EP4339401A1 - Ensemble de serrure à double cylindre et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble de serrure à double cylindre - Google Patents

Ensemble de serrure à double cylindre et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble de serrure à double cylindre Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4339401A1
EP4339401A1 EP22196310.1A EP22196310A EP4339401A1 EP 4339401 A1 EP4339401 A1 EP 4339401A1 EP 22196310 A EP22196310 A EP 22196310A EP 4339401 A1 EP4339401 A1 EP 4339401A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plug
gear
cylinder body
key
lock
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22196310.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Magnus Nilsson
Per ENGLESSON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Swedlock AB
Original Assignee
Swedlock AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Swedlock AB filed Critical Swedlock AB
Priority to EP22196310.1A priority Critical patent/EP4339401A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2023/075677 priority patent/WO2024061838A1/fr
Publication of EP4339401A1 publication Critical patent/EP4339401A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/04—Devices for coupling the turning cylinder of a single or a double cylinder lock with the bolt operating member
    • E05B17/042—Devices for coupling the turning cylinder of a single or a double cylinder lock with the bolt operating member using toothed wheels or geared sectors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/20—Means independent of the locking mechanism for preventing unauthorised opening, e.g. for securing the bolt in the fastening position
    • E05B17/2007—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position
    • E05B17/2019—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position elastic, i.e. the dog or detent being formed or carried by a spring
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/20—Means independent of the locking mechanism for preventing unauthorised opening, e.g. for securing the bolt in the fastening position
    • E05B17/2007—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position
    • E05B17/203—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position not following the movement of the bolt
    • E05B17/2038—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position not following the movement of the bolt moving rectilinearly
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/20—Means independent of the locking mechanism for preventing unauthorised opening, e.g. for securing the bolt in the fastening position
    • E05B17/2084—Means to prevent forced opening by attack, tampering or jimmying
    • E05B17/2092—Means responsive to tampering or attack providing additional locking
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B27/00—Cylinder locks or other locks with tumbler pins or balls that are set by pushing the key in
    • E05B27/0057—Cylinder locks or other locks with tumbler pins or balls that are set by pushing the key in with increased picking resistance
    • E05B27/006—Cylinder locks or other locks with tumbler pins or balls that are set by pushing the key in with increased picking resistance whereby a small rotation without the correct key blocks further rotation of the rotor
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B35/00—Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor
    • E05B35/08—Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor operable by a plurality of keys
    • E05B35/10—Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor operable by a plurality of keys with master and pass keys
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/06—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents
    • E05B47/0611—Cylinder locks with electromagnetic control
    • E05B47/0638—Cylinder locks with electromagnetic control by disconnecting the rotor
    • E05B47/0646—Cylinder locks with electromagnetic control by disconnecting the rotor radially
    • E05B47/0649—Cylinder locks with electromagnetic control by disconnecting the rotor radially with a rectilinearly moveable coupling element
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
    • E05B63/14—Arrangement of several locks or locks with several bolts, e.g. arranged one behind the other
    • E05B63/143—Arrangement of several locks, e.g. in parallel or series, on one or more wings
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B2047/0084—Key or electric means; Emergency release
    • E05B2047/0086—Emergency release, e.g. key or electromagnet

Definitions

  • a lock assembly is disclosed as well as a method for operating a dual-cylinder lock assembly.
  • a dual-cylinder lock assembly may be unlocked and locked by different keys to operate a door locking mechanism.
  • a dual-cylinder lock assembly typically includes a first and a second lock cylinder operable by different keys.
  • Each lock cylinder comprises a housing and a key-receiving plug rotatably received in the housing. Insertion and turning of an appropriate key into one of the plugs allows rotation of the plug to an unlock position.
  • the first lock cylinder may be operable by a regular or resident key
  • the second lock cylinder may be operable by a service personal key.
  • Each lock cylinder may be mechanical or electromechanical.
  • the resident key may be a mechanical key for operating a mechanical lock cylinder
  • the service key may be a programmable electronic key for operating an electromechanical lock cylinder.
  • a dual-cylinder lock assembly is typically arranged to operate a door locking mechanism, such as a rotatable latch.
  • US 474 783 discloses a lock operable by a master key or by a change key.
  • a master-key cylinder is completely separated from a change-key cylinder.
  • Each cylinder is provided with an associated gear.
  • the cylinders are arranged such that the plug of each cylinder, when its mechanical tumblers are set by an appropriate key, may be pushed axially inwards by the key causing the associated gear to move axially and mesh with a common gear operating a door lock mechanism.
  • US 3 203 210 discloses a lock with two lock cylinder for operating a common latch mechanism, each lock cylinder including a rotatable plug.
  • a key slot in each rotatable plug extends through the rear of the plug.
  • a gear is mounted for free rotation on an inner end of each plug. When an appropriate key is inserted into a plug, the key tip extends through the rear of the plug to create a rotational connection between the plug and the associated gear.
  • US 10 253 526 discloses a dual-cylinder lock arrangement comprising first and second lock cylinders having first and second rotatable plugs.
  • First and second cams are arranged each to actuate a door lock mechanism.
  • the cams are co-axial and arranged to rotate independently of each other about the same axis as the first plug.
  • the first cam is coupled to and rotatable directly by the first plug involving no gear transmission.
  • the second cam is operated independently from the first cam by rotation of the second plug and via a gear transmission drivingly connecting the second plug to the second cam.
  • the gear transmission is operatively associated with the second cylinder only.
  • EP 3 733 999 A1 discloses a dual-cylinder lock assembly comprising a gear and clutch mechanism for selectively connecting a first or a second cylinder plug to an output tailpiece. Four gears are moved axially in and out of engagement during operation. The solution requires keys extending rearwardly through the back side of one of the plugs to operate a clutch mechanism.
  • EP 3 899 173 A1 discloses a door lock assembly comprising a first key receiving member which is selectively rotatable in a first cylinder body.
  • the first cylinder body in its turn, is arranged in a 360 degree rotatable cylinder housing.
  • a second locking device is arranged to selectively allow the cylinder housing to pop out and to rotate together with the first cylinder body.
  • Prior-art dual-cylinder lock assemblies as disclosed in the above-mentioned documents suffers from various drawbacks. Some prior-art solutions require mechanical lock cylinders and are thus not suitable for use in assemblies using one or two electromechanical lock cylinders. Some prior-art solutions require rearward open key-receiving cylinder plugs, which among other things is a drawback with respect to contamination of the interior of the cylinder plug . Some prior-art solutions requires complicated and fail-prone meshing and un-meshing of gears during operation to selectively connect the plugs to a tailpin operating a door locking mechanism. Some prior-art solutions involves an undesired rotational lag between key rotation and output rotation. Some prior-art solutions require complicated, fail-prone, and costly clutch mechanisms.
  • prior-art solutions require additional manual unlock maneuvers, in addition to key turning, such as axial plug displacement.
  • the prior-art fails to provide a simple, cost-effective and yet reliable and secure solution for operating a common latch mechanism by dual lock cylinders, and which is suitable for use with mechanical keys as well as electromechanical lock cylinders.
