EP3597842A1 - Safety lock with coded key - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock (10) controllable with a key (12) having a bit (94). Said lock comprises: a cylinder (14) having a passageway (92); a driver (22) comprising a central part (50) facing said passageway (92) and a circular edge (54) having two opposite notches (72, 74), said bit (94) being adapted to be engaged in said passage way (92) for engaging with said central part (50); two keys for engaging in said notches (74, 72) so as to block said driver (22) in rotation. Said circular border (54) having two slice portions (56, 58), said notches (74, 72) are formed in one (56) of said slice portions, while the other (58) has a notch ( 84); and one of said keys (32) is equipped with a lateral stud (44) capable of engaging in said notch (84).

Description

The present invention relates to a security lock adapted to be ordered with a key having a coded bit.

One area of application envisaged is notably, but not exclusively, that of padlocks.

Known security locks include a cylinder formed of coded washers applied successively against each other so as to form a key passage path opening into the two opposite ends of the cylinder. They also include a driver installed at one end of the cylinder. The coach comprises a central axial projecting part which extends in the extension of the key passage path. It also includes a circular border having two notches adapted to form support stops. The central part of the coach is split so that it can receive the key bit when it is engaged in the path. The bit then comes into rotation with the central part of the coach.

In addition, the safety lock comprises two eccentric keys pivotally mounted on the end of the cylinder with regard to which the driver is adjusted. These keys are connected to rods which extend along the cylinder and which are provided with extended returns in the key passage way. The keys are pivotally movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder. Thus, the keys have ends which engage against the abutments when they extend in the notches of the circular edge in order to be able to block the drive in rotation. When the bit, integral in rotation with the driver, is authorized to be driven in rotation inside the cylinder of coded washers, it causes in sequences, first the spacing of the keys which release the notches, thanks to the cooperation of the bit with the return of the rods, then the rotation of the trainer which acts for example on the locking mechanism of a padlock.

In order to strengthen the inviolability of this type of lock, it has been imagined to differentiate the keys and form a notch in a slot. So, one of the keys has a free end in return forming a claw capable of coming to engage in the notch in a slot. The other key then forms a crutch against the stop of the other notch. Also, the two keys pivot simultaneously in two opposite directions of rotation. In this way, picking the lock is more difficult, since the coach is locked in both directions of rotation. We can refer to the document FR 2 757 557 , which describes such a type of security lock.

However, the picking of such a lock is possible and, moreover, the number of parts necessary for its implementation is significant and strikes the manufacturing cost.

Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide a tamper-proof security lock which can be produced at an advantageous cost.

To this end, a safety lock adapted to be ordered with a key having a coded bit is proposed. Said security lock comprises: a cylinder of coded washers having two opposite ends and a passage path opening into said two ends; a driver rotatably mounted at one of said two ends, said driver comprising a central part extending opposite said passageway and a circular edge having two opposite notches, said bit being adapted to be engaged in said passageway to through the other of said ends to engage said central portion; and, two eccentric keys pivotally mounted on said one of said ends of said cylinder so as to be able to engage respectively in said notches so as to block said drive in rotation, said bit being adapted to cause sequentially the spacing of said keys to release said notches , and the rotation of said coach. Said circular border having two axially offset slice portions, said notches are formed in one of said slice portions, while the other of said slice portions also has a notch opening into one of said notches; and one of said keys is equipped with a lateral stud capable of engaging in said notch when the key extends in said one of said notches.

Thus, a characteristic of the invention lies in the implementation of a notch in the other portion of the edge of the circular edge of the coach, on the one hand, the notch opening laterally into the corresponding notch , and a lateral stud on one of said keys so that the lateral stud engages in the notch when the key extends into the corresponding notch. In this way, the free end of the key abuts against the support stop formed by the notch, when the driver tends to be rotated in a direction of rotation, the key then forming a stand, while the stud comes to bear against one of the sides of the notch, when the coach tends to be driven in rotation in the opposite direction. Consequently, when the keys engage in the notches, the coach is locked in rotation in both directions and does not offer any possibility of play in rotation which could facilitate picking.

