hand from this key. For example, the stiffness of the spring 178 is 0.15 N / nm and its compression stroke is 11.5 nm.

• servir de support pour un clapet anti-poussière, et
• autoriser l'insertion et le retrait de la clef 16 uniquement dans certaines positions angulaires prédéterminées appelées « positions de retrait ».

The figure 8 represents the ring 200 in more detail. The ring 200 fulfills several functions including in particular the following functions:

• serve as a support for a dust cover, and
• authorize the insertion and removal of the key 16 only in certain predetermined angular positions called "withdrawal positions".

Subsequently, the ring 200 is described in the particular case where it only allows a single withdrawal position. Thus, the key 16 must be rotated 360 ° around the axis 20 starting from this withdrawal position and before returning to this withdrawal position. The angular position of the key 16 is its angular position around the axis 20 when it is pressed inside the lock 6.

The ring 200 is crossed by a straight hose 202 which extends along the axis 20. The end of the hose 202 which opens on the side of the face 34 forms the orifice 36. This hose 202 is here cylindrical. Its cross section corresponds to that of the blade 38 so that the portion 144 of the blade 38 can be introduced inside the channel 50 by sliding through this hose 202. In addition, the cross section of the hose 202 has a shape complementary to that of the section 148 so that the rotation of the key 16 also causes the rotation of the ring 200 around the axis 20. For this purpose, the hose 202 has an upper flat 204 and a lower flat 206 able to cooperate , respectively, with the upper and lower flats of the section 148.

The ring 200 includes a dustproof valve 210. This valve 210 is movable, when the blade 38 is inserted inside the channel 50, from a closed position (shown in the figure 9 ) to an open position (shown on the figure 10 ). In the closed position, the valve 210 obstructs at least 80% and, preferably, 90% or 95% of the cross section of the orifice 36. Thus, in the closed position, the valve 210 prevents foreign bodies, such as as dust, are introduced inside the channel 50. In the open position, on the contrary, the entry of the orifice 36 is entirely cleared, which allows the blade 38 to be introduced to the inside the channel 50. Here, the valve 210 is moved from its closed position to its open position by the force exerted by the distal end of the blade 38 when it is pushed against the valve 210 in the direction of insertion of the key.

To this end, in this embodiment, the valve 210 comprises two movable jaws 212 and 214. Each jaw 212, 214 is mounted to rotate freely around, respectively, axes 216 and 218 parallel to the axis 20. These axes 216 and 218 are integral, without any degree of freedom, with the ring 200. Thus, when the ring 200 rotates, they also rotate.

Here, each jaw 212, 214 has a bearing, respectively 220 and 222, inside which is received a pin, respectively 224 and 226 ( Figures 9 and 10 ). On the figure 8 , only the pin 226 intended to be received in the bearing 222 is visible.

In the closed position ( figure 9 ), the two jaws 212, 214 are in mechanical abutment one on the other to close the orifice 36. These jaws 212, 214 have bevelled portions 228, 230 ( Figures 9 and 10 ) to drive these jaws 212, 214 in rotation about their respective axes until completely freeing the orifice 36 when the end of the blade 38 presses on these bevelled portions.

The valve 210 also includes springs 232, 234 which permanently urge the jaws 212 and 214 respectively towards the closed position. Here, the springs 232, 234 are mounted around, respectively, the axes 216 and 218. Thus, as soon as the blade 38 is removed from the channel 50, the valve 210 automatically returns to its closed position.

• trois conduits rectilignes 240 à 242, et
• trois goupilles 244 à 246 montées libres en translation à l'intérieur des conduits, respectivement, 240 à 242.

To prevent withdrawal of the key 16 outside the withdrawal position, the ring 200 includes:

• three rectilinear conduits 240 to 242, and
• three pins 244 to 246 mounted free in translation inside the conduits, respectively, 240 to 242.

