EP3477026A1 - Electronic key for an electronic lock - Google Patents

Abstract

This electronic key includes:
a movable shutter (160) between:
an advanced position in which the protective flap completely covers an electrical terminal so as to isolate it mechanically and electrically from the external environment, and
- A retracted position in which the protective flap does not cover the electrical terminal and allows the mechanical support of this electrical terminal on an electrical contact,

a spring (178) which constantly urges the protection flap towards its advanced position, and
- A stop (166) arranged on the protective flap, this stop being able to move the protective flap from its advanced position to its retracted position when the blade of the key is inserted inside a channel of a electronic lock, by form cooperation with a corresponding stop of the electronic lock.

Description

The invention relates to an electronic key for an electronic lock, the electronic lock having a rectilinear channel which extends along an insertion axis of the key.

• un corps formant un moyen de préhension pour tourner la clef à l'intérieur de la serrure électronique,
• une lame rectiligne apte à être insérée, par un mouvement de translation le long de l'axe d'introduction de la clef, à l'intérieur du canal de la serrure électronique jusqu'à une position enfoncée à l'intérieur de cette serrure électronique,
• une borne électrique située sur la lame de la clef, cette borne électrique étant apte, lorsque la lame de la clef est dans la position enfoncée à l'intérieur de la serrure électronique, à venir directement en appui mécanique sur un contact électrique situé dans une paroi du canal rectiligne.

Known electronic keys include:

• a body forming a gripping means for turning the key inside the electronic lock,
• a rectilinear blade adapted to be inserted, by a translational movement along the insertion axis of the key, inside the channel of the electronic lock to a recessed position inside this electronic lock ,
• an electrical terminal located on the blade of the key, this electrical terminal being adapted, when the blade of the key is in the depressed position inside the electronic lock, to come directly in mechanical support on an electrical contact located in a rectilinear canal wall.

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

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

The invention aims to improve such an electronic key. In particular, the invention aims to achieve at least one of the following objectives:

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

• EP3220362A1 ,
• GB219340A ,
• EP0278905A1 ,
• DE102004049263A1 ,
• US2738667A .

From the state of the art is also known from:

• EP3220362A1 ,
• GB219340A ,
• EP0278905A1 ,
• DE102004049263A1 ,
• US2738667A .

It therefore relates to such an electronic key according to claim 1.

Embodiments of this electronic key 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 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 lock cylinder 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 exploded view, of the key to 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 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 check valve of the ring of the figure 8 in closed and open positions respectively;
• the figure 11 is a schematic illustration, partly in 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 throat of 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 features and functions well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail.

Chapter I: General context

The figure 1 is a door 2. This door 2 has an inner side, typically located within a room, and an outer side of the opposite side. Subsequently, the terms "inner" and "outer" refer, respectively, to the inner and outer side of the door 2. The door 2 here extends in a vertical plane. Thereafter, the vertical direction is indicated by the direction Z of an orthogonal reference XYZ. The direction X is perpendicular to the vertical plane in which the door 2 extends mainly. All the figures are oriented relative to this XYZ mark.

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

The general mechanical architecture of the 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 on request FR3025236 .

The lock 6 comprises a bolt 10 movable in translation, parallel to the Y direction, alternately and reversibly, between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the bolt 10 protrudes beyond the edge of the door 2 to engage in a strike fixed without any degree of freedom on the frame of the door 2. In the locked position, the bolt 10 locks the door 2 in its closed position. In the unlocked position, the bolt 10 is returned inside the door 2 and no longer protrudes 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 actuating the handle 4.

The lock 6 also comprises 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 ), allowed to unlock the lock 6, is introduced and 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 inserted and turned in the opposite direction inside this cylinder. Conversely, when an unauthorized key is introduced inside the cylinder 12, the cylinder prevents the displacement of the bolt 10 from its locked position to its unlocked position.

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

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

The figure 2 represents in more detail the cylinder 12. Here, the cylinder 12 is in accordance with 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 represented on the figure 2 . The plane 28 is a plane of symmetry for the bit 24.

