WO2016162363A1

WO2016162363A1 - Lock and key

Info

Publication number: WO2016162363A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/057486
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alejandro OJEDA GONZÁLEZ-POSADA; Felix Michael REINERT
Original assignee: Urbanalps Ag
Priority date: 2015-04-09
Filing date: 2016-04-06
Publication date: 2016-10-13

Abstract

A lock for use with a key ( 50 ) comprises a key cavity (20a), a driving part (14), blocking means (21, 22, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43b, 44a, 44b), and validating means (25-32, 34-38, 41a, 43a), which are coupled to the blocking means so as to change the state of the blocking means when the key used with the lock has a correct coding. The validating means comprise at least one reading member (25-32 ) with a recess for receiving a portion of the wall of the key. The key comprises a wall with at least one coding cavity defining a hollow geometry, which includes at least one coding path. The latter comprises straight coding path portions, wherein the distance between a coding path portion and a key axis defines a coding of the key.

Description

Lock and key

The present invention relates to a lock and a key. Many technical improvements haven been made to increase the security of lock and key systems. Keys which are

mechanically coded by the provision of dimples or the like include their coding on the outer surface. Thus, the coding is fully visible. With the progress of scanning and

fabricating techniques the risk increases that unauthorized duplications of a key are made. It is nowadays possible to take pictures of the key e.g. by means of a cellular phone and to make a duplication of the key by means of a suitable fabricating machine. Key lockers for instance, which are used by public people e.g. in stations, or other locks using mechanically coded keys may become targets for unauthorized persons to open them by using duplicated keys .

In the unpublished Swiss patent application no_:. 01740/13 of the same applicant, a key with a significantly improved security level is disclosed. The key comprises a hollow geometry for coding the key. The corresponding lock is configured to validate a key by reading the geometry.

Further progress is desirable to improve such key and lock systems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a lock and a key having an increased safety level with respect to duplication, wherein the lock is in particular usable with a key having a slender design.

For solving this object, a lock according to in claim 1 is provided. Also, a key according to claim 12 is provided. According to claim 21, a method for fabricating a component of a lock, a key, or both is provided. The further claims specify additional embodiments of the lock and the key. According to an aspect, a lock comprises at least one reading member with a recess for receiving a portion of a key wall with at least one coding cavity, which defines a hollow geometry for coding the key. After insertion of the key, part of the at least one reading member is inside the coding cavity and part of the at least one reading member is outside the coding cavity. The lock is suitable to be used with a key having a slender design. The coding cavity may be formed for instance in a key body having an oblong cross- section, e.g. a rectangular or another polygonal cross- section.

The at least one reading member may be movably arranged so as to engage with at least one coding path of the key and to follow it, as the key is inserted into the key cavity.

The at least one reading member may comprise an input element being connected to an output element for

transmitting a motion. For instance the reading member may be configured to transform a rotational movement of the input element into a linear movement of the output element.

The lock may be configured such that the key can be

validated by inserting it into the lock, wherein the key is moved exclusively in a linear direction. Once the key is completely inserted and has the correct coding, the key is rotatable with respect to a housing of the lock. According to another aspect, a key comprises a wall with at least one coding cavity, which defines a hollow geometry for coding the key. The geometry includes at least one coding path comprising straight coding path portions, which are arranged parallel to a key axis . The distance between a coding path portion and the key axis defines a coding of the key. Provision of at least one coding path has the advantage that it may serve as a guide for the validating means of the lock, such that insertion of the key into the lock is facilitated.

A wall of the key defining the at least one coding cavity may be made of one piece by applying for instance an additive manufacturing process.

The coding path may be in form of a linear structure and may be defined by opposing sides. The coding path may extend in a plane. The opposing sides of the coding path may define a channel, a ridge or a line of one or more channel sections and one or more ridge sections, e.g. a first channel section followed by a ridge section. Thereby, the coding path is formed in the wall as a negative and/or positive structure. The intermediate side of the coding path, which is arranged between the opposing sides, may define the bottom of the channel and/or the top of the ridge. The depth and/or height of this intermediate side may vary along the course of the coding path. Also the cross-section of the coding path may vary along its course, such that the form of the opposing and/or intermediate sides varies.

The key may comprise a key body which has an external geometry for an additional coding of the key. The external geometry may comprise dimples, holes, teeth and/or grooves. The key body may be provided with a flat external surface.

The key may comprise at least one of an electronic, a biometric, a magnetic and a photo sensor for an additional coding of the key. The key may be made at least partially of metal, ceramic and/or plastic. The key body part may be provided with a slit overlapping with the coding cavity and the hollow geometry. The slit, at least in part, may extend through the coding cavity.

