WO2003050369A1

WO2003050369A1 - Locking device safety lock

Info

Publication number: WO2003050369A1
Application number: PCT/FR2002/003696
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christophe Theillet; Benoît RIBEROLLES
Original assignee: Fichet Serrurerie Batiment F.S.B.
Priority date: 2001-12-13
Filing date: 2002-10-28
Publication date: 2003-06-19
Also published as: DE60209547T2; AU2002358861A1; RU2004116071A; ATE318977T1; DE60209547D1; EP1454024A1; PT1454024E; FR2833638B1; RU2293832C2; ES2259731T3; EP1454024B1; FR2833638A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for locking and unlocking at will an actuating movement, for use in a safety lock, said device comprising at least a key (10) bearing authenticating encoding projections (12) in succession along the longitudinal axis (1) of the key and extending perpendicular to said axis, a mechanism for sensing the encoding projections (20), a mechanism for authenticating the encoding projections (30), and a rotor, the sensing mechanism (20) including a set of fittings (21) adopting respective positions controlled by the successive projections (12) of the key (10). The invention is characterized in that each projection (12) of the key (10) brought opposite a fitting (21) imposes by itself to the corresponding fitting (21) a specific angular direction in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the key (10).The invention is applicable to a safety lock.

Description

LOCKING DEVICE FOR SECURITY LOCK

The invention generally relates to the field of locksmithing and locking mechanisms.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device for selectively blocking and unblocking an actuating movement, applicable to a security lock, this device comprising at least one key elongated along an axis and carrying authenticity coding reliefs succeeding each other along the longitudinal axis of the key and extending perpendicular to this axis, a mechanism for palpation of the coding reliefs, in which the key is selectively introduced by a translational movement along its axis, a mechanism for authenticating coding reliefs, and a rotor in which the palpation and authentication mechanisms are housed, the palpation mechanism comprising a set of linings to which the reliefs of the

• key are respectively associated by a reciprocal correspondence established after introduction of the key, these linings adopting, during the introduction of the key, respective positions controlled by the successive reliefs of the key and collectively defining a dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism freezing in a static test configuration once the key is introduced, the authentication mechanism providing a reference configuration at the latest after introduction of the key, and the device making a comparison between the test configuration and the configuration of reference, and adopting a blocking or unblocking state depending on whether the comparison reveals, or not, a correspondence between the configurations compared.

Devices of this type are known from the prior art. One of these devices includes a key, the front part has reliefs in the form of dishes with different orientations. The linings carry complementary plates, which come into contact with the plates of the key when the latter is introduced into the rotor, under the effect of an elastic restoring force or not causing the lining to pivot about a longitudinal axis . The orientation of the key plate located opposite the lining plate determines the amplitude of the rotation of the lining. The linings each carry a longitudinal groove on an outer face. When the orientation of the plates of the key and of the complementary plates of the linings is in agreement, that is to say when the coding of the key corresponds to that of the linings, all the grooves are aligned and form a continuous groove.

A longitudinal blocking bar can then retract into the groove, thereby unlocking the device. The test configuration in this device is the configuration adopted by the grooves carried by the linings. The reference configuration is the shape of the longitudinal bar. The comparison is made by turning the key: if the linings have adopted the test configuration in which all the grooves are aligned, the rotational movement is not blocked by the bar. If the configuration is different, the rotational movement is blocked.

This device is complex because an elastic return means is associated with each lining. In addition, it is already well known to burglars, who have had the time to adapt their tools and methods to this type of protection.