The bit 24 rotates counterclockwise about 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 inside of the door 2 is called "inner half-stator" and has the reference 30. The portion of the stator 22 located on the outside of the door 2 is called "outer half-stator" and door In this particular embodiment, the half-stators 30 and 32 are almost symmetrical to one another with respect to the plane 28. Thus, only the half-stator 32 is described in more detail by the after.

The half-stator 32 comprises a front cover 34 parallel to the plane 28 and directly exposed to the 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 from burglary attempts. This cover 34 is traversed 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 translation movement along the axis 20. The orifice 36 is arranged inside a ring 200 mounted free to rotate about the axis 20. The orifice 36 is also shaped to drive in rotation, by shape cooperation with the blade 38, the ring 200 about the axis 20 when the key 16 inserted inside the cylinder 12 is turned on itself about 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 it, in response:

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

For this purpose, the key 16 comprises in particular a transmitter 40 and a battery 41 housed inside the body 39.

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

The transmitter 40 is particularly adapted to transmit, via a wired link, an access code to the lock 6. The battery 41 is also used to supply the lock 6 via a wired link . These wired links are established only when the key 16 is in a depressed position inside the lock 6. For this purpose, the blade 38 has electrical terminals adapted to cooperate 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 comprises six electrical terminals arranged symmetrically on either side of the axis of the blade 38. For example, the symmetrical terminals each 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 more in detail the inside of the cylinder 12. The stator 22 comprises a channel 50, of circular cross section, passing right through the stator 22 and thus the two half-stators 30 and 32. This channel 50 extends the along the axis 20. Here, the axis 20 is coincident with the axis of symmetry of revolution of the channel 50. Here, in a portion having electrical contacts 100 to 102, the channel 50 comprises a portion made of another material such as, for example, ceramic. In this embodiment, this portion of the channel 50 is made using a sheath 51 ( figures 4 and 18 ) inside which these electrical contacts are housed. This sheath 51 is not represented on the figures 3 and 11 .

The channel 50 receives a rotor 52. The rotor 52 is for example identical to that described in detail, particularly with reference to Figures 5 and 6 demand FR3025236 . In particular, the rotor 52 has a housing 96 adapted to receive 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 rotated by the blade 38. Here, this complementary shape is a flat part capable of meshing with the flat part 42 of the blade 38. Thus, when an authorized key is turned inside the lock 6, the rotation of the key 16 causes the rotation of the rotor 52 which itself causes the rotation of the bit 24.

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 cache 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 located on the outside of the plane 28 and a half of a bar 56 located on the outer side 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 the half of the channel 50 located on the outside. Preferably, the shell 54 is formed of 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 comprises 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, on the shell 54. For example, the mechanism 76 and the member 80 are similar or identical. to those described in the application FR3025236 . To increase the readability of the figure 3 the representations of mechanism 76 and organ 80 have been simplified.

The member 80 moves in translation between a locking position (represented on the figure 3 ) and a retracted position. In the locking position, a distal end of the member 80 is received inside an anfractuosity formed in the rotor 52 to prevent the rotation of this rotor about the axis 20. In the retracted position, the distal end of the member 80 is located outside the anfractuosity, 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 blocking position and its retracted position. Here, this displacement in translation is parallel to the direction Z.

The mechanism 76 typically comprises a controllable electric and / or magnetic actuator 82 and an electronic control unit 84 for 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 control, the actuator 82 keeps the member 80 in its locking 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 able to:

• to receive an access code contained in a key introduced into the cylinder 12 both from the inner side and the outer side of this cylinder 12, then
• according to the access code received, to transmit to the actuator 82 an unlocking command which triggers the movement of the member 80 to its retracted position and, alternately, to inhibit this command to maintain the member 80 in its blocking position.

To allow or, conversely, inhibit the transmission of the unlock 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 unlock command. Otherwise, the unit 84 does not transmit this unlock command.