Each conduit 240 to 242 has a front end which opens directly inside the hose 202 and a rear end which opens on a circular path 250 ( figure 11 ) arranged on the inner periphery of the channel 50. In this embodiment, the path 250 is a strip projecting towards the interior of the channel 50. The path 250 goes around the entire axis 20. The orthogonal projection of the path 250 in the plane 28 is a circle centered on the axis 20.

Three notches 252 to 254 ( figure 12 ) are made in this path 250 and offset angularly with respect to each other. Here, the “angular offset” between a first and a second element is defined as being the angle between a first and a second half-line contained in the same transverse plane parallel to the directions Y and Z, the origin of these first and second half-straight line being located on the axis 20. The first half-straight line passes through the isobarycenter of the first element and the second half-straight line passes through the isobarycenter of the second element.

Here, the angular offsets between the notches 252 to 254 are chosen so that there is only one withdrawal position. In addition, here, these angular offsets are chosen so that when each rear end of the conduits 240 to 242 are opposite the notches 252 to 254, then each front end of these conduits opens onto a circular portion of the cross section of the blade 38, that is to say outside the upper flats 150 and lower.

For example, the angular offset between the notches 252 and 253 is equal to 80 °, the angular offset between the notches 252 and 254 is equal to 145 ° and the angular offset between the notches 253 and 254 is equal to 135 ° ( figure 12 ).

The angular offsets between the conduits 240 to 242 are here identical to the angular offsets between the notches 252 to 254. Thus, in the retracted position, the rear end of each conduit opens onto a respective notch.

Pins 244 to 246 are identical to each other. Thus, subsequently, only the pin 244 is described in detail. The pin 244 is mounted free in translation inside the conduit 240 between a retained position, shown on the figures 10, 13 and 15 , and a retracted position shown on the figures 14 and 16 .

The pin 244 has a front part facing the hose 202 and a rear part facing the path 250. In the retained position, the front part projects inside the hose 202. Here, the groove 146 of the blade 38 is arranged to receive this front part of the pin 244 when the key is in its depressed position ( figure 15 ). In addition, the groove 146 and the front part of the pin 244 are shaped to retain the blade 38 wedged inside the channel 50, as long as the pin 244 is maintained in its retained position. In the retained position, the rear part projects slightly beyond the outer periphery of the ring 200 to come directly into contact with the path 250 (see figures 11 and 15 ). Thus, apart from the locations where the notches 252 to 254 are located, the path 250 locks the pin 244 in its retained position and thus prevents the key 16 from being removed.

In the retracted position, the rear part of the pin 244 is received inside the notch 252 (see figure 16 ). Therefore, as long as the pin 244 is held in its retracted position, by form cooperation with the notch 252, it blocks the rotation of the ring 200 in this angular position. This angular position corresponds to the withdrawal position. In the retracted position, the front part of the pin 244 is flush with the inside of the hose 202 (see figure 16 ) so that removal of the key 16 is made possible.

In this embodiment, each pin 244 to 246 is a spherical ball. Thus, when the key 16 is turned inside the channel 50, outside the withdrawal position, the balls roll on the path 250. Consequently, like a ball bearing, this greatly limits friction between the ring 200 and the conduit 50. Thanks to this, the rotation of the key 16 is facilitated and the wear of the ring 200 and of the path 250 is reduced. The front end of each of the conduits 240 to 242 is here slightly pinched to retain the balls inside these conduits in the retained position. For example, the balls are stainless steel balls 2 mm in diameter.

Finally, the ring 200 includes return means which permanently urge each pin 244 to 246 towards their retained position. Here, these return means are produced using an elastic ring 260 (see figs 8, 13 and 14). The ring 260 is, in this embodiment, a split metal ring. he extends over more than 350 ° around the axis 20. The ring 260 covers only a portion, called the covered portion, of the rear part of each pin 244 to 246. Thus, the ring 260 leaves a portion not covered with the rear part of each pin. It is these non-covered portions which are received inside the notches 252 to 254 when the pins are in their retracted position. Furthermore, it is because the ring 260 presses on the covered portions of the rear parts of the pins that these are permanently pushed back to their retained position.