  • An object is to provide an enhanced dual-cylinder lock assembly and a method for operating a dual-cylinder lock assembly which solve at least some of the above-mentioned problem of prior-art solutions.
  • a dual-cylinder lock assembly comprising:
  • the first plug may be permanently, directly or indirectly, connected to the first gear.
  • the first plug and the first gear may be arranged to rotate together about a first rotational axis.
  • the rotatable second cylinder body may be permanently connected to the second gear.
  • the rotatable second cylinder body and the second gear may be arranged to rotate together about a second rotational axis.
  • the first cylinder body may be arranged in the housing such that the first cylinder body is prevented from rotating about a first rotational axis of the first plug.
  • the first cylinder body may be completely fixedly arranged in the housing.
  • the inventive lock assembly is of dual-cylinder type, indicating that the lock assembly comprises at least two lock cylinders, each lock cylinder including at least a cylinder body and a key-receiving plug at least partly received in the cylinder body for rotation therein.
  • Each plug is provided with an associated lock mechanism selectively interacting with the associated cylinder body in response to insertion of an appropriate key into the plug.
  • the lock mechanism may be arranged partly in the plug and partly in the cylinder body.
  • a rotatable tailpiece (sometimes also referred to as a drive pin or a carrier) is drivingly connected to and operated by the second plug, optionally via a tailpiece adapter.
  • the second plug and the tailpiece are arranged to rotate together about the rotational axis of the second plug.
  • the tailpiece In a final assembled state on a door, the tailpiece may extend out from a rear side of the lock assembly and into a door locking mechanism for operating a latch or bolt of a door locking mechanism.
  • the tailpiece may be directly connected to the second plug.
  • the tailpiece may be indirectly connected to the second plug via a tailpiece adapter.
  • the tailpiece may be coupled to a rear connecting member forming a rear part of the cylinder plug being axially movable in relation to a front part of the plug. In preferred embodiments.
  • the lock assembly When the lock assembly has been unlocked by an appropriate key, it can be operated to rotate the tailpiece between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position for unlocking and locking the door locking mechanism.
  • These rotational positions of the tailpiece correspond to a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position, respectively, of the second plug.
  • the second plug is always rotated to rotate the tailpiece.
  • a feature resulting from the inventive concept is that operation by the second key involves rotation of the second plug only, whereas operation by the first key involves rotation of the first plug and, via the gear transmission and the rotatable second cylinder body, also rotation of the second plug for rotating the tailpiece.
  • the lock assembly has basically three operational states: a locked state in which the second plug cannot be rotated between its locked and unlocked rotational positions; and a first and a second unlocked state in which the second plug can be rotated between its locked and unlocked rotational positions.
  • the lock assembly When no appropriate key has been inserted into the lock assembly, the lock assembly is in its locked state.
  • the locked state may be present when no key has been inserted at all, or if an inappropriate key has been inserted. In the locked state, neither the first lock mechanism of the first plug, nor the second lock mechanism of the second plug has been activated by an appropriate key.
  • the lock assembly When an appropriate first key has been inserted into the first plug and no appropriate second key has been inserted into the second plug, the lock assembly is in its first unlocked state. In response to turning the first key in the first unlocked state, the tailpiece can be rotated to its unlocked rotational position for unlocking the door locking mechanism.
  • the first lock mechanism of the first plug In the first unlocked state of the lock assembly, the first lock mechanism of the first plug is operated by the appropriate first key to not restrict rotation of the first plug in relation to the first cylinder body.
  • the second lock mechanism of the second plug In the first unlocked state of the lock assembly, the second lock mechanism of the second plug is not operated by any appropriate second key and, thereby, is arranged to restrict rotation of the second plug in relation to the rotatable second cylinder body.
  • first plug first gear
  • second gear via second lock mechanism of second plug
  • second plug second plug ⁇ driving pin.
  • both the first plug and the second plug rotate when the lock assembly is operated in its first unlocked state.
  • the gear transmission and the rotatability of the second cylinder housing is used when operating the lock assembly in its first unlocked state to transfer rotation of the first plug into a rotation of the second plug.
  • the lock assembly When an appropriate second key has been inserted into the second plug and no appropriate first key has been inserted into the first plug, the lock assembly is in its second unlocked state.
  • the tailpiece In response to turning the second key in the second unlocked state, the tailpiece can be rotated between its unlocked rotational position and its unlocked rotational position.
  • the second lock mechanism of the second plug In the second unlocked state, the second lock mechanism of the second plug is operated by the appropriate second key to not restrict rotation of the second plug in relation to the second cylinder body.
  • the second plug is drivingly disconnected or decoupled from the components "first housing - first plug - first gear - second gear - second cylinder body".
  • the second plug can be rotated in relation to the second cylinder body to rotate the tailpiece between its locked unlocked rotational position and its locked rotational position. It may be noted that the second plug thus rotates both when the lock assembly is operated in its first unlocked state by a first key and when the lock assembly is operated in its second unlocked state by a second key.
  • a method for operating a door locking mechanism connected to a dual-cylinder lock assembly comprising, when using an appropriate first key of a set of appropriate keys including an appropriate first key and an appropriate second key:
  • the lock assembly further comprises at least one intermediate gear drivingly interconnecting the first gear and the second gear, such that the first gear and the second gear rotate in the same direction.
  • the intermediate gear ensures that the lock assembly 1 may be unlocked either by counterclockwise rotation of the first key or by counterclockwise rotation of the second key.
  • the first and the second gear may be in direct meshed engagement with each other, thus rotating in opposite directions.
  • At least one of the gears of the lock assembly is a displaceable gear, which is displaceable, in a direction transversely relative to a rotational axis of the displaceable gear, between a non-displaced normal position and at least one displaced position, wherein the lock assembly further comprises means for restricting rotation or blocking rotation of the displaceable gear in response to the displaceable gear being displaced to its displaced position.
  • a weaker part may be a central part of a gear.
  • each plug is provided with a lock mechanism arranged to either restrict rotation of the plug in relation to its associated cylinder body when no appropriate key has been inserted, or to not restrict rotation of the plug in relation to its associated cylinder body in response to insertion of an appropriate key.
  • the lock mechanism of one plug or both plugs may be arranged to prevent essentially any rotation of the plug in relation to the associated cylinder body when no appropriate key has been inserted.
  • the lock mechanism of the plug may form a rotational lock, for instance implemented by a conventional mechanical solution including key operated tumblers, or an electrically operated lock pin or similar.
  • the lock mechanism of one plug or both plugs may also be arranged to form a rotation restriction rather than a rotational lock between the plug and the associated cylinder body.
  • the lock mechanism of the plug may be arranged to restrict initial rotation of the plug in relation to the cylinder body to a few degrees only, insufficient to rotate the tailpiece its unlocked rotational position. After such an initial limited rotation of the plug, the lock mechanism operates as a rotational lock preventing any further rotation of the plug in relation to the cylinder body.