Here, the unit 84 communicates with the transmitter 40 via a wire link 106 which is established when the key 16 is in its depressed position inside the lock 6. At the same time, the battery 41 transmits the energy required to supply the mechanism 76 via two wired links 107 and 108. The link 106 is established via the terminal 44 and an electrical contact 100 of the half-stator 32. The links 107 and 108 are established via 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 terminals and additional electrical contacts are used to simultaneously establish three additional redundant wired links with the wired links 106 to 108. These additional wired links are derived from the wired links 106 to 108 by symmetries with respect to the vertical plane containing the axis 20. By therefore, they are not described in more detail later.

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

Chapter II: Detailed Description of an Embodiment

The figure 4 is in substantially 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 on this Fig. In this figure, some 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 support on the electrical terminals, respectively, 44 to 46. In the depressed position, the distal end of the blade 38 abuts on a push-button 120 which pushes the key 16 towards a retracted position (represented on the figure 18 ). In the retracted position, the electrical contacts 100 to 102 are no longer directly in mechanical support 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. Therefore, the lock 6 is no longer powered by the key 16. Here, in the retracted position, a larger portion of the blade 38 is located outside the channel 50 in the depressed position.

The spool 120 has a flat front face 122 parallel to the plane YZ and facing the orifice 36. The distal end of the blade 38 bears directly on this face 122. On the opposite side, the spool 120 comprises a rod 124 rigid material which extends inward along the axis 20. The rod 124 has a cylindrical portion 126 of circular section which has a circular bulge 128.

The spool 120 also comprises a spring 130, for example a helical spring, which surrounds the cylindrical portion 126. The spring 130 is on one side bearing on the bulge 128 and, on the opposite side, resting on a shoulder 132 of the rotor 52. In the depressed position, the spring 130 permanently urges the key 16 from its depressed position to 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 removes his hand from the key 16. The stiffness of the The spring 130 is thus chosen as a function of the stroke of the key 16 between its recessed and retracted positions and the different 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 race is equal to 0.95 mm. For example, the stiffness of the spring 130 is 1.55 N / mm.

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

To receive the circuit 140 inside the body 39, the body 39 has a lower shell and an upper shell nested 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 situated 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 comprises successively: the flat part 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 comprises 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 comprises a protective flap 160 movable in translation along the axis of the blade 38 between an advanced position and a retracted position. The advanced and retracted positions of the flap 160 are represented, 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 thus 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 each other 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 metal object such as another key attached to the same key-ring as the key 16. Such an accidental short-circuit may result in unnecessary power consumption and thus 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 enter directly into mechanical contact with the electrical contacts 100 to 102. In the retracted position, the groove 146 and the section 148 are also directly accessible from the outside.

Here, the flap 160 is formed of a tip 162, rigid material, mounted free 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 for example, it has an upper flat 164 and a lower flat. The endpiece 162 has a stopper 166 adapted to move, by shape 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 tip 162 facing the distal end of the blade 38. More specifically, when the blade 38 is inserted inside the channel 50 by the user, the abutment 166 abuts 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 abutment 166 to move at the same time the flap 160 from its advanced position to its retracted position. It is therefore around the orifice 36 which here constitutes the corresponding abutment of the lock 6.

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

The blade 38 also has 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 surrounds the portion 170 while leaving around this portion 170 a hollow space able to fully accommodate the body. 162 when the latter is in its retracted position and only partially when the nozzle 162 is in its advanced position. For this purpose, the cap 172 has an opening 174 through which the tip 162 slides between its retracted and advanced positions. In the advanced position, the flange 168 bears on the periphery of the opening 174, which holds the tip 162 around the blade 38.

Finally, the key 16 comprises a spring 178 adapted to automatically move 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. effect permanently the nozzle 162 to its advanced position. Here, the spring 178 is a helical spring which surrounds the portion 170 of the blade 38. On one side, it bears on the flange 168 and, on the opposite side, it bears on the body 39. For example, it is resting on the hull 142. The spring 178 is also housed inside the cap 172 so that it is not accessible from outside the key 16.

In this embodiment, the spring 178 is not necessarily sized to be able alone to move the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user removes the 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 in more detail the ring 200. The ring 200 fulfills several functions including the following functions:

• serve as a support for a dust gate, and
• allow 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 allows only one withdrawal position. Thus, the key 16 must be rotated 360 ° about 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 about the axis 20 when it is pushed inside the lock 6.

