EP0192544A1 - Keyless cylinder combination lock and tool for changing the combination - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a keyless combination cylinder lock. The lock comprises coding elements formed in combination on the one hand with external rings (100) provided with notches (101) capable of receiving a locking member (90) disposed between a rotor (40) and a stator (10). and on the other hand coding discs (120) provided with drive members (121, 125) allowing decoding. The outer rings (100) and the discs (120) are disengageable in order to allow an automatic change of the combination.

Description

The present invention relates to keyless combination locks and more specifically a so-called keyless combination cylinder lock.

The present invention more specifically aims to improve the lock described and shown in European patent application No. 83 400367.5 filed on 22.02.1983 in the name of the company INITIAL SARL and published under the number 0088012.

Reference will also usefully be made to European patent application 0088012 for a good understanding of the present invention.

The cylinder lock described in this earlier European patent application comprises a stator which envelops a rotor associated with a bolt and at least one blocking member disposed between the rotor and the stator, the blocking member being capable of being moved between a locking position in which it prohibits the rotation of the rotor relative to the stator and a neutral position in which it authorizes the rotation of this rotor, a plurality of coaxial coding elements each comprising on their periphery, a notch intended to receive the blocking member in neutral position, as well as centering members adapted to cause rotation of each of the coding elements when one of the elements immediately adjacent to it is itself rotated, and a member rotary decoding of the elements, adapted to ensure the driving in rotation of one of them, and to allow the alignment of the notches.

To operate a change of combination, the locks described in the aforementioned European patent application No. 0088012 required the opening of the lock and the disassembly of the different coding elements in order to modify the relative position of the notches and drive members on each element.

Such a tedious and very delicate disassembly operation can in fact only be carried out by specialists who are fully aware of the structure and operation of the lock.

This constraint limited the development of the locks described in European patent application No. 0088012.

• - chaque élément de codage est formé en combinaison d'une couronne extérieure munie de l'encoche apte à recevoir l'organe de blocage, et d'un disque central muni des organes d'entraînement, la surface périphérique intérieure des couronnes et la surface périphérique extérieure des disques centraux étant adaptées pour permettre l'assemblage de ceux-ci selon une multiplicité de positions angulaires prédéterminées,
• - des intercalaires sont prévus entre les différents éléments de codage, et les couronnes extérieures et les disques centraux de chaque élément de codage sont susceptibles de déplacement relatif axial,

et par le fait que la serrure comprend en outre un organe de débrayage adapté pour débrayer les couronnes extérieures et disques centraux de chaque élément de codage par déplacement axial relatif de ceux-ci lorsque les couronnes extérieures sont immobilisées en rotation par un organe de retenue afin de permettre en position débrayée un pivotement relatif des couronnes et disques centraux de chaque élément de codage par actionnement de l'organe rotatif de décodage pour opérer un changement de combinaison de la serrure.The present invention improves the situation by proposing a lock of the aforementioned type, characterized in that:

• each coding element is formed in combination with an outer ring provided with the notch capable of receiving the blocking member, and a central disc provided with the driving members, the inner peripheral surface of the rings and the surface outer peripheral of the central discs being adapted to allow their assembly according to a multiplicity of predetermined angular positions,
• dividers are provided between the different coding elements, and the outer rings and the central discs of each coding element are capable of relative axial displacement,

and by the fact that the lock further comprises a disengaging member adapted to disengage the outer rings and central discs of each coding element by relative axial displacement thereof when the outer rings are immobilized in rotation by a retaining member so to allow in the disengaged position a relative pivoting of the central rings and discs of each coding element by actuation of the rotary decoding member to effect a change in combination of the lock.

As will be explained in detail hereinafter with the ability of existing clutch, according _{to the} i _n - vention, between the outer rings and the central coding elements drives, the combination of the lock as determined by the relative position of the notches adapted to receive the blocking member and drive members, on each element, can be modified, automatically, without removing the lock, by actuation of the rotary decoding member.

Document US-A-4 350 030 (BROMLEY RL) relates to a suitcase lock which comprises a central cylindrical spindle, a control barrel rotatably mounted on the spindle, a control sleeve engaged free of rotation on the spindle and linked to rotation with the barrel, two central discs mounted for rotation on the spindle, drive pins provided on the control sleeve and the central discs to induce rotation of each of these elements when one of the elements immediately adjacent to it is itself driven in rotation by actuation of the barrel, three outer rings immobilized in translation in the body of the lock and adapted to engage respectively with the control sleeve and one of the central disks, according to a multiplicity of angular positions predetermined, thanks to serrations, a release member, which when moved in translation parallel to the axis of the spindle, in the direction of the barrel, ensures d clutching of the outer rings relative to the control sleeve and the central discs to allow a change of combination by actuation of the barrel by modifying the relative angular position of the outer rings relative to the control sleeve and the central discs, and a helical spring which requests the central discs and the control sleeve engaged with a respective one of the outer rings.

To avoid parasitic drive risk rotatably coding means (encoder discs and outer rims), by friction during the func- _t ioning of the lock or change of combination, it is essential, according to US -A-4 350 030, to provide a leaf spring which rests against the periphery of each of the outer rings as well as against the outer periphery of the control sleeve and the central discs to slow the free rotation of these.

The leaf spring required in the structure proposed by document US-A-4 350 030 on the one hand, increases the cost price of such a lock, on the other hand reduces the reliability of the latter.

Indeed, such a lock can no longer function as soon as the leaf spring no longer ensures effective braking of the different coding elements and where therefore these drive each other by friction.

In addition, the coding elements described and represented in document US-A-4 350 030 are not formed in combination with an outer ring and a central disc whose inner and outer peripheral surfaces respectively are adapted to allow the assembly of these elements.