Preferably, the other of said wafer portions also has another notch opening into the other of said notches, and the other of said keys is equipped with another lateral stud capable of engaging in said other notch when said other of said keys comes to extend in said other of said notches. In other words, said circular edge having two axially offset slice portions, said notches are formed in one of said slice portions, while the other of said slice portions also has two notches opening respectively into said notches and said keys are respectively equipped with a lateral stud capable of engaging in said notches when the keys extend into said notches. Thus, each of the keys is equipped with a stud while another portion of the edge has two notches intended to receive the studs respectively. In this way, each of the keys allows the rotational locking of the driver in the two directions of rotation. The picking of the lock object of the invention is then made even more difficult. In addition, and advantageously, the keys are identical and they are installed diametrically opposite the end of the cylinder. They are then able to be driven in pivoting in opposite directions of rotation in order to release the coach or to engage with it. Also, thanks to the use of identical keys, the number of different parts to be produced for mounting the security lock which is the subject of the invention is reduced.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said notches extend substantially in a V, each forming a support stop. The V-notches have a first flank extending substantially along a fraction of a radius and a second flank substantially perpendicular. The first side then forms the support stop. Preferably, the two V-shaped notches are asymmetrical to each other with respect to an axial plane of the trainer as will be explained in more detail in the following description.

Also, according to a particularly advantageous implementation characteristic, said keys each have a free end adapted to come into abutment against said abutment stops. The free end of the keys is preferably rounded so as to come to cooperate with the bottom, itself rounded, of the V-shaped notches.

In addition, said notch preferably extends in a mean direction spaced from the center of said circular border so as to form a flank forming a hook. In other words, the mean direction of the notch is inclined with respect to a radius of the coach coming to cut the notch. In this way, and as will be explained in more detail in the following description, one of the sides of the notch then forms a hook in which the stud engages. Thus, in certain circumstances which will be detailed, the key is locked in pivoting. Advantageously, said flank forming a hook is opposite to said corresponding stop. In this way, when the driver is forced to rotate in one direction, the stud then engages in the flank forming a hook, and the corresponding key is locked in pivoting. When the driver is forced into rotation in the opposite direction, the free end of the key abuts against the support stop, and prohibits its rotation. As will be explained below, the hook flank has a double curvature making it possible to accentuate the hook shape.

Also, and advantageously, said keys are respectively mounted on two controllable rods extending along said cylinder in two diametrically opposite positions. The keys are integral respectively in rotation of the two controllable rods. These each have a return which extends through the coded washers so that the bit can cooperate with the returns to control the keys in pivoting by means of the rods.

Preferably, said coach has a crank pin oriented opposite to said cylinder. The crankpin is then adapted to cooperate with a movable element in translation, for example a bolt, precisely to drive it in translation as will be explained below.

According to another object, and in accordance with a first alternative embodiment, the present invention relates to a security key box comprising a parallelepipedic box and a hinged door for closing said box, the key box comprising a security lock as described above and said driver is equipped with a cam cam to lock said swing door on said rectangular housing.

According to yet another object and in accordance with a second alternative embodiment, the present invention relates to a security padlock comprising: a T-shaped housing comprising a cylindrical housing surmounted by a transverse housing having two opposite ends; an arch pivotally mounted on one of said ends of said transverse housing, said arch having a free hooked end adapted to extend into the other of said ends of said transverse housing; and a longitudinal bolt slidably mounted inside said transverse housing to engage said free hooked end in said other of said ends. The security padlock comprises a security lock as described above, said security lock being installed inside said cylindrical housing so that said driver cooperates with said longitudinal bolt.

• la Figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une serrure de sûreté conforme à l'invention ;
• la Figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un élément de la serrure illustrée sur la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'autres éléments de la serrure illustrée sur la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 4 est une vue schématique d'une combinaison d'éléments de la serrure représentée sur la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 5 est une vue schématique d'une autre combinaison d'éléments de la serrure représentée sur la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 6 est une vue schématique en transparence selon la flèche VI de la serrure de sûreté illustrée sur la Figure 1 ; et,
• la Figure 7 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un mode de mise en oeuvre de la serrure représentée sur la Figure 1.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a security lock according to the invention;
• the Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an element of the lock illustrated on the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of other elements of the lock illustrated on the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 4 is a schematic view of a combination of elements of the lock shown in the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 5 is a schematic view of another combination of elements of the lock shown in the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 6 is a schematic view in transparency according to arrow VI of the safety lock illustrated on the Figure 1 ; and,
• the Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the lock shown in the Figure 1 .