The ring 200 is traversed 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 the hose 202. In addition, the cross section of the hose 202 has a shape complementary to that of section 148 so that the rotation of the key 16 also causes the ring 200 to rotate about the axis 20. For this purpose, the hose 202 comprises an upper flat surface 204 and a lower flat surface 206 adapted to cooperate, respectively, with the upper and lower flats. lower section 148.

The ring 200 comprises a dust-proof valve 210. This valve 210 is movable, when the blade 38 is introduced inside the channel 50, from a closed position (shown in FIG. 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 dust, enter the channel 50. In the open position, on the contrary, the inlet of the orifice 36 is completely disengaged, 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.

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

Here, each jaw 212, 214 comprises 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 to be received in the bearing 222 is visible.

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

The valve 210 also comprises springs 232, 234 which permanently urge, respectively, the jaws 212 and 214 towards the closed position. Here, the springs 232, 234 are mounted around, respectively, pins 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 the removal of the key 16 out of the retracted position, the ring 200 comprises:

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

Each duct 240 to 242 has a front end that opens directly into the casing 202 and a rear end that opens onto a duct. circular path 250 ( figure 11 ) on the inner periphery of the channel 50. In this embodiment, the path 250 is an inwardly projecting band of the channel 50. The path 250 makes the complete turn of the 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 angularly offset relative to each other. Here, the " angular offset " between a first and a second element is defined as 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 elements. second half-lines being located on the axis 20. The first half-line passes through the isobarycentre of the first element and the second half-line passes through the isobarycentre 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 ducts 240 to 242 are opposite the notches 252 to 254, then each front end of these ducts 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 ducts 240 to 242 here are identical to the angular offsets between the notches 252 to 254. Thus, in the retracted position, the rear end of each duct opens on a respective notch.

The pins 244 to 246 are identical to each other. Thus, subsequently, only the pin 244 is described in detail. The pin 244 is freely mounted in translation inside the duct 240 between a retaining position, represented on the Figures 10, 13 and 15 , and a retracted position shown on the figures 14 and 16 .

The pin 244 has a front portion facing the casing 202 and a rear portion facing the path 250. In the retained position, the front portion projects into the casing 202. Here, the groove 146 of the blade 38 is arranged to receive this front portion of the pin 244 when the key is in its depressed position ( figure 15 ). In addition, the groove 146 and the front portion of the pin 244 are shaped to retain the blade 38 wedged within the channel 50, as long as the pin 244 is held in its retaining position. In the retaining position, the rear portion is slightly protruding beyond the outer periphery of the ring 200 to bear directly on 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 retaining position and thus prevents the removal of the key 16.

In the retracted position, the rear portion of the pin 244 is received within the notch 252 (see FIG. figure 16 ). Therefore, as long as pin 244 is maintained 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 portion of the pin 244 is flush with the inner face of the hose 202 (see FIG. figure 16 ) so that the 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 retracted position, the balls roll on the path 250. Therefore, in the manner of a ball bearing, this strongly limits the friction between the ring 200 and the conduit 50. By this, the rotation of the key 16 is facilitated and the wear of the ring 200 and the path 250 is reduced. The front end of each of the ducts 240 to 242 is here slightly pinched to retain the balls inside these ducts in the retained position. For example, the balls are stainless steel balls 2 mm in diameter.

Finally, the ring 200 comprises return means which permanently urge each pin 244 to 246 towards their retaining position. Here, these return means are made using an elastic ring 260 (see figs 8, 13 and 14). Ring 260 is, in this embodiment, a split metal ring. It extends over more than 350 ° around the axis 20. The ring 260 covers only a portion, called the covered portion, of the rear portion of each pin 244 to 246. Thus, the ring 260 leaves a portion of -covered the back of each pin. It is these uncoated portions that are received within the notches 252 to 254 when the pins are in their retracted position. Furthermore, it is because the ring 260 rests on the portions covered with the rear portions of the pins that they are permanently pushed back to their retaining position.