In fact, according to document US-A-4 350 030, these coding elements are formed by juxtaposition of the outer rings and of the control sleeve or of the discs.

The cooperation between these elements is not established at the level of peripheral surfaces, but thanks to a triangular tooth of axial extension integral with the control sleeve or the discs which penetrates into complementary grooves opening onto a transverse surface, and not a peripheral point, of the outer rings.

Consequently, during the rotation of the barrel, if the leaf spring ensures excessive friction braking on the outer rings, the triangular tooth can come out of the grooves provided on the outer rings, by compressing the helical spring, without inducing rotation of said crowns.

Those skilled in the art will readily understand that in practice it is very difficult, if not impossible, to develop such a leaf spring.

Indeed, it must on the one hand be rigid enough to operate an effective braking of the outer crowns in order to avoid an unintentional rotational drive, by friction, of these crowns, on the other hand be flexible enough to avoid that during the barrel drive, the control teeth do not escape the complementary grooves.

In addition, the lock described in document US-A-4 350 030 is very sensitive to frost. In fact, as soon as a trace of humidity has entered this lock, during a frost, the leaf spring sticks against the outer crowns and therefore, during the barrel drive, the control teeth escape the complementary grooves and the combination of the lock is then irretrievably lost in an identical manner in the case of a too rigid leaf spring.

These various drawbacks are eliminated, according to the present invention, thanks to (1) the use of spacers and (2) to the complementary engagement of the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the outer rings. and central discs composing each coding element.

According to a characteristic of the present invention currently considered preferential, the lock comprises a passage adapted to allow the introduction therein of a retaining member capable of engaging with the outer rings to immobilize them in front rotation disengage the outer rings and central discs.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the declutching member is formed by a spindle capable of axial displacement in the lock, and the various central disks are provided with central bores and are engaged free to rotate but immobilized in relative axial displacement on spindle.

The immobilization in relative axial displacement of the central discs and of the spindle is preferably carried out by spacers engaged on the spindle between the discs and immobilized in rotation on the spindle.

According to a particular embodiment, these spacers are formed of stepped rings, the portion of smaller section of the spacers, engaged in the internal bore of the discs taking the place of a rotation bearing for the latter, while the portion of stronger section of the spacers prohibits the relative axial movement of the discs on the spindle.

The spindle, the above-mentioned spacers and the central discs then constitute a sub-assembly of which all the parts are integral in axial translation but of which only the central discs are free to rotate.

According to another characteristic of the present invention, the rotor defines a generally cylindrical housing in which are engaged, free to rotate, but immobilized in axial displacement relative to the outer rings of the coding elements.

Preferably then, the passage adapted to allow the introduction of a retaining member engaged with the outer rings is produced in the rotor.

According to the invention, the immobilization in relative axial movement of the outer rings in the rotor is preferably carried out by spacers engaged between the adjacent rings and immobilized in rotation on the rotor.

The rotor, the outer rings of the coding elements and the spacers associated with these rings constitute a sub-assembly of which all the parts are integral in axial translation but of which only the outer rings of the coding elements are free to rotate.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the axial thicknesses of the inserts are greater than those of the central rings and discs of the coding elements and at least slightly greater than the axial translational travel of the spindle forming the declutching member.

According to a first alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the spindle is provided a transverse slot in which is engaged a pin engaged with the rotor to immobilize the spindle in rotation on the rotor while limiting its relative axial sliding.

According to a second embodiment variant confome to the present invention, the spindle is provided with two transverse bores in which is engaged alternately a removable pin engaged with the rotor to immobilize the spindle in rotation on the rotor and define two axial positions of the spindle on the rotor corresponding respectively to the engagement and disengagement of the crowns and central discs of the coding elements.

According to a third embodiment currently considered preferential, the spindle is of polygonal section and the corresponding bore formed in the rotor has the same section to immobilize the spindle in rotation, but this bore is semi-blind to limit the body of the pin towards the rear of the lock, and this bore ends in a threaded hole of smaller section opening out towards the rear of the rotor to allow the passage of a screw, removable if necessary, acting in pushing or pulling on the spindle to ensure its axial disengagement movement.

According to the invention, the rotary decoding member is advantageously axially displaceable to ensure the rotation of the rotor and the opening of the lock when the notches provided on the outer rings are aligned.

According to a particular embodiment currently considered preferential, the rotary decoding member is formed by a cylinder comprising serrations capable of coming into engagement with the rotor to ensure the rotation of the latter after alignment of the notches.

The rotary decoding member is advantageously arranged on the front face of the stator and has structures capable of cooperating by drive relationship with a graduated dial facing an index carried by the stator.

According to another characteristic of the invention allowing a simple and compact embodiment, a spring is disposed between the rotary decoding member and the spindle forming the declutching member to initially separate the rotary decoding member and the rotor in order to allow the drive of the coding elements without interfering with the rotor, while allowing, after compression of the spring, the drive of the rotor by the rotary decoding member.

The serrations of the rotary decoding member are advantageously bevelled as are the projections of the rotor on which they can engage so that the decoding member is pushed forward and loses its grip on the rotor if the elements of coding were not aligned (non composition of the combination) and therefore that the locking member did not release the rotor.

This arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case of a fraudulent attempt to actuate the rotor before composition of the combination.

Such serrations of the rotary decoding member will hereinafter be referred to as "sliding serrations".

Preferably, according to the invention, the drive members adapted to drive the rotation of each of the coding elements are formed of coding pins, projecting on either side of the mean plane of each of the coding discs.

