Plug for lock system and associated method of assembly

Abstract

The lock plug may have: a plug body rotatably mounted within the lock housing for rotation about an axis, the plug body having a revolved body shape, the plug body having an insertion member assembled to a main member; a key slot defined in the plug body, the key slot having a length parallel to the axis of rotation, the key slot adapted to receive a key blade, the key blade matching a cross-sectional shape of the key slot; and a latching mechanism protruding into the key slot, the latching mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the plug unless actuated by the key blade and unless the key blade has a mating type, the latching mechanism being integrated into the plug insert. A method of assembling the lock plug may include assembling a component of the latching mechanism to the insert component prior to assembling the insert component to the main component.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The plug of a lock is the part of the lock which has a keyway and which rotates when driven by the rotation of the correct key fully engaged in the keyway. The plug is usually generally cylindrical and may have other shapes of revolution or details of some shapes of revolution.

[0002] Modern lock systems may have multiple security features. For example, the keyway has a relatively complex cross-sectional shape and prevents entry of keys that do not have a matching cross-sectional shape. Locking mechanisms, which typically have several biasing components called switches, are also typically integrated into modern lock systems. Unless all switches are pushed the appropriate distance, the switches are biased into the keyway and interfere with the rotation of the plug, which occurs when a key with a key blade having a matching edge profile (i.e., a matching key) is fully engaged in the keyway. In practice, many lock systems use a switch configuration that can be operated by a very limited number of more than one matching edge profiles, such as by a master key and a unit key, the master key being suitable for opening several different locks in a house, and the unit key being specific to the lock of a given unit of the house. Modern lock systems may also additionally have a third security feature in the form of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may also interfere with the rotation of the plug, rather than just allowing rotation dependent on a matching edge profile, the locking mechanism may allow rotation dependent on a key blade with a given key blade type. The key blade type includes a plurality of keys having different edge profiles but corresponding features, such as specific longitudinal abutment locations.

[0003] An example of a latching mechanism is presented in published U.S. Application Publication No. 2023 / 0082003, the contents of which are incorporated herein. The example latching mechanism includes a switch that pivots a rocker in a manner to unlock the rotation of the plug when pushed an appropriate amount by a longitudinal abutment formed in the side of the key blade. Different key types may have abutments at different locations along the length of the blade, and keys of types other than the matching key type may not be able to adequately push the latching mechanism switch, or push the latching mechanism switch too much, thereby preventing the rocker from unlocking the rotation of the plug. Other latching mechanism configurations may exist, and latching mechanisms may be distinguished from locking mechanisms because the latching mechanism discriminates on the type of key, rather than on the edge profile. Another example is presented in U.S. Application Serial No. 18 / 224969, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Therefore, while existing locks and plugs have achieved commercial success and have been shown to be suitable to a certain extent, there is always room for improvement. In particular, there may be manufacturing challenges, such as may involve machining of components or assembly of components, which may affect the design of the locking mechanism, and controlling production costs is an ongoing concern for lock manufacturers. Summary of the invention

[0005] It has been found that, at least in some embodiments, integrating components of the locking mechanism in an insert component rather than in the main component of the plug can provide increased satisfaction. The insert component can be assembled, or it can be disassembled from the main component. In particular, it may be easier to machine a portion of a component of the locking mechanism or a feature that cooperates with a component of the locking mechanism in the insert component than to machine a portion of a component of the locking mechanism or a feature that cooperates with a component of the locking mechanism directly in the main component. It may be easier or less costly to repair or replace a locking mechanism component if it is integrated in the insert component than if it is integrated in the main component. It may be easier or less costly to assemble a locking mechanism component if it is integrated in the insert component than if it is integrated in the main component. There may be other advantages to integrating components of the locking mechanism in the insert component rather than in the main component.

[0006] According to one aspect, a lock plug is provided, which is configured to be rotatably mounted in a lock housing, the lock plug comprising: a plug body rotatably mounted in the lock housing for rotating relative to the lock housing around an axis, the plug body having a shape of a body of revolution, the plug body having an insertion component, the insertion component being assembled to a main component; a key slot defined in the plug body, the key slot having a length parallel to the axis of rotation, the key slot being suitable for receiving a key blade, the key blade matching the cross-sectional shape of the key slot; and a locking mechanism protruding into the key slot, the locking mechanism being configured to prevent the plug from rotating unless actuated by the key blade and unless the key blade is of a matching type, the locking mechanism being integrated into the plug insert.