Following, further embodiments are described with reference to Figures. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a lock;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the housing of the lock according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows part of the reading members of the lock according to Fig. 1 in a top view;

Fig. 4 shows another part of the reading members of the lock according to Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 5 shows part of the validating means of the lock according to Fig. 1 in a side view;

Fig. 6 shows the plug member of the lock according to Fig. 1 in a side view;

Fig. 7 shows the plug member of Fig. 6 in a top view;

Fig. 8 shows the plug member of Fig. 6 sectioned along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 shows the plug member of Fig. 6 sectioned along the line IX-IX in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 shows the plug member of Fig. 6 in a perspective view; Fig. 11 shows the plug member of Fig. 6 in a rear view;

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the lock of Fig. 1 in the assembled state, wherein the housing and the plug member are not shown;

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a key and the lock of Fig. 1 in the assembled state;

Fig. 14 shows the body part of the key according to Fig. 13 in a sectioned side view;

Fig. 15 shows the key body of the key according to Fig. 14 sectioned along the line XV-XV in Fig. 16;

Fig. 16 shows the key of Fig. 13 in a side view;

Fig. 17 shows the key of Fig. 13 in a top view;

Fig. 18 shows the key and part of the validating and blocking means of the lock of Fig. 13 in a perspective view;

Fig. 19 shows the plug member and the validating means of the lock of Fig. 13 with the key inserted therein in a rear view;

Fig. 20 shows the arrangement of Fig. 19 sectioned along line XX-XX in Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 shows the arrangement of Fig. 19 sectioned along line XXI-XXI in Fig. 19;

Fig. 22 shows part of the lock of Fig. 13 in a sectioned front view, wherein the blocking element engages in a groove of the housing; Fig. 23 shows the embodiment of Fig. 22, wherein the blocking element is in the unblocking state;

Fig. 24 shows the embodiment of Fig. 22, wherein the blocking element and the validating means are in the

blocking state;

Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a key; and

Fig. 26 shows the key according to Fig. 25 in a top view.

Fig. 1 shows various components of a lock configured for a use with a key 50 comprising a coding cavity 55 (see Fig. 13) . The lock comprises a housing 11 enclosing validating means for validating the key 50, an end member 12a, 12b connected to the housing 11 via a bridge element 13, and a driving element 14 with a cam 14a. If the correct key 50 is used, the driving element 14 can be rotated to unlock or lock the actual locking mechanism, e.g. a bolt of a door or the like. It is conceivable to configure the driving element such that it serves directly as a locking mechanism.

A spacing 11a is formed between the rearward end of the housing 11 and the end member 12a, 12b for receiving the driving element 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the end member comprises a ring element 12a and a support element 12b, which, in the assembled state, is enclosed by the ring element 12a and firmly attached thereto for

instance by means of one or more screws. The support element 12b includes a circular part 12c, which, in the assembled state, protrudes into the spacing 11a and extends into a recess formed in the rearward end of the driving element 14. The support element 12b serves for holding the driving element 14 and, when the lock is in the unlocked state, for guiding the driving element 14 when it is rotated. In a further embodiment, the end member 12a, 12b may be designed as a one-piece element or as multiple elements.

The housing 11 has a cavity 15, which is designed as

circular cylindrical through-going opening. The cavity 15 serves for receiving a plug member 20 and the key 50. The housing 11 serves as a stator. The plug member 20 is configured to be a rotatable relative to the housing 11 when opening or closing the lock.

The housing 11 includes a recess 17a, which in the present embodiment, is designed as a slit, which goes through the wall of the housing 11 and extends circumferentially along a given angle. The recess 17a serves for receiving a stopper element 17b, which, in the assembled state, protrudes into the opening 15 and extends into a guiding recess 20b formed in the plug member 20. Thereby, the plug member 20 is rotatable relatively to the housing 11, but cannot extracted thereout. In the present embodiment, the wall of the housing 11 includes through-going holes 16a, 16b, which serves for receiving key pins 41, 43.

A cover 18 in the form of a sleeve is provided for enclosing the housing 11 in order to cover in particular the holes 16a, 16b and the recess 17a. The cover 18 is firmly

attachable to the housing 11 for instance by means of one or more screws .

The plug member 20 is configured to receive the key 50 and to carry validating and blocking means in such a manner, that at least part of these means can be rotated together with the plug member 20 and the key 50, when the latter has the correct coding. The plug member 20 comprises a key cavity 20a, which extends in the insertion direction of the key 50 and which serves for receiving a portion of the key 50. The validating means extends into the key cavity 20a to sense an inner face of the key.

In the assembled state, the plug member 20 is coupled in a rotationally fixed fashion to the driving element 14 by means of a clutch member 19, which has a non-circular cross- section, for instance a substantially rectangular cross- section. The rearward end of the clutch member 19 is

received in a recess 14b, which is formed in the driving element 14 and which has a form complementary to the

rearward end of the clutch member 19. In an analogous manner, the forward end of the clutch member 19 is received in a recess 20d, which is formed in the plug member 20 and which has a form complementary to the forward end of the clutch member 19.

The plug member 20 has a lateral groove 20c, which extends alongside of the plug member 20 and which serves for

receiving a blocking element 21. The latter is for instance formed as a sidebar 21, which, in the rest position of the assembled lock, is pushed out of the groove 20c into an opposed groove formed in the housing 11 by using elastic means, e.g. one or more springs 22 (see groove lib in Fig. 2) . The lock further comprises validating means, which include one or more reading members 25-32 for sensing an inner face of the key 50. In the present embodiment, a reading member 25-32 is movably arranged in order to engage and follow a coding path inside the key 50. A reading member 25-32 comprises a recess 25a, 27a, 29a, 31a (see Fig. 3 and 4) for receiving a wall portion of the key 50.