According to another characteristic of the present invention, the rotary decoding member is provided with structures capable of coming into drive relation with the drive means for one of the central discs, whatever the axial position thereof, in the disengaged or disengaged position to ensure in one case the change of combination, in the other the decoding by aligning the notches.

The present invention also relates to a tool for changing the combination of the aforementioned cylinder lock which comprises a needle capable of penetrating the lock to engage the outer rings of the coding elements in order to immobilize the latter in rotation, a insert which carries the needle and is adapted to disengage the outer rings and central discs by axial stress.

According to a preferred embodiment, the insert is provided with an external thread capable of engaging in a complementary tapped bore formed in the lock to control the amplitude of relative axial movement between the outer rings and the central discs, during disengaged

• - la figure 1 représente une vue schématique éclatée en perspective d'une serrure conforme à la présente invention,
• - la figure 2 représente une vue similaire sur laquelle le stator, le rotor et l'organe rotatif de décodage sont représentés en coupe axiale afin de montrer la structure interne de ces éléments.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting example and in which:

• FIG. 1 represents a schematic exploded perspective view of a lock according to the present invention,
• - Figure 2 shows a similar view in which the stator, the rotor and the rotary decoding member are shown in axial section in order to show the internal structure of these elements.

Generally, the lock according to the present invention essentially comprises a stator 10, a rotor 40, a rotary decoding member 70, a locking member 90 and a plurality of coding elements each comprising in combination an outer ring 100 and a central disc 120.

We will first describe in detail the structure of each of the elements making up the lock according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

To make the description easier, the term "front face" of the lock is understood to mean the surface thereof accessible to the user (left part of the figures), while "the rear face" of the lock will denote the end of the latter fitted with the bolt 200 (right part of the figures).

The stator 10 has the general shape of a hollow cylinder defining a cylindrical internal housing 11, of constant section, capable of receiving the rotor 40.

The cylindrical housing 11 is provided at its free end before an annular rib 12.

The latter defines, by its internal peripheral surface a cylindrical opening 13, at the front of the stator 10 allowing access to the decoding member 70.

The rib 12 also defines an annular bearing surface 14 of radial orientation opposite the axis of the cylindrical housing 11, directed towards the rear of the stator 10.

Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the stator 10 is further provided, at its front end, with an outer annular rib 15 facilitating the installation of the lock on an appliance.

The stator 10 advantageously comprises on its front face 16 or on the rib 15 an engraved index, able to cooperate with a graduated dial 300 and serving as a reference point for the composition of the code.

The cylindrical housing 11 opens at the rear of the stator 10.

This cylindrical housing 11 is provided near its rear end with an annular groove 17 adapted to receive an internal circlip 160 (or any other functionally equivalent means, making it possible to immobilize the rotor 40 in the cylindrical housing 11 of the stator in front of the circlip 160 above.

The cylindrical housing 11 also has a rectilinear groove 18, extending longitudinally, that is to say parallel to the axis of the cylindrical housing 11. This groove 18 opens at the rear face 19 of the stator 10.

The groove 18 is adapted to receive the locking member 90 formed in this case of a cylindrical rod.

The depth of the groove 18 and the cross section of the locking member 90 are adapted so that the locking member can be moved between a locking position in which the locking member interferes between the stator and the rotor. to prevent rotation of the rotor relative to the stator, and a neutral position (obtained when notches provided on the periphery of the crowns 100 are aligned) in which the locking member authorizes rotation of the rotor 40.

Preferably, the locking member 90 has a diameter twice the thickness of the tubular wall of the rotor.

Finally, it will be noted, on examining FIG. 2, the presence of a projection 20, on the internal periphery of the cylindrical housing 11, behind the annular groove 17.

This projection 20 serves as a stop for a stroke limiter 170.

As illustrated schematically in the figures, the groove 18 intended to receive the blocking member 90 is preferably formed in the lower part of the stator 10. Thus, the blocking member 90 tends to rest by gravity on the bottom of the groove 18 and thus to move away from the outer rings 100 of the coding elements. This provision provides a defense to "tatage" insofar as the blocking member 90 cannot enter contact with the periphery of the outer rings ₁ 0 ₀ only if an attempt is made to drive the rotor, that is to say at a time when the potential fraudster has no means of rotating the coding elements.

The rotor 40 comprises a tubular sleeve 41, open towards the front and closed at least partially at the rear by a transverse partition 42.

The rotor is extended towards the rear by an elongated structure 43 centered on the axis of the tubular sleeve 41, but not symmetrical in revolution with respect to this axis. As shown in the figures, the structure 43 has for example a polygonal section in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tubular sleeve 41.

The free front edge of the tubular sleeve 41 is provided with a plurality of pins 44, projecting axially. These pins 44 are intended to cooperate, by engagement, with a series of annular serrations 71 produced in the manner of a toothed pinion on the outer periphery of the decoding member 70.

To do this, the angular distribution of the pins 44 is adapted to the angular distribution of the serrations 71.

Preferably, as mentioned above, the serrations 71 and the pins 44 are bevelled.

The tubular sleeve 41 is further provided with two rectilinear slots 45, 46, passing through its thickness, and of longitudinal orientation, that is to say parallel to the axis of the tubular sleeve 41.

The slot 45 extends substantially over the entire length of the tubular sleeve 41.

Preferably, the slots 45, 46 are diametrically opposite opposite the axis of the tubular sleeve 41.

The lower slot 46 is intended to receive the blocking member 90. The width of the slot 46 is therefore at least equal to the diameter of the blocking member 90.

Preferably, the lower slot 46 does not open at the front of the lock in order to limit the translation of the locking member 90.