The Figure 1 shows a safety lock 10 into which a key is inserted 12. The safety lock 10 comprises a cylinder 14 of axis of symmetry C, which cylinder 14 comprises a plurality of coded washers 16 applied successively against each other to form a filter as will be explained below. The cylinder 14 has a first end 18 opposite a second end 20. The lock 10 also includes a driver 22 of axis of symmetry S rotatably mounted at the second end 20 of the cylinder 14 and coaxially with the latter. The driver 22 is guided in rotation, in particular by means of a cylindrical guide portion 24 through a casing not shown, which also receives the cylinder 14. The driver 22 has a crank pin 26 opposite the cylinder 24, and a circular border 28 towards the cylinder 24. Before detailing the driver 22, reference will be made to the Figure 3 showing the second end 20 of the cylinder 14 precisely freed from the driver 22, in order to better describe the elements which it masks on the Figure 1 .

So on the Figure 3 two arcuate keys appear, a first key 30 diametrically opposite to a second key 32. The keys 30, 32 are respectively integral with a control rod 34, 36 which extend axially along the cylinder 14. The two keys 30, 32 are identical and they are thus respectively mobile in pivoting around the axes A and B of the control rods 34, 36, between a close position from each other and a spaced position. It will be observed that the keys 30, 32 are arcuate in the same direction of curvature as that of the cylinder 14. And furthermore, when the keys 30, 32 deviate from one another, they pivot in directions of rotation opposed.

The first 30 and second 32 keys respectively have a first free end 38 and a second free end 40. The free ends 38, 40 have a substantially cylindrical shape and are thus rounded. And they are respectively provided with a first stud 42 and a second stud 44. The studs 42, 44 extend laterally relative to the keys 30, 32 and in an axial direction of the cylinder 14. The studs 42, 44 are respectively located at a predetermined distance from the free ends 38, 40. This distance is for example close to a quarter of the length of the keys 30, 32. The keys 30, 32 themselves have a length substantially close to the radius of the cylinder 14.

Also, the cylinder 14, at its second end 20, comprises a terminal stop washer 46 having at its center an axial bore 48 making it possible to form a bearing as will be explained below. The terminal stop washer 46 has no coding function but it also makes it possible, in addition to its functions of guiding in rotation, to keep the coded washers 16 in axial abutment against one another.

We will now refer to the Figure 2 showing the driver 22 in more detail. It comprises a central part 50 which projects from a shoulder 52. The driver 22 also includes a circular edge 54 defining two portions of slices axially offset from one of the other, a first portion of proximal edge 56 defining the shoulder 52, and a second portion of distal edge 58.

The central part 50 of the driver 22 has a cylindrical symmetry envelope with a circular base capable of being engaged inside the axial bore 48 formed in the terminal stop washer 46 shown in the Figure 3 . The driver 22 has a blind axial orifice 60 which opens axially into the central part 50. Also, the central part 50 has a transverse slot 62 extending in a transverse direction T perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the driver 22 So the slit transverse 62 has a free intersection with the blind axial orifice 60 and thus defines four bearing surfaces 64, 66; 68, 70 two by two opposite. We will explain in more detail in the following description opposite the Figure 5 the function of this transverse slot 62.

Also, the coach 22 as illustrated on the Figure 2 has two V-shaped notches, a first 72, and a second 74, antisymmetrical to each other with respect to an axial plane; the V-shaped notches being formed in the first portion of proximal edge 56 of the circular edge 54. The V-shaped notches 72, 74 then define a first stop 76 and a second stop 78 substantially diametrically opposite and extending along an axial plane. The two V-shaped notches 72, 74 respectively define substantially triangular spaces in the thickness of the first portion of proximal edge 56 and delimited respectively by the stops 76, 78 and adjacent sides 80, 82.

In addition, the coach 22 has two notches, a first notch 84, and a second notch 86 formed in the second portion of wafer 58. The notches 84, 86 are diametrically opposite and they open respectively and laterally in the notches V 72, 74. In addition, the notches 84, 86 are asymmetrical to each other with respect to an axial plane. Also, they extend in a mean direction away from the center of symmetry S of the driver 22, so as to form an edge extended by a flank forming a hook 88 and an opposite obtuse edge 90. In addition, the bottom of the notches 84 , 86 are machined counterclockwise so as to obtain even more pronounced hook edges 88. Furthermore, the edges forming hook 88 are rounded so as to obtain a notch side with double curvature.