In the present embodiment, a reading member includes an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 and an end output element 26, 28, 30, 32. An axle 34, 35 is provided for arranging an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 in a pivotable manner in the plug member 20. Prestressing means 36-38 are provided for holding an input element 25 in a defined rest position, when the key 50 is not inserted into the key cavity 20a. In the present embodiment, the prestressing means comprise one or more springs 36a, 36b, 36c, which act on the rearward end of an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 via a pusher element 37a, 37b, 37c. A stopper element 38 serving as a stopper for the springs 36a, 36b is provided. The stopper element 38 is receivable in a recess 20e, which is formed in the plug member 20. Here, a pusher element 37a, 37b, 37c has a cup- shaped form by providing a sleeve which is closed at one end with a bottom plate. In the assembled state, a spring 36a, 36b, 36c is received in the pusher element 37a, 37b, 37c and pushes against the bottom plate of sleeve, which contacts an input element 25, 27, 29, 31.

The plug member 20 further comprises recesses 20f (see Fig, 6 and 8) . The recesses 20f serve for receiving the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32 so that these are linearly

displaceable, here in the z-axis, which is transverse to the insertion direction of the key, here the y-axis.

In the present embodiment, the validating means further comprises key pins 41, 43, which are urged by means of prestressing means 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b through the wall of the plug member 20 into the key cavity 20a. A key pin 41, 43 comprises a validating end 41a, 43a for sensing an outer surface of the key 50 and a driving end 41b, 43b cooperating with the prestressing means 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b. The plug member 20 comprises recesses in the form of through-going holes 20g, 20h for receiving the key pins 41, 43, so that they are linearly displaceable (here, along the z-axis for the key pins 41 and along the x-axis for the key pins 43) . The prestressing means 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b comprise springs 42a, 44a which act via pusher elements 42b, 44b on the ends 41b, 43b of the key pins 41, 43. In the assembled state, the springs 42a, 44a and pusher elements 42b, 44b are received in the holes 16a, 16b of the housing 11, which are closed by the cover 18. Here, a pusher element 42b, 44b has a cup- shaped form by providing a sleeve which is closed at one end with a bottom plate. In the assembled state, a spring 42a, 44a is received in the pusher element 42b, 44b and pushes against the bottom plate of the sleeve, which contacts a key pin 41, 43. Optionally, the lock comprises a guiding mean which

facilitates the introduction of the key 50 into the lock. In the present embodiment, the guiding mean comprises a guiding pin 45, which, in the assembled state, is received in a recess 20i formed in the plug member 20 and extends into the key cavity 20a.

Optionally, the lock comprises safety means which makes it more difficult to pick the lock. In the present embodiment, the safety means comprise at least one protection element 46a, 46b for protecting the blocking element 21. A

protection element 46a, 46b is fabricated of a material which is harder than the material of blocking element 21 and which can resist for instance a drilling operation by a usual drill. Here, a protection element 46a, 46b is in the form of a cylinder which is received in a blind hole formed in the housing 11 and arranged at the level of the groove lib for the blocking element 21, see Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 and 4 show the input elements 25, 27, 29, 31 in more details. Each input element 25, 27, 29, 31 comprises the following components :

- a recess 25a, 27a, 29a, 31a for receiving a wall portion of the coding cavity of the key,

- an outer arm 25b, 27b, 29b, 31b with an outer protrusion 25f, 27f, 29f, 31f which extends transversely to the extension direction of the outer arm 25b, 27b, 29b, 31b, - an inner arm 25d, 27d, 29d, 31d with an inner protrusion 25e, 27e, 29e, 31e which extends transversely to the extension direction of the inner arm 25d, 27d, 29d, 31d, and

- an intermediate part 25c, 27c, 29c, 31c, which connects the outer arm 25b, 27b, 29b, 31b with the inner arm 25d, 27d, 29d, 31d and which is rotatably mounted on the axle 34, 35. The outer arms 25b, 27b, 29b, 31b and the outer protrusions 25f, 27f, 29f, 31f are arranged such that they can act on the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32. The latter are arranged at the same side of the key cavity 20a, preferably along a straight line. The inner protrusions 25e, 27e, 29e, 31e are arranged such that the inner protrusions which are coupled to the same axle 34, 35 points in opposite directions (see protrusions 25e and 27e in Fig. 3 and protrusions 29e and 31e in Fig. 4) . With this arrangement, coding paths which are arranged in the coding cavity of the key on opposite wall portions can be sensed.

In the present embodiment, an inner arm 25d, 27d, 29d, 31d has the same length as the outer arm 25b, 27b, 29b, 31b, so that an inner protrusion 25e, 27e, 29e, 31e is arranged with the same distance from the rotation axis of an axle 35, 36 as the corresponding outer protrusion 25f, 27f, 29f, 31f . Thus, the movement of an inner protrusion 25e, 27e, 29e, 31e is transformed into the same movement of an outer protrusion 25f, 27f, 29f, 31f. It is conceivable, choosing said length and/or said distance differently so that there is not a one- to-one transformation of the movement.