The upper slot 45 is intended to receive a projection 181 of intermediate rings 180, arranged between the various coding rings 100, and the structure of which will be described in more detail below. The purpose of engaging the protuberances 181 in the slot 45 is to immobilize the spacers 180 in rotation relative to the rotor 40.

The cylindrical internal housing 47 is defined by the tubular sleeve 41 and adapted to receive the outer rings 100 and the above-mentioned spacers 180. These rings 100 and spacers 180 are immobilized in the cylindrical housing 47 of the rotor 40 bearing against the transverse partition 42 of this rotor by an internal circlip 190 (or any other functionally equivalent means) engaged in an annular groove 48 formed on the internal periphery housing 47.

The rear extension 43 and the transverse partition 42 are pierced with a central bore 49, partially threaded at its rear end, as is schematically illustrated at 50.

The extension 43 is also pierced radially with a hole 51, preferably through.

The extension 43 has on its outer surface a groove 52 adapted to receive an external circlip 220 (or any other functionally water-resistant means) making it possible to retain the bolt 200 on the extension ⁼ ment 43.

The rotor 40 is finally provided in its transverse partition 42 with a longitudinal through bore 53, allowing the introduction of a needle 251, into the cylindrical chamber 47 of the rotor 40, by the rear of the lock, in order to immobilize in rotation the crowns 100.

The aforementioned stroke limiter 170 is formed of one! generally circular flat plate having two radial bearing surfaces 173, 174. The stroke limiter 170 is provided with a central opening 175 complementary to the cross section of the extension 43 (polygonal according to the illustration) in order to prohibit any relative rotation between the stroke limiter 170 and the rotor 40.

Finally, the stroke limiter 170 is provided, in its thickness, with a through bore 176 aligned with the bore 53 of the rotor 40 and intended to allow the insertion of the needle 251 into the cylindrical housing 47 of the tubular sleeve 41 .

The rotary decoding member 170 is formed of a cylindrical block 72 provided on its outer periphery with an annular ring of serrations 71, preferably in number equal to the graduations 301 of the dial 300.

It will be recalled that these serrations 71 are intended to cooperate with the pins 44 formed on the rotor 40.

The front face 73 of the rotary decoding member 70 is provided with blind holes 74, 75, intended to receive pins 302, 303 formed on the dial 300.

Preferably, one of the bores referenced 74 in the figures is centered on the front face 73 of the member 70, that is to say coaxial with the cylindrical block 72, while the second blind hole 75, parallel to the first , is offset.

The rear face 76 of the rotary decoding member 70 is also provided with blind holes 77, 78 intended to receive pins 121A, 122A secured to a coding disc 120A.

Preferably, as shown in the ₁ figures, the bores 77 and 78 are diametrically opposite opposite the axis of the cylindrical body 72.

The apparatus comprises three coding rings 100. Only one of these rings has been shown in the figures in order to simplify the illustration.

Each of the crowns 100 has on its outer periphery, and in its thickness, a notch 101 of cross section in "U" shape. The depth of the notch 101 is equal to half the diameter of the rotary blocking member 90.

Furthermore, each crown 100 present on; its inner periphery of the projecting structures 102 capable of cooperating by engagement with the outer periphery 123 of the central coding disks 120.

Preferably, the structures 102 are formed of notches of trianoular or semi-circular cross section or equal in number equal to the graduations 301 of the dial 300.

The lock comprises two intermediate rings 180 intended to be arranged between the coding crowns 100. As previously mentioned, each of the intermediate rings 180 has on its periphery | external rie a projection 181 adapted to penetrate into the slot 45 of the rotor 40 in order to immobilize the intermediate rings 180 in rotation relative to the rotor 40.

In addition, each intermediate ring 180 is provided with a notch 182 adapted to receive the blocking member 90.

The relative position of the projection 181 and the notch 182 corresponds to the relative position of the slots 45 and 46 on the rotor 40.

As previously mentioned, preferably, the projection 181 and the notch 182 are diametrically opposite.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the notch 182 passes completely through the intermediate ring 180 so that the latter is in the form of an open ring at "C".

The lock further comprises a pin 280 forming a disengaging member and adapted to support the coding discs 120 as well as spacers 140 associated therewith.

According to the illustration of the appended figures, the spindle 280 is formed of two coaxial cylindrical portions 281, 282 having a different diameter. The cylindrical section 281 of smaller diameter, is arranged on the front.

The rear cylindrical section 282, of larger diameter, is provided with a hole 283 transversely passing through the spindle 280.

The external diameter of the cylindrical section 282 is complementary to the bore 49 of the rotor 40 and the axial position of the light 283 on this section 282 is adapted so that the light 283 is placed opposite the orifice 51 of the rotor 40 to receive a pin 60 engaged in the orifice 51.

The longitudinal extension (in the direction of the axis of the spindle 280) of the light 283 is greater than the diameter of the pin 60, while the transverse extension of this same light 283 corresponds substantially to the diameter of the pin 60 of such that the insertion of the latter into the orifice 51 and into the opening 283 immobilizes the spindle 280 in rotation on the rotor 40 while limiting its relative axial sliding,

The junction zone between the two cylindrical sections 281 and 282 defines an annular bearing surface 284, directed towards the front, serving as a stop for the spacers 140.

The lock includes three dividers 140.

In order to simplify the illustration, only one of these dividers has been shown in the appended figures.

Each of the spacers 140 is formed of a stepped crown.

By this is meant that each insert 140 is formed of two coaxial cylindrical portions 141, 142, of different diameters, and having a common central cylindrical bore 143.

The internal diameter of the internal bore 143 adapts to the external diameter of the smallest section 281 of the spindle 280.

