Locking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device (100) for actuating a vehicle lock, comprising a cylinder barrel (10), in which a lock cylinder (20) is rotatably accommodated, between which a plurality of locking plates (30) are arranged which are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction and which can be moved radially, in a release position (I), the lock cylinder can be arranged in the lock cylinder through a matching key so that the lock cylinder can be separated from the cylinder barrel in a rotatable mode, and in a locking position (II), the lock cylinder can be locked together with the cylinder barrel after the matching key is pulled out of the lock cylinder so that the lock cylinder can be combined to the cylinder barrel in an anti-rotation mode. At least one radially movable locking element (40) is arranged between the cylinder barrel and the lock cylinder, and the locking element can be moved into a safety groove (31) on the at least one locking plate (30) by rotating the lock cylinder. According to the invention, a safety groove (31) of the at least one locking plate is designed in such a way that a first gap (S1) occurs between the locking element (40) and the safety groove when the locking element (40) is moved into the safety groove.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application filed on November 3, 2017, with application number 201780068258.7 and invention title "Locking Device". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a locking device for operating vehicle locks, having a core cylinder in which a lock cylinder is rotatably housed, wherein a plurality of locking plates are arranged between the core cylinder and the lock cylinder in a sequential and radially movable manner along an axial direction, the locking plates being calibrated by a matching key to allow the lock cylinder to be rotatably separated from the core cylinder. Background Technology

[0003] The aforementioned type of vehicle locking device is disclosed in principle by existing technology. Such a locking device includes at least one rotatable lock cylinder, which is anti-rotatably engaged to a fixedly mounted cylinder via a locking plate. The locking plate can be encoded such that it can be calibrated within the lock cylinder using a matching key, thereby allowing the lock cylinder to be rotatably separated from the cylinder. A proven disadvantage of such a locking device is that the locking plate can be calibrated using a breaching tool such as a screwdriver, thereby allowing unauthorized personnel to operate the vehicle locks and successfully enter the vehicle's interior. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially improve the locking device of the aforementioned type. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that allows reliable operation of vehicle locks and has improved anti-theft properties, especially when the lock is pried open, regardless of how the locking device and various theft tools are manipulated.

[0005] This task is accomplished in relation to the features of the locking device of the present invention. Other advantageous improvements are described in this invention. The features disclosed in several embodiments of the locking device of the present invention can be combined with each other, that is, the disclosures relating to embodiments of the locking device of the present invention are always mutually referenced or can be mutually referenced.

[0006] This invention provides a locking device for operating vehicle locks, designed with a cylinder in which a lock cylinder is rotatably housed. A plurality of locking plates are arranged between the cylinder and the lock cylinder, moving radially and sequentially along an axial direction. In a released position, the locking plates can be positioned within the lock cylinder by a matching key, allowing the lock cylinder to rotatably separate from the cylinder. In a locked position, after the matching key is removed from the lock cylinder, the locking plates are locked to the cylinder to prevent rotation. At least one radially movable locking element is provided between the cylinder and the lock cylinder, which can be moved into a locking slot on at least one locking plate by rotation of the lock cylinder. The invention specifies that the locking slot of at least one locking plate is designed such that, when the locking element moves into the locking slot, a first gap appears between the locking element and the locking slot. Thus, the locking plate can still engage and lock the cylinder even when attempting to pick the lock, particularly even when the locking element has been or will be pried open (moved into the locking slot).

[0007] The locking device of this invention is used to operate locks on vehicle doors such as the driver's side door or on vehicle hoods such as the trunk lid. It is conceivable that the locks are central locking systems or locks on individual doors or hoods. In principle, it is also conceivable that the locking device of this invention can be used to release a vehicle's steering wheel lock or gear shift lever.

[0008] In this regard, the present invention is also specifically directed to motor vehicle door locks having the locking device of the present invention and steering wheel locks having the locking device of the present invention.

[0009] The locking device of this invention may have multiple locking plates, but at least four. The locking plates are housed in corresponding guide grooves between the rotatable lock cylinder and the cylinder body. These guide grooves extend into and from the keyway within the lock cylinder to the cylinder body. In the locked position, the locking plates are locked within the cylinder body and prevent the lock cylinder from rotating within it. In the released position, the locking plates are fully housed within the lock cylinder, allowing the lock cylinder to rotate within the cylinder body. All locking plates may, for example, have corresponding locking grooves on their outer surfaces for accommodating radially movable locking elements.

[0010] A radially movable locking element (or simply locking element) also extends from the lock cylinder into the cylinder within a corresponding guide groove, but does not reach the keyway within the lock cylinder; rather, it only reaches the outer surface of the lock plate where a locking slot can be formed. This locking element can preferably be pre-tensioned radially from the lock cylinder into the cylinder by means of spring elasticity, for example, by two spring members located at the ends. Rotation of the lock cylinder can overcome the spring elasticity pre-tension acting on the locking element, and the locking element can be fully inserted into the lock cylinder. However, this requires that the locking element can be moved into one or more corresponding locking slots on one or more lock plates. This is only feasible if all lock plates are aligned with a matching key such that one or more locking slots are opposite the locking element when viewed radially from the lock cylinder, and these lock plates therefore do not obstruct the insertion of the locking element into the lock cylinder.

[0011] The concept of this invention lies in making it difficult to "pry the lock at the locking device using a lock-picking tool" by purposefully designing the lock plates and locking elements, and the corresponding cooperation between them. In this case, a radially movable locking element is used in the lock cylinder, which, in its first function, acts as a safety element to make prying difficult. This is because the locking element can only be fully moved into the lock cylinder when all the lock plates are properly aligned or when the door is broken open (hereinafter referred to as releasing the lock cylinder by the locking element to allow rotation). In its second function, the locking element is used so that a lock plate can eventually be pried open (hereinafter referred to as releasing the lock cylinder by the lock plate to allow rotation). This is achieved by setting a predetermined, purposefully set first gap between each safety groove on one or more lock plates and the locking element.