Further, the present embodiment shows four input elements 25, 27, 29, 31, which are arranged in two pairs axially displaced to each other. The input element 27 is received in the recess 25a of the input element 25 (see Fig. 3) and the input element 31 is received in the recess 29a of the input element 29. The number of input elements is adaptable to the complexity of the look and may be one, two, three or more. Accordingly, the number of the output elements may be one, two, three or more. Furthermore, the input elements may be designed differently as shown here, e.g. in a simplified case there may be provided one or more input elements which are configured such that one or more coding paths which are arranged on the same side of the coding cavity can be sensed.

As shown in Fig. 5 an output element 26, 28, 30, 32

comprises a first recess 26a, 28a, 30a, 32a, which an outer protrusion of the input element 25, 27, 29, 31 reaches into. Thereby, a rotational movement of an input element 26, 28, 30, 32 produces a translational movement of an output element 26, 28, 30, 32. An output element 26, 28, 30, 32 comprises further a second recess 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b, which is configured to receive a portion of the blocking element 21 and which may be in the form of a notch. In the state shown in Fig. 5, the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32 have the correct position, so that the second recesses 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b are arranged at the same level. Optionally, an output element 26, 28, 30, 32 may comprise

"fake" notches or other "fake" recesses 30c, 30d, 32c, which have no mechanical function, but which makes it more

difficult for someone trying to pick the lock to find the correct position of the output element 26, 28, 30, 32.

In the present embodiment, an output element 26, 28, 30, 32 is designed as a cylindrical body with circumferential clearances for forming the recesses 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b, 30a- 30d, 32a-32c. A recess 26a, 28a, 30a, 32a for coupling an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 to the output element 26, 28, 30, 32 may be formed as a blind-hole or may comprise a blind-hole.

As shown in particular in Fig. 6 and 8 the recesses 20f, which serve for receiving and guiding the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32, are formed in the wall of the plug member 20. The groove 20c includes windows 20k, which go through the wall of the plug member 20 and which are in line with the recesses 20f, so that a portion of an output element 26, 28, 30, 32 is positionable in a window 20k. The groove 20c further includes at each end a blind hole 201 for receiving an end portion of spring 22. The plug member 20 includes through-going holes 20m for receiving axles 34, 35. The rearward end 20n of the plug member 20 has a stepped design for reaching into the driving element 14, when the

components 14 and 20 are connected with each other.

Fig. 7, 9, and 10 show among others the recess 20e

configured to receive the components 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b, 38 of the prestressing means and recess 20o configured to receive components 36c, 37c of the prestressing means. A through-going hole 20g, 20h has a form, which contracts towards the key cavity 20a by providing for instance a step. Thereby, a stopper face for a key pin 41, 43 is given. As the rear view in Fig. 11 shows, the wall of the plug member 20 has a recess 20p closed at the forward end of the plug member 20. The recess 20p is connected to the key cavity 20a and forms a chamber for receiving the outer arms 25b, 27b, 29b, 31b of the validating means, when their inner arms 25d, 27d, 29d, 31d are arranged in the key cavity 20a.

Fig. 12 shows the position in particular of the validating means 25-32, 41a, 43a and the blocking means 21, 22, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43b, 44a, 44b within the plug member 20, when the lock is assembled. Fig. 13 shows the assembled lock and the key 50 usable therewith. Further views of the key 50 are shown in Fig. 14 to 17. The key 50 has a handling part 51 and a key body 52 with a coding cavity 55 defining a hollow geometry. This geometry defines a specific coding of the key 50, which is validated when used with the lock. The key body 52 extends along a longitudinal key axis 54 which gives the insertion direction, in which the key 50 is insertable into the key cavity 20a of the lock. The coding cavity 55 extends along the key axis 54 and comprises one or more coding paths 60, 60*, 61, 61'. A coding path 60, 60*, 61, 61' is formed in the inside of the wall 53 defining the coding cavity 55. In the present embodiment, the key cavity 55 has a

substantially rectangular cross-section. Other cross- sections are also conceivable.

As shown in Fig. 14, the coding path 60 comprises coding path portions 60a-60d, which are straight and parallel to the key axis 54. The distance D of a coding path portion 60a-60d from the key axis 54 defines a coding of the key 50. As seen in the section of Fig. 14, the coding path portions 60a-60d form steps of different heights.

Coding path portions 60a-60d adjacent to each other are connected by connecting path portions 60h, 60i, 60k. At least two coding path portions 60a-60d have a different distance D. Thus, there is given a least one undercut, i.e. when looking along the key axis 54 into the coding cavity 55 a rearward portion of the wall 53, in which the coding path 60 is formed, is hidden behind a forward portion of the wall 53. Provision of the at least one undercut has the effect that the geometry of the rearward wall portion cannot be seen when looking into the key cavity 55. Here, four coding path portions 60a-60d are provided in correspondence to the number of the input and output elements of the validating means 25-32. As outlined above, this number is freely choosable and accordingly the number the coding path

portions 60a-60d may be one, two, three or more.