  • PCT/SE2021/050298 with the same applicant as the present application discloses an electronic lock in which an electromechanical plug can be rotated a few degrees only in relation to a cylinder body when no appropriate electronic key has been inserted, and which can be rotated to an unlocked rotational position only if an appropriate key has been inserted. If an inappropriate key is inserted, the key may be turned only a few degrees. An attempt to further turn the inappropriate key activates a rotational lock between the plug and the cylinder body, preventing any further relative rotation.
  • the electronic key may be programmable.
  • a programmable key which is used to operate an electromechanical lock, may comprise an energy source, such as a battery, and a control unit powered by the energy source.
  • the electronic key can access a cloud based or locally hosted access control system which transfer authorization data to the electric key and/or log information from the key via internet and a synchronization unit or via a mobile communication system such as the GSM net and a mobile device, such as a mobile phone.
  • the electronic key is accessed from the synchronization unit or the mobile device by a physical contact, by near field communication, such as NFC, or by radio communication, such as Bluetooth.
  • the electronic key can store all data necessary to access at least one specific electromechanical lock cylinder but cannot access any electromechanical lock cylinder for which it does not have the appropriate authorization data. Locking and unlocking using the programmable key is rendered possible only if the programmable key is synchronized appropriately via the synchronization unit or a mobile device. Further, such a programmable key may be provided with means by which electrical power, data and mechanical effort can be transm itted.
  • lock plug or plug refers to a part into which a key is inserted and which the key turns.
  • a mechanical lock plug may house the bottom pins of a pin tumbler cylinder mechanism or the discs and springs of a disc tumbler cylinder mechanism.
  • An electromechanical or electronic lock plug may be provided with an electronically controlled lock mechanism.
  • rotateably connected refers to a connection or coupling between two rotatable members structured and arranged such that a rotation of one member is transferred, directly or indirectly, into a rotation to the other member, and such that if the first member is prevented from rotating then the second member is also prevented from rotating.
  • appropriate key refers to a key which allows, when inserted into a rotatable plug, to turn the plug.
  • tailpiece refers to a member that extends from the rear of the housing. The rotation of the tailpiece is what mechanically actuates the door locking mechanism.
  • Figs 1 and 2 illustrate a dual-cylinder lock assembly 1 according to a first embodiment.
  • the lock assembly 1 is arranged to be connected via a tailpiece 2 to a door locking mechanism 3 in a door 4.
  • the door locking mechanism 3 may be of any kind known in the art and may be is arranged in a lock housing in a cavity of the door 4.
  • the locking mechanism 3 cooperates, via a lock bolt or latch 5, with a striking plate (not shown) arranged in a door frame (not shown) to lock the door 4.
  • the door locking mechanism 3 controls the lock bolt 5 via the lock assembly 1 from the exterior side of the door 4.
  • the dual-cylinder lock assembly 1 comprises an elongate housing 6 containing the various parts of the assembly.
  • the housing 6 has an elongate and rather narrow shape arranged to be mounted at an entrance door 4 of an apartment building, and is arranged to support a handle 7.
  • the handle 7 does not have to form part of the lock assembly 1.
  • Embodiments for mounting on a door of a private residence may have other shapes of the housing 6 and not including support for the handle 7.
  • the lock assembly 1 is of dual-cylinder type, including a first lock cylinder 10 and a second lock cylinder 20.
  • a lock cylinder comprises at least a cylinder body and a key-receiving plug rotatably received in the cylinder body.
  • a lock mechanism is arranged to selectively interact with the cylinder body to selectively restrict rotation of the plug in relation to the cylinder body.
  • the lock mechanism may be entirely or partly arranged in the plug and/or the cylinder body.
  • the first lock cylinder 10 comprises a first cylinder body 11 and a first plug 12 arranged to receive an appropriate first key K1 ( Fig. 4A )
  • the second lock cylinder 20 comprises a second cylinder body 21 and a second plug 22 arranged to receive an appropriate second key K2 ( Fig. 5A ).
  • the door locking mechanism 3 may be unlocked or locked by using either key K1 or K2.
  • first and the second lock cylinders 10 and 20 may be either a mechanical lock cylinder or an electromechanical lock cylinder.
  • the two lock cylinders 10 and 22 may be of the same type or of different types.
  • the first lock cylinder 10 is mechanical and is arranged to be operated by an appropriate mechanical first key K1
  • the second lock cylinder is electromechanical and is arranged to be operated by an appropriate electronic second key K2.
  • the mechanical cylinder lock 10 may be operated for instance by a resident's mechanical key K1
  • the electromechanical lock cylinder 20 may be operated by an electronic service personnel key K2, especially a programmable electronic key programmed to operate the second plug 22 of a plurality of lock assemblies.
  • the lock assembly 1 is operatively connected to the door locking mechanism 3 via the tailpiece 2 to unlock and lock the door locking mechanism 3.
  • the tailpiece 2 may be of different length, and in some embodiments it may be adjustable in length for adaptation to different door dimensions. As an example, the tailpiece may be telescopic.
  • the illustrated first embodiment also uses a separate tailpiece adapter 2a for connecting the lock assembly 1 to the tailpiece 2.
  • the tailpiece 2 or the tailpiece adapter 2a may or may not be considered as forming part of the lock assembly 1.
  • the tailpiece 2 is rotatable between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position, for instance a rotational movement of about 90 degrees. This rotation is accomplished in response to turning the appropriate first key K1 or turning the appropriate the second key K2.
  • the tailpiece 2 is rotated directly in response to turning of the first key K1 or the second key K2, i.e. with no rotational lag between the key turning and the tailpiece rotation.
  • there is a 1:1 rotational relation between the key turning and the tailpiece rotation i.e. the tailpiece 2 is rotated the same number of degrees as the key.
  • the single tailpiece 2 is operated by the second plug 22.
  • the tailpiece 2 may be directly connected to the second plug 22, or indirectly connected to the second plug 22 as in the first embodiment using a tailpiece adapter 2a.
  • the second plug 22 and the tailpiece 2 are arranged to rotate together about a common second rotational axis A2. From a functional perspective, the connection between the second plug 22 and the tailpiece 2 means that if the second plug 22 is prevented from rotating, then as a consequence the tailpiece 2 cannot be rotated and the door locking mechanism 3 cannot be unlocked.
  • any unlocking or locking of the door locking mechanism 3 will involve rotation of the second plug 22, not only when using an appropriate second key K2 but also when using an appropriate first key K1 as will be described in detail below.
  • the electromechanical second lock cylinder 20 is designed in accordance with applicant's international application PCT/SE2021/050298, filed 1 April 2021 , the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other electromechanical designs may also be used.
  • a specific functional feature of the electromechanical lock cylinder 20 designed according to applicant's PCT application mentioned above is that the rotatable second plug 22 is actually not in a rotationally locked state in relation to the second cylinder body 21 when no key has been inserted into the second plug 22.
  • the illustrated electromechanical lock cylinder 20 is designed so that the lock mechanism of the second plug 22, when an inappropriate second key K2, or some tool such as a screwdriver, is inserted and initially turned, will allow only a very limited rotation of the second plug 22 in the order of few degrees (e.g. 2-4 degrees) before the locking mechanism of the second plug 22 effectively prevents further rotation of the second plug 22 in relation to the second cylinder body 21.