In this context, the present invention aims to overcome the difficulties mentioned below by proposing a simple device operating according to a new technique. To this end, the device of the invention, moreover conforms to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that, in the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism, each relief of the key brought next to a lining provides rotation guidance of this lining around the longitudinal axis of the key both clockwise and counterclockwise, each relief thus imposing by itself on the corresponding lining a angular orientation determined in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the key in the test configuration of the palpation mechanism.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, in the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism, each relief of the key brought in front of a lining also provides translational guidance for this lining along at least a first transverse axis contained in the transverse plane and as well along one or the other of two opposing directions aligned on this first transverse axis, each relief thus imposing by itself on the corresponding lining a translation position determined along this first axis transverse in the test configuration of the palpation mechanism. Advantageously, the authentication mechanism can comprise a plurality of authentication elements to which the linings are respectively associated by a permanent reciprocal correspondence, each authentication element adopting, in the transverse plane and along the first transverse axis, a position of translation determined by the translation position of the corresponding gasket and, relative to the longitudinal axis of the key, a rotational position linked by a function determined to the translation position of this authentication element, the authentication elements thus adopting, when introducing the key, respective positions collectively defining a dynamic configuration of the authentication mechanism depending on the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism and freezing, once the key is inserted, in the reference configuration.

Preferably, each liner can be shaped into a ring pierced with a profiled central orifice in which at least one relief of the key is selectively engaged, this liner providing an external surface having at least a first cylindrical longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section partially rendered non-cylindrical by an axial rib, the authentication element corresponding to this lining may comprise at least a first toothed ring pierced with an authentication orifice covering at least the straight projections of the first and second longitudinal sections of the lining corresponding and in which is engaged without freedom of translation and free rotation the first section of the corresponding lining in the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism, the first toothed ring can be mounted movable in translation in an oblong cavity of the rotor delimited by first and dry und elongated edges along the first transverse axis, and the first ring gear can mesh with a rack disposed on the first edge of the oblong cavity to adopt, around the longitudinal axis, an angular position of rotation linked by a first linear function to its translation position in the oblong cavity.

For example, each authentication element may comprise a second toothed ring pierced with an authentication orifice covering at least the straight projections of the first and second longitudinal sections of the corresponding lining and in which is engaged without freedom of translation and free rotation the first section of the trim corresponding in the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism, this second ring gear can be mounted movable in translation in the same oblong cavity of the rotor as the first ring gear, and the second ring gear can mesh with a rack arranged on the second edge of the oblong cavity to adopt, around the longitudinal axis, an angular position of rotation linked to its translation position in the oblong cavity by a second linear function, varying in opposite direction to the first linear function.

Advantageously, the comparison between the test configuration and the reference configuration can be carried out by a movement of translation of the key, along its longitudinal axis, beyond the movement of introduction of the key which leads to the test configurations. and of reference, the device adopting its unlocking state when each lining can engage in the authentication orifice of each ring gear of the authentication element corresponding to this lining, and adopting its locking state at least when the axial rib of the second longitudinal section of at least one lining abuts on an edge of the authentication orifice of at least one ring gear of the authentication element corresponding to this lining.

Preferably, at least one lining can carry at least one relief of an axial lure on its second section, the axial length of this lure being greater than the axial length of the axial ribs carried by the lining, the respective authentication orifices of the first and second rings of the authentication element corresponding to the liner may each comprise a plurality of notches of axial sections corresponding to the axial section of the lure, the number of notches being greater than the number of lures carried by the liner , and the lure can engage in a notch by axial translation of the gasket while the device is in its blocked state.

For example, the central orifice of each liner may have cross sections whose size varies longitudinally, this size decreasing from a longitudinal end towards a median plane of the liner, and increasing symmetrically from the median plane to the opposite longitudinal end. Advantageously, the cross sections of the central orifice of each liner can have polygonal or lobed shapes.

Preferably, each lining can comprise at least three axial ribs, each toothed crown can comprise from twenty seven to fifty four teeth and each rack can comprise from three to six teeth.

For example, the device can contain at least two seals.

Advantageously, the key may include a front part carrying the coding reliefs, this front part having cross sections of envelope shapes deducing from each other by translation along a first transverse axis and by rotation around the longitudinal axis of the key. . Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given below, with reference to the appended figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of the invention, with parts broken away. a part of the rotor, the key not being shown for clarity,

FIG. 2 is a side view along arrow II in FIG. 1, the rotor not being shown and the key being arranged parallel to the linings,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ring gear and a rack of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two toothed rings and two stacked racks, the device of FIG. 1 being in the locked position,

FIG. 5 is a top view of the elements of FIG. 4, the device of FIG. 1 being in the unlocked position,

FIG. 6 is a top view identical to FIG. 4, a lining being engaged in the crowns,

- Figure 7 is a view identical to Figure 5, a gasket being engaged in the crowns, Figure 8 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 7, Figure 9 is a perspective view equivalent to Figure 8, the packing having undergone an axial translation,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lining of the device in FIG. 1, and

- Figure 11 is a perspective view of an oblong cavity of the device of Figure 1. The locking and selective unlocking of an actuating movement of the invention comprises, in known manner, at least one key 10 elongated along a longitudinal axis 1 and bearing on a front part 11 authenticity coding reliefs 12, as can be seen in FIG. 2. This front part 11 ends in a head 13.