The external diameter of the smallest sections of the inserts 140 adapts to the internal diameter of bores 124 formed in the central position in the coding disks 120, to act as a rotation bearing for these.

The external diameter of the largest sections ₁₄₂ of the spacers 140 is moreover less than the diameter of rotation of drive pins 121, 122 and 125 provided in axial projection on the coding discs 120.

The lock comprises three coding discs 120. In the figures, indices A, B and C have been associated respectively with each of these three discs.

The three discs 120A, 120B and 120C have the common characteristic of having a central bore 124 complementary to the smallest section 141 of the inserts 140 and of having on their periphery structures 126 capable of cooperating by engagement, according to a multiplicity of predetermined angular positions with the structures 102 of the coding rings 100.

According to the illustration of the appended figures, the structures 126 provided on the outer periphery of the coding discs 120 are formed of teeth (for example three in number), regularly distributed angularly at 120 ° and adapted to penetrate into the notches 102 of the crowns coding 100.

The 120A, 120B and 120C discs are distinguished by the number of pawns it contains.

According to the illustration in the appended figures, the different pins are cylindrical in shape and extend transversely to the coding discs 120.

Nevertheless, preferably, these pins will be formed of a crown sector equal to a graduation of the dial and defining two bearing surfaces of radial orientation opposite the axis of the coding discs 120.

The frontmost coding disc 120A has on its front face two pins 121A, 122A adapted to penetrate into the holes 77 and 78 of the rotary decoding member 70, being capable of axial sliding in the latter.

The length of the pins 121A and 122A and the length of the blind holes 77, 78 is adapted so that these elements cooperate constantly during an axial displacement of the coding disc 120A, over a stroke slightly greater than the thickness of the crowns of coding 100.

In other words, the pins 121A and 122A as well as the blind holes 77 and 78 are adapted to define a cooperation between these elements, whatever the axial position of the coding disc 120A, in engagement with a coding crown 100 associated , to ensure decoding by aligning the notches 101, or even in the disengaged position relative to the crown 100 to authorize the change of combination.

_ The foremost 120A disc also has on the rear face a pin 125 adapted to drive the median disc 120B by contact on either side of a pin 121B formed on the front face of the latter. Similarly, the median disc 120B has on its rear face a pin 125B capable of rotating the rear disc 120C by contact on either side of a pin 121C provided on the front face of the disc 120C.

It will be noted that the disc 120C has only one pin 121C on its front face.

Preferably, the pins 122A and 125A on the one hand are aligned and the pins 121B and 125B on the other hand are aligned.

The graduated dial 300 intended to cooperate with the rotary decoding member 70 comprises two pins 302, 303 intended to penetrate respectively into the blind holes 74 and 75.

The position of the pins 302, 303 on the dial 300 is of course complementary to the position of the holes 74 and 75 on the rotary decoding member 70.

Advantageously, one of the pins 302, is centered and serves as a guide, by entering the blind hole 74, while the other pin 303, eccentric, of shorter length, serves as a coach by penetrating into the orifice 75.

The dial 300 can be removable.

However, as a variant, as illustrated in the figures, the central pin 302 can be formed by a screw engaged in the dial 300 and adapted to be engaged in the blind bore 74, then tapped, in order to allow fixing. dial 300 on the lock.

The penetration of the dial 300 into the lock is limited by an annular collar 304.

The spacers 140 are immobilized in rotation on the spindle 280 using any suitable conventional means, such as for example by crimping.

A helical spring 80 is inserted between the rotary decoding member 70 and the spindle 280 fitted with spacers 140 and coding discs 120.

The spring 80 bears on the one hand on the rear face 72 of the rotary decoding member 70 and on the other hand on the front face of the interlayer 140A, so as to push the rotary decoding member 70 towards the 'front of the lock and the assembly - spindle 280, dividers ₁ 40 and coding discs - towards the rear.

The bolt 200 according to the illustration of the appended figures is formed of an oblong plate comprising at one end, in its thickness, an opening 201 complementary to the cross section of the extension 43 and polygonal according to the illustration.

The bolt 200 further comprises a through bore 202 intended to come opposite the bore 176 of the limiter 170 and the bore 53 of the rotor 40 in order to authorize the insertion of the needle 251 in the lock, to immobilize in rotation the coding rings 100.

We will now describe the structure of a combination change tool 250 illustrated schematically on the right of the figures.

This combination change tool 250 comprises in combination a needle 251 and an insert 260 which have been shown separated in FIG. 2, to clearly illustrate the structure of each of these two elements.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the combination change member 260 is composed of a cylindrical grip handle 261 extended forward by a coaxial rod 262, threaded at its front end referenced 263 and provided at the rear of the thread 263 of an annular flange 264.

The needle 251 comprises a rigid rectilinear strand 252 wound at its rear end, as illustrated at 253, on the rod 262 of the insert 260.

The winding 253 of the needle 251 on the tiae 262 is adapted to allow relative rotation between the needle 251 and the insert 260.

The threaded front end 263 of the rod 262 is adapted to engage the threaded bore 50 of the rotor 40, in order to push forward the spindle 280 carrying the inserts 140 and the coding discs 120, in order to disengage the coding discs 120 and the coding rings 100, according to an arrangement which will be described in more detail below.

According to other features of the invention, the thicknesses of the intermediate rings 180 and of the sections 142 of the spacers 140 are 2 equal to each other, while the thicknesses of the crowns 100 and coding discs 120 are equal to each other.

Furthermore, the thicknesses of the inserts 180 and 142 are greater than those of the crowns 100 and discs 120 and slightly greater than the authorized axial translation travel of the spindle 280 in the rotor 40.

The assembly of the keyless combination cylinder lock according to the present invention is as follows.