As visible 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 as the pins 244 to 246 move from their retaining position to their retracted position.

The ring 260 is designed to represent a stiffness such that, when the key 16 is in the retracted position and the user has withdrawn his key hand 16, the forces exerted by the springs 130 and 178 which push the key 16 to a fully retracted position, are not sufficient to completely disengage the front portions of the pins 244 to 246 of the groove 146. Thus, when the key 16 is in its retracted position and the user withdraws his hand from this key, the key remains held 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 retracted positions. This profile is configured:

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

For this purpose, this profile comprises successively moving towards the body 39: an inclined portion 270, then a flat bottom 272 and 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 remove the key 16 in a radial force which pushes each pin 244 to 246 of its retaining position towards its retracted position against the restoring force of the ring 260.

The width of the bottom 272 is chosen to allow a movement of the key 16 between these depressed and retracted positions even when the front portions 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 inclined portions 270 and 274, a displacement of 0.95 mm of the key between the depressed position and the retracted position.

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

The operation of the key 16 and the lock 6 is as follows. Initially, the ring 200 is in the retracted 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 tip 162 bears on around the orifice 36. From this moment, the flap 160 gradually moves back from its advanced position to its retracted position as the blade 38 enters the inside of 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 retaining position to their retracted position (see FIG. 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 rests on the push-piece 120 and the groove 146 is opposite the pins 244 to 246. Under these conditions, under the action of the ring 260, pins 244 to 246 move automatically from their retracted position to their restrained position. At this point, the front portions of these pins are thus 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 thus established. Thus, the lock 6 is powered by the battery 41 and the key exchanges information with the lock 6 to check if this key is a key authorized to open the door 2. If the key is not authorized to open the door 2, the rotation of the rotor 52 is blocked and the door 2 can not be opened.

By cons, if the key 16 is a key authorized to open the door 2, the rotation of the rotor 52 is allowed. 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 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 retaining position (see FIG. figure 15 ). The user can therefore no longer remove the key 16. In other words, the mechanical cooperation of the front portion of each pin 244 to 246 with the inclined portion 270 of the groove 146 prevents the key 16 from being withdrawn from the retracted position. . In the embodiment described, because of the angular offsets chosen between the ducts 240 to 242 and between the notches 252 to 254, there are still at least two rear pin parts bearing on the path 250 and this whatever the position angular of the key 16 outside the withdrawal position.

Once the key 16 has made one or more complete turns, it returns to the retracted position. In this position, the user pulls the key 16 outward. The inclined portion 270 then simultaneously moves the pins 244 to 246 from their retained position to their retracted position (see FIG. figure 16 ). The key 16 can then be completely removed from the lock 6. As the blade 38 is removed from the channel 50, the flap 160 gradually returns to its advanced position under the action of the spring 178. Therefore, 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 protect them.

If in the depressed position and regardless of the angular position of the key 16, the user removes 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 powered by the battery 41. The battery 41 therefore does not discharge unnecessarily. This prolongs its life. Note also that even in the retracted position, the pins 244 to 246 cooperate with the groove 146 to maintain the blade 38 inside the channel 50. Therefore, the key 16 is not ejected outside the lock 6 when the user withdraws his hand. This avoids knocking the key down.

Chapter III: Variants Variations of the ring 200:

Each pin may have several balls housed inside the same conduit. For example, in this case, the balls are placed one behind the other inside the conduit. Other arrangements of these beads are possible. For example, the different arrangements of the balls inside a conduit as described in the application filed in France under No. 1756907 on July 21, 2017, can be transposed without difficulty to the case of the balls located inside the conduit. One of the conduits 240 to 242. Similarly, in the case where the pin is formed of several balls, placed one behind the other, they can be separated from each other by a cylindrical piston or other sliding piece.

In another embodiment, the balls 244 to 246 are replaced by cylindrical pistons slidable between the retained positions and the retracted positions but unable to rotate on themselves about an axis parallel to the axis 20.