These reliefs 12 follow one another along the longitudinal axis 1 of the key 10 and extend perpendicular to this axis. The device also includes a palpation mechanism 20 of the coding reliefs 12, in which the key 10 is selectively introduced by a translational movement along its axis 1, an authentication mechanism 30 of the coding reliefs 12, and a rotor 40 in which are housed the palpation and authentication mechanisms 20 and 30. The palpation mechanism 20 includes a set of linings 21 to which the reliefs 12 of the key 10 are respectively associated by a reciprocal correspondence established after introduction of the key 10. The linings 21 and the reliefs 12 are therefore in identical numbers.

These linings 21 adopt, during the introduction movement of the key 10, respective temporary positions controlled by the successive reliefs 12 of the key 10 and collectively defining a dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism 20.

During the introduction of the key, the linings 21 are transiently associated with different reliefs 12 of the key according to several successive correspondences. This dynamic configuration changes as the key 10 is inserted deeper into the palpation mechanism 20.

This dynamic configuration freezes into a static test configuration once the key is fully inserted.

The authentication mechanism 30 provides a static reference configuration at the latest after the introduction of the key.

The device performs a comparison between the test configuration and the reference configuration, and adopts a blocking or unblocking state of the actuating movement depending on whether the comparison reveals, or not, a complete correspondence between the compared configurations. According to the invention, in the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism 20, each relief 12 of the key

10 brought opposite a lining 21 ensures a rotational guidance of this lining around the longitudinal axis 1 of the key, both clockwise and counterclockwise.

Each relief 12 thus imposes by itself on its corresponding lining 21 an angular orientation determined in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 1 of the key 10 in the test configuration of the palpation mechanism 20.

In the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism 20, each relief 12 of the key brought in front of a lining 21 also provides guidance in translation of this lining 21 along at least one first transverse axis 2 contained in the plane transverse. This translation is oriented as well along one or the other of two opposing directions aligned on this first transverse axis 2.

Each relief 12 thus imposes by itself on its corresponding lining 21 a translation position determined along this first transverse axis 2 in the test configuration of the palpation mechanism 20.

The authentication mechanism 30 comprises a plurality of authentication elements 31 to which the linings 21 are respectively associated by permanent reciprocal correspondence.

The number of authentication elements 31 is therefore identical to the number of fittings 21.

Each authentication element 31 adopts, in the transverse plane and along the first transverse axis 2, a translation position determined by the translation position of the corresponding lining 21 and, relative to the longitudinal axis 1 of the key 10, a rotational position linked by a function determined to the translational position of this authentication element 31.

The authentication elements 31 thus adopt, during the introduction of the key 10, respective positions collectively defining a dynamic configuration of the authentication mechanism 30 depending on the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism 20 and freezing, once the key introduced, in the reference configuration. As shown in Figure 10, each liner 21 is shaped into a substantially cylindrical ring pierced with a profiled central orifice 22 in which is embossed a relief 12 of the key at least. The lining 21 offers an external surface 23 having at least a first cylindrical longitudinal section 231 and a second longitudinal section 232 made partially non-cylindrical by at least one axial rib 24. The first section 231 and the cylindrical part of the second section 232 are of same diameter and substantially the same longitudinal length.

The linings 21 typically carry three ribs 24 distributed evenly along the periphery of the second longitudinal section 232.

These ribs 24 came integrally with the lining. Each rib is delimited by a radial surface 241 parallel to the external surface 23, two longitudinal edges 242 parallel to one another, and two transverse edges 243 parallel to each other substantially in ring sectors.