  • an appropriate electronic second key K2 is inserted into the electromechanical second plug 22, the appropriate electronic second key K2 will activate the locking mechanism of the second plug 22 to allow rotation of the second plug 22 in relation to the second cylinder body 21 between its locked rotational position and its unlocked rotational position.
  • this specific design of the electromechanical second lock cylinder 20 is not essential to the inventive concept, and the inventive principle may be implemented with electromechanical lock cylinders arranged to form a complete rotational lock when no appropriate key has been inserted.
  • the electromechanical second lock cylinder 20 may be configured to be powered by and communicate a programmable electronic second key K2 upon the insertion of the electronic second key K2 in the second plug 22.
  • the second electromechanical lock cylinder 20 may comprise power receiving means, communication means and an electrical control unit (all not shown).
  • the electromechanical second lock cylinder 20 may further comprise an access control device (not shown) for controlling access of an inserted electronic key K2. Further details regarding the structure and the operation of this specific electromechanical cylinder lock 20 will be provided later in the description with reference to Fig. 7 and Figs 8A to 8D .
  • such locks may have a different design, for instance a design where the lock mechanism of the electromechanical second plug 20 is provided by at least one selectively movable lock pin, which in the locked state of the electromechanical cylinder lock provides a complete rotational lock between the plug and the cylinder body.
  • the electromechanical second cylinder lock 20 is shown as comprising such a selectively movable lock pin 23.
  • each one of the first plug 12 and the second plug 22 is provided with a locking mechanism arranged to either restrict rotation of the plug in relation to its associated cylinder body when no appropriate key has been inserted, or to not restrict rotation of the plug in relation to its associated cylinder body in response to insertion of an appropriate key.
  • the term "restrict rotation” covers embodiments where the lock mechanism of a plug is arranged to prevent any rotation of the plug in relation to its associated cylinder body when no appropriate key has been inserted.
  • the lock mechanism of the plug is arranged, when no appropriate key has been inserted, to restrict rotation by forming a complete rotational lock where no plug rotation is possible in relation to the associated cylinder body. This is the case for the mechanical first lock cylinder 10 in the illustrated embodiment where tumblers 13 create such a rotational lock unless the appropriate mechanical first key K1 is inserted.
  • restrictive rotation also covers embodiments where the lock mechanism of a plug is arranged to form a rotation restriction rather than an initial complete rotational lock between the plug and the associated cylinder body. Also, such a restriction may be activated first when someone tries to turn the plug without having an appropriate key inserted. Put in other words, in some embodiments, the plug of a cylinder lock, especially an electromechanical cylinder lock, may actually be non-locked in the absence of an appropriate key, but becomes rotationally locked in response to the plug being initially turned by inappropriate means.
  • Applicant's above-mentioned PCT application discloses an electronic lock in which an electromechanical plug can be initially rotated a few degrees in relation to a cylinder body when no appropriate electronic key has been inserted, and which can be rotated freely to an unlocked rotational position only if an appropriate key has been inserted. If an inappropriate key is inserted, the key may be initially turned a few degrees only, insufficient to turn the tailpiece to its unlocked rotational position. Any attempt to further turn the inappropriate key beyond such few degrees brings the lock mechanism of the plug to activate a complete rotational lock between the plug and the cylinder body, preventing any further relative rotation.
  • the first cylinder body 11 is arranged in the housing 10 such that it is prevented from rotating about the first rotational axis A1 of the first plug 11. Other movements of the first cylinder body may be possible in certain embodiments.
  • the first cylinder body 11 is fixedly arranged within the housing 6 in a first opening 51 with a shape corresponding to the shape of the first cylinder body 11.
  • the second cylinder body 21 is rotatably arranged within the housing 10 for rotation about the second rotational axis A2 of the second plug 22.
  • the housing 6 is provided with a cylindrical second opening 52 in which the second cylinder body 22 is rotatably received.
  • the expression "arranged within the housing 10" also covers embodiments where a lock cylinder 10, 20 is only partly received within the housing 6.
  • a lock cylinder 10, 20 may be insertable into and retractable from the housing 6 as a separate unit during installation, which especially allows an existing mechanical lock cylinder to be reused during installation of a dual-cylinder lock assembly 1 according to the invention.
  • suitable means may be provided to prevent the cylinder bodies 11 and 21 from being retracted from the housing 6.
  • first cylinder body 11 may have a non-cylindrical elongate and general oval shape and is received in the correspondingly shaped cavity 51 in the housing 10, thus preventing rotation of the first cylinder body 11 about the first rotational axis A1 relative to the housing 10.
  • the rotatable second cylinder body 21 may have a general shape of a cylinder or cylindrical sleeve, rotatably received in the correspondingly shaped cylindrical cavity 52 of the housing 6, thereby allowing the second cylinder body 21 to be rotatably supported by the housing 6.
  • the inventive concept may be implemented by other non-cylindrical shapes of the second cylinder body 21, provided that it is rotatably arranged within the housing 6.
  • the lock assembly 1 further comprises a first gear 14 connected to the first plug 12 so that the first gear 14 rotates with the first plug 12.
  • the first gear 14 is permanently and directly connected to the first plug 12, and arranged to rotate together with the first plug 12 about the first rotational axis A1, parallel and spaced from the second rotational axis A2 of the second cylinder lock 20.
  • the term "permanently" in the present disclosure means that the direct connection between the first plug 12 and the first gear 14 is present during all normal operation of the lock assembly 1. During repair and installation situations as an example, the first gear 14 may be removed from the first plug 12.
  • the connection between the two parts 12 and 14 is not dependent on or responsive to any key insertion as in some prior art solutions.
  • the rotational or operative connection between the first plug 12 and the first gear 14 is accomplished by a cross-shaped end portion 15 of the first plug 12 (see Fig. 4B ) received in a corresponding cross-shaped central opening 16 of the first gear 14.
  • portions 15 and 16 may have the form of a longitudinal slit, arranged to receive a correspondingly shaped end portion 15 of the first plug 12.
  • the first gear 14 may be drivingly connected to the first plug 11 in other way, for instance indirectly connected. Also, it would be possible to form the first plug 11 and the first gear 14 as a one-piece, integrally formed member.
  • the lock assembly 1 further comprises a second gear 24 connected to the rotatable second cylinder body 21. It may be noted that the second gear 24 is not directly coupled to the second plug 22, but instead connected to the rotatable second cylinder body 21.
  • the second gear 24 and the second cylinder body 21 are arranged to rotate together about the second rotational axis A2. From a functional perspective, they may be considered as forming a single rotatable part.
  • the second gear 24 is permanently and directly connected to the second cylinder body 21, and is arranged to rotate together with the second cylinder body 21 about the second rotational axis A2.
  • the rotational or operative connection between the rotatable second cylinder body 21 and the second gear 24 is accomplished by a non-cylindrical end portion 25 (see Fig. 2 ) of the second plug 22 being received in a corresponding non-cylindrical central opening 26 of the second gear 24.