[0007] According to another aspect, a modular lock plug is provided, which is configured to be rotatably mounted in a lock housing, the lock plug comprising: a plug body rotatably mounted in the lock housing for rotating relative to the lock housing around a rotation axis, the plug body having a shape of a body of revolution, the plug body comprising an insertion component, the insertion component being assembled to a main component; a key slot defined in the plug body, the key slot having a length parallel to the rotation axis, the key slot being suitable for receiving a key blade, the key blade matching the cross-sectional shape of the key slot; and a locking mechanism operable to protrude into the key slot, the locking mechanism being configured to: prevent the plug from rotating unless actuated by the key blade, the locking mechanism being integrated into the plug body insertion component; wherein the insertion component is selected from a plurality of insertion components, the plurality of insertion components each corresponding to at least one of the plurality of key blades, and each insertion component being interchangeable with another insertion component.

[0008] It can be provided that the plug body has a cylindrical shape and a length, the cylindrical shape is coaxial with the axis, the length extends parallel to the axis, the length is between the front end and the rear end, the keyway opens at the front end, and the plug insert is generally formed as a section of the cylindrical shape, the section has a height extending radially relative to the axis, the height is less than the radius of the cylindrical shape, and the section has a portion of the length of the plug body.

[0009] It may be provided that the insert has a first transverse engagement surface extending transversely to the height and along the length, and that the plug body has a second transverse engagement surface cooperating with and engaging the second transverse engagement surface.

[0010] It may be provided that the first and second lateral engagement surfaces are straight in an axial orientation and are curved in a lateral orientation.

[0011] It may be provided that a retaining ring secures the insert part to the main part, the retaining ring being coaxial with the axis.

[0012] It may be provided that the insert part and the main part have axial abutment surfaces.

[0013] It can be provided that one of the insert component and the main component has at least one axially oriented convex member, which protrudes from the corresponding axial abutment surface, and the other of the insert component and the main component has at least one axially oriented concave member, which is recessed in the corresponding axial abutment surface, and the at least one axially oriented concave member is axially engaged with the at least one concave member.

[0014] It may be provided that the latch mechanism has a switch which is biased towards the key blade and is configured to engage and be pushed rearwardly by the male member of the key blade, the mechanism unlocking rotation when pushed rearwardly an unlocking distance.

[0015] It may be provided that the locking mechanism has a rack and a pinion, the rack being integrated into the converter, the pinion being rotatable by the rack about a pinion axis to selectively lock or unlock rotation of the locking plug.

[0016] The lock plug may be rotatably accommodated in the lock housing.

[0017] The sleeve may extend around the lock plug between the lock plug and the lock housing.

[0018] It may be provided that the lock housing further comprises a locking mechanism having a switch disposed along the length of the keyway, the switch being biased into the keyway, the locking mechanism being configured to prevent the plug from rotating unless activated by a key blade having a matching edge pattern.

[0019] The lock plug may be rotatably mounted in a housing of a lock cylinder having a small interchangeable core SFIC configured to be engaged in a corresponding opening formed in the lock housing.

[0020] According to another aspect, a method for assembling a lock plug is provided, the method comprising: assembling components of a locking mechanism to an insertion component, the insertion component partially defining a key slot; and assembling the insertion component to a main component of the lock plug to form a plug body, the main component partially defining the key slot, the plug body having a solid of revolution shape, the solid of revolution shape being defined around an axis, the plug insert being generally formed as a segment of the solid of revolution shape, the height of the segment being less than the radius of the solid of revolution shape around the axis.

[0021] It can be provided that the assembly of the insert component to the main component includes: making the first lateral engagement surface of the insert component abut against the second lateral engagement surface of the main component, and sliding the insert component along the length of the keyway until the first axial engagement surface of the insert component abuts the second axial engagement surface of the main component, and then fixing the insert component to the main component.