In a simplified embodiment, the ring comprises only one or two ducts and therefore only one or two pins. Conversely, the ring may also have more than three ducts and therefore more than three separate pins.

The number of notches may 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 gaps between the conduits of the ring 200 and between the notches can be modified to obtain additional withdrawal positions or, on the contrary, to eliminate some of them. For example, the angular offsets between the ducts and the notches may 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 the facade 34. In a variant, the ring 200 is 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 tongues. Each of these tabs has a fixed end without any degree of freedom on the periphery of the ring and an opposite end resting on the rear part of a respective pin so as to permanently request this pin to its retaining position.

The ring 260 may also be wider than what has been described so far. For example, the ring may cover more than half of the back portion of each pin. In this case, the circular path may comprise a circular groove adapted to receive the elastic ring when the pins are in their retracted position and the notches open into this groove. Thus, in the retracted position, when the key is removed, the ring is received within this groove and the uncovered portions of the back portions of the pins are received in respective notches. Outside the withdrawal position, at least one of the uncovered portions is supported on the path 250, which prevents the displacement of this pin from its retained position to its retracted position.

In another embodiment of the pin 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 magnetically attracted permanently towards the bottom 272 as soon as they are in front of 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 pin return means, the width of the elastic ring is greater than or equal to the width of the rear portions of the pins. In this case, the ring is perforated in front of each of the rear portions of the pins, so that they can protrude through the ring to be received inside the notches.

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

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

Dust plug 210 may be omitted. There are also other possible embodiments of the anti-dust valve. For example, alternatively, the dust gate has a single movable jaw or, conversely, more than two movable jaws.

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 without electronics.

In variants, the ring 200 can be implemented independently of the presence of a flap 160 and 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 may 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 removes his hand from this key. For example, in this last 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 protection shutter:

It is not necessary for the protective flap to move from its advanced position to its retracted position by a translational movement. By as an alternative, the translational movement is replaced by a rotational movement combined or not with a translational movement about an axis integral with the key. For example, the flap pivots about an axis perpendicular to the insertion axis of the key. In another embodiment, the flap pivots about the insertion axis of the key. The flap can also move between its advanced position and its retracted position along a helical path whose axis of revolution is coincident with the insertion axis of the key. Even in these embodiments where the displacement between the retracted position and the advanced position is not necessarily a translation, the displacement is preferably mechanically actuated 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 may be implemented independently of the ring 200. For example, the flap 160 may be implemented on a key without groove 146 and ring 200. The flap 160 may also be implemented without the throat 146 is large enough to allow the automatic cut of the electrical connections between the key and the lock as soon as the user removes his hand from the key. It is also not 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 removes his hand from the key. The shutter 160 can also be implemented without the presence of the spring 130.

Variations of the mechanism of automatic cut of the electrical connections between the key and the lock:

In variants, the spring 130 is omitted and the spring 178 is dimensioned to be able alone to move the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user removes the hand from this key.

In another variant, neither the spring 130 nor the spring 178 is capable alone to move 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 removes the hand from this key.

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

The mechanism for automatically cutting 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 sized to be able alone to move the key 16 from its depressed position to its retracted position as soon as the user removes the hand from this key.

In another embodiment, the tip 162 is replaced by a simple ring that does not completely or 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 breaking mechanism of 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 sized so that the key 16 is not completely ejected from the channel 50 as soon as the user removes his hand from this key.

Other variants:

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

The battery 41 can be housed inside the lock 6. In this case, it is the lock that 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 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 may be different from that described here. For example, the electronic lock may comprise a single half-stator. In this case, the inner 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 application FR3025236 also apply to the embodiments described herein.

Chapter IV: Benefits Advantages of the 200 ring:

The ring allows 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 one or more withdrawal 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 portions received within respective notches, this prevents the rotation of the blade during the insertion of the key. Thanks to this, the electrical contacts 44 to 46 of the key are correctly positioned inside the channel 50 to support mechanical on the electrical contacts 100 to 102 of the lock. Finally, the ring 200 also makes the lock more robust against piercing attacks by using a drill whose diameter is smaller than that of the channel 50. In fact, in this case, if the diameter of the drill is wider. than that of the orifice 36, then the attempt to pierce the lock only results in the fact that this rotates the ring 200.