As seen on Figures 13 and 14 , the diameter of the ring 260 is greater when all the pins 244 to 246 are in their retracted position ( figure 14 ) only when they are in their restrained position ( figure 13 ). For example, the diameter of the ring 260 increases by 0.8 mm when the pins 244 to 246 pass from their retained position to their retracted position.

The ring 260 is designed to represent a stiffness such that, when the key 16 is in the withdrawal position and the user has withdrawn his hand from the key 16, the forces exerted by the springs 130 and 178 which push the key 16 towards a completely withdrawn position, are not sufficient to completely disengage the front parts of the pins 244 to 246 from the groove 146. Thus, when the key 16 is in its withdrawal position and the user withdraws his hand from this key, the key remains maintained inside the channel 50 by the pins 244 to 246. For example, the stiffness of the ring 260 is here such that the restoring force which is exerted on each of the pins 244 to 246 in their position retracted and equal to 3 N. In the retained position, this restoring force is equal to 1.5 N.

• pour pousser les goupilles 244 à 246 de leur position de retenu vers leur position rétractée lorsque la clef 16 est dans la position de retrait et que l'utilisateur tire la clef 16 vers l'extérieur, et
• pour autoriser le déplacement automatique de la clef de sa position enfoncée vers sa position reculée dès que l'utilisateur retire sa main de la clef.

The figure 17 represents the profile of the groove 146 in a horizontal plane when the key 16 is in the depressed and withdrawn positions. This profile is configured:

• to push pins 244 to 246 from their retained position to their retracted position when the key 16 is in the withdrawn position and the user pulls the key 16 outwards, and
• to allow automatic movement of the key from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user withdraws his hand from the key.

To this end, this profile successively comprises, moving towards the body 39: an inclined portion 270, then a flat bottom 272 then another inclined portion 274.

The portion 270 makes it possible to transform, when the key is in its depressed position, the force exerted by the user parallel to the direction X to withdraw this key 16 into a radial force which pushes each pin 244 to 246 from its retained position toward its retracted position against the restoring force of the ring 260.

The width of the bottom 272 is chosen to allow movement of the key 16 between these depressed and retracted positions even when the front parts of the pins 244 to 246 are received inside the groove 146. For example, here, the width of the bottom 272 is chosen equal to 0.95 mm, which allows in combination with the parts inclined 270 and 274, a 0.95 mm displacement of the key between the depressed position and the retracted position.

The inclined portion 274 is here the symmetrical of the inclined portion 270 relative to a transverse median plane of the groove 146.

The operation of the key 16 and of the lock 6 is as follows. Initially, the ring 200 is in the withdrawn position. When a user wishes to open the door 2, he places the distal end of the blade 38 opposite the orifice 36, then pushes the key along the axis 20. The distal end then spreads the jaws 212 and 214 so that the valve 210 passes from its closed position to its open position under the action of the introduction of the blade 38. In the same movement, the stop 166 of the nozzle 162 comes to bear on the periphery of the orifice 36. From this instant, the flap 160 gradually recedes from its advanced position to its retracted position as the blade 38 penetrates inside the channel 50.

At the same time, the blade 38, and in particular its portion 144, comes into contact with the front parts of the pins 244 to 246 and pushes these pins 244 to 246 from their retained position to their retracted position (see figure 16 ). Typically, during the insertion of the key 16, the balls roll on the outer periphery of the portion 144 of the blade 38.

The insertion of the key 16 continues until reaching the depressed position. In the depressed position, the distal end of the blade 38 is in abutment on the push rod 120 and the groove 146 is located opposite the pins 244 to 246. Under these conditions, under the action of the ring 260, the pins 244 to 246 automatically move from their retracted position to their retained position. At this stage, the front parts of these pins are therefore received inside the groove 146.