[0012] Lock picking is accomplished as follows: by using a lock picking tool inserted into the keyway to slightly rotate the lock cylinder about its rotation axis and to move the lock plate up and down about the same axis. Because of the initial gap, the locking element may be forced into the lock cylinder by its rotation (e.g., against spring force), and the safety slot within the lock plate should be opposite the locking element in the radial direction of the lock cylinder. The lock plate is moved to the corresponding height by its up-and-down movement. However, even when the locking element has moved into the safety slot, the initial gap of the invention prevents the cylinder from being released by the lock plate. Therefore, the lock plate must be moved downwards or upwards about the lock cylinder's rotation axis in another step until it can release the lock cylinder.

[0013] The first gap can be formed such that, viewed in the (cross) section of the lock cylinder, the width D of the safety groove of at least one locking piece can be selected to be greater than the width d of the locking element. The first gap can then be formed by a gap with a lateral spacing (consisting of the difference between the width of the safety groove and the width of the locking element in the (cross) section) between the safety groove and the inserted locking element, wherein, particularly to determine the lateral spacing of the first gap, the inserted locking element abuts against one side of the safety groove. The first gap can preferably be adjusted to be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, especially preferably less than 500 micrometers, and ideally less than 300 micrometers.

[0014] Therefore, the radially movable locking element in the sense of this invention functions as an additional locking plate within its second functional range. It not only presents a further obstacle and is time-consuming when prying the lock, but also counteracts the first function of the locking element, which, according to its first function, acts as a safety device, preventing the locking plates from being pried sequentially, because the locking element can only move into all the properly aligned locking plates simultaneously.

[0015] Therefore, the locking element in the sense of this invention exhibits at least doubled, and preferably almost insurmountable, anti-theft security, especially when picking locks, because in the first function of the locking element, the lock cylinder can only be released by the locking element for rotation when all the lock plates are in the correct position, and in the second function of the locking element, the lock cylinder can only be released by the lock plates when the locking element is in the correct position. In other words, the invention allows the locking element to be operated simultaneously in an illegal manner according to these two functions. Advantageously, the two functions of the locking element can only be legally performed when the matching key is housed in the lock cylinder, such that all the lock plates are in the correct position and one or all of the locking slots on the lock plates are radially opposite the locking element to the locking element in the lock cylinder.

[0016] The invention can also specify that a locking groove is formed on the cylinder for each locking plate, or a common locking groove is formed for all locking plates. When the matching key is not inserted into the lock cylinder, this or these locking plates can be moved into the locking groove to lock the lock cylinder and the cylinder together. Here, the locking groove is designed in such a way that a second gap appears between the locking plate and the locking groove when the locking plate is moved into the locking groove. Because of the second gap, the locking plate can always be held at a distance from the edge of the corresponding cylinder in the locking groove, specifically even when the locking element has been pried open. Therefore, the breaker does not receive tactile feedback about the locking plate engaging with the locking groove, even though the locking element has been moved into the locking groove on the locking plate. In other words, the locking plate is never pried open because of the second gap. Therefore, the locking plate must be pried open individually in another step. This obviously makes lock picking difficult and time-consuming.

[0017] The second gap can be formed such that the width of the locking groove on the core cylinder can be selected to be greater than the width of the locking piece at the head of the locking piece. The second gap can then be formed by a lateral gap (formed by the difference between the width of the locking groove and the width of the locking piece at the head) between the locking groove and the inserted locking piece, wherein, particularly to determine the lateral gap of the second gap, the inserted locking piece abuts against one side of the locking groove. The second gap can preferably be selected to be less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm, particularly preferably less than 500 micrometers, and ideally less than 300 micrometers.

[0018] The second gap also results in a significantly greater need to rotate the lock cylinder to pry the lock plates compared to using the locking grooves without the second gap. This makes the operation of breaching tools significantly more difficult, as the breacher must perform multiple, tightly fitted, long-distance movements. Furthermore, because a greater rotation of the lock cylinder is required to pry the lock plates, the probability that the locking element might be pried in front of the lock plates is significantly reduced (preferably even eliminated), since a full rotation of the lock cylinder is only possible when the locking element engages with all the properly aligned lock plates. Therefore, the first and second functions of the locking element can be advantageously supported or enhanced by the second gap in such a way that these two functions are almost entirely eliminated without a matching key. When using a matching key, these two gaps are not needed in the sense of the present invention. When using a matching key, the locking element can enter the safety grooves on each lock plate centrally and therefore frictionlessly, and the lock plates can enter the locking grooves on the cylinder centrally and therefore frictionlessly.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention can specify in the locking device that each locking plate has a corresponding safety slot for accommodating the locking element, wherein, in particular, the radially movable locking element can only be moved into the safety slot on the locking plate after all the locking plates have been aligned within the lock cylinder by the matching key. This allows the locking element to move without tilting in the longitudinal direction and to be reliably held in a working position, in which the locking element is accommodated within the safety slot on the aligned locking plate. This not only achieves stable operation but also simplifies the installation of the locking element within the cylinder. Additionally, this enhances the primary function of the locking element as a safety element, because when all the locking plates have been aligned by the matching key, the locking element can be connected to all the locking plates via the respective safety slots.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention can specify in the locking device that the radially movable locking element can move between at least two positions, namely a working position and a latched position. When all locking plates are aligned, the radially movable locking element can move into a safety groove on the locking plate by rotation of the lock cylinder in the working position, and in the latched position, the radially movable locking element disengages from at least one safety groove on at least one locking plate. This achieves that the locking element can only perform a predetermined back-and-forth movement between the working position and the latched position, preferably parallel only to its extension axis and most preferably parallel to the extension axis of the lock cylinder. This ensures stable operation of the locking element. Additionally, this further enhances the first function of the locking element as a safety element.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention can specify in the locking device that the locking element has a longitudinal extension that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the lock cylinder. Therefore, it can be ensured that when the lock plates are aligned within the lock cylinder by the matching key, the locking element can effectively engage multiple, preferably all, of the lock plates.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention can specify in the locking device that the locking element is pre-tensioned radially from the lock cylinder toward the cylinder by means of spring elasticity, preferably by two spring members located at the ends. This allows the locking element to be operated by rotating the lock cylinder. When the lock cylinder is reversed and after the matching key is removed, the locking element automatically shifts into its latched position by the spring force of the spring members. The two springs are preferably installed within the lock cylinder, allowing for a simple design without significant installation costs.