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

Using a single ball to form the front and rear portions of each pin simplifies the manufacture of the lock.

The fact of using at least three pins distributed over an angular stroke around the axis 20 of at least 190 °, and preferably 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 via these pins which limits the friction between the ring and the path 250.

Having only one withdrawal position allows the key to be at least one full turn before it can be removed.

The fact that the angular offsets between any of the ducts 240 to 242 and its two nearest neighbors to the right and to the left are different ensures that at any point in the angular travel of the key outside a position of withdrawal, at least two pins protrude into the groove 146. This maintains more firmly the key locked inside the lock.

The use of a split elastic ring to achieve the return means 160 allows the aid of a single piece to mount to achieve all the return means of all the pins.

Placing the ring 200 at the inlet of the channel 50 improves the rotational guidance of the blade of the key.

The presence of the spring 130 which automatically pushes the blade 38 outwards 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 portions 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. As a result, higher stiffness springs can be used to push the key from its depressed position to its retracted position without dropping the floor key. This facilitates the realization of the lock.

Advantages of the protection component:

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

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

Advantages of the automatic shutdown mechanism of electrical connections:

The presence of a spring that constantly pushes the key 16 outwardly automatically cuts the electrical connection between the key and the lock if a user forgets this key in the lock. This prevents the lock and the key continue unnecessarily to consume electrical energy.

Claims (4)

Electronic key for an electronic lock, this electronic lock comprising a rectilinear channel which extends along an insertion axis of the key, this key comprising: a body (39) forming a gripping means for turning the key inside the electronic lock, - A rectilinear blade (38) adapted to be inserted, by a translational movement along the axis of introduction of the key, inside the channel of the electronic lock to a recessed position inside. of this electronic lock, an electrical terminal (44-46) located on the blade of the key, this electrical terminal being adapted, when the blade of the key is in the depressed position inside the electronic lock, to come directly in mechanical support on an electrical contact located in a wall of the rectilinear canal, characterized in that the key comprises: a movable shutter (160) between: an advanced position in which the protective flap completely covers the electrical terminal so as to isolate it mechanically and electrically from the external environment, and - A retracted position in which the protective flap does not cover the electrical terminal and allows the mechanical support of this electrical terminal on the electrical contact, a spring (178) which constantly urges the protection flap towards its advanced position, and - A stop (166) arranged on the protective flap, this stop being able to move the protective flap from its advanced position to its retracted position when the blade of the key is inserted inside the channel, by shape cooperation with a corresponding stop of the electronic lock. Key according to claim 1, wherein: - The protective flap comprises a tubular nozzle (162) which completely surrounds the blade, this tubular nozzle being movable in translation parallel to the axis of introduction of the key between the advanced position and the retracted position, this nozzle comprising: An annular distal end turned towards the electronic lock when the blade is inserted inside the channel of the electronic lock, this annular distal end being able to bear against the corresponding stop of the electronic lock to move this lock; tip from the advanced position to the retracted position, and An annular proximal end (168) facing towards the body of the key, the abutment (166) of the key comprises the annular distal end, the spring (178) is a helical spring whose axis is parallel to the axis of introduction of the key, one end of this spring bearing on the annular proximal end and the other end of this spring being resting on the body of the key so as to permanently solicit the tubular endpiece to its advanced position. A key according to claim 2, wherein the spring (178) is adapted by itself, when a user withdraws his hand from the key, to move the key from its depressed position to a retracted position in which the electrical contact and the electrical terminal are mechanically separated from each other. Key according to claim 3, wherein: - The key comprises a housing (146) arranged in the periphery of the blade, this housing being adapted to receive a front portion of a pin, when the key is in its recessed position inside the lock, and to prevent removing the key from the electronic lock by way of a form-fit between this housing and the front portion of the pin, and - The width of the housing (146), in a direction parallel to the axis of introduction of the key, is sufficient to allow the movement of the key from its depressed position to its retracted position when the user withdraws his hand of the key.

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