A connecting path portion 60h-60k, may be straight, as shown in Fig. 13, or may be curved. The forward end of the coding path 60 comprises an entry path portion 60e, which tapers towards the rearward end of the key cavity 55. This design facilitates the insertion of the key 50 into the key cavity 55. In the embodiment of Fig. 14, the entry path portion 60e leads to an intermediate path portion 60f, which is straight and parallel to the key axis 54. The intermediate path portion 60f is connected via a connecting path portion 60g to the first coding path portion 60a. In the present embodiment, two pairs of coding paths 60, 60" and 61, 61' are formed in the inside of the wall 53, see

Fig. 15. The number of coding paths 60, 60', 61, 61' is freely choosable and may be one, two, three or more. As shown in Fig. 15, the wall 53 defining the key cavity 55 has two inside surfaces 53a and 53b, which are arranged opposite to each other. Coding paths which are arranged on the same side inside surface (i.e. coding paths 60 and 61 on surface 53a or coding paths 60' and 61' on surface 53b) may have the same or a different form.

Here, the inside of the coding cavity 55 has a symmetrical design so that the coding remains the same when turning the key 50 180 degrees about the key axis 54. This allows unlocking the lock when the correct key 50 is used

irrespective of the chosen orientation.

The symmetrical design is achieved by arranging on two surface 53a and 53b two coding paths having the same form, wherein the coding paths are arranged point-symmetrically about the key axis 54. In the embodiment of Fig. 15, the coding paths 60 and 60' have the same form, and the coding paths 61 and 61' have the same form.

A coding path 60, 60' , 61, 61* may be formed in the wall 53 as a negative and/or positive structure. In the present embodiment, a coding path 60, 60', 61, 61' is given by a channel which is formed at the inside of the wall 53 and which extends from the forward end of the coding cavity 55 towards the rearward end of the coding cavity 55. The channel (for instance that of coding path 60) is defined by two sides 60m and 60n, which are arranged opposite to each other and which are made integral with the wall 53. The bottom of the channel defines an intermediate side 601 connecting the two sides 60m and 60n.

In another embodiment, a coding path may be given by a ridge which protrudes into the key cavity 55 and which has two opposing sides and an intermediate side given by the top of the ridge. It also conceivable that the coding path is given by a line of one or more channel sections and of one or more ridge sections. The portion of an input element of the validating means cooperating with a coding path, when the key is inserted into the key cavity, is adapted to the design of the coding path. In the present embodiment, an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 comprises a protrusion 25e,

27e, 29e, 31e for engagement with a coding path 60, 60', 61, 61'. In a complementary design, the coding path may be configured as a ridge for engagement with a groove formed in the input element of the validating means.

Here, the coding cavity 55 ends inside the key body 52. In another embodiment, the coding cavity may be designed as a through-going tunnel. For instance, it is conceivable that the key cavity extends through the handling part 51 up to the opening 51a (see Fig. 16) . Provision of a coding cavity which is open at both ends facilitates among others removal of any dust inside the coding cavity and may prevent more efficiently a clogging of the geometry of the coding cavity.

The key body 52 comprises one or more guiding paths 62a, 62b extending in a straight line along the outside of the key body 52. In the present embodiment, the side 52a, 52b of the key body 52 has a straight groove 62a, 62b which serves as a guiding path and which extends from the forward end of the key body 52 towards its rearward end, preferably in the middle of the side 52a, 52b. When inserting the key 50 into the cavity key 55, a guiding path 62a, 62b cooperates with a corresponding mean in the lock so that the insertion

movement is guided and insertion is facilitated. Here, guiding pin 45 of the lock engages in groove 62a or 62b, when the key 50 is inserted.

In the present embodiment, the key body 52 has a cross- section, which is substantially rectangular. Thus, the outer surface of the key body 52 has a first longitudinal side 52a, a second longitudinal side 52b parallel to the side

52a, a first intermediate side 52c and a second intermediate side 52d parallel to the side 52c.

The sides 52a-52d are substantially flat. In the present embodiment, the key body 52 has on the outside external security features which together with the coding cavity 55 define the coding of the key. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16 and 17, a side 52c, 52d has a row of dimples 71, which cooperate with key pins 41 of the lock when inserting the key 50. A side 52a, 52b has two rows of dimples 72, 73. Dimples 72 cooperate with key pins 43 of the lock when inserting the key 50. Dimples 73 are not used here.

Preferably, the key 50 is configured to be symmetrical with respect to a rotation around its longitudinal axis by 180°. Thus, the dimple pattern on the sides 52a and 52b is the same and the dimple pattern on the sides 52c and 52d is the same.