[0023] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the locking device may be configured such that the locking plates are pre-tensioned from the lock cylinder toward the cylinder via spring elasticity in at least one direction. This allows the locking plates to be regulated against the spring force, whereby, after the matching key is removed from the lock cylinder, these locking plates automatically return to the locked position by means of the spring force, in which they prevent the lock cylinder from rotating relative to the cylinder.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention can specify that these locking plates are preloaded alternately in alternating (preferably opposite) directions by spring elasticity. This alternating direction expands the coding degrees of freedom of the locking device. Additionally, this can improve the anti-theft security of the locking device because it requires prying from different directions.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention can specify in the locking device that at least one locking plate is pre-tensioned toward the lock cylinder in a substantially tangential direction by at least one spring member preferably disposed beside the keyway side within the lock cylinder. Thus, each locking plate can individually bear the spring force, and the corresponding spring can therefore be entirely located within the lock cylinder. This simplifies the structure and installation of the locking device.

[0026] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, it is conceivable in locking devices that each locking plate has a spring member preferably located on the side of the keyway within the lock cylinder. This makes it more difficult to distinguish the tactile sensation between "the locking plate contacting the cylinder due to the rotation of the lock cylinder" and "the locking plate contacting the cylinder due to the radial movement of the locking plate itself" when prying the lock. Additionally, the laterally positioned spring member causes the locking plate to be pried only in a predetermined rotational direction. Preferably, the locking plates can withstand spring forces in alternating tangential directions, so that the rotational direction in which each locking plate is pried varies depending on the locking plate. Therefore, prying the locking plates may become even more difficult.

[0027] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, it is conceivable that in a locking device, the spring members of all the lock plates are installed within the lock cylinder from one side (i.e., the same side) of the keyway. Therefore, the installation of the spring members within the lock cylinder can be simplified. Additionally, the installation of the lock cylinder along with the pressed-in lock plates within the cylinder can thus be simplified.

[0028] Furthermore, the present invention allows for the arrangement of spring members of all lock plates parallel to each other and parallel to the plane extending from the keyway in the locking device. This significantly simplifies the installation of the spring members within the lock cylinder and the installation of the lock cylinder along with the pressed-in lock plates within the cylinder.

[0029] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the locking device may be configured such that at least one locking plate has at least one side recess at its head, which, along with the inclined wall of the locking groove, allows for a mechanically effective connection, particularly a locking connection. This side recess enables the locking plate to tilt on the cylinder when the locking element is inserted into the safety groove on the locking plate but without using the matching key. This significantly makes lock picking much more difficult.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention specifies that the locking plate has a lateral recess on the left and right sides of the head, and preferably at each corner. Therefore, when the matching key is not used, the locking plate can be tilted on the cylinder at each corner. Such a locking plate can also be used for different codes that can be performed in different directions.

[0031] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the locking device may be configured such that the locking plate, and particularly the lateral recess of the locking plate, has at least one stop protrusion. When the locking element is inserted into the safety groove on the locking plate without a matching key, the stop protrusion abuts against the blocking portion of the locking groove, and particularly the inclined wall portion. Through the stop protrusion and the blocking portion, the locking plate can establish a locking connection with the cylinder in the event of illegal prying, thereby reliably holding the locking plate in the locked position regardless of manipulation.

[0032] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the locking device may be configured such that the locking plate, particularly the lateral recess of the locking plate, has at least one notch so that the locking plate, particularly the stop protrusion of the locking plate, can more easily cross over the blocking portion of the locking groove, particularly the inclined wall portion. Therefore, the tactile feedback when prying the locking plate can be reduced and the locking plate can be tilted on the cylinder, particularly locked, during unauthorized intrusion.

[0033] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the locking device may be designed as an overload sleeve to interrupt the effective mechanical connection with the vehicle lock in the event of rough operation of the locking device. Specifically, the cylinder has at least one, preferably two, pull-out ramps on its end sides, which allow the cylinder to rotatably disengage from the fixing housing, particularly the locking housing's stop. This provides overload protection within the locking device. Roughly turning the lock cylinder may cause the cylinder to be actuated by the lock cylinder due to misalignment of the locking plates, thus breaking the effective mechanical connection between the lock cylinder and the vehicle lock. In the event of rough operation of the locking device, this reliably prevents entry into the vehicle.