It will be observed that the edges forming hook 88 come to extend respectively and in an axially offset manner, opposite the first 76 and second 78 stops.

We will now refer to the Figure 4 showing precisely the keys 30, 32 respectively extended in the notches 74, 72 the free ends 40, 38, respectively in abutment against the stops 76, 78. Also found in this Figure are the control rods 34, 36 intended for order the keys 30, 32 to pivot. They appear here because a plurality of coded washers 16 has been removed for clarity of the drawing. Also, the cylinder 14 defines a key passage path 92 which extends axially up to the central part 50 of the driver 22. This key passage path 92 axially receives the key 12 as illustrated in FIG. Figure 5 on which also coded washers 16 have been removed from the cylinder 14, in particular from the side of the second end 20. Thus, the bit 94 of the key 12 appears, which, engaged in the key path 92 comes into engagement with the slot transverse 62 of the central part 50 of the driver 22. Thus, in this position, the bit 94 of the key 12 is integral in rotation with the driver 22. It will be observed on this Figure 5 , that one of the keys 32 extends in the first notch in V 72, while its stud 44, the second, extends to it inside the first notch 84. It is understood that behind in the Figure, the other 30 of the keys extends in the second V-shaped notch 74, while its stud 42 extends to it, inside the second notch 86.

We then find this situation on the Figure 6 , in rear view of the safety lock 10, and transparently through the driver 22. Thus, there are the two keys 30, 32 close to each other so as to extend respectively in the notches in V 74, 72. In addition, their respective free ends 38, 40 are respectively in abutment against the, second 78 and first 76 abutments. It is thus understood that the coach 22 is locked in rotation in the clockwise direction at two diametrically opposite points of the coach 22. For in fact, the keys 30, 32 thus form a crutch.

In addition, there are the two pins 42, 44 respectively in the notches 86, 84. In this way, when the coach 22 is forced into rotation, conversely, in the counterclockwise direction, the pins 42, 44 s' embed in the edges forming hook 88 of the notches 84, 86, which not only blocks the rotation of the driver 22 in the counterclockwise direction, but also prevents the spacing of the keys 30, 32 from one another. In fact, the pins 42, 44 of the keys 30, 32 are engaged behind the hook-forming edges 88.

Consequently, such a safety lock 10 is difficult to breach since, it is necessary to hook it, not only to force driving the trainer 22 in rotation but also to simultaneously raise the two keys 30, 32, it being observed that their movement is prohibited when the trainer 22 is forced counterclockwise, and is difficult when the trainer 22 is forced in the opposite direction, clockwise.

Of course, when the bit 94 of the key 12 corresponding to the safety lock 10 is engaged in the path 92 until it comes into engagement with the driver 22, the rotation of the key 12 and hence, of the bit 94 is authorized, and it sequentially causes the pivoting of the keys 30, 32 about the axes A, B of the control rods 34, 36, and consequently the spacing of the keys 30, 32 from one another. The keys 30, 32 then release the two V-shaped notches 74, 72 while the corresponding pins 42, 44, release the notches 86, 84. In this way, the driver 22 is released, and it can be rotated. continuing the rotation of the key 12 and the bit 94.

So, going back to the Figure 1 it is understood that the pin 26 can be rotated about the axis of symmetry C of the cylinder 14. The pin 26 can for example cause the translation of a locking member.

It can in particular cause the translation of a longitudinal bolt 96 of a security padlock 98 as shown in the Figure 7 . The security padlock 98 comprises a T-shaped housing 100 comprising a cylindrical housing 102 having an open bottom 101 and a transverse housing 104 which it surmounts. The transverse housing 104 has two opposite ends, one 106 forms a yoke, while the other 108 has a receiving housing 110. Also, the security padlock 98 comprises a hoop 112 mounted in the yoke of the end 106 to be able to rotate. The arch 112 has a free hooked end 114 intended to extend inside the receiving housing 110. In addition, the transverse housing 104 receives the longitudinal bolt 96, which has a hooking end 116 coming from 'extend at least partially in the receiving housing 110 to be able to cooperate with free hook end 114 of the arch 112 and thus imprison it. The longitudinal bolt 96 is called back in sliding by a spring 118 opposite its hooking end 116 in order to be able to be forced to the receiving housing 110. In addition, the longitudinal bolt 96 has a central lumen 120.