  • the purpose using a gear transmission in the lock assembly 1, including at least the first gear 14 and the second gear 24, is to provide an operative or rotatable connection between the first plug 12 and the rotatable second cylinder body 21.
  • the first plug 12 and the second cylinder body 21 are connected to each other via a gear transmission which includes at least the first gear 14 and the second gear 24 and which is arranged such that the first plug 12 and the rotatable second cylinder body 21 either rotate together or stand still together.
  • the gear transmission may include the first and second gears 14, 24 only, wherein the two gears 14, 24 are in direct meshed engagement with each other during all operation of the lock assembly 1.
  • Such an alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. 10 .
  • the two gears 14, 24 rotate in opposite directions.
  • it may be an advantage especially for a user if the first plug 12 and the second plug 22 are rotated in the same rotational direction (normally counter-clockwise) when unlocking the door 4, and rotated in the same rotational direction (normally clockwise) when locking the door 4. In alternative embodiments, this could have been accomplished by a chain or the like between the first gear 14 and the second gear 24.
  • the gear transmission further includes an intermediate third gear 34, which is drivingly arranged between the first gear 14 and the second gear 24.
  • the main purpose of the third gear 34 is to ensure that the first gear 14 and the second gear 24 rotate together in the same rotational direction, which in its turn ensures that the user can unlock the door 4 by turning either the first key K1 or the second key K2 in the same rotational direction.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment including two intermediate gears 34a, 34b. The operation is essentially the same.
  • the three gears 14, 24, and 34 are located in a common vertical plane.
  • the third gear 34 is in meshed engagement with both the first gear 14 and the second gear 24.
  • the third gear is in permanent meshed engagement with both the first gear 14 and the second gear 24 during all normal states of the lock assembly 1. This is an advantage compared to certain prior art solutions in which the operation relies on selective gear coupling and decoupling.
  • a cover member 53 is secured by four screws (not shown) to the rear side of the housing 6 for covering the gears 14, 24, 34 and for keeping the gears in correct axial position.
  • Two screws 54 extend through corresponding openings 55 in the cover member 53 and are in engagement with the first cylinder body 11 to prevent the first lock cylinder 10 from being retracted from the housing 6.
  • the cover member 53 is further provided with a first opening 56 coaxial with the first rotational axis A1, and a second opening 57 coaxial with the second rotational axis A2.
  • the second opening 57 allows the tailpiece 2 to be connected to the second plug 22 via the tailpiece adapter 2a.
  • the first gear 14 is partly received in the first opening 56 of the cover member 53.
  • the first opening 56 may act as a rotational control or bearing for the first gear 14.
  • the second opening 57 may act as a rotational control or bearing for the second gear 24.
  • the number of teeth of each one of the three gears 14, 24, and 34 may be varied compared to the illustrated embodiment.
  • the number of teeth of the first gear 14 is equal to the number of teeth of the second gear 24, resulting in that a certain angular rotation of the first plug 12 by the first key K1 is translated into the same angular rotation of the tailpiece 2.
  • the number of teeth of the intermediate third gear 34 is less than the number of teeth of the first gear 14 and the second gear 24. Its diameter is also smaller. This allows a reduced overall dimension of the lock assembly 1, and it also allows the two lock cylinder 10, 20 to be located closer to each other.
  • the gears 14, 24, and 34 are preferably made from metal, such as steel.
  • the illustrated dual-cylinder lock assembly 1 has three operational states: a locked state when the lock mechanism 3 of the door 4 cannot be unlocked; a first unlocked state where the lock mechanism 3 of the door 4 can be operated using an appropriate first key K1; and a second unlocked state where the lock mechanism 3 of the door 4 can be operated using an appropriate second key K2.
  • the general description of the operation of the first embodiment applies to all other embodiments.
  • what is stated in the description of the first embodiment in terms of structure and operation applies also to embodiments where both lock cylinders are mechanical, and where both lock cylinders are electromechanical.
  • Fig. 3 is provided to give a better understanding of the locked state.
  • Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the various parts.
  • parts that are prevented from rotating are marked with an x inside a circle.
  • all parts are marked as being prevented from rotating.
  • the second lock mechanism of the second plug 22 is not shown in accordance with the more advanced design in Fig. 7 , but is instead schematically illustrated as a movable lock pin 23, which can be selectively moved into and out of engagement with the rotatable second cylinder body 21 in response to insertion of an appropriate electronic second key K2.
  • the lock pin 23 is in its locked position. Movement of the lock pin 26 can be accomplished in any suitable electromechanical way, such as by using solenoids.
  • the locked state is present when no appropriate key K1 or K2 has been inserted into the lock assembly 1.
  • the locked state may be present when no key has been inserted at all, or if only a non-appropriate key has been inserted.
  • neither the first lock mechanism of the first plug 12, nor the second lock mechanism of the second plug 22 has been activated by an appropriate key.
  • relative rotation between each plug 12, 22 and its associated cylinder body 11, 21 is restricted by the lock mechanism of the plug.
  • a specific feature of the inventive concept is that, in the locked state of the lock assembly 1, the second plug 22 is prevented from rotating to its unlocked rotational position by "using” or “borrowing” the rotation-restricted state of the first plug 12: in the locked state, the second plug 22 is prevented from rotating to its unlocked rotational position as a consequence of the first lock mechanism 13 of the first plug 12 is restricting rotation of the first plug 12 in relation to the stationary first cylinder body 11. As a result, rotation of the entire gear transmission 14, 24, 34 is also restricted. This in its turn also restricts rotation of the rotatable second cylinder body 21 which is drivingly connected to the second gear 24.
  • Figs 4A to 4D illustrates the first unlocked state of the lock assembly 1 starting from the situation in Fig. 4A where the assembly is still in its locked state.
  • Fig. 4B an appropriate first key K1 has been inserted into the first plug 12 and no appropriate electronic second key K2 has been inserted into the second plug 22.
  • the assembly 1 is now in its first unlocked state.
  • Fig 4C and 4D in response to turning the appropriate mechanical first key K1, the tailpiece 2 can be rotated from its locked rotational position to its unlocked rotational position for unlocking the door locking mechanism 3.
  • this may be a rotational movement counterclockwise over an angle of about 90 degrees.
  • the mechanical first lock mechanism 13 of the mechanical first plug 12 is operated by the appropriate mechanical first key K1 to no longer restrict rotation of the first plug 12 in relation to the stationary first cylinder body 11.
  • the second lock mechanism 23 of the second plug 22 is not operated or activated by any appropriate second key K2 and, thereby, is arranged to restrict rotation of the second plug 22 in relation to the rotatable second cylinder body 21. This is illustrated schematically by the lock pin 23 in Fig. 4D .
  • the second locking mechanism (represented by the lock pin 23 in Fig. 4D ) of the second plug 22, in the absence of an inserted appropriate second key K2, is not used as normally done in the art to prevent the second plug 22 from rotating. Instead, the non-activated second lock mechanism 23 of the second plug 22 is here instead used to actually transfer rotation to the second plug 22 to make it rotate. Second, it may also be noted that both the first plug 12 and the second plug 22 rotate when the lock assembly 1 is operated in its first unlocked state.