[0034] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the locking device may include a fixing housing in which the core cylinder is rotatably housed, and / or the fixing housing has a rotation-resistant stop, which is mechanically connected to the vehicle lock. During normal operation of the locking device, the core cylinder is non-rotatably supported on the stop, and during overload operation of the locking device, the core cylinder can be rotatably separated from the stop by rough rotation. Therefore, the fixing housing advantageously allows the core cylinder to rotate together with the lock cylinder during overload operation of the locking device.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention can specify that the stop member is longitudinally movably mounted within the housing of the fixing member, wherein the stop member preferably has at least one, and preferably two, stop grooves provided on the end side for at least one, preferably two, pull-out ramps on the cylinder. This allows the stop member to move away from the cylinder, and the clutch of the vehicle lock is subsequently pulled away from the lock cylinder, thereby preventing vehicle lock operation by means of cylinder rotation. Axial overload protection can be achieved by the longitudinally movable stop member. Axial overload protection can reliably interrupt the transmission chain between the lock cylinder and the vehicle lock in an advantageous manner under overload conditions.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention can specify that each lock plate has a keyhole for a key, wherein at least one unique pin for a matching key is formed in the keyhole area, wherein in particular, the pin is designed to generate at least one code for at least one code track on the key. The keyhole in the lock plate can be rectangular, and here, depending on the lock plate, the pin can be formed on different sides of the rectangular keyhole. The alternating arrangement allows such a lock plate to interact with keys that may have one, two, three, or four code tracks. The code track can also have one or two valid coding sides, depending on whether a reversible key (Wendeschlüssel) or a non-reversible key is desired. Thus, the application range of the locking device of the present invention can be expanded. In addition, as the number of valid coding sides on the key increases, the coding freedom within the locking device can be increased.

[0037] Furthermore, the present invention can specify that two identical sets of locking plates are provided, which can be alternately arranged in the cylinder in alternating (preferably opposite) directions. Therefore, a reversible key can be implemented.

[0038] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, it can be specified that at least one locking plate in the locking device is made of a high-hardness material, particularly hardened steel. Therefore, inserting a drill bit to destroy the locking plate within the keyway area may become difficult.

[0039] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the locking device may be configured such that at least one locking plate is uncoded as a reinforcement, wherein, particularly during normal operation of the locking device, this reinforcement is held anti-rotationally on the core via a closure, wherein, during overload operation of the locking device, the reinforcement is released via the closure to allow rotation, and / or the reinforcement is designed as a cap for the lock core. In principle, any locking plate can be designed as a reinforcement. The reinforcement causes the drill bit to reach the reinforcement at most when drilling into the keyway and cannot proceed further. The reinforcement holds the insert on the drill bit tip and begins to rotate with the drill bit tip, but the drill bit tip cannot further penetrate into the lock core. Therefore, the locking device can be protected against manipulation by means of the drill bit. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Other measures, advantages, and technical features of the invention are derived from the claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings. Different features may be advantageous individually and in any combination without exceeding the scope of the invention. Several embodiments of the locking device of the invention are described in detail in the following drawings, wherein:

[0041] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the locking device of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the core cylinder and lock cylinder in the sense of this invention.

[0043] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the locking piece in the sense of this invention.

[0044] Figure 4a This is a cross-sectional view of a known locking device when the lock is pried open by turning the lock cylinder.

[0045] Figure 4b This is a cross-sectional view of a known locking device when the lock is pried open by moving the locking plate.

[0046] Figure 4c This is a cross-sectional view of a known locking device when the lock is pried open by prying the lock plate.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking device of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking device of the present invention when it is rotated in one direction.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking device of the present invention when the locking element is pried open and rotated in another direction.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking device of the present invention when the locking plate is pried open.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking device of the present invention when one of the locking plates can be rotated in the direction that it can be pried open.

[0052] Figure 10 Is it facing and Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the locking device of the present invention when the subsequent locking plate cannot be rotated in the direction of the prying.

[0053] Figure 11 This is an exemplary view of the locking device of the present invention, and

[0054] Figure 12 This is an exemplary view of the locking device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0056] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a locking device 100 according to the present invention, used for operating vehicle locks. The locking device 100 is designed to have a cylinder 10, within which a lock cylinder 20 is rotatably housed. Figure 1In this design, the core cylinder 10 is shown only as an example of an overload sleeve with overload ramps 15 and 16, which is rotatably housed in the fixing housing 50. The overload protection mechanism will be described in detail below. In principle, the core cylinder 10 in the sense of this invention can also be designed without an overload protection mechanism. A plurality of locking plates 30, arranged axially sequentially and radially movable, are provided between the core cylinder 10 and the lock cylinder 20, which will be described below... Figure 5-10 As shown in the diagram. Additionally, a locking piece 30 is... Figure 3 The image is enlarged and shown separately. The lock cylinder 20 has a key slot 21 through which a key can be inserted to adjust the lock plate.

[0057] The locking plate 30 can be movably accommodated within the lock cylinder 20 in two positions, namely, release position I and locking position II. In release position I, the locking plate 30 can be calibrated within the lock cylinder 20 by means of a matching key so that the lock cylinder 20 can be rotatably separated from the cylinder 10. In locking position II, the locking plate 30 can be locked together with the cylinder 10 after the matching key is removed from the lock cylinder 20 so as to engage the lock cylinder 20 with the cylinder 10 in a non-rotational manner.

[0058] The locking plate 30 is radially movable and accommodated in the guide groove 23 within the lock cylinder 20. In the release position I, the locking plate 30 can be fully submerged in the guide groove 23 within the lock cylinder 20. In the locked position II, the locking plate 30 protrudes from the guide groove 23 within the lock cylinder 20 and is inserted into the locking groove 11 on the cylinder 10.

[0059] For example Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, at least one radially movable locking element 40, or simply locking element 40, is provided between the cylinder 10 and the lock cylinder 20. This locking element 40 can be moved into a safety groove 31 on at least one lock plate 30 by rotating the lock cylinder 20 in a rotational direction D1, as follows: Figure 7 As illustrated in the example. However, in the other rotational direction D2, the locking element 40 cannot engage with the same locking groove 31 as the same locking piece, as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0060] The locking element 40 can move between two positions 1 and 2, namely working position 1 and latching position 2. In working position 1, the locking element 40 can be aligned with these locking plates 30 (for this purpose, see, for example, see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 When the lock cylinder 20 rotates, it moves into the locking groove 31 on the lock plate 30. In this latched position, the locking element 40 can disengage from at least one locking groove 31 of at least one lock plate 30 (for this purpose, see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0061] For example Figure 1and Figure 2 As shown, the locking element 40 is radially movable and accommodated in the guide groove 22 within the lock cylinder 20. In the working position 1, the locking element 40 can be fully inserted into the guide groove 22 of the lock cylinder 20. However, in the latched position 2, the locking element 40 extends from the guide groove 22 within the lock cylinder 20 and inserts into the latch groove 12 on the cylinder 10.