Operation and usage of the lock and the key 50 are as follows :

In the assembled state of the lock, the blocking element 21 is pushed by means of the elastic means 22 into the groove lib of the housing 11. A rotation of the plug member 20 and the components supported thereby is not possible. In

addition, the springs 42a, 44a act on the pusher elements 42b, 44b such that the latter are arranged between the housing 11 and the plug member 20. Thus, the pusher elements 42b, 44b also block the plug member 20. The prestressing means 36a-36c, 37a-37c, 38 ensure that the input elements 25, 27, 29, 31 have a given rest position inside the key cavity 55, which rest position is adapted to the position of the entry path portion of a coding path (see 60e in Fig. 14) . As the key 50 is inserted into the key cavity 55, an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 engages with a coding path 60, 60', 61, 61' and follows it by rotating around the axle 34, 35. Rotation of an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 is transformed into a corresponding linear movement of the output element 26, 28, 30, 32. Insertion of the key 50 is facilitated by engagement of the guiding pin 45 with the guiding path 62a or 62b. Fig. 18 to 21 show that, when inserting the key 50, a recess 25a, 27a, 29a, 31a of an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 receives a portion of the wall 53. The inner arms 25d, 27d, 29d, 31d of the input element 25, 27, 29, 31 are arranged within the coding cavity 55 to engage with a coding path 60, 60', 61, 61*, whereas the outer arms 25b, 27b, 29b, 31b of the input element 25, 27, 29, 31 are arranged outside the coding cavity 55 to cooperate with the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32. Cooperation may be established via a protrusion engaging in a recess, whose form is adapted to form of the protrusion. Fig. 20 shows an output element 28, 32 having a blind-hole 28a, 32a for engagement with a protrusion 27f, 31f of outer arm 27, 31. After complete insertion of the key 50 a protrusion 25e,

27e, 29e, 31e of an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 is arranged in a coding path portion of a coding path 60, 60', 61, 61', e.g. protrusion 29e is arranged in coding path portion 60a. The distance of a coding path portion from the key axis 54 defines the angle with which an input element 25, 27, 29, 31 is rotated and accordingly the distance with which an output element 26, 28, 30, 32 is linearly moved. In the present embodiment, the key 50 includes also external coding

features, here in the form of dimples 71, 72, which define a certain radial position of the key pins 41, 43 and of the respective pusher elements 42b, 44b. If the key 50 does not have the correct coding, then the lock remains in the blocking state since

— at least one of the elements 26, 28, 30, 32 prevents any lateral movement of the blocking element 21 and/or

— at least one of the elements 42b, 44b is arranged between the housing 11 and the plug member 20 and/or

— the key 50 may cause at least one key pin 41, 43 to be shifted such that the driving end 41b, 43b is arranged between the housing 11 and the plug member 20.

If a correct key 50 is inserted, then all output elements 26, 28, 30, 32 are arranged such that their notches 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b line up. These lined-up notches 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b form together with groove 20c in the plug member 20 a continuous side groove into which the blocking element 21 can be received. Furthermore, when using the correct key 50, the dimples 71, 72 cause the key pins 41, 43 to be arranged in such a position that the pusher elements 42b, 44b are completely received in the holes 16a, 16b of the housing 11 and the contact area between a driving end 41b, 43b and a pusher element 42b, 44b is in line with the shear line of the plug member 20 and the housing 11. Subsequent rotation of the correct key 50 exerts a torque on the plug member 20 which counteracts the force of the elastic means 22 so that the blocking element 21 is released out of the groove lib and pushed into the continuous side groove mentioned above. This allows the components 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25-32, 34-38, 41, 43, 45 together with key 50 to be rotated with respect to the static part of the lock, i.e. housing 11 and the components 12a, 12b, 13, 17b, 18, 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b.

The lock is locked again by rotating the key 50 and with it the components 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25-32, 34-38, 41, 43, 45 into the other direction, so that the blocking element 21 can slide back into the groove lib. Withdrawal of the key 50 causes the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32 to be returned back to the "zero" position, in which the notches 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b are not lined up anymore. Furthermore, the springs 42a, 44a act on the pusher elements 42b, 44b such that these are arranged between the housing 11 and the plug member 20,

The form of the blocking element 21 may be adapted for facilitating its movement. As shown in Fig. 22 to 24 the blocking element 21 may have an outer lateral side 21a, which tapers and which, in the blocking state of the lock, is received in the groove lib, which also tapers. As a torque is exerted on the plug member 20 when using the correct key 50, the tapered surfaces of the elements lib, 21a facilitates a lateral movement of the blocking element

21. Fig. 22 to 24 also show that the blocking element 21 may have along its inner side a stepped design to form an inner lateral side 21b which is adapted to be received in the notch 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b of the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32. Fig. 22 and 23 show the lock in the unblocking state, in which the blocking element 21 can be moved between the groove lib in the housing 11 and the groove formed by the notches 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b of the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32. Fig. 24 shows the lock in the blocking state, in which at least one of the notches 26b, 28b, 30b, 32b is shifted laterally with respect to the blocking element 21, so that the latter is blocked by at least one of the output elements 26, 28, 30, 32 and cannot be moved out of the groove lib. The key 50 in the embodiment of Fig. 13 to 17 has flat lateral sides so that the thickness of the handling part 51 and the key body 52 are the same. It is conceivable that the thickness is different and/or the thickness of the handling part varies. Thereby, the handling part may be given a more ergonomic design, i.e. as design which facilitates handling of the key. Fig. 25 and 26 show an example of a key 50', in which lateral sides of the handling part 51' have inwardly curved surfaces 51'a, 51 'b. As in particular Fig. 26 shows, the handling part 51' decreases and increases again in thickness, when seen in the direction of the key axis 54.