Initially, the three coding discs 120 and the three spacers 140 are arranged on the smallest section 281 of the declutching spindle 280. More precisely, the disc 120C is successively threaded, an interlayer 140, the disc 120B, a second insert 140, the disc 120A and finally a third insert 140 on the section 281.

The spindle 280, the coding disks 120 and the inserts 140 then constitute, when the inserts 140 are immobilized, for example by crimping or screwing, an autonomous sub-assembly of which all the parts are integral in axial translation but of which only the disks of coding 120 are free to rotate.

In parallel, three coding rings 100 and two intermediate rings 180 are engaged in the cylindrical housing 47 of the rotor 40 and immobilized axially thanks to the internal circlip 190.

The rotor 40, the three coding crowns 100, the two intermediate rings 180 and the inner circlip 190 then constitute an autonomous sub-assembly of which all the parts are integral in axial translation but of which only the coding crowns 100 are free to rotate, if the needle 252 does not immobilize them. It will be recalled that the spacers 180 are immobilized in rotation on the rotor 40 by virtue of the protuberances181 penetrating into the slot 45.

The spindle fitted with disks 120 and spacers 140 is introduced from the front into the rotor 40.

The section 282 enters the bore 49 and the coding discs 120 engage by the structures 126 in the internal periphery 102 of the coding rings 100,

The rotary decoding member is introduced from the rear into the stator 10, then the helical spring 80.

The blocking member 90 is engaged in the groove 18 of the stator 10.

Finally, the notches 101 of the coding rings 100 being aligned, the rotor 40 equipped with coding rings 100, coding discs 120 and spindle 280 is engaged from the rear in the stator 10 and immobilized thanks to the internal circlip 160 engaged in the groove 17.

Finally, the stroke limiter 170 and the bolt 200 are engaged thanks to the openings 175 and 201 on the extension 43 and immobilized thereon thanks to the external circlip 220.

The lock is then ready for use.

The general operation of such a keyless combination lock, already described in European patent application 0088012 will not be discussed below.

It will nevertheless be recalled that in order to open the lock, the rotor 40 must rotate in the stator 10. It is initially prevented by the blocking member 90 engaged in the groove 18 and in the slot 46 and which creates therefore an interference between the rotor 40 and the stator 10.

To allow rotation of the rotor 40, it is necessary for the locking member 90 to penetrate into the notches 101 of the coding rings 100 as well as into the notches 182 of the inserts 180 so that the locking member 90 comes out of the longitudinal groove 18 provided in the stator 10.

The alignment of the notches 101 is effected by rotation of the rotary decoding member 70, by controlling the angle of rotation of the latter using the graduations 301 provided on the dial 300 and the index formed on the front face 16 of stator 10.

The decoding process by actuation of the rotary member 70, in order to align the notches 101 is well known in itself to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be explained subsequently.

If necessary, reference will usefully be made to the German patent 28 656 or even to the French patent application in the name of the Applicant published under the number 2 522 352 to understand the decoding process.

We will now describe the process of changing the combination of the lock according to the present invention.

The general principle of this declutching process lies in the possibility of relative axial translation between the coding discs 120 and the coding rings 100 making it possible to modify the relative position of the notches 101 and of the drive pins 121, 125 for each of the elements. coding formed in combination of a crown 100 and a disc 120.

In other words, the automatic change of combination is authorized by the division of each coding element into a crown 100 and into a disc 120 capable of relative pivoting and one carrying the notch 101 for passage of the organ of blocking 90, the other of the drive pins 121, 125.

• 1) composer l'ancien code par commande de l'organe rotatif de décodage 70 afin d'aligner les diverses encoches 101 des couronnes 100 sur l'organe de blocage 90,
• 2) introduire l'aiguille 251 dans les orifices 202, 176 et 53 pour bloquer en rotation les couronnes de codage et visser la tige filetée 263 dans l'alésage taraudé 50 afin de repousser vers l'avant la broche 280 équipée des disques de codage 120 pour débrayer ces derniers des couronnes de codage 100,
• 3) composer le nouveau code par commande de l'organe rotatif de décodage 70 (on remarquera que malgré le déplacement axial induit par l'insert 260, les pions 121A et 122A du disque 120A coopèrent constamment avec l'organe 70) ; la composition du nouveau code induit un pivotement relatif entre les pions d'entraînement 121, 125 des disques de codage et les encoches 101 des couronnes associées, les disques 120 étant débrayés des couronnes 100 et situés au niveau des intercalaires 180 ,
• 4) la dernière opération consiste alors à dévisser'la tige filetée 263 pour retirer l'insert 260 et l'aiguille 251 .

To make a change of combination, you must successively:

• 1) dial the old code by command of the rotary decoding member 70 in order to align the various notches 101 of the crowns 100 on the blocking member 90,
• 2) introduce the needle 251 into the holes 202, 176 and 53 to block the coding crowns in rotation and screw the threaded rod 263 into the threaded bore 50 in order to push forward the spindle 280 fitted with the coding discs 120 to disengage the latter from the coding rings 100,
• 3) dial the new code by command of the rotary decoding member 70 (it will be noted that despite the axial displacement induced by the insert 260, the pins 121A and 122A of the disc 120A constantly cooperate with the member 70); the composition of the new code induces a relative pivoting between the drive pins 121, 125 of the coding discs and the notches 101 of the associated crowns, the disks 120 being disengaged from the crowns 100 and situated at the level of the spacers 180,
• 4) the last operation then consists in unscrewing the threaded rod 263 to remove the insert 260 and the needle 251.

The lock is then ready for use, with the new combination.