Each authentication element 31 comprises at least first and second identical thin rings 32 and 33 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5. Each crown 32, 33 has an outer edge 321, 331 carrying teeth 322, 332 which are substantially radial. These rings 32, 33 are also each pierced with an authentication orifice 323, 333 covering at least the straight projections of the first and second longitudinal sections 231, 232 of the corresponding lining 21, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.

This authentication orifice therefore has the shape of a disc, an outer edge of which carries three cutouts 324, 334 in the shape of the axial ribs 24, regularly distributed around its periphery.

In the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism 20, the first section 231 of the lining 21 corresponding to the authentication element 31 is engaged without freedom of translation and with free rotation in the first and second crowns 32 and 33, as shown for example in FIG. 8. The first and second crowns 32 and 33 are concentric and flattened one against the other.

The rotor 40 has the general shape of a cylinder with an axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the key 10, and referenced 1 like this. This rotor 40 comprises, as shown in FIG. 1, a transverse front plate 47, oblong cavities 41 transverse in number equal to the number of linings 21, and a transverse rear plate 48.

The front plate 47, generally in the form of a center disc 471, is pierced with an orifice 472 for introducing the key 10. This orifice 472 comprises at least one round part located in the center of the front plate, this round part serving of the bearing for guiding the key 10 in rotation. The rear plate 48 has, on an inner face, a hollow relief not shown in the figures, of a shape corresponding to that of the head 13 of the key 10. This head 13 comes engage in the recessed relief when the key 10 is fully inserted into the rotor 40.

The cavities 41, illustrated in FIG. 11, are all identical and elongated along the first transverse axis 2. Their transverse sections form approximately ellipses of center 411 and of major axis along the first transverse axis 2.

The cross sections of these cavities 41 are symmetrical with respect to the first transverse axis 2, and symmetrical with respect to a transverse axis perpendicular to the first transverse axis 2. Two adjacent oblong cavities 41 are separated by a transverse web 46, having an oblong opening 461 . These openings 461 having two elongated edges

463 opposites each comprising a right central part

464 parallel to the first transverse axis 2, and two curved edges connecting the elongated edges 463. These openings 461 are symmetrical with respect to the first transverse axis 2, and symmetrical with respect to a transverse axis perpendicular to the first transverse axis 2, and having a center 462.

The size of the openings 461 is smaller than the size of the cross sections of the cavities 41.

The center 471 of the front plate 47, the centers

411 cross sections of the cavities 41, the centers 462 of the openings 461 of the sails 46 and the hollow relief of the rear plate 48 are all aligned along a longitudinal axis.

Each oblong cavity 41 is permanently associated with a lining 21 and an authentication element 31.

Each oblong cavity 41 is delimited by first and second opposite elongated edges 42 and 43 bearing

• each in its center a longitudinal fixing rib, respectively 421 and 431.

A first rack 44, illustrated in FIG. 3, is disposed in each oblong cavity 41. It is in the form of a thin metallic piece, of thickness close to the thickness of the first and second rings, and includes an edge right 441, two opposite ends of which are connected by a concave edge 442. The right edge 441 has four teeth 443 in its center. The concave edge 442 has at its center a recess 444 of shape complementary to the cross section of the fixing rib 421.

The first rack 44 is disposed in the oblong cavity 41, in a transverse plane, the fixing rib 421 being engaged in one recess 444 so that the rack 44 is linked in translation along the first transverse axis 2. The teeth 443 are then turned in a direction perpendicular to the first transverse axis 2.

The first ring gear 32 of the authentication element 31 corresponding to the cavity 41 is mounted movable in translation along the first transverse axis 2 in the oblong cavity 41. It meshes with the rack 44, as shown in Figure 3, such that the first ring 32 adopts an angular position of rotation about the longitudinal axis 1 linked by a first linear function to its position of translation in the oblong cavity 41.

This first linear function is a function of the number of teeth of the rack 44 and the number of teeth of the crown 32.

The ring gear 32 is guided in translation along the edge 42 by the rack 44, and along the edge

43 by a part of the same shape as the rack 44 but devoid of teeth, linked to the rib 431. This part is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 11.