[0022] It can be provided that the first transverse engagement surface has at least one axially oriented convex member, the at least one axially oriented convex member protruding from the surface, and the second transverse engagement surface has at least one axially oriented concave member, the at least one axially oriented concave member recessed in the surface, the at least one convex member being axially engageable with the at least one concave member.

[0023] It can be provided that the locking mechanism is a first locking mechanism and the insert component is a first insert component, and the method further comprises: assembling components of a second locking mechanism to a second insert component, the geometry of the second locking mechanism being different from that of the first locking mechanism; the method further comprises: selecting the first insert component based on the geometry of the first locking mechanism before assembling the first insert component to the main component.

[0024] It may be provided that the first locking mechanism differs from the second locking mechanism in that the first locking mechanism is configured to mate with a different type of key blade.

[0025] The method may also include: rotatably mounting the lock plug in a mating recess of the lock housing; the method may also include: engaging a key blade of a matching type in the key slot, the key blade disengaging the locking mechanism, thereby allowing the lock plug to rotate, and rotating the lock plug in the housing by rotating the key blade.

[0026] It may be provided that disengaging the key blade from the locking mechanism comprises a punch defined in a side of the key blade pushing a switch of the locking mechanism towards a rear portion of the lock plug until a shoulder of the key blade abuts a front portion of the lock plug and the switch of the locking mechanism reaches an unlocked position.

[0027] It may be provided that the key blade has an edge profile which matches the locking mechanism configuration of the lock housing, the key blade further disengaging the locking mechanism thereby allowing the lock plug to rotate.

[0028] All technical implementation details and advantages described in connection with certain aspects of the invention apply, mutatis mutandis, to all other aspects of the invention.

[0029] After reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize many additional features and combinations thereof related to the present improvement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In the figure,

[0031] Figure 1 is a view of an example of a lock;

[0032] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 a partially exploded cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

[0033] Figure 3 is with Figure 2 a similar view in which the key blade is shown engaged in the keyway;

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a locking plug according to an example;

[0035] Figure 5A , Figure 5Band Figure 5C Schematic diagrams showing cylindrical segments divided from a cylinder and the difference between sectors and segments, respectively;

[0036] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a lock plug;

[0037] Figure 7 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a locking plug integrated into a small interchangeable core; and

[0038] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8F Several alternative examples of lock housings are presented into which the lock plug may be integrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 An example of a lock 10 is shown. In this example, the lock has: a lock housing 12, in the form of a lever handle; and a lock plug 14, which is rotatably mounted in the lock housing 12. In this particular example, the lock plug 14 is integrated into a small interchangeable core 16 (SFIC), which is removable from the housing 12 and can be seen to have a characteristic "figure 8" shape. Therefore, the lock plug 14 can be said to be indirectly mounted to the lock housing 12 via the housing 94 of the small interchangeable core 16. It will be noted here that this example lock description is only one of many potential embodiments of the lock, in which the lock plug can be rotatably mounted in the lock housing, and several other examples will be further presented below, including some examples in which the lock plug is directly and / or more permanently received in the lock housing. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered as limited to the scope of the context of a lever-type housing or a small interchangeable core.

[0040] In this example, the lock 10 is configured to provide access when the lock plug 14 is rotated in the housing 12. The lock 10 can have a number of security features that can prevent unwanted rotation of the lock plug 14. In this example, the lock plug 14 has a keyway 18 that has a specific cross-sectional shape, and the keyway 18 prevents a key having a key blade 20 with a non-matching cross-sectional shape from also entering the keyway 18.