In the depressed position, the contacts 100 to 102 are directly in mechanical support, respectively, on the terminals 44 to 46. The electrical connections between the key 16 and the lock 6 are therefore established. Thus, the lock 6 is supplied by the battery 41 and the key exchanges information with the lock 6 to verify whether this key is a key authorized to open door 2. If the key is not authorized to open door 2, the rotation of the rotor 52 is blocked and the door 2 cannot be opened.

On the other hand, if the key 16 is a key authorized to open the door 2, the rotation of the rotor 52 is authorized. The user can then turn the key 16 around the axis 20. When the key 16 is turned, the rear parts of the pins 244 to 246 come directly to bear on the path 250. Here, the balls roll on the path 250. In this state, the path 250 locks the pins 244 to 246 in their retained position (see figure 15 ). The user can therefore no longer remove the key 16. In other words, the mechanical cooperation of the front part of each pin 244 to 246 with the inclined portion 270 of the groove 146 prevents the key 16 from being removed outside the withdrawal position. . In the embodiment described, because of the angular offsets chosen between the conduits 240 to 242 and between the notches 252 to 254, there are always at least two rear pin parts bearing on the path 250 and this regardless of the angular position of the key 16 outside the withdrawal position.

Once the key 16 has made one or more complete turns, it returns to the withdrawal position. In this position, the user pulls the key 16 outwards. The inclined portion 270 then simultaneously moves the pins 244 to 246 from their retained position to their retracted position (see figure 16 ). The key 16 can then be completely withdrawn from the lock 6. As the blade 38 is withdrawn from the channel 50, the flap 160 gradually returns to its advanced position under the action of the spring 178. Consequently, as soon as the key 16 is completely removed from the channel 50, the flap 160 completely covers the electrical terminals 44 to 46 and protects them.

If in the depressed position and whatever the angular position of the key 16, the user withdraws his hand from the key, the springs 130 and 178 then automatically move the key 16 from the depressed position to the retracted position. Thanks to this, the electrical connections between the key 16 and the lock 6 are automatically interrupted. Thus, if the user forgets or leaves his key inside the lock 6, the lock 6 is no longer supplied by the battery 41. The battery 41 therefore does not discharge unnecessarily. This extends its lifespan. It will also be noted that even in the retracted position, the pins 244 to 246 cooperate with the groove 146 to keep the blade 38 inside the channel 50. Consequently, the key 16 is not ejected outside the lock 6 when the user withdraws his hand. This avoids dropping the key 16 on the ground.

Chapter III: Variants Variants of the ring 200:

Each pin can include several balls housed inside the same conduit. For example, in this case, the balls are placed one behind the other inside the duct. Other arrangements of these balls are possible. For example, the different arrangements of the balls inside a conduit as described in the application filed in France under the number 1756907 July 21, 2017 , can be transposed without difficulty in the case of the balls located inside one of the conduits 240 to 242. Similarly, in the case where the pin is formed of several balls, placed one behind the other, these can be separated from each other by a cylindrical piston or any other sliding part.

In another embodiment, the balls 244 to 246 are replaced by cylindrical pistons capable of sliding between the retained positions and the retracted positions but incapable of turning on themselves about an axis parallel to the axis 20.

In a simplified embodiment, the ring has only one or two conduits and therefore only one or two pins. Conversely, the ring can also have more than three conduits and therefore more than three separate pins.

The number of notches can be less than the number of pins, equal to the number of pins, or greater than this number of pins. In fact, the number of pins and the number of notches are chosen according to the number of desired withdrawal positions.

The angular differences between the conduits of the ring 200 and between the notches can be modified to obtain additional withdrawal positions or, on the contrary, eliminate some of them. For example, the angular offsets between the conduits and the notches can be provided to allow several distinct withdrawal positions, for example, angularly offset from each other by 90 ° or 180 °.

The ring 200 does not necessarily flush with the facade 34. In a variant, the ring 200 is located set back from the facade 34 inside the channel 50.

Many other embodiments of the pin return means are possible. For example, the ring 260 can be replaced by three elastic tabs. Each of these tabs has one end fixed without any degree of freedom on the periphery of the ring and an opposite end bearing on the rear part of a respective pin so as to permanently urge this pin towards its retained position.