As shown in Figure 1, the oblong cavity 41 also contains a second rack 45, identical to the first rack 44, arranged so that the fixing rib 431 is engaged in a recess 454 carried by a concave edge 452 of the rack 45.

The second crown 33 of the authentication element 31 corresponding to the cavity 41 is mounted movable in translation along the first transverse axis 2 in the oblong cavity 41 and meshes with the second rack 45, as shown in FIG. 4.

Like the crown 32, the crown 33 is guided in translation along the edge 43 by the rack 45, and along the edge 42 by the part 46, visible in FIG. 11, devoid of teeth but of shape similar to the rack 44.

Thus, the second rack 45 and the second ring 33 on the one hand, and the first rack 44 and to the first ring 32 on the other hand, are arranged symmetrically in the oblong cavity 41 relative to the first transverse axis 2. The racks 44 and 45 are arranged opposite in the oblong cavity 41. The second ring 33 adopts an angular position of rotation around the longitudinal axis linked by a second linear function to its translation position in the oblong cavity 41.

This second linear function is a function of the number of teeth of the rack 45 and the number of teeth of the crown 33. It varies in the opposite direction from the first linear function.

The size of the oblong opening 461 of the web 46 is smaller in at least one direction than the diameter of the toothed crowns 32 and 33, these crowns therefore being trapped in the oblong cavity 41.

The longitudinal thickness of the oblong cavity 41 corresponds approximately to the total thickness of the first and second crowns 32 and 33 pressed one against the other, so that these crowns are guided in their transverse movements by the webs 46 .

The longitudinal length of each of the first and second sections 231 and 232 of each lining 21 is also substantially equal to the total thickness of the first and second rings 32 and 33 pressed against one another.

The linings 21 are aligned one behind the other in the rotor 40 in a longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first section 231 of each lining 21 is on the side of the back plate 48, and the second section 232 is on the side of the front plate. During the phase of introduction of the key 10 into the rotor 40, the first section 231 of each lining 21 is engaged in the authentication orifices 323 and 333 of the corresponding first and second crowns 32 and 33, while the second section 232 is engaged in the oblong opening 461 of the web 46 bordering the corresponding cavity 41 on the front plate side 47. When the key 10 is introduced into the mechanism palpation 20, the linings 21 move along the first transverse axis 2, and move in rotation about the longitudinal axis 1, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 6. When the key is fully inserted, each lining 21 is crossed by the key and therefore underwent a displacement along the first transverse axis 2 corresponding to. coding relief 12 of the part of the key passing through it. Each lining 21 drives the first and second corresponding rings 32 and 33 in translation along the first transverse axis 2, which roll on the racks 44 and 45 and therefore undergo a rotation in the transverse plane while remaining concentric. The first and second rings 32 and 33 undergo rotations in opposite directions.

The authentication orifices 323 and 333 also undergo rotations in opposite directions. These rotations bring the authentication orifices 323 and 333 and their cutouts 324 and 334 into determined respective angular positions. These angular positions may or may not overlap perfectly, that is to say cause the three cutouts 324 and the three cutouts 334 to overlap or not. The lining 21 itself undergoes rotation under the influence of the corresponding relief 12 of the key 10, which brings the three axial ribs 24 to a predetermined angular position.

The test configuration therefore corresponds to all of the angular positions that the ribs 24 of the linings 21 will adopt, under the influence of angular displacements imposed by the coding reliefs of the key 12.

The reference configuration corresponds to all of the angular positions that the cutouts 324 and 334 of the authentication elements 31 will adopt, under the influence of the displacements along the first transverse axis 2 imposed by the coding reliefs of the key 12.

The comparison between the test configuration and the reference configuration is carried out by a translational movement of the key 10, along its longitudinal axis, beyond the movement of introduction of the key which leads to the test configurations and reference. The key 10 comprises a bulge 14 at one end of its front part 11, this bulge 14 coming to be positioned inside the round part of the orifice for introducing the key 472 when the latter is introduced into the rotor 40 to the point leading to the test and reference configurations.