[0062] The locking element 40 has a longitudinal extension 41 that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension L of the lock cylinder 20. Therefore, it can be ensured that when the lock plates 30 are aligned within the lock cylinder 20 by the matching key, the locking element 40 can be engaged effectively with multiple, for example, all, the lock plates 30 simultaneously.

[0063] The locking element 40 is pre-tensioned radially from the lock cylinder 20 toward the core cylinder 10 by means of two spring members 42 located at its ends in the longitudinal extension direction of the locking element 40. This allows the locking element 40 to rotate through the lock cylinder 20 against the action of the spring members 42 and be fully submerged in the guide groove 22 within the lock cylinder 20, provided that all locking plates 30 are properly aligned. After the matching key is removed, the spring force of the spring members 42 is used to automatically rotate the locking element 40 into its latched position 2, in which the locking element 40 is inserted into the latch groove 12 on the core cylinder 10.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the spring member 42 is supported on the spring seat 43 of the locking element 40. Therefore, at the spring seat 43, the spring force is transmitted into the locking element 40, which forces the locking element 40 to engage with the core cylinder 10. The spring member 42 and the spring seat 43 have longitudinal extensions 41 about the locking element 40 on the end side of the locking element 40.

[0065] As already mentioned, the core tube 10 can be as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2The lock is configured as an overload sleeve to interrupt the effective mechanical connection with the vehicle lock when the locking device 100 is operated roughly, especially when the lock cylinder 20 is turned roughly. For this purpose, at least one, preferably two, pull-out ramps 15, 16 are formed on the end face of the cylinder 10, which can be inserted into corresponding stop grooves 55, 56 on the stop member 51 within the retaining housing 50. The stop member 51 is here anti-rotationally supported within the retaining housing 50. However, the stop member 51 can be longitudinally movable against the spring force of the spring 53. A rough turn of the lock cylinder 20 may cause the cylinder 10 to be driven by the lock cylinder 20 due to an improperly aligned locking plate 30. The pull-out ramps 15, 16 rotate relative to the stop grooves 55, 56 and disengage from them. At this time, the pull-out ramps 15, 16 push the stop member 51 away from the lock cylinder 20 in an axial view. The stop 51 is connected to the engaging member 54 for the vehicle lock via the clutch 52, and the transmission member 57 for the vehicle lock is supported on the engaging member. A spring 53 is provided between the engaging member 54 and the clutch 52, and the spring can be compressed under overload conditions. During normal operation of the locking device 100, the lock cylinder 20 is rotatably engaged to the transmission member 57 via the clutch 52. Under overload conditions, the spring 53 is compressed, causing the stop 51 to move away from the lock cylinder 20 along with the clutch 52. Thus, the lock cylinder 20 loses its effective mechanical connection with the clutch 52 and consequently with the transmission member 57. Therefore, any rough rotation of the lock cylinder 20 is not transmitted to the transmission member 57.

[0066] like Figure 3 Taking a single lock plate 30 as an example, each lock plate 30 has a keyhole 36 for a key, wherein at least one uniquely designed pin 37 for a matching key can be formed in the keyhole 36 region. The pin 37, within the scope of this invention, can be designed to generate at least one code for at least one code track on the key. The keyhole 36 in the lock plate 30 can be rectangular, wherein the pin 37 can be formed at different locations and / or sides of the rectangular keyhole 36, depending on the lock plate 30, depending on whether a key with one, two, three, or four code tracks is to be used. The code track on the desired key can also have one or two valid coding sides, depending on whether a reversible key or a non-reversible key is desired. Therefore, the application areas of the locking device 100 of this invention can be flexibly designed. In the case of a reversible key, two code tracks can be symmetrically formed, where only one side of such a code track must be designed to actuate the corresponding lock plate 30. The lock plates 30 for the reversible key can be provided in two sets with the same configuration, wherein the lock plates 30 can be in alternating (e.g., opposite) directions (e.g., see...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 They are alternately set in the core cylinder 10.

[0067] For example Figure 3As shown, within the scope of the invention, the locking plate 30 is pre-tensioned from the lock cylinder 20 toward the cylinder 10 by spring elasticity in at least one or more, for example, opposite directions. For this purpose, a spring member 35 is provided for each locking plate 30. The locking plate 30 can be aligned against the spring force, whereby, after the matching key is removed from the lock cylinder 20, the locking plate 30 can automatically return to the locked position II by means of the spring force, in which it anti-rotationally engages the lock cylinder 20 to the cylinder 10. According to one possible method of the invention... Figure 6 and Figure 6 as well as Figure 9 , 10 In the possible implementations that can be seen, these locking plates 30 are alternately preloaded by means of spring elasticity in alternating (preferably opposite) directions. By means of the opposite directions of these locking plates 30, a locking device 100 for reversing keys can be provided.

[0068] The spring element 35 of the lock plate 30 can be positioned on the side facing the keyhole 36, preferably from the same side. It can be noted that the spring element 35 extends tangentially along the lock cylinder 20. Therefore, the installation of the spring element 35 within the lock cylinder 20 is simplified. Furthermore, the installation of the lock cylinder 20, along with the pressed-in lock plate 30, within the cylinder 10 becomes easier. It is also conceivable that the spring elements 35 of all the lock plates 30 can be arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the extending plane of the keyway 21, which further simplifies the installation of the lock cylinder 20, along with the pressed-in lock plate 30, within the cylinder 10.