The ring 260 can also be wider than what has been described so far. For example, the ring can cover more than half of the back of each pin. In this case, the circular path may include a circular groove capable of receiving the elastic ring when the pins are in their retracted position and the notches open into this groove. Thus, in the withdrawal position, when the key is withdrawn, the ring is received inside this groove and the non-covered portions of the rear parts of the pins are received in respective notches. Outside the withdrawal position, at least one of the non-covered portions is in contact with the path 250, which prevents the displacement of this pin from its retained position to its withdrawn position.

In another embodiment of the pins return means, the bottom 272 of the groove 146 is magnetized and the pins are made of ferromagnetic materials. Under these conditions, the pins are permanently attracted magnetically towards the bottom 272 as soon as they are opposite this bottom.

In another embodiment, the ring 260 is replaced by an elastic ring made of elastomeric material. In this case, this ring of elastomeric material is not split.

Still in another embodiment of the pins return means, the width of the elastic ring is greater than or equal to the width of the rear parts of the pins. In this case, the ring is perforated opposite each of the rear parts of the pins, so that these can protrude through the ring to be received inside the notches.

The path 250 is not necessarily a strip projecting inside the channel 50. For example, in another embodiment, the path 250 is flush with the inner wall of channel 50 or forms a groove in the wall of channel 50.

In all embodiments, the spring 130 or 178 can be produced using a block of elastomeric material.

There are also other possible embodiments of the dust cover. For example, as a variant, the dust cover comprises a single movable jaw or, on the contrary, more than two movable jaws. The ring fitted with the dust cover can be used in other electronic locks than those described here. For example, the ring fitted with the anti-dust valve can be implemented in locks without a spring which pushes the key back to its retracted position or without a protective flap.

The ring 200 can also be implemented in locks other than electronic locks. Indeed, what has been taught here in the particular case of an electronic lock can also be implemented in a mechanical lock devoid of electronics.

In variants, the ring 200 can be implemented independently of the presence of a flap 160 and of the spring 178 in the key 16. Similarly, the ring 200 can be implemented independently of the presence of the spring 130 in the lock 6. Similarly, the ring 200 can be implemented with a groove 146 whose width does not allow the movement of the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user withdraws his hand from this key. For example, in this latter variant, the groove 146 is sufficiently narrow to hold the key 16 in its depressed position, even if the user withdraws his hand from the key.

Variants of the protective shutter:

It is not necessary for the protective flap to move from its advanced position to its retracted position by a translational movement. For example, as a variant, the translational movement is replaced by a rotational movement combined or not with a translational movement around an axis integral with the key. For example, the flap pivots around an axis perpendicular to the axis of insertion of the key. In another embodiment, the flap pivots around the axis of insertion of the key. The flap can also move between its advanced position and its retracted position by following a helical trajectory whose axis of revolution coincides with the axis of introduction of the key. Even in these embodiments where the movement between the retracted position and the advanced position is not necessarily a translation, the movement is preferably actuated mechanically by the insertion of the key inside the lock. For example, as in the embodiments described above, the movement is actuated by the cooperation of a stop provided for this purpose on the flap with a corresponding stop provided on the lock 6.

The flap 160 can be implemented independently of the ring 200. For example, the flap 160 can be implemented on a key without a groove 146 and ring 200. The flap 160 can also be implemented without the groove 146 being wide enough to allow automatic cutting of the electrical connections between the key and the lock as soon as the user withdraws his hand from the key. Nor is it necessary for the spring 178 to be sized to be able to move the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user withdraws his hand from the key. The shutter 160 can also be implemented without the presence of the spring 130.

Variants of the automatic cut-off mechanism for the electrical connections between the key and the lock:

As a variant, the spring 130 is omitted and the spring 178 is dimensioned so as to be capable on its own of moving the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user withdraws his hand from this key.