Note that the structure of the combination change tool 250 described above keeps the needle 251 stationary in rotation while the insert 260 is rotated to allow engagement of the threaded rod 263 in the threaded bore 50 .

It will be noted that the spring 80 interposed between the rotary decoding member 70 and the declutching spindle 280 allows either the advance of the assembly - spindle 280, discs 120 and spacers 140- normally biased backwards, to allow the change of combination, ie the insertion of the rotary decoding member 7 ₀ , at the end of code composition to engage the rotary decoding member 70 and the rotor 40 (via the serrations 71 and the pins 44) in order to drive the rotor 40 and the bolt 200.

It will be noted in parallel, and this is an important characteristic, that, thanks to the structure shown in the figures previously described, it it is never necessary to open the lock, i.e. to drive the rotor 40 in rotation during the code change process.

Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the particular embodiment which has just been described, but extends to any variant in accordance with its spirit.

As an example, the structure which has been previously described allows disengaging of the disks 120 and crowns 100 by axial translation forward of a spindle 280 carrying the disks, but the structure shown in the figures will be easily adapted by the Those skilled in the art to allow a functionally equivalent disengagement of the coding disks by rearward translation.

According to the illustration shown in the figures, the rotary decoding member 70 is urged away from the rotor 40, by the spring 80, while constantly being engaged with the coding disc 120A. As a result, the rotary decoding member 70 must be moved axially after composition of the combination. to engage the rotary decoder orqane 70 and the rotor 40 by compression of the spring 80.

As a variant, it is possible to envisage a structure in which the rotary decoding member 70 is continuously urged into engagement with the rotor 40.

To compose the combination, it is then necessary to initially separate the rotary decoding member 70 and rotor 40.

According to another variant, the rotary decoding member 70 shown in the figures, which cooperates on the one hand with the coding disks 120, on the other hand with the rotor 40 can be replaced by two separate elements cooperating respectively with the disks coding 120 and the rotor 40. Of course, in such a case, the element cooperating with the rotor 40 can only be rotated after composition of the combination, that is to say alignment of the notches 101 of the coding rings ₁ 00 and erasure of the locking member 90.

According to yet another alternative embodiment, the pin 280 shown in the figures and provided with a light 283 can be replaced by a stepped pin 280 provided with two transverse through holes, intended to receive the pin 60. The change of code such a lock is then carried out according to the steps consisting in: composing the old code, inserting a needle into the hole 53 of the rotor, removing the pin 60, driving in the pin 280 to disengage the disks 120, replacing the pin 60 in the second hole of the spindle to immobilize the discs axially, compose the new code, remove the pin 60 to authorize the retraction of the spindle 280, put the pin 60 back in the initial hole and remove the needle immobilizing the coding crowns 100.

The advantage of this variant embodiment is to ensure the axial immobilization of the spindle 280 towards the rear, court avoiding any untimely unraveling, and, similarly, to ensure the axial immobilization of the spindle 280 in position debraved when composing the new code.

Preferably, in this latter variant, in order to facilitate the axial positioning of the spindle 280 in the rotor 40, the spindle 280 extends beyond the use at the rear of the rotor 40 by a length equal to its forward stroke necessary to disengage the coding discs 120.

According to another embodiment previously mentioned, the spindle 280 may be of polygonal section, engaged free in translation but immobilized for rotation dans'un semi-blind bore complementary to the rotor.

• composer l'ancien code afin d'aliqner les encoches 101 des couronnes de codage 100, entraîner le rotor 40 en rotation, immobiliser le pêne 200 dans une position angulaire précise, pour bloquer simultanément le rotor 40 et les couronnes de codage 100 par l'intermédiaire de l'organe de blocage 90, commander un déplacement axial de la broche 280 pour débrayer les disques de codage 120, composer le nouveau code par désengagement . de l'organe rotatif de décodage 70 et du rotor 40 puis par commande des disques de codage 120, libérer la broche 280 qui recule pour engager à nouveau les disques de codage 120 et les couronnes de codage 100 associées.

According to another alternative embodiment, it is possible to envisage ensuring the change of code by the sequence of operations consisting in:

• dial the old code in order to align the notches 101 of the coding rings 100, drive the rotor 40 in rotation, immobilize the bolt 200 in a precise angular position, to simultaneously lock the rotor 40 and the coding rings 100 by the through the blocking member 90, order an axial displacement of the spindle 280 to disengage the coding discs 120, dial the new code by disengagement. from the rotary decoding unit 70 and from the rotor 40, then by controlling the coding discs 120, release the spindle 280 which moves back to engage the coding discs 120 and the associated coding rings 100 again.

Note however that this latter variant requires the presence of two indexes on the front face of the stator 10, inclined between them according to the relative inclination of the bolt between its closed position and its position retained during the composition of the new combination.

The openings 175 and 201 formed in the stroke limiter 170 and the bolt 200 may be of different geometry from the illustration, for example of square section and if necessary the bores 176 and 202 may be removed, the needle then passing through one of the angles of openings 175 and 201.