[0069] For example Figure 3 As shown, these locking plates 30 each have a side recess 32 at at least one head, preferably at both heads K1 and K2, which allows the side recess 32 to be mechanically and, in particular, locked into the corresponding inclined wall portion 13 of the locking groove 11, such as... Figure 7 As shown. Additionally, at least one stop protrusion 33 can be formed on each side recess 32 of each locking piece 30, which abuts against the blocking portion 14 of the locking groove 11, particularly the inclined wall portion 13. Advantageously, two stop protrusions 33 can be formed on the side recesses 32, thereby increasing the probability that the locking piece 20 tilts at the blocking portion 14 of the locking groove 11 when the locking device 100 is manipulated. At each side recess 32 of each locking piece 30, a cut 34 can be formed near (outwardly) the stop protrusion 33 to facilitate the crossing of the locking piece 30, particularly the stop protrusion 33 of each locking piece 30, across the blocking portion 14 of the locking groove 11, particularly the inclined wall portion 13.

[0070] Can be combined Figure 5To illustrate the inventive concept, the present invention specifies that a locking groove 31 is formed on at least one locking plate 30 such that a first gap S1 appears between the locking element 40 and the locking groove 31 when the locking element 40 moves into the locking groove 31. The first gap S1 can be obtained such that, viewed in cross-section of the lock cylinder 20, the width D of the locking groove 31 can be selected to be greater than the width d of the locking element 40. In the case of multiple locking plates 30, at least one, multiple, or preferably each locking plate 30 can have a corresponding locking groove 31. The locking groove 31 can here be formed on one side of all the locking plates 30, each having a locking groove 31 to accommodate the elongated locking element 40 simultaneously. These locking grooves 31 can then be formed on the side of the locking plate 30 opposite to the side where each spring member 35 is supported on the locking plate 30.

[0071] The inventive concept lies in the fact that the corresponding fit between the locking plate 30 and the locking element 40, especially the first gap S1, makes it difficult to pry the lock at the locking device 100. The locking element 40 acts as a safety device in the first function, making it difficult to pry the lock itself. This is because the locking element 40 can only be fully inserted into the lock cylinder 20 when all the locking plates 30 are properly aligned or when pried open in a breaching situation. In the second function, the locking element 40 is used so that the locking element 40 must first be pried to ensure that one of the locking plates 30 can be pried open, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0072] The locking element 40 can be pressed in by rotating the lock cylinder 20. Figure 7 Work location 1. In such Figure 5 In the lock plate 30 shown, rotation to the right in the rotation direction D2 will not cause the locking element 40 to be pried, let alone the lock plate 30. This is because the lock plate 30 is at least partially forced from right to left by a spring, allowing it to be engaged only according to… Figure 7 Pry the locking plate 30 in the direction of rotation D1.

[0073] Figure 4a , 4b Figure 4c illustrates how lock picking can work. For this purpose, the lock cylinder 20 can be slightly turned back and forth using a lock picking tool (see Figure 4c). Figure 4a At the same time, each locking plate or each locking plate 30 is moved up and down about the rotation axis of the lock cylinder 20 (see...). Figure 4b ), until the contact K between each locking piece 30 and the locking groove 11 can be found by feel. Figure 4c The pried lock plate 30 in the position must also be held in place by a lock-picking tool until all other lock plates 30 are also pried open.

[0074] exist Figure 7As can be seen, even when the lock cylinder 20 rotates in the correct rotation direction D1, the first gap S1 in the safety groove 31 on the lock plate 30 still causes the locking element 40 to move into the safety groove 31 on the lock plate 30, but the lock cylinder 20 has not yet been released by the lock plate 30 (see...). Figure 7 In other words, the locking piece 30 is based on Figure 7 In this case, it has never been pried open. Therefore, the locking plate 30 must be in such a condition as Figure 8 In another step shown, it is pried open individually until it can release the lock cylinder.

[0075] The radially movable locking element 40 in the sense of this invention thus functions as at least one additional locking piece in its second function. It not only serves as another obstacle and time-consuming process when prying the lock, but also counteracts the first function of the locking element 40, thereby acting as a safety device 40 and being pried only when all locking pieces 30 are simultaneously aligned.

[0076] Therefore, the locking element 40 in the sense of the present invention exhibits at least doubled, and preferably almost insurmountable, anti-theft security, especially when the lock is picked, because the locking element 40 cannot be operated simultaneously by illegal means according to these two functions. Advantageously, these two functions of the locking element 40 can only be legally performed when the matching key is housed in the lock cylinder 20 such that all the lock plates 30 are aligned and the locking slots 31 on the lock plates 30, or all the locking slots 31, are opposite the locking element 40 when viewed radially from the lock cylinder 20.

[0077] According to another aspect of the invention, the locking groove 11 on the core 10 (in which each locking piece 30 can be moved into the locking groove in the locked position II) is designed such that when the locking piece 30 moves into the locking groove 11, at least one second gap S2 appears between the locking piece 30 and the locking groove 11. Because of the second gap S2, the locking piece 30 always remains at a distance from the corresponding edge of the core in the locking groove 11, specifically even when the locking element 40 has been pried open. Therefore, even though the locking element 40 moves into the safety groove 31 on the locking piece 30, the break-in cannot obtain tactile feedback regarding the engagement of the locking piece 30 with the locking groove 11. In other words, the locking piece 30 remains undisturbed, especially because of the second gap S2 (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second gap S2 makes lock picking difficult and time-consuming.

[0078] The second gap S2 also results in the lock cylinder 20 requiring a significantly greater rotation to pry open the lock plate 30 compared to using the locking groove 11 without the second gap S2. This makes it much more difficult to manipulate breaching tools, as the breacher must perform multiple, tightly coordinated, long-distance movements.