In another variant, neither the spring 130 nor the spring 178 is alone capable of moving the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position. On the other hand, the group of springs, comprising the spring 130 and the spring 178, is capable, on its own, of moving the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user withdraws his hand from this key.

Each of the springs 130, 178 can be replaced by a group of several springs located, respectively, inside the lock 6 and in the key 16.

The automatic cut-off mechanism for the electrical connections between the key 16 and the lock 6 described above can be implemented independently of the flap 160. In this case, the spring 178 can be omitted. The spring 130 is then dimensioned to be capable on its own of moving the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user withdraws his hand from this key.

In another embodiment, the endpiece 162 is replaced by a simple ring which does not cover or not completely cover the electrical terminals 44 to 46 in the advanced position. This ring has an annular distal end and the stop of the key corresponds to this annular distal end.

Similarly, the automatic cut-off mechanism for the electrical connections can also be implemented independently of the ring 200. In this case, if the ring 200 is absent, preferably the springs 130 and 178 are dimensioned so that the key 16 is not completely ejected from channel 50 as soon as the user withdraws his hand from this key.

Other variants:

Other embodiments of the housing arranged in the blade 38 to receive the front parts of the pins in their retained position are possible. For example, this housing does not necessarily make the complete turn of the blade 38. Thus, as a variant, the groove 146 is replaced by three separate housings produced on the periphery of the blade 38 and located in the same transverse plane. Each of these housings faces the front end of a respective conduit 240 to 242 when the key is in its depressed position. Each of these accommodations receives the front end of a respective pin 244 to 246 when the key is in its depressed position. On the other hand, these housings are not necessarily connected to each other so as to form a continuous housing.

The battery 41 can be housed inside the lock 6. In this case, it is the lock which supplies the key 16 when the latter is in its depressed position.

The number of electrical connections between the key and the lock, and therefore the number of electrical contacts and electrical terminals, can be equal to one or two or be greater than three or four.

Other embodiments of the contacts 100 to 102 are possible. For example, in some of these embodiments, the sleeve 51 is omitted.

The mechanical architecture of the electronic lock can be different from that described here. For example, the electronic lock may have a single half-stator. In this case, the interior half-stator can be replaced by a locking latch and, alternately, manual unlocking of the electronic lock.

The different variants of the electronic lock mentioned in the request FR3025236 also apply to the embodiments described here.

Chapter IV: Benefits Advantages of the 200 ring:

The ring authorizes the removal and insertion of the key only in one or more predetermined withdrawal positions where all the pins are opposite a corresponding respective notch. Thus, since the withdrawal position or positions are specified, the minimum angular travel of the key between two of its withdrawal positions is also imposed and known in advance. Furthermore, since during the insertion of the key, the pins are in their retracted position and their rear parts received inside respective notches, this prevents the blade from rotating during the insertion of the key. Thanks to this, the electrical terminals 44 to 46 of the key are correctly positioned inside the channel 50 to come into mechanical abutment on the electrical contacts 100 to 102 of the lock. Finally, the ring 200 also makes the lock more robust against attacks by drilling using a drill whose diameter is less than that of the channel 50. Indeed, in this case, if the diameter of the drill is wider than that of the orifice 36, then the fact of attempting to pierce the lock only results in the fact that this causes the ring 200 to rotate.

In addition, the presence of the anti-dust valve 210 limits the fouling of the lock.

Thanks to the fact that the dust cover 210 is fully mounted on the ring 200, its presence does not hinder the rotation of the ring 200 whether this is in the presence or absence of a key. This also ensures that the dust valve 210 and the hose 202 are permanently correctly positioned relative to each other so as to allow the introduction of the key into the channel 50. In addition, the fact that the springs 232, 234 are fully mounted on the ring 200 avoids the use of bulky springs such as those disclosed. Indeed, in this In this case, the springs do not have to extend over the entire length of the channel 50. Finally, the integration of the anti-dust valve 210 in the ring 200 simplifies the assembly of the lock.

The fact that the rear part of the pin is a ball free to rotate, limits the friction between the ring 200 and the path 250. This therefore limits the wear of this ring 200 over time.