Other forms defining an outer surface, which is at least in part curved, are conceivable for the key handle to aid its grasping. An additive manufacturing process may be used for

manufacturing the key and/or components of the lock, e.g. the plug member. The additive manufacturing process may be step-wise or in a continuous way. Additive manufacturing allows intricate features of great complexity to be

produced, even in the internal areas. For example, selective laser melting (SLM) is used, in which the geometry of the key is built by the combination of powder material and laser power in a layer by layer basis. Other possible additive manufacturing processes make use of at least one of laser sintering, laser melting, electron beam melting, fused deposition modeling, material jetting, photopolymer jetting, binder jetting, stereolithography and injection. A variant of an additive manufacturing process, which may be used for manufacturing the key and/or a component of the lock, is disclosed in the patent application US 2014/0361463 Al. In this process, solid 3D objects are fabricated from liquid polymerizable materials.

The additive manufacturing process allows the creation even of highly complex internal structures, An additive

manufacturing process allows the provision of a set of multiple keys each having a unique coding, which cannot be duplicated by conventional methods and therefore guarantees a high security level. Depending on the complexity of the key to be fabricated other processes may be used for manufacturing it in integral form, e.g. casting.

From the above description, numerous modifications are accessible to a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the claims .

The design and number of the reading members 25-32 may be chosen differently as shown in the figures. In a simplified embodiment, a single reading member may be provided.

Furthermore, the means for engagement of the at least one reading member with the key is adaptable . For instance a complementary design is conceivable, wherein a coding path portion of a key is formed as a ridge and the reading member has a suitable recess to receive the ridge.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, there are

validating means 25-32, 34-38 for sensing the coding cavity of the key and further validating means 41a, 43a for sensing other security features of the key. The further validating and blocking means 41-44 shown in the figures may be left away or they be designed differently. For instance the number, position, form and/or other parameters of the pins 41, 43 may be chosen differently. In another embodiment the lock may have further validating means configured to

validate a key, which includes an electronic, optical, biometric and/or magnetic sensor for forming additional security features . The cross-section of a coding path may be chosen

arbitrarily, e.g. round, square or other polygonal shapes, etc. Shape and/or dimension of the coding path cross-section may vary along its course. When providing multiple coding paths, crossings are also possible. For instance the course of the coding paths 60 and 61 may be such that they intersect each other.

Furthermore, the shape of the key body can be chosen

arbitrarily and may be cylindrical, polygonal, e.g. cubic, or of any other tubular shape.

The geometry of the coding cavity 55 and - if present - the dimples 71, 72 serve as a coding by mechanical means. It is conceivable to add other security features in order to increase the level of security. Such security features may be based e.g. on an electronic, optical, biometric and/or magnetic validation. Besides the front opening of the coding cavity for receiving the validating means, the wall defining a coding cavity may comprise one or more holes, which extend from the inside of a coding cavity through the key body to the outside. Thereby cleanliness of the coding cavity is facilitated and/or a weight reduction of the key can be achieved. The key may have one more coding cavities for coding, wherein each coding cavity has at least one coding path and/or another coding geometry.. The key shown in the figures comprises a key body with a wall which defines the at least coding cavity and which is circumferentially closed. It is conceivable to design the wall such that it comprises one or more through-going holes, which may also have the form of slits.

A key may be made at least partially of metal, ceramic and/or plastic.

The key shown in the figures has a solid key body. It is conceivable to design the key such that it comprises a movable part for an additional coding of the key. For example the key may comprise at least one movable pin and/or at least one movable disk. The movable part may be arranged externally and/or internally of the key body.

Claims

1. A lock for use with a key (50, 50'), which key

comprises a wall (53) with at least one coding cavity (55) , which defines a hollow geometry for coding the key, the lock comprising:

a key cavity (20a) for introducing the key (50, 50'), a driving part (14) , which is movable when the key used with the lock has the correct coding,

blocking means (21, 22, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43b, 44a, 44b) having a blocking state in which movement of the driving part is blocked when the key used with the lock has an incorrect coding and an unblocking state in which the driving part is movable when the key used with the lock has a correct coding, and

validating means (25-32, 34-38, 41a, 43a) which are coupled to the blocking means so as to change the state of the blocking means when the key used with the lock has a correct coding, wherein

the validating means comprise at least one reading member (25-32) with a recess (25a, 27a, 29a, 31a) for receiving a portion of the wall (53) of the key so that after inserting the key into the key cavity (55) part of the at least one reading member is inside the coding cavity (55) to sense an inner face and part of the at least one reading member is outside the coding cavity (55) to cooperate with at least part of the blocking means .

2. The lock according to claim 1, wherein the at least one reading member comprises an input element (25, 27, 29, 31) which includes the recess (25a, 27a, 29a, 31a) and an output element (26, 28, 30, 32) for cooperation with at least part of the blocking means (21, 22, 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b), the input element being connected to the output element for transmitting a motion of the input element on the output element.