[0079] Furthermore, the locking piece 30 has a side recess 32 at its head K1 and K2 respectively, which can be placed in a mechanically effective connection, especially a locking connection R, with the corresponding inclined wall section 13 of the locking groove 11 inside the core cylinder 10, allowing the locking piece 30 to tilt on the inclined wall section 13. As described above... Figure 3 Specifically, at least one stop protrusion 33 may be formed on each side recess 32 of each locking piece 30, which can abut against the blocking portion 14 of the locking groove 11, particularly the inclined wall section 13. In front of the stop protrusion 33, a cutout 34 may be formed in the locking groove 11 to make it easier for the locking piece 30, particularly the stop protrusion 33 of each locking piece 30, to cross over the blocking portion 14 of the locking groove 11, particularly the inclined wall section 13.

[0080] In the present invention, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the example shown, another factor that contributes to the lock picking is that these lock plates 30 take turns bearing spring forces in different directions, causing one lock plate 30, if this is indeed the case, to rotate in a direction D1 (see...). Figure 7 It cannot be pried open, and the next locking piece 30 is in the same rotation direction D1 (see...). Figure 6 It cannot be pried open.

[0081] Overall, many factors must be overcome when picking a lock, at least those that cannot be simultaneously achieved using breaching tools. Therefore, on the one hand, the locking element 40 must be pried before the locking plate 30 can be pried (see...). Figure 7 On the other hand, the locking element 40 can be pried only when all the locking plates 30 are pried. For this purpose, there are also different rotation directions D1, D2, in which the different locking plates 30 can be aligned (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 and Figure 10 ).

[0082] Therefore, an improved locking device 100 can be provided, which allows for the secure operation of vehicle locks and has improved anti-theft security.

[0083] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Other advantageous improvements to the locking device 100 within the scope of this invention are shown. In principle, it is conceivable that at least one locking plate 30 could be made of a high-hardness material, particularly hardened steel. Therefore, it becomes difficult to insert a drill bit to destroy the locking plate 30 in the keyway 21 region within the lock cylinder 20. For example... Figure 11It can also be specified that at least one locking piece 30 can be constructed without coding as a reinforcing member 38 made of a high-hardness material, particularly hardened steel. Here, especially during normal operation of the locking device 100, the reinforcing member 38 is held anti-rotationally on the core cylinder 10 by means of the closure 39, and in overload operation of the locking device 100, the reinforcing member 38 can be released by means of the closure 39 to allow rotation. It is conceivable that the closure 39 and / or the core cylinder 10 can have at least one closing mechanism 39a, 39b, which breaks under overload conditions by interacting with corresponding stop mechanisms 38a, 38b on the reinforcing member 38. Furthermore, according to... Figure 12 It is conceivable that the reinforcing member 38 can serve as a cap for the lock cylinder 20. In principle, any locking plate 30 can be designed as the reinforcing member 38. The reinforcing member 38 causes the drill bit to only reach the reinforcing member 38 and not go any further when drilling into the keyway 21 within the lock cylinder 20. The reinforcing member 38 remains fitted on the tip of the drill bit and rotates with the tip of the drill bit, while the tip of the drill bit cannot penetrate further into the lock cylinder 20. Therefore, the locking device 100 can be protected against operation using the drill bit.

[0084] The above description of the embodiments illustrates the invention only by way of example. It is obvious that some features of the invention can be freely combined with each other as long as they are technically meaningful, without exceeding the scope of the invention / claims.

[0085] List of reference numerals

[0086] 100 locking device

[0087] 10-core tube

[0088] 11 locking slots

[0089] 12 latch slots

[0090] 13. Inclined wall section

[0091] 14 Interception Section

[0092] 15 Pull out the inclined plane

[0093] 16 Pull out the inclined plane

[0094] 20 lock cylinders

[0095] 21 key slots

[0096] 22 Guide groove for locking element

[0097] 23 Guide groove for locking plate

[0098] 30 locking plates

[0099] 31 Fuse Slots

[0100] 32 lateral concave

[0101] 33 Stop protrusions

[0102] 34 incisions

[0103] 35 spring parts

[0104] 36 keyholes

[0105] 37. Pins used for locking plates

[0106] 38 Reinforcing Components

[0107] 38a Stop Mechanism

[0108] 38b Stopping Mechanism

[0109] 39 Enclosure

[0110] 39a Closed Structure

[0111] 39b Closed mechanism

[0112] 40 locking elements

[0113] 41 Longitudinal extension

[0114] 42 spring parts

[0115] 43 Spring Seat

[0116] 50 Fixture Housing

[0117] 51 braking components

[0118] 52 clutch components

[0119] 53 springs

[0120] 54. Snap-fit ​​components for vehicle locks

[0121] 55 Stop groove on the stop component

[0122] 56 Stop groove on the stop component

[0123] 57. Transmission components of vehicle locks

[0124] D-type safety groove width

[0125] d Locking element width

[0126] D1 Rotation direction

[0127] D2 Rotation Direction

[0128] K Contact

[0129] K1 head

[0130] K2 head

[0131] The longitudinal extension of the L-lock cylinder

[0132] R Locked Connection

[0133] S1 First Gap

[0134] S2 Second Gap

[0135] I Release Position

[0136] II Lock Position

[0137] 1. Work location

[0138] 2 latch positions

Claims

1. A locking device (100) for operating a vehicle lock, comprising a core (10), The lock cylinder (20) is rotatably housed within the cylinder (10). in, A plurality of locking plates (30) are arranged sequentially along the axial direction and are radially movable between the cylinder (10) and the lock cylinder (20). In the release position (I), the locking plates (30) can be aligned within the lock cylinder (20) using a matching key, allowing the lock cylinder (20) to rotatably separate from the cylinder (10). In the locked position (II), after the matching key is removed from the lock cylinder (20), the locking plates (30) can be locked together with the cylinder (10) to prevent rotational coupling of the lock cylinder (20) to the cylinder (10). At least one radially movable locking element (40) is provided between the core cylinder (10) and the lock cylinder (20). The locking element (40) can be moved into the safety groove (31) on at least one lock piece (30) by the rotation of the lock cylinder (20). Its characteristics are, The locking groove (31) of the at least one locking piece (30) is designed such that when the locking element (40) is moved into the locking groove (31), a first gap (S1) appears between the locking element (40) and the locking groove (31).