  • gear transmission 14, 24, 34 and the rotatability of the second cylinder body 21 is used when operating the lock assembly 1 in its first unlocked state to transfer rotation of the first plug 12 into a rotation of the second plug 22. It will be appreciated that the gear transmission 14, 24, 34 has in fact at least the following two functions:
  • Figs 5A to 5C illustrate the second unlocked state of the lock assembly 1.
  • An appropriate electronic second key K2 has been inserted into the second plug 22 and no appropriate mechanical first key K1 has been inserted into the first plug 12.
  • the tailpiece 2 can be rotated to its unlocked rotational position for unlocking the door locking mechanism 3.
  • the second lock mechanism 23 of the second plug 22 is activated by the appropriate second key K2 to not restrict rotation of the second plug 22 in relation to the second cylinder body 21.
  • the second plug 22 is thereby drivingly disconnected from the five interconnected components "first housing 10 - first plug 12 - first gear 14 third gear 34 - second gear 24 - second cylinder body 21", and can be rotated in relation to the second cylinder body 21 for rotating the tailpiece 2 to its unlocked rotational position. It may be noted that the second plug 22 thus rotates both when the lock assembly 1 is operated in its first unlocked state by the appropriate first key K1 and when the lock assembly 1 is operated in its second unlocked state by the appropriate second key K2.
  • Figs 6A to 6C schematically illustrate the structure and operation of a second embodiment in which both lock cylinders are mechanical. The operation of this embodiment is essentially the same as for the first embodiment.
  • the embodiment of the lock cylinder 20 in Fig. 7 differs in one aspect from the embodiment shown in the previous figures, in that the second cylinder body 21 shown in Fig. 7 is not cylindrical, but rather of the same oval elongate shape as the mechanical first cylinder lock 10. However, the operation is essentially the same, and for functional aspects involving rotation of the second cylinder body 21 the latter can just be imagined as cylindrical and rotatably mounted, as illustrated in for example Fig. 2 and Fig. 4A illustrating a cylindrical second cylinder body 21. If the first cylinder lock 10 is instead of electromechanical type, the design of the cylinder body 21 shown in Fig. 7 may be used.
  • the second lock cylinder 20 includes, going from the left to the right in the exploded view in Fig. 7 , the following components: the second plug 22, a blocking member 100, a biasing member 101 in the form of a spring, a rotatable and slidable annular member 102, an electromechanical coupling device 103, a connecting member 104, the second cylinder body 21, and the tailpiece adapter 2a.
  • the blocking member 100 is fixedly arranged in the cylinder body 21, and is especially prevented from rotating in relation to the cylinder body 21. To this end, the blocking member 100 is provided with a peripheral groove 105 arranged to receive a locking pin (not shown) to engage the cylinder body 21. The rear side of the blocking member 100 is provided with a tooth-shaped blocking surface 100b the purpose of which is to prevent the annular member 102 from rotating in certain states of the cylinder lock 20.
  • the annular member 102 is rotatably mounted on the second plug 22 for rotation about the second rotational axis A2 in relation to the plug 22.
  • the annular member 102 is also mounted for axial displacement relative to the second plug 22 along the second rotational axis A2.
  • the annular member 102 can be rotationally locked relative to the second plug 22 by inserting an appropriate key K2. If instead an inappropriate key is inserted and turned, the annular member 102 will rotate and/or axially move relative to the second plug 22 as described below.
  • the front side of the annular member 102 is provided with a tooth-shaped blocking surface 102a corresponding to the tooth-shaped blocking surface 100b of the locking member 100.
  • the rear side of the annular member 102 is provided with a wave-shaped engagement surface 102b.
  • the biasing member 101 here in the form of a spring, is arranged between the blocking member 100 and the annular member 102 to bias the annular member 102 away from contacting the blocking member 100 and into engagement with the connecting member 104.
  • the electromechanical coupling device 103 is received in and rotated together with the plug 22.
  • the coupling device 103 is arranged to, upon insertion of an appropriate key K2, to rotationally couple the annular member 102 to the plug 22.
  • This mechanical locking is indicated by a dotted arrow in Fig. 7 .
  • the rotational lock is accomplished by a selectively movable locking pin at 105 (which should not be confused with the schematical lock pin 23 in Fig. 3 ) of the electromechanical coupling member 103 engaging an opening 106 in the annular member 102.
  • the coupling member 103 may comprise an actuator configured to communicate with an access control device (not shown).
  • the electromechanical coupling member 103 is thus arranged, upon the insertion of an appropriate electronic second key K2, to rotationally lock the annular member 102 to the plug 22. As will be described below, this will prevent the cylinder lock 20 from being locked upon turning the key K2.
  • the front side of the connecting member 104 is provided with a wave-shaped engagement surface 104a, arranged to interact with the wave-shaped engagement surface 102b of the annular member 102.
  • the rear side of the connecting member 104 is rotationally connected to the tailpiece adapter 2a.
  • the connecting member 104 is further provided with side openings 104c arranged to receive a break pin 120 shown in Fig. 8B .
  • the purpose of the connecting member 104 is to rotationally connect the plug 22 to the tailpiece adapter 2a.
  • the connecting member 104 is rotationally secured to the plug 22 by means of a locking arrangement 110, 112 ( Fig. 8A ) which is arranged to rotationally secure the plug 22 to the connecting member 104 in an absence of an axial movement of the annular member 102, and to rotationally unsecure the connecting member 104 from the plug 22 upon a rotation of the plug 22 relative to the annular member 102 when the annular member 102 is in engagement with the stationary blocking member 100.
  • the electromechanical coupling device 103 will activate to form a rotational lock between the plug 22 and the annular member 102 at 105/106.
  • a subsequent turning of the inserted appropriate second key K2 will rotate the annular member 102 together with the plug 22.
  • the plug 22, the annular member 102, the connecting member 104, and the tailpiece adapter 2a will all rotate together, whereby the door locking mechanism 3 may be opened.
  • the plug 22 was actually not rotatably locked before the second key K2 was inserted, and that the second key 2 actually did not unlock any rotational lock. Instead, the appropriate second key activated the coupling member 103 to prevent the lock cylinder 20 from being locked upon key turning.
  • Fig. 8D illustrates the operation if an inappropriate key is inserted and turned. Since the key is not an appropriate key, the electromechanical coupling device 103 will not be activated. Therefore, no rotational lock will be formed between the plug 22 and the annular member 102 at 105/106. In this state, the annular member 102 is rotatable in relation to the plug 22. On the other hand, the annular member 102 is subjected to a force holding it in a rotational position in relation to the cylinder body 21. To this end, the annular member 102 is provided with an axial engagement groove 102c ( Fig. 7 ).
  • a spring loaded engagement element (not shown) arranged in the cylinder body 21 is in engagement with the axial engagement groove 104c of the annular member 104, thereby preventing rotation of the annular body 104 in this state.