The fact of using a single ball to form the front and rear parts of each pin simplifies the manufacture of the lock.

The fact of using at least three pins distributed over an angular travel around the axis 20 of at least 190 °, and preferably of at least 210 °, makes it possible to center the ring 200 on the axis 20 using only these three pins. Thus, the ring 200 is in mechanical contact with the path 250 only by means of these pins, which limits the friction between the ring and the path 250.

The fact of having a single withdrawal position makes it possible to impose that the key makes at least one complete turn before it can be removed.

The fact that the angular offsets between any of the conduits 240 to 242 and its two closest neighbors to the right and to the left are different, guarantees that at all points of the angular travel of the key outside a position of withdrawal, at least two pins protrude inside the groove 146. This keeps the key locked more firmly inside the lock.

The use of a split elastic ring to produce the return means 160 makes it possible, using a single simple piece to be assembled, to produce all of the return means for all the pins.

The fact of placing the ring 200 at the entrance to the channel 50 improves the guiding in rotation of the blade of the key.

The presence of the spring 130 which automatically pushes the blade 38 outward automatically cuts the electrical connections between the key and the electronic lock when a user forgets his key inside the lock. This avoids unnecessarily supplying the lock or key. In addition, the front parts of the pins remain housed inside the groove 146 in the absence of the user. Therefore, even when the electrical connection between the key and the electric lock is interrupted, the key 16 is kept inside the lock. Thanks to this, springs of greater stiffness can be used to push the key from its pressed position to its retracted position without dropping the key on the ground. This facilitates the production of the lock.

Advantages of the protective shutter:

The flap 160 prevents the electrical terminals 44 to 46 from being damaged when the key collides with other keys of the same key holder or with objects located in the same pocket of the user. In addition, this flap 160 prevents terminals 44 to 46 from being short-circuited with each other by a metal object attached to the same key ring or present on the same place of storage as keys. This prevents the battery 41 from being discharged unnecessarily and prolongs its service life.

The use of a tubular end piece allows using the same piece to form the protective flap and to retain this protective flap on the blade of the key.

Advantages of the automatic cut-off mechanism for electrical connections:

The presence of a spring which constantly pushes the key 16 outwards automatically cuts the electrical connection between this key and the lock if a user forgets this key in the lock. This prevents the lock and key from needlessly continuing to consume electrical energy.

Claims (9)

1. Electronic lock intended to be unlocked with the aid of a key having a rectilinear blade, this rectilinear blade having at least one housing recessed into its periphery and an electric terminal, this lock having:

   - a stator (22), in which a rectilinear channel (50) is provided that extends along an axis (20) of introduction of the key, this rectilinear channel being able to receive the blade of the key when the key is in a position inserted into the lock and its inner wall having a circular path (250) centred on the axis of introduction of the key,

   - an electrical contact (100-102) situated in a wall of the rectilinear channel, this electrical contact being able, when the key is in its inserted position, to come directly into mechanical contact with the electric terminal situated on the blade of the key,

   - a notch (252-254) recessed into the circular path,

   - a ring (200) housed inside the channel and mounted in a freely rotatable manner about the axis of introduction of the key, this ring having:

   • a rectilinear casing (202), which extends along the axis of introduction of the key, this rectilinear casing being passed through by the blade of the key as it is being introduced into the channel, and this rectilinear casing being able to cooperate with the blade, by shape cooperation, so as to drive the ring in rotation about the axis of introduction of the key when the blade is turned about this same axis,

   • a conduit (240-242) having a front end that opens out in the interior of the rectilinear casing and a rear end that opens out onto the circular path,

   • a pin (244-246) that is mounted inside the conduit and has a front part facing the rectilinear casing and a rear part facing the circular path, this pin being movable between:

   - a position retaining the key inside the lock, in which, when the key is in its inserted position, its front part is received inside the housing of the key and its rear part is in contact with the circular path (250) so as to prevent the withdrawal of the key from the lock by shape cooperation between the housing the blade and the front part of the pin, and