2. The locking device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first gap (S1) is formed by a gap with a lateral spacing between the safety groove (31) and the inserted locking element (40), wherein, in particular, to determine the lateral spacing of the first gap (S1), the inserted locking element (40) abuts against one side of the safety groove (31), and / or The first gap (S1) is set to be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, especially preferably less than 500 micrometers, and ideally less than 300 micrometers.

3. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in The cylinder (10) has a locking groove (11) for each locking piece (30), or a common locking groove (11) for all locking pieces (30). One or more locking pieces (30) can move into the locking groove (11) to lock the lock cylinder (20) and the cylinder (10) together when no matching key is inserted into the lock cylinder (20). In particular, the locking groove (11) is designed such that when the locking piece (30) moves into the locking groove (11), at least one second gap (S2) appears between the locking piece (30) and the locking groove (11).

4. The locking device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The second gap (S2) is formed by a gap with a lateral spacing between the locking groove (11) and the inserted locking piece (30), wherein, in particular, to determine the lateral spacing of the second gap (S2), the inserted locking piece (30) abuts against one side of the locking groove (11), and / or The second gap (S2) is set to be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, especially preferably less than 500 micrometers, and ideally less than 300 micrometers.

5. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each locking piece (30) has a corresponding locking slot (31) for receiving the locking element (40). In particular, the radially movable locking element (40) can only be moved into the safety groove (31) on the lock piece (30) when all the lock pieces (30) are aligned with the matching key in the lock cylinder (20).

6. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The radially movable locking element (40) can move between at least two positions (1, 2), that is: In the working position (1), when all the locking pieces (30) are aligned, the radially movable locking element (40) can be moved into the safety groove (31) on the locking piece (30) by the rotation of the lock cylinder (20); as well as In the latch position (2), the radially movable locking element (40) disengages from at least one locking slot (31) of at least one locking piece (30).

7. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking element (40) has a longitudinal extension (41) extending parallel to the longitudinal extension (L) of the lock cylinder (20), and / or The locking element (40) is preferably pre-tightened radially from the lock cylinder (20) to the core cylinder (10) by two spring members (42) located at the ends.

8. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking plates (30) are pre-tightened in a spring-elastic manner in at least one direction from the lock cylinder (20) to the cylinder (10), wherein, in particular, the locking plates (30) are pre-tightened in an alternating and preferably opposite direction in a spring-elastic manner.

9. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one lock plate (30) is preloaded toward the lock cylinder (20) in a generally tangential direction by at least one spring (35) preferably located on the side of the keyway (21) within the lock cylinder (20).

10. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each lock plate (30) has a spring element (35) preferably disposed in the lock cylinder (20) on the side of the key slot (21), wherein, in particular, the spring elements (35) of all lock plates (30) are mounted in the lock cylinder (20) from one side of the key slot (21), wherein preferably, the spring elements (35) of all lock plates (30) are arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the extended plane of the key slot (21).

11. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one locking piece (30) has at least one side recess (32) in its head (K1, K2), which enables the side recess (32) to be mechanically and, in particular, locked to the inclined wall (13) of the locking groove (11). In particular, the locking plate (30) is located on the left and right sides of the head and preferably has a side recess (32) at each corner.

12. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The lock plate (30), and especially the side recess (32) of the lock plate (30), has at least one stop protrusion (33) that abuts against the blocking portion (14) of the locking groove (11), and especially the inclined wall portion (13), when the locking element (40) is inserted into the safety groove (31) on the lock plate (30) but no matching key is used.

13. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking plate (30), and especially the side recess (32) of the locking plate (30), has at least one cut (34) for making it easy for the locking plate (30), and especially the stop protrusion (33) of the locking plate (30), to cross over the locking groove (11) and especially the blocking portion (14) of the inclined wall (13).

14. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The core (10) is configured as an overload sleeve to disconnect the mechanical connection with the vehicle lock in the event of rough operation of the locking device (100). In particular, the core (10) has at least one and preferably two pull-out ramps (15, 16) on the end side, which pull-out ramps (15, 16) allow the core (10) to be rotatably separated from the fixing housing (50), and in particular from the stop (51) of the fixing housing (50).

15. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The core cylinder (10) is rotatably housed in a fixing housing (50), and / or The housing (50) of the fastener has a rotation-resistant stop (51) that is in effective mechanical connection with the vehicle lock. In normal operation of the locking device (100), the core cylinder (10) is anti-rotationally supported on the resisting member (51), and In the overload operation of the locking device (100), the core cylinder (10) is rotatably separated from the stop member (51) by rough rotation. And / or the stop (51) is longitudinally movably mounted within the housing (50) of the fixing member, The stop member (51) preferably has at least one and preferably two stop grooves (55, 56) on the end side for at least one and preferably two pull-out ramps (15, 16) on the core cylinder (10).

16. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each lock plate (30) has a keyhole (36) for a key, wherein at least one unique pin (37) for a mating key is formed in the area of ​​the keyhole (36). In particular, the pin (37) is designed to generate at least one code for at least one code track on the key. Preferably, two identical sets of locking plates (30) are provided, which are arranged alternately and preferably in opposite directions in the core cylinder (10).

17. The locking device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one locking piece (30) is made of a high-hardness material, especially hardened steel. And / or at least one locking piece (30) is configured as a reinforcement (38) without coding, wherein, in particular, during normal operation of the locking device (100), the reinforcement (38) can be held anti-rotationally on the core cylinder (10) by means of a closure (39), and wherein, during overload operation of the locking device (100), the reinforcement (38) is released by means of the closure (39) to allow rotation. And / or the reinforcement (38) serves as a cap for the lock cylinder (20).

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