[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-sectional, exploded view is presented showing the engagement between the key blade 20 and the lock plug 14 of matching type and matching edge profile. Figure 2, the key 22 may have a key bow 24 and a key blade 20 (also referred to as a key handle), the key bow 24 serving as a handle of the key 22. The key blade 20 has a relatively flat length and has two transversely opposite edges and two transversely opposite faces. An edge profile 26 in the form of a longitudinally varying width is defined along the length of one of the edges. The lock 10 may have a locking mechanism 28, which includes a plurality of switches 30, which are pushed more or less into corresponding cylinders depending on the configuration of the edge profile 26 at each specific longitudinal position. Only when the edge profile matches the hidden configuration of the switch 30, the separation in the components of the switch 30 (e.g., the pin) will coincide with the edge 32 of the plug 14, which allows the plug 14 to rotate. Even when only one of the switches 30 is not pushed outward to the correct position, the switch will prevent the plug 14 from rotating and prevent the lock 10 from opening. In this example, the number of different possible combinations or edge profile configurations for a given type of key may depend on: the number of switches 30 that form part of the locking mechanism 28, whether the switches 30 have single-point separation or multiple-point separation, and the number of different allowed positions for each switch. For edge profiles that match the switch configuration, there may be a relatively large number of edge profiles that do not match the switch configuration, making it unlikely that an incorrect key will randomly match the switch configuration of a given lock. Other types of locking mechanisms exist and may be used in alternative embodiments.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the lock 10 also has a latching mechanism 34 that prevents a key of the wrong key type from opening the lock 10, even if the key has a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the keyway 18 and a matching edge profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the key type is defined by the longitudinal position of the abutment 40 relative to the length of the key. Depending on the approach associated with a particular key manufacturer, the longitudinal position may need to be set with a relatively high degree of precision and may be defined as the longitudinal distance between the abutment 40 and another stop feature of the key. For example, in one embodiment, the stop 41 may be defined near the end 48 of the key 22 and configured to abut a corresponding stop 43 when in a fully engaged position, the corresponding stop 43 being defined at the rear end of the plug 14, in which case the longitudinal position of the abutment 40 may be defined as the longitudinal distance d1 between the abutment 40 and the stop 43. In another embodiment, the shoulder 38 may be defined near the bow 24 of the key 20 and configured to abut the front face of the plug 14 when in the fully engaged position, in which case the longitudinal position of the abutment 40 may be defined as the longitudinal distance d2 between the abutment 40 and the shoulder 38. In the specific example shown, the abutment 40 is embodied as the longitudinal end of a longitudinally extending protrusion 36 formed in the face of the key blade 22, and the longitudinal position of the abutment 40 may be set by cutting a longitudinal groove 46 from the end to the longitudinal position, removing the protrusion 36 along a portion of the length of the key blade 20, allowing the protrusion 36 to act as a punch, and many different ways of forming the abutment may be used in alternative embodiments. It should be noted that this is just one example, and depending on the details of the locking mechanism 34, the key type may also be defined by, for example, the cross-sectional shape or cross-sectional size of the punch or abutment 40. In some embodiments, a very limited number of more than one key type, such as two key types, may properly activate the locking mechanism, while all other key types will not properly activate the locking mechanism.

[0043] In the specific example shown, Figure 3 As shown, the latch mechanism includes a switch 42, which is longitudinally oriented compared to the transversely oriented switch 30 of the locking mechanism 28. The switch 42 is configured to be pushed by the abutment 40, and can also be configured to be engaged when the mating portion 44 of the switch 42 is engaged with the longitudinal groove 46 (see Figure 2 ) is engaged by the abutment 40 when the configuration (e.g., size and shape) of the key blade 20 matches, and a longitudinal groove 46 is defined in the face of the key blade 20 between the abutment 40 and the end 48 of the key blade 20. In this example, the switch 42 is spring biased and is biased to the position when not pushed by the abutment 40 of the matching key type. Figure 2When pushed by the abutment 40 of the matching key type, the switch 42 rotates the locking member 50 to the first locked position via the gear rack engagement. Figure 3 , thereby releasing the locking plug 14 from the locking action of the locking mechanism 34. The locking mechanism 34 is more fully described and illustrated in pending U.S. application serial number 18 / 224969. In alternative embodiments, other types of locking mechanisms exist and may be used in place of the locking mechanism shown in this example, such as the locking mechanism described in published U.S. application publication number 2023 / 0082003, which operates based on the swinging of a rocker instead of the rotation of a pinion.