   - a retracted position, in which its front part is pushed back towards the inside of the conduit (240-242) and out of the housing of the key and its rear part is received inside the notch (252-254) so as to allow the withdrawal of the key from the lock only when the rear part of the pin is next to this notch, and

   • return means (260), which permanently urge the pin towards its retaining position,

   characterized in that the ring also has:

   - a dust flap (210) that is movable between:

   • a closed position, in which the dust flap closes off at least 80% of the cross section of the rectilinear casing (202), and

   • an open position, in which the dust flap opens up the cross section of the rectilinear casing and allows the passage of the blade, and

   - at least one spring (232, 234), which permanently urges the dust flap into its closed position.
2. Lock according to Claim 1, wherein the rear part of the pin is formed by a ball mounted in a freely rotatable manner about an axis parallel to the axis of introduction of the key, such that this ball is able to roll on the circular path when the ring turns.
3. Lock according to Claim 2, wherein the front part of the pin (244-246) is formed by the same ball as the one that forms the rear part of this pin.
4. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

   - the ring has:

   • a first, a second and a third example of the conduit, which are referred to, respectively, as the first conduit (240), second conduit (241) and third conduit (242), these first, second and third conduits being separate and distributed in this order around the periphery of the ring, and

   • a first, a second and a third example of the pin, which are referred to, respectively, as the first pin (244), second pin (245) and third pin (246), these first, second and third pins being mounted inside the first, second and third conduits, respectively,

   - whichever conduit is the one referred to as "first conduit", the sum of the angular offsets between the first and second conduits (240, 241) and between the second and third conduits (241, 242) is greater than 190°, the angular offset between two conduits being equal to the positive angle between the rays which are contained in a transverse plane perpendicular to the axis of introduction of the key and the origins of which are situated on this axis of introduction of the key, one of these two rays passing through the centre of gravity of one of the two conduits and the other of these two rays passing through the centre of gravity of the other of these two conduits.
5. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the notch(es) (252-254) and the conduit(s) (240-242) are angularly distributed about the axis of introduction of the key such there is only one angular position of the ring in which the pin(s) can be moved simultaneously from their retaining position to their retracted position.
6. Lock according to Claim 4, wherein the ring has:

   - a first, a second and a third separate example of the conduit, which are referred to, respectively, as the first conduit (240), second conduit (241) and third conduit (242), these first, second and third conduits being distributed in this order around the periphery of the ring, and satisfying the following relationship: ID₂₁-D₂₃₁ ≥ 5°, where:

   • D₂₁ and D₂₃ are the angular offsets between the first and the second conduits (240, 241) and between the second and third conduits (241, 242), respectively, the angular offset between two conduits being equal to the positive angle between the rays which are contained in a transverse plane perpendicular to the axis of introduction of the key and the origins of which are situated on this axis of introduction of the key, one of these two rays passing through the centre of gravity of one of the two conduits and the other of these two rays passing through the centre of gravity of the other of these two conduits,

   • the symbol "|...|" is the function that returns the absolute value,

   - at least a first, a second and a third example of the pin, which are referred to, respectively, as the first pin (244), second pin (245) and third pin (246), these first, second and third pins being mounted inside the first, second and third conduits, respectively.
7. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

   - the return means have an elastic ring (260) in contact with the rear part of each pin so as to permanently urge each pin into its retaining position, this ring covering only a portion of the rear part of each pin so as to leave a portion of the rear part not covered, and

   - the notches are able to receive this non-covered portion of each pin when these pins are in their retracted position.
8. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring (200) is situated at the inlet of the rectilinear channel (50).
9. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock has a spring (130), which permanently pushes the blade of the key back toward the outside of the channel when the blade of the key is in its inserted position, this spring being able, by itself, when a user removes their hand from the key, to push the blade of the key back from its inserted position into a pushed-back position in which the electrical contact and the electric terminal are mechanically separated from one another.

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