And the security padlock 98 then includes a security lock as described above, housed inside the cylindrical housing 102, so that the crank pin 26 'protrudes into the central lumen 120 of the longitudinal bolt 96 , while the first end 18 'of the cylinder 14' extends opposite the open bottom 101. The transverse housing 104 is closed by means of a sealed cover and the open bottom 101 is then accessible by means of a key 12 'in order to be able to unlock the hoop 112. Indeed, the rotation of the crank pin 26' makes it possible to drive in translation the longitudinal bolt 96 towards the end 106 and thus to release the free hooked end 114 to allow the pivoting of the roll bar 112.

The security lock which is the subject of the invention can also be used to lock the door of any piece of furniture or box, for example a key box. It then includes a rectangular housing and a hinged door to close said housing. A safety lock as described above is then installed on the hinged door and the driver is equipped with a hinged cam to lock the hinged door on said parallelepipedic box.

Claims (10)

Security lock (10) adapted to be ordered with a key (12) having a coded bit (94), said security lock comprising: - a cylinder (14) of coded washers (16) having two opposite ends (18, 20) and a passageway (92) opening into said two ends (18, 20); - a driver (22) rotatably mounted at one (20) of said two ends, said driver comprising a central part (50) extending opposite said passageway (92) and a circular edge (54) having two opposite notches (72, 74), said bit (94) being adapted to be engaged in said passageway (92) through the other (18) of said ends to engage said central portion (50); - two eccentric keys (30, 32) pivotally mounted on said one of said ends (20) of said cylinder (14) so as to be able to engage respectively in said notches (74, 72) so as to block said drive (22) in rotation , said bit (94) being adapted to cause sequentially, the spacing of said keys (30, 32) to release said notches (74, 72), and the rotation of said driver (22); characterized in that , said circular edge (54) having two portions of edge (56, 58) offset axially, said notches (74, 72) are formed in one (56) of said portions of edge, while the other (58) of said slice portions further has a notch (84) opening into one of said notches (72);
and in that one of said keys (32) is equipped with a lateral stud (44) capable of engaging in said notch (84) when the key (32) comes to extend in said one of said notches (72 ). Security lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the other of said edge portions (58) further has another notch (86) opening into the other of said notches (74), and in that the other of said keys (30) is equipped with another lateral stud (42) capable of engaging in said other notch (86) when said other of said keys (30) extends into said other of said notches (74). Safety lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said notches (74, 72) extend substantially in a V, each forming a support stop (78, 76). Safety lock according to claim 3, characterized in that said keys (30, 32) each have a free end (38, 40) adapted to come into abutment against said abutment stops (78, 76). Security lock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said notch (84, 86) extends in a medium direction spaced from the center of said circular edge (54) so as to form a flank forming a hook (88). Safety lock according to claim 3 or 4 and 5, characterized in that said hook sidewall (88) is opposite to said corresponding stop (76, 78). Safety lock according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said keys (30, 32) are respectively mounted on two controllable rods (34, 36) extending along said cylinder (14) in two positions diametrically opposite. Safety lock according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said driver (22) has a pin (26) oriented opposite to said cylinder (14). Safety key box comprising a parallelepipedic box and a hinged door for closing said box, characterized in that it comprises a safety lock according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, and in that said drive is equipped with a threshing cam for locking said hinged door on said parallelepiped housing. Security padlock (98) including: - A T-box (100) comprising a cylindrical housing (102) surmounted by a transverse housing (104) having two opposite ends (106, 108); - a hoop (112) pivotally mounted on one of said ends (106) of said transverse housing (104), said hoop (112) having a free hooked end (114) adapted to come to extend in the other of said ends (108) of said transverse housing (104); - a longitudinal bolt (96) slidably mounted inside said transverse housing (104) to engage said free end (114) hooked into said other of said ends (108); characterized in that it comprises a safety lock according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said safety lock being installed inside said cylindrical housing (102) so that said driver cooperates with said longitudinal bolt (96 ).

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