[0044] Based on the description presented above, it will be understood that, regardless of the details of the structure of the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism may include relatively small components with relatively complex geometric structures. This is particularly the case for locking mechanisms that are incorporated into small interchangeable cores, but it may also be the case for locking mechanisms that are incorporated into large interchangeable cores or that are incorporated into a lock plug that is directly and permanently incorporated into the lock housing. Therefore, a locking mechanism that is integrated into a lock plug may present manufacturing challenges, such as processing challenges and / or assembly challenges, which may affect the cost and / or functionality of a given lock.

[0045] It has been found that, at least in some embodiments, it may be more appropriate to provide the lock plug 14 as an assembly of a main component 52 and an insert component 54, wherein components of the latch mechanism 34 are integrated into the insert component 54. Figure 4 An example of such an embodiment is presented in .

[0046] exist Figure 4In the example presented in FIG. 1 , the insert component 54 is significantly smaller than the main component 52, and the insert component 54 is assembled to the main component 52 to form the lock plug 14. In this example, the lock plug 14 has a generally cylindrical shape except for the annular ridges and grooves and some holes, such as the pin-type converter holes or the locking element holes. Although the geometry of the lock plug 14 can be varied in alternative embodiments, the geometry of the lock plug 14 generally includes a generally solid-state shape that can cooperate to provide smooth rotation in the housing (when the locking mechanism 28 and the locking mechanism 34 are disengaged by the matching key). The insert component 54 can form a portion of the solid-state shape of the lock plug 14. In this example, the lock plug 14 has a front end 56 and a rear end 58 opposite the front end 56, and the opening to the keyway 18 is in the front end 56. For example, the insert component 54 can occupy a portion of the volume of the solid-state shape at the rear end 58. In this example, the insert component 54 generally has a cylindrical segment shape having a height that is less than the radius of the generally cylindrical shape and a length that extends from the rear end 58 along only a small portion (i.e., less than half) of the length of the plug 14. The components of the latch mechanism 34 may be manufactured separately from the insert component 54 and assembled to the insert component 54 prior to positioning the insert component 54 into its assembled position against the main component 52.

[0047] In this example, the assembly of the insert component 54 with the main component 52 is guided by four main features, namely: mating transverse engagement surfaces 60, 62; mating axial engagement surfaces 64, 66; engagement of the male member 68 and the female member 70; and engagement of the ring 72 and the groove 74. In fact, in this example, the insert component 54 has a first transverse engagement surface 62, which is generally horizontally oriented, and the main component 52 has a second transverse engagement surface 60, which has a matching shape and is also generally horizontally oriented. The engagement between these two engagement surfaces prevents lateral relative displacement of the insert component 54 toward the main component 52. Moreover, in this example, the insert component 54 has a first axial engagement surface 66, which is generally vertically oriented, and the main component 52 has a second axial engagement surface 64, which has a matching shape and is also generally vertically oriented. The engagement between these two engagement surfaces prevents axial relative displacement of the insert component 54 toward the main component 52.

[0048] In addition to these two sets of mating surfaces, two additional features are used in this embodiment that, in some embodiments, may be sufficient to properly position the insert component 54 relative to the main component 52. First, the engagement of the male member 68 and the female member 70 includes at least one male member 68 axially projecting from one of the first axial engagement surface 66 and the second axial engagement surface 64, and at least one mating female member 70 axially recessed into the other of the first axial engagement surface 64 and the second axial engagement surface 66. Second, in this embodiment, the insert component 54 is held in position against the main component 52 by a retaining ring 72 engaged in a groove 74 extending partially around the main component 52 and partially around the insert component 54 at the rear end 58. In addition to holding the insert component 54 in position in the mating recess formed in the main component 52, the engagement of the ring 72 and the groove 74 also helps maintain the correct relative position between the insert component 54 and the main component 52. The male member 68 and female member 70 engagement may also cooperate with the ring 72 and groove 74 engagement to hold the insert in place during manipulation of the lock plug 14. In this particular example, two male and female member engagements are provided, one on each side, and the male member 68 is integrated into the insert component 54, but many different alternative embodiments are possible, such as a male member integrated into the main component 52. Also, in this example, the lateral engagement surfaces 62, 60 are straight in the axial orientation, but wavy in the lateral orientation, thereby providing additional positioning reference features. An additional function of the male and female engagement is that if the insert component 54 is not properly aligned laterally relative to the main component 52, the male member will not engage the female member, thereby leaving an axial gap between the axial engagement surfaces 66, 64 and an offset in the rear face of the insert component 54 and the rear face of the main component 52, providing a visual cue to the assembler that the alignment is incorrect and preventing engagement of the ring 72 with the groove 74 until the misalignment has been corrected and the insert component 54 has been fully pushed in.