  • This engagement at groove 104c is disengaged when the plug 22 and the annular member 102 is rotated by an appropriate key K2.
  • the design shown in Fig. 7 further comprise an additional feature implemented by a break pin 120.
  • the plug 22 and the connecting member 104 are normally rotationally connected at 110/112 by complementary shaped parts arranged to transfer rotational forces.
  • the connecting member 104 may also be connected to the plug 22 via a break pin 120.
  • the break pin 120 is located in a through-going opening in the end portion of the plug 22 as shown to the left in Fig. 8A . End portions of the break pin 120 are located in the side openings 104c of the connecting member 104.
  • the rotational forces applied to the plug 22 are transferred to the connecting member 104 at the rotational connection at 110/120 with no rotational forces acting on the break pin 120.
  • connection member 104 will be axially separated from the annular member 102.
  • the break pin 120 will break and the lock cylinder 20 has to be repaired before being possible to unlock. It will be appreciated that the break pin 120 is accordingly not designed to take up rotational forces during normal unlocking, but design to brake if subjected to strong enough axial forces.
  • the electromechanical lock cylinder 20 shown in the first embodiment is of the design now described with reference to Fig. 7 and Figs. 8A to 8D .
  • the operation of the lock cylinder 20 is special in the first unlocked state of the lock assembly 1, as now will be explained. It will first be recalled that the blocking member 105 is rotationally locked to the housing body. Thus, referring to Fig. 2 , the blocking member 105 is rotationally locked to the rotatable and sleeve-shaped second cylinder body 22. Accordingly, when the second cylinder body 22 is rotated in the first unlocked state by turning the first appropriate key K1, then also the blocking member 105 will be rotated.
  • annular member 102 is held in rotational position in relation to the second housing body 21 by mean of spring loaded engagement members engaging the axial engagement groove 102c of the annular member. Furthermore, it will be recalled that the second plug 22 is not activated by a second key K2 in the first unlocked state. Accordingly, in the first unlocked state, the annular member 102 is not rotationally locked to the second plug 22 at 105, 106.
  • the connecting member 104 will initially not rotate due to the frictional-induced rotational resistance from the tailpiece 2. A continued turning of the first key K1 will therefore now instead cause the annular member 102 to move axially away from the connecting member 104 into blocking engagement with the blocking member 100. It may be noted that the rotational connection between the plug 22 and the connection member 104 at 110, 112 is still intact. However, the blocking member 100 is fixed to and rotates together with the rotating second cylinder body 21. Therefore, the second cylinder body 21 and the annular member 102 will rotate together.
  • Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment with two electromechanical lock cylinders 10, 20, both of the design and operation as described in connection with Fig. 7 and Figs 8A to 8D .
  • a dual-cylinder lock assembly according to the inventive concept, which may be implemented in accordance with any of the embodiments illustrated and described above, may optionally further be provided with a feature termed "brake function".
  • the brake function is designed to restrict rotation of part of the gear transmission, such as rotationally brake or rotationally block part of the gear transmission, in case someone tries to unlock the lock assembly 1 by inserting an inappropriate key or some tool, such as a screwdriver, and applies an excessive torque to the second plug. In the following, such a situation will be referred to as an attempted burglary. All statements above regarding structure and operation of embodiments without brake function apply also to embodiments provided with a brake function.
  • Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the locked state of the lock assembly 1.
  • the most critical part of the assembly 1 in terms of mechanical strength withstanding a burglary attempt is the mechanical connection between the first plug 12 and the first gear 14, at reference numerals 15 and 16.
  • the weakest part will be at the center of the first gear 14 at its opening 16. If a tool T ( Figs 12C and 12D ) such as a screwdriver is inserted into the second plug 22 during an attempted burglary, and an excessive torque is applied to the second plug 22 by the tool T, this torque will be transferred to the rotationally locked first plug 11 via the second cylinder body 21 and the gears 24, 34, 14.
  • the gear mechanism Since the first plug 21 is rotationally locked, the gear mechanism will be subjected to excessive torques and forces. In the illustrated embodiments, especially including connections of the type shown at reference numerals 15 and 16, such an excessive torque may result in that the center of the first gear 14 will break at reference 16, disconnecting the first gear 14 from the first plug 12. In such a break condition, the second plug 22 and the tailpiece 2 can be rotated freely by the tool T, thereby unlocking the door locking mechanism 3.
  • the illustrated design of the electromechanical second lock cylinder 20 in the shown embodiment is provided with a break pin 120.
  • the break pin 120 will break if the second plug 22 is subjected to an excessive axial force applied by inappropriate means, thereby disconnecting the tailpiece 2 from the second plug 22.
  • the weak connection at 15, 16 between the first plug 11 and the first gear 14 may brake if an inappropriate torque in the order of 7 Nm or higher is applied to the second plug 22 in the locked state of the assembly 1.
  • the break pin 120 of the second plug 22 may break if an inappropriate axial force in the order of 13 Nm or higher is applied to the second plug 22 in the locked state of the assembly 1.
  • the connection at 15, 16 will break before the break pin 120 breaks, whereby the door locking mechanism 3 may be unlocked.
  • the purpose of the optional brake function is to prevent this situation from occurring.
  • the optional brake function is also useful in embodiments without a break or collapse function 120 in the second plug 22, for preventing damage to weak parts of the gear transmission.
  • At least one of the gears of the lock assembly 1 is displaceable.
  • the displaceable gear is displaceable in a direction transversely relative to a rotational axis of the displaceable gear, between a non-displaced normal position and displaced position.
  • the displacement direction may for instance be 90 degrees in relation to the rotational axis.
  • Figs 12A to 12E show an embodiment with brake function where the intermediate gear 34 forms the displaceable gear.
  • the assembly is arranged to restrict rotation of the displaceable gear when the latter is in a displaced position.
  • the rotational restriction may a complete rotational block arranged to prevent any further rotation of the displaced gear, or a more "conventional" brake function arranged to take up a substantial amount of the torque applied to the displaced gear.
  • the brake function is implemented by parts 90, 91, 93, 94, 96, 98a and 98b.
  • a slider 90 is received in the housing 6 for linear displacement in a direction transversely to the third rotational axis A3.
  • the slider 90 is displaceable in opposite directions, i.e. both left and right.
  • the slider 90 is displaceable in one direction only.
  • the slider 90 is provided with a projecting axle 91 forming a rotational axle for the intermediate gear 34.
  • the slider 90 and the gear 34 are thus displaceable together in the directions indicated by arrows in Fig. 12B .
  • the gear 34 is received in the housing 6 with a clearance sufficient to allow a certain displacement of the gear 34.
  • Means may be arranged to bias the slider 90 towards its normal non-displaced position.
  • biasing means comprises one or more springs 94 arranged on piston-like members 96 received in holders 93. The members 96 are in engagement with opposite sides of the slider 90.
  • the implementation of the optional brake function comprises at least one structure arranged to restrict rotation of the displaceable gear when it is in a displaced position.
  • Restricting rotation may be implemented as a rotational brake and/or a rotational block.