The key 10, in its movement beyond this point, drives the linings 21 in translation via the bulge 14, which pushes the lining closest to the front plate 47. The device then adopts its unlocked state when each lining 21 can engage in the authentication orifices 323 and 333 of the toothed rings 32 and 33 of the authentication element 31 corresponding to this lining 21. This is possible if the angular positions of all the cutouts 324, of all the cutouts 334 and of all the axial ribs 24 are perfectly corresponding. This situation is shown in Figures 5, 7 and 8. The device adopts its locked state at least when one of the axial ribs 24 of at least one lining 21 abuts on an edge of the orifice authentication 323 or 333 of at least one ring gear 32 or 33 of the authentication element 31 corresponding to this lining 21.

This is done if at least one cut 324 is not in the same angular position as a cut 334, or if an axial rib is not in the same angular position as a cut 324 or a cut 334. A situation of this type is shown in Figure 6.

When the device adopts its unlocked state, the longitudinal displacement of the linings 21 causes the first sections 231 of the linings to engage at least partially in the oblong opening 461 of the web 46 bordering the corresponding cavities 41 on the backplate side 47. At the same time, the second sections 232 of the linings engage at least partially in the authentication orifices 323 and 333 of the corresponding first and second rings 32 and 33. This situation is represented in FIG. 9. It will be noted that this movement is only possible if a clearance exists between the rear plate 48 and the cavity 41 closest to the latter, and between the front plate 47 and the cavity 41 closest to it.

These deflections are for example created by inserting an additional veil 46 between the front plate 47 and the nearest cavity 41, and another veil 46 between the rear plate 48 and the nearest cavity 41.

The coding of the device is therefore carried out by performing the following steps for each lining 21. 1 / Choose on the racks 44/45 of the oblong orifice 41 corresponding to the lining 21 the transverse position of the crowns 32 and 33 for which the unlocking will be carried out; this amounts to choosing the transverse displacement of the lining 21 for which the unlocking will be carried out.

2 / Choose the angular position that the first and second crowns 32 and 33 will occupy in the transverse position chosen at 1 / and for which the unlocking will be carried out.

The shape of the front part 11 of the key 10 and of the coding reliefs 12 can be deduced once these parameters have been set.

To make hooking the device more difficult, at least one lining 21, and in general all of them, carries at least one relief of an axial lure 25 on the second section 232 of its external surface 23, as shown for example in FIG. 10.

This lure 25 is in the form of a rib integrally formed with the lining 21, long and narrow, of semi-disc section.

The axial length of this lure 25 is greater than the axial length of the axial ribs 24 carried by the lining 21. The lures 25 extend longitudinally towards the first section 231 beyond the end of the ribs 24.

The respective authentication holes 323 and 333 of the first and second rings 32 and 33 of the authentication element 31 corresponding to the lining 21 each comprise a plurality of notches 35 of axial sections corresponding to the axial section of the lure, visible in FIGS. 3 to 9. The number of notches 35 is greater than the number of lures 25 carried by the lining 21.

The lure 25 can engage in a notch 35 by axial translation of the lining 21 while the device is in its locked state. In this case, the lure 25 engages until an axial rib 24 of the lining 21 abuts on a ring gear 32 or 33.

This characteristic of the device makes it more difficult for a picker to test for each lining 21 individually the angular positions which make it possible to engage said lining in the associated toothed rings. When the device can adopt its unlocking position, the lures 25 are aligned with notches 35. The axial movement of the key 10 by which the comparison between the test and reference configurations is carried out entails the engagement of the lures 25 in these corresponding notches 35, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 to 9.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the linings carry 6 lures distributed regularly between the ribs, and the toothed rings carry 12 notches each, distributed regularly between the cutouts 324 and 334.

The central orifice 22 of each lining 21 has cross sections whose size varies longitudinally. This size decreases from a longitudinal end towards a median plane of the lining 21, and increases symmetrically from the median plane to the opposite longitudinal end of the lining 21. The central opening therefore has bevelled edges in the direction longitudinal.

This characteristic is particularly advantageous since the key 10 has reliefs 12 on its front part 11 which can form marked angles between them. The bevelled edges of the central orifice 22 make it possible to introduce the key through the trim despite these marked angles.