3. The lock according to claim 2, wherein the input element (25, 27, 29, 31) is pivotable about a pivot axis, preferably the pivot axis is arranged transversely to the insertion direction (y) , in which the key (50, 50') is insertable into the key cavity (20a) .

4. The lock according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the input element (25, 27, 29, 31) comprises an inner arm (25d, 27d, 29d, 31d) for introducing into the coding cavity (55) and an outer arm (25b, 27b, 29b, 31b) for coupling to the output element (26, 28, 30, 32), preferably the inner arm being firmly attached to the outer arm.

5. The lock according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the output element (26, 28, 30, 32) is linearly displaceable along a displacement axis, preferably the displacement axis is arranged transversely to the insertion direction (y) , in which the key (50, 50') is insertable into the key cavity (20a) , and/or transversely to a pivot axis of the input element (25, 27, 29, 31) .

6. The lock according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising prestressing means (36, 37, 38) for acting on the at least one reading member (25-32) to define a given rest position of the at least one reading member when the key (50, 50') is not inserted into the key cavity (20a) .

7. The lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one reading member (25-32) is movably arranged so as to engage with at least one coding path (60, 60', 61, 61') formed in the wall (53) of the key (50; 50') and to follow it, as the key (50; 50') is inserted into the key cavity (20a) .

8. The lock according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing (11) for receiving a plug member (20) , which surrounds the key cavity (20a) .

9. The lock according to claim 8, wherein at least part of the validating means (25-32, 34-38, 41a, 43a) is arranged on the plug member (20) and together therewith is rotatable relative to the housing when the blocking means (21, 22, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43b, 44a, 44b) are in the unblocking state.

10. The lock according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the

blocking means (21, 22, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43b, 44a, 44b) comprise a blocking element (21), the lock further

comprising at least one of the following properties A to C: A) the blocking element (21) is arranged between a groove

(lib) in the housing (11) and a groove (20c) in the plug member (20) ,

B) the housing (11) has a groove (lib) with a tapering

cross-section to receive a side (21a) of the blocking element (21), which side has a tapering cross-section,

C) the reading member (26-32) comprises at least one notch (26b, 28b, 30b, 32b) for receiving a portion of the blocking element.

11. The lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the validating means (25-32, 34-38, 41a, 43a) comprise one or more pins for sensing an outer surface of the key, preferably a plug member (20) comprising at least one hole (20g, 20h) for receiving a pin.

12. A key, which comprises a wall (53) with at least one coding cavity (55) , which defines a hollow geometry for coding the key (50; 50'), the geometry including at least one coding path (60, 60', 61, 61' ), which extends in the direction of a key axis (54) from a first end towards a second end spaced away from the first end, wherein the at least one coding path comprises straight coding path

portions (60a-60d), which are arranged parallel to the key axis, the distance (D) between a coding path portion and the key axis defining a coding of the key, a straight coding path portion being made integral with the wall (53) and being formed as a channel (601, 60m, 60n) or as a ridge.

13. The key according to claim 12, wherein the at least one coding path (60, 60', 61, 61') comprises an entry path portion (60e) which tapers towards the backward end of the coding cavity (55) .

14. The key according to any one of claims 12 to 13, comprising a key body (52) insertable into a lock, the key body comprising at its outside surface at least one straight guiding path (62a, 62b) which extends from a forward end of the key body towards a backward end of the key body, the at least one guiding path serves for guiding the key (50; 50') when inserting the key body into the lock, preferably the key body comprises at least two guiding paths (62a, 62b) , which are arranged on opposite sides (52a, 52b) of the key body (52) .

15. The key according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the hollow geometry includes at least two coding paths (60, 60', 61, 61'), which are configured and arranged in the coding cavity (55) such that the coding remains the same when turning the key (50; 50') 180 degrees around the key axis (54) .

16. The key according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the coding cavity (55) includes two inner surfaces (53a, 53b) , which are arranged opposite to each other and which include coding paths (60, 60', 61, 61').

17. The key according to any one of claims 12 to 16_/ comprising a key handle (51; 51') and a key body (52) , which includes the at least one coding cavity (55) , the key handle being formed integral with the key body, wherein the key body has two flattened lateral sides, which are arranged spaced away from each other such that the distance

therebetween is substantially constant and/or wherein the key handle (51') is defined by an outer surface, which is at least in part curved to aid the grasping of the key handle, preferably the key handle comprises two lateral sides (51'a, 51 'b), which are arranged spaced away from each other such that the distance therebetween varies.

18. The key according to any one of claims 12 to 17, comprising a key body (51; 51') which has an external geometry for an additional coding of the key, preferably the external geometry comprises dimples (71, 72), holes, teeth and/or grooves..

19. The key according to any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising at least one of an electronic, biometric,. magnetic and photo sensor for an additional coding of the key.

20. The key according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the at least one coding path (60, 60', 61, 61') is made integral with the wall.

21. Method for fabricating a component for a lock according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and/or a key according to any one of claims 12 to 20, in which a process for manufacturing a three-dimensional object in integral form is applied, in particular the component and/or the key is manufactured at least in part by at least one of the following processes: casting, additive manufacturing process in a step-wise or a continuous way.