  • Such a brake structure may interact with the displaceable gear either directly with the gear, or indirectly with the gear, such as interacting with a rotational part arranged on the same axle as the displaceable gear, or interacting directly with the rotational axle.
  • the brake structure may be implemented as one or more break members, for mounting in the housing, or be implemented as an integral part of the housing, or a combination thereof.
  • the brake structure includes two brake members 98a and 98b arranged on either side of the gear 34.
  • Each brake member 98a, 98b has a brake side facing the gear 34.
  • the brake side may be concave as shown, or have other shapes.
  • These brake members 98a and 98b are fixedly connected to the housing 6.
  • the structure for braking can be implemented directly in the housing 6.
  • Such an embodiment with a housing 6 having an integrated brake structure is illustrated in Figs 13A to 13C .
  • the brake function may be implemented by a non-grooved brake surface acting as a conventional brake against the periphery of the gear 34.
  • the brake structure may be designed to take up a majority of the torque applied to the gear 34 such that only a minor torque is transferred to the first gear 14.
  • the brake structure should be designed to at least restrict rotation of the displaceable gear.
  • Figs 12C to 12E illustrate an attempted burglary situation where a screwdriver T has been inserted into the second plug 22 and a substantial torque has been applied by the screwdriver T on the second plug 22, in an effort to unlock the door locking mechanism 3.
  • the lock assembly 1 is designed to be unlocked by turning the plugs 11, 21 counterclockwise.
  • the torque applied by the screwdriver T is transferred from the second plug 22 and the second cylinder body 21 to the gear transmission.
  • the first gear 14 is rotationally locked due to the first lock cylinder 10 being locked.
  • the applied torque is transferred from the second plug 22 into a slight rotation of the second gear 24, as indicated by a dashed arrow to the right in Fig.
  • the intermediate gear 34 having contact both with the rotating second gear 24 and the rotationally locked first gear 14, will be displaced to the left in the figures, as indicated by an empty arrow in Fig. 12E .
  • the gear 34 is displaced into brake contact with the brake member 98a, whereby the gear 34 is rotationally locked.
  • the brake function prevents the torque applied on the second plug 22 from being transferred to the weaker connection at 15, 16 between the first gear 14 and the first plug 12, eventually preventing unauthorized unlocking of the door.
  • Fig. 12D illustrates the brake function in a lock assembly 1 where the door lock mechanism 3 is instead unlocked by a clockwise rotation of the tailpiece 2.
  • the gear 34 will instead move to the right into engagement with the opposite brake member 98b.
  • Figs 13A and 13B shows an embodiment including brake function but having two gears 14, 24 only.
  • it is the first gear 14 which forms the displaceable gear.
  • the entire first lock cylinder 10 is slightly movably arranged in the housing 6.
  • the cavity 51 is a bit oversized.
  • the first cylinder body 11 is prevented from rotating about the first rotational axis A1.
  • the first cylinder body 11 is movably arranged in the housing 6 such that the displacement of the first gear 14 and the first rotational axis A1 is possible.
  • the first cylinder body 11 may be slightly linearly displaceable in relation to the housing 6, or it may be arranged to rotate slightly about a vertical rotational axis.
  • the brake structure is not implemented by separate brake members as in the embodiment in Figs 12A to E . Instead, the brake structure is implemented directly in the housing 6.
  • the housing 6 is provided with a brake structure 198a and 198b integrally formed with the housing 6.
  • the brake structure comprises a pair of brake edges 198a, 198a, and 198b, 198b, respectively, on either side of the first gear 14. Upon gear displacement, the teeth of the first gear 14 will be in rotational lock engagement with such brake edges as shown in Fig. 13C .
  • Figs 13B and 13C illustrate a burglary attempt, resulting in a displacement of the first gear 14 into engagement with the integrated brake member 98a.
  • relevant parts of the electromechanical lock assembly 1 may manufactured from a durable material such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or any suitable compound thereof.
  • Involved electrical conductors typically comprise highly conductive metals, such as copper, silver, gold, or any adequate highly conducting alloy.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
EP22196310.1A 2022-09-19 2022-09-19 Ensemble de serrure à double cylindre et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble de serrure à double cylindre Pending EP4339401A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22196310.1A EP4339401A1 (fr) 2022-09-19 2022-09-19 Ensemble de serrure à double cylindre et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble de serrure à double cylindre
PCT/EP2023/075677 WO2024061838A1 (fr) 2022-09-19 2023-09-18 Ensemble serrure à double cylindre et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble serrure à double cylindre

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22196310.1A EP4339401A1 (fr) 2022-09-19 2022-09-19 Ensemble de serrure à double cylindre et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble de serrure à double cylindre

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EP4339401A1 true EP4339401A1 (fr) 2024-03-20

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US474783A (en) 1892-05-10 tayloe
US3203210A (en) 1963-02-08 1965-08-31 Yale & Towne Inc Cylinder lock
SE410115B (sv) * 1977-09-12 1979-09-24 Edw H Thomee Ab Lasmekanism
JPS5649861U (fr) * 1979-09-25 1981-05-02
BR9601611A (pt) * 1996-04-26 1998-03-31 Renato Mohallen Aperfeiçoamento introduzido em fechadura de segurança para portas e outros
JP2006177091A (ja) * 2004-12-24 2006-07-06 Hiroyuki Nakamichi 連結シリンダ錠
CN2856303Y (zh) * 2006-01-04 2007-01-10 武利民 双锁芯连动锁
US10253526B2 (en) 2016-05-06 2019-04-09 Assa Abloy High Security Group Inc. Dual function lock cylinder assembly operable by different keys
EP3733999A1 (fr) 2019-05-03 2020-11-04 Assa Abloy Opening Solutions Sweden AB Agencement de serrure à double cylindre
EP3899173A1 (fr) 2018-12-21 2021-10-27 Swedlock AB Ensemble serrure de porte comprenant un logement de cylindre rotatif

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US474783A (en) 1892-05-10 tayloe
US3203210A (en) 1963-02-08 1965-08-31 Yale & Towne Inc Cylinder lock
SE410115B (sv) * 1977-09-12 1979-09-24 Edw H Thomee Ab Lasmekanism
JPS5649861U (fr) * 1979-09-25 1981-05-02
BR9601611A (pt) * 1996-04-26 1998-03-31 Renato Mohallen Aperfeiçoamento introduzido em fechadura de segurança para portas e outros
JP2006177091A (ja) * 2004-12-24 2006-07-06 Hiroyuki Nakamichi 連結シリンダ錠
CN2856303Y (zh) * 2006-01-04 2007-01-10 武利民 双锁芯连动锁
US10253526B2 (en) 2016-05-06 2019-04-09 Assa Abloy High Security Group Inc. Dual function lock cylinder assembly operable by different keys
EP3899173A1 (fr) 2018-12-21 2021-10-27 Swedlock AB Ensemble serrure de porte comprenant un logement de cylindre rotatif
EP3733999A1 (fr) 2019-05-03 2020-11-04 Assa Abloy Opening Solutions Sweden AB Agencement de serrure à double cylindre

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