The cross sections of the central orifice 22 of each lining 21 have substantially triangular equilateral shapes. The angles of these triangles are cut.

Other shapes can also be adapted, square, pentagonal, polygonal, or even lobed.

In the embodiment of the invention described above, each lining 21 comprises three axial ribs 24. These ribs are located in angular positions corresponding to those of the corners of the central orifice 22. It is possible to use a greater number of axial ribs, four or even more, without departing from the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10, each toothed crown comprises 36 teeth, and each rack comprises four teeth.

These numbers of teeth are adequate for the purpose sought, but it is possible to implement the device of the invention for example with racks of three to six teeth and crowns of twenty seven to fifty four teeth.

The device contains six packings in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10. It can also be used with a lower number of packings, or more.

The smaller the number of fittings, the lower the level of safety of the device.

Conversely, a high number of linings ensures higher safety, but increases the cost and forces to decrease the size of each coding relief. Below a minimum size, there is a risk of device malfunction.

The device may comprise only one crown per liner, so as to simplify the mechanism and / or to allow several translations, therefore to accept several keys.

The key 10 carries on its front part 11 the coding reliefs 12. This front part 11 has transverse sections of envelope shapes deducing from each other by translation along the first transverse axis 2 and by rotation around the longitudinal axis 1 of the key 10.

To facilitate assembly of the device, the rotor is divided along a longitudinal plane into two half-cylinders. These half-cylinders are secured to one another by conventional means, such as for example screws or rivets.

It will be appreciated that the device described above is particularly difficult to crochet. The test configuration of the mechanism is in fact obtained by a double movement of the linings, in a transverse and rotating direction. The reference configuration of the authentication elements also results from a double movement, the angular displacement being linked to the lateral displacement via the racks. The authentication elements include two crowns rolling in opposite directions, which makes the hooking of the device even more complicated. Finally, the operating principle of the device is new and still unknown to crocheters.

Claims

REVENDI CATIONS

1. Device for selective locking and unlocking of an actuating movement, applicable to a safety lock, this device comprising at least one key

(10) elongated along an axis (1) and carrying authenticity coding reliefs (12) succeeding each other along the longitudinal axis (1) of the key and extending perpendicular to this axis, a palpation mechanism of the coding reliefs (20), in which the key (10) is selectively introduced by a translational movement along its axis, a mechanism for authentication of the coding reliefs (30), and a rotor (40) in which are housed the palpation (20) and authentication (30) mechanisms, the palpation mechanism (20) comprising a set of fittings (21) to which the reliefs (12) of the key (10) are respectively associated by a reciprocal correspondence established after introduction of the key (10), these fittings (21)

• adopting, during the introduction of the key (10), respective positions controlled by the successive reliefs (12) of the key (10) and collectively defining a dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism (20) freezing in a configuration static test once the key (10) has been introduced, the authentication mechanism (30) providing a reference configuration at the latest after introduction of the key

(10), and the device performing a comparison between the test configuration and the reference configuration, and adopting a blocking or unblocking state depending on whether the comparison reveals, or not, a correspondence between the compared configurations, each relief ( 12) of the key (10) brought opposite a lining (21) ensuring, in the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism (20), a guiding in rotation of this lining (21) around the longitudinal axis of the key (10) both clockwise and counterclockwise, each relief (12) thus imposing by itself on the corresponding lining (21) an angular orientation determined in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the key (10) in the test configuration of the palpation mechanism (20), characterized in that the authentication mechanism

(30) includes a plurality of authentication elements

(31) which adopt, when the key (10) is introduced, respective positions collectively defining a dynamic configuration of the authentication mechanism (30) depending on the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism (20) and freezing, once the key (10) has been entered, in the reference configuration.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism (20), each relief (12) of the key (10) brought opposite a lining (21) also provides a guiding in translation of this lining (21)