Claims (21)

1 _. TVpe cylinder lock comprising a stator (10) which wraps a rotor (40) associated with a bolt (2001 and at least one locking member (90) disposed between the rotor and the stator, the locking member being capable of '' be moved between a locking position in which it prohibits rotation of the rotor relative to the stator and a neutral position in which it allows rotation of this rotor, a plurality of coaxial coding elements (100, 120) each comprising on their periphery, a notch (101) intended to receive the locking member (90) in the neutral position, as well as drive members (121, 125) adapted to drive the rotation of each of the coding elements when one elements which are immediately adiacent to it are themselves rotated, and a rotary member (70) for decoding the elements, adapted to ensure the rotational drive of one of them, and to allow alignment notches (101), characterized in that: each coding element is formed in combination with an outer ring (100) provided with the notch (101) capable of receiving the blocking member (90), and with a central disc (120) provided with the orcs drive (121, 125), the inner peripheral surface (102) of the crowns and the outer peripheral surface (123) of the central discs (120), being adapted to allow the assembly thereof according to a multiplicity of predetermined angular positions , - spacers (140, 180) are provided between the different coding elements (100, 120), and the outer rings (100) and the central discs (120) of each coding element are capable of relative axial displacement,
and by the fact that the lock further comprises a member clutch (280) adapted to disengage the outer rings (100) and central discs (120) of each coding element by relative axial displacement thereof when the outer rings (100) are immobilized in rotation by a retaining member ( 251) in order to allow in the disengaged position a relative pivoting of the crowns (100) and central discs (120) of each coding element by actuation of the rotary decoding member (70) to effect a change of combination of the lock. 2. cylinder lock according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a passage (53) adapted to allow the introduction therein of a retaining member (251) adapted to engage with the crowns outer (100) to immobilize them in rotation before disengaging the outer rings (100) and central discs (120). 3. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the declutching member (280) is formed by a pin capable of axial displacement in the lock, by the fact that the various central discs (120) are provided with central bores (124) and that they are engaged free to rotate but immobilized in relative axial displacement on the spindle (280). 4. Cylinder lock according to claim 3, characterized in that the immobilization in relative axial movement of the central disks (120) and the spindle (280) is achieved by spacers (140) engaged on the spindle (280) between the discs (120) and immobilized in rotation on the spindle (280). 5. cylinder lock according to claim 4, characterized in that the spacers (140) are formed of stepped rings, the portion (14) of smaller section of the spacers, engaged in the bore internal (124) of the discs (120) acting as a rotation bearing for the latter, while the portion (142) of larger section of the spacers prohibits the relative axial movement of the discs on the spindle (280). 6. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the spindle (280), the spacers (140) and the central discs (120) constitute a sub-assembly of which all the parts are integral in translation axial but of which only the central discs (120) are free to rotate. 7. cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rotor (40) defines a generally cylindrical housing (47) in which are engaged, free to rotate, but immobilized in axial displacement relative to the crowns external (100) coding elements. 8. Cylinder lock according to claim 7, characterized in that the passage (53) adapted to allow the introduction of a retaining member (251) engaged with the outer rings (100) is produced in the rotor ( 40). 9. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the immobilization in relative axial movement of the outer rings (100) in the rotor (40) is carried out by spacers (180) engaged between the adjacent rings (100) and immobilized in rotation on the rotor (40). 10. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotor (40), the outer rings (100) of the coding elements and the spacers (180) associated with these rings constitute a sub- together dot all the parts are integral in axial translation but of which only the outer rings (100) of the coding elements are free to rotate. ₁₁ . Cylinder lock according to claims ₃ and 9 taken in combination, characterized in that the axial thicknesses of the inserts (140, ₁ 80) are greater than those of the crowns (100) and central discs (120) of the coding elements and at less slightly greater than the axial translational travel of the spindle (280) forming the declutching member. 12. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 11, taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the pin (280) is provided with a transverse light (283) in which is engaged a pin ( 60) engaged with the rotor (40) to immobilize the spindle (280) in rotation on the rotor while limiting its relative axial sliding. 13. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 11 taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the spindle (280) is provided with two transverse bores in which is engaged alternately a pin (60) removable in taken with the rotor (40) to immobilize the spindle (280) in rotation on the rotor (40) and define two axial positions of the spindle on the rotor corresponding respectively to the engagement and disengagement of the crowns (100) and central discs (120) coding elements. 14. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the spindle (280) of polygonal section is engaged free in translation but immobilized for rotation in a complementary semi-blind bore, formed in the rotor and cooperates with a screw engaged with said bore ensuring its displacement in translation. 15. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the rotary decoding member (70) is axially displaceable to ensure the rotation of the rotor (40) and the opening of the lock when the notches (101 ) provided on the outer rings (100) are aligned. ₁ 6. cylinder lock according to claim ₁ 5, characterized in that the rotary decoding member (70) is formed by a cylinder (72) comprising sliding serrations (71) capable of engaging with the rotor (40) to ensure the rotation thereof after alignment of the notches (101). 17. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the rotary decoding member (70) is disposed on the front face of the stator (1i "and has suitable structures (74.75) to cooperate by drive relationship with a dial (300), graduated opposite an index carried by the stator (10). 18. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the rotary decoding member (70) is provided with structures (77, 78) capable of coming into drive relation with the means of drive (121, 125) of one of the central discs (120), whatever the axial position thereof, in the disengaged or disengaged position to ensure in one case the change of combination, in the other, decoding by aligning the notches (101). 19. Cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 18, taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that a spring (80) is disposed between the rotary decoding member (70) and the pin ( 280) forming a declutching member for initially removing the rotary decoding member (70) and the rotor (40) in order to allow the drive of the coding elements without interfering with the rotor (40), while allowing, after compression of the spring (80), the drive of the rotor (40) by the rotary decoding member (70). 20. Tool for changing the combination of the cylinder lock according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a needle (251) able to enter the lock to engage the outer crowns (100) of the coding elements in order to immobilize them in rotation, an insert (260) which carries the needle and is adapted to ensure disengagement of the crowns external (100) and central discs (120) by axial stress. 21. Combination change tool according to claim 20, characterized in that the insert (260) is provided with an external thread (263) capable of engaging in a complementary tapped bore (50) formed in the lock to control the amplitude of the relative axial movement between the outer rings (100) and the central discs (120) during disengagement.

Images