, Along at least a first transverse axis (2) contained in the transverse plane and as well along one or the other of two opposing directions aligned on this first transverse axis (2), each relief (12) imposing thus by itself to the corresponding lining (21) a translation position determined along this first transverse axis (2) in the test configuration of the palpation mechanism (20).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the linings (21) are respectively associated by a permanent reciprocal correspondence to the authentication elements (31), each authentication element (31) adopting, in the transverse and following plane the first transverse axis (2), a translation position determined by the translation position of the corresponding lining (21) and, relative to the longitudinal axis (1) of the key (10), a position of rotation linked by a function determined to the position of translation of this authentication element (31).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that each lining (21) is shaped into a ring pierced with a central orifice (22) profiled in which is selectively engaged a relief (12) of the key (10) at least , this lining (21) providing an external surface (23) having at least a first cylindrical longitudinal section (231) and a second longitudinal section (232) made partially non-cylindrical by an axial rib (24), in that the element authentication (31) corresponding to this lining (21) comprises at least a first toothed ring (32) pierced with an authentication orifice (323) covering at least the straight projections of the first and second longitudinal sections (231) and (232) of the corresponding lining (21) and in which is engaged without freedom of translation and with free rotation the first section (231) of the corresponding lining (21) in the dynamic configuration of the palpat mechanism ion (20), in that the first ring gear (32) is mounted movable in translation in an oblong cavity (41) of the rotor (40) delimited by first and second elongated edges (42) and (43) following the first transverse axis (2), and in that the first toothed ring (32) meshes with a rack (44) disposed on the first edge (42) of the oblong cavity

(41) to adopt, around the longitudinal axis, an angular position of rotation linked by a first linear function to its translation position in the oblong cavity (41).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that each authentication element (31) comprises a second toothed ring (33) pierced with an authentication orifice (333) covering at least the straight projections of the first and second sections longitudinal (231) and (232) of the corresponding lining (21) and in which is engaged without freedom of translation and free rotation the first section (231) of the corresponding lining (21) in the dynamic configuration of the palpation mechanism ( 20), in that this second toothed ring (33) is mounted movable in translation in the same oblong cavity (41) of the rotor (40) as the first toothed ring (32), and in that the second toothed ring (33 ) meshes with a rack (45) disposed on the second edge (43) of the oblong cavity (41) to adopt, around the longitudinal axis, an angular position of rotation linked to its translation position in the oblong cavity (41 ) by a second linear function, varying in opposite direction to the first linear function.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the comparison between the test configuration and the reference configuration is carried out by a translational movement of the key (10), along its longitudinal axis, beyond the movement d introduction of the key (10) which leads to the test and reference configurations, the device adopting its unlocking state when each lining

(21) can engage in the authentication orifice (323, 333) of each toothed crown (32, 33) of the authentication element (31) corresponding to this lining (21), and adopting its state locking at least when the axial rib (24) of the second longitudinal section (232) of at least one lining (21) abuts on an edge of the authentication orifice (323, 333) of at least one crown toothed (32, 33) of the authentication element (31) corresponding to this lining (21).

7. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that at least one lining (21) carries at least one relief of an axial lure (25) on its second section (232), the axial length of this lure (25) being greater than the axial length of the axial ribs (24) carried by the lining (21), in that the authentication orifices (323) and (333) respectively of the first and second crowns (32) and (33) of the authentication element (31) corresponding to the lining (21) each comprise a plurality of notches (35) of axial sections corresponding to the axial section of the lure (25), the number of notches (35) being greater than the number of lures (25) carried by the lining (21), and in that the lure (25) can engage in a notch (35) by axial translation of the lining (21) while the device is in its blocked state.

8. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the central orifice (22) of each lining (21) has cross sections whose size varies longitudinally, this size decreasing from one longitudinal end towards a median plane of the lining (21), and increasing symmetrically from the median plane to the opposite longitudinal end.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the cross sections of the central orifice (22) of each lining (21) have polygonal or lobed shapes.

10. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that each lining (21) comprises at least three axial ribs

(24), each toothed ring (32, 33) comprises from twenty seven to fifty four teeth (322, 332) and each rack (44, 45) comprises from three to six teeth (443).

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it contains at least two seals (21).

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the key (10) comprises a front part (11) carrying the reliefs of coding (12), this front part having transverse sections of envelope forms deducing from each other by translation along a first transverse axis and by rotation around the longitudinal axis of the key (10).