[0049] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C A schematic illustration is provided to explain what is meant by a cylindrical section 80. In practice, the cylindrical section 80 is defined as a lateral portion of a cylinder 82 having a height h which may be smaller than the radius r of the cylinder 82. Figure 5B Compared with the cylindrical sector 84 shown in FIG. 1 and the pie-shaped portion of the cylinder occupied by the cylindrical sector 84, in Figure 5C The cylindrical sector 80 illustrated in FIG. 1 occupies a shape reminiscent of water partially filling a horizontally oriented cylinder.

[0050] Go to Figure 6It will be appreciated that the method 100 of assembling the plug 14 may include manufacturing one or more plug inserts, including, for each plug insert, assembling a component of a corresponding locking mechanism to an insert component. The insert component may partially define a keyway. The method may also include assembling the plug insert to a main component of the plug to form a plug body, the plug insert including the insert component and the assembly component of the corresponding locking mechanism. The main component may define another portion of the keyway and cooperate with the insert to completely define the keyway. When more than one plug insert is provided, different plug inserts may have different locking mechanisms, wherein the geometry of the locking mechanism may vary from one insert component to another. For example, different geometries of the locking mechanism may match different types of keys. Thus, the method 100 may include selecting one of the plug inserts based on the geometry of the locking mechanism integrated into the insert component, and assembling the insert component to the main component of the plug, rather than assembling other insert components carrying locking mechanisms having different geometries or otherwise matching different types of keys. Once the lock plug has been assembled, it may be rotatably mounted to a mating recess of the lock housing either indirectly (eg, via the housing of the SFIC) or directly.

[0051] When assembling the insert component 54 to the main component 52, one may first place the first lateral engagement surface 62 of the insert component 54 against the second lateral engagement surface 60 of the main component 52, and then slide the insert component 54 along the length of the keyway until the first axial engagement surface 66 of the insert component 54 abuts the second axial engagement surface 64 of the main component 52. The insert component 54 may then be secured to the main component 52.

[0052] Figure 7 An example embodiment is presented in which the locking plug 14 is integrated as part of the SFIC. More specifically, once the locking plug 14 is assembled, the locking plug 14 can be slid into the sleeve 92, which itself is slid into the housing 94. The front ridge 96 integrated into the locking plug 14 can utilize the ring 72 to clamp the panel 98 to the sleeve 92 and the housing 94. Depending on the embodiment, the ring 72 can be a C-shaped ring or a full ring, to name two examples. Back to Reference Figure 6 , when the locking plug 14 is integrated as part of a SFIC, the main component 52 may be assembled to the housing 94 of the SFIC before the insert component 54 is assembled to the main component 52 and the ring 72 is placed into the groove 74 .

[0053] As can be appreciated, the examples described and illustrated above are intended to be exemplary only. Figure 1 and Figure 7 An example is presented in which the locking plug is integrated as part of the SFIC, but Fig.8D , Fig. 8E and Figure 8F Alternative examples are presented in which the lock plug is directly and permanently integrated into the lock housing, namely, an electronic lock of the keypad type, a handle type lock housing and an electronic lock of the contactless activation type, respectively. Figure 1 , Fig.8D , Fig. 8E and Figure 8F An example is presented in which the lock plug is integrated into the handle portion of the lock housing, but Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C Alternative examples of lock housings are presented, namely padlock, bolt and mortise type housings, respectively.The scope is indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular lock plug configured to be rotatably mounted in a lock housing, the lock plug comprising: a plug body rotatably mounted in the lock housing to rotate relative to the lock housing about a rotation axis, the plug body having a shape of a body of revolution, the plug body including an insertion component assembled to the main component; a key slot defined in the plug body, the key slot having a length parallel to the rotation axis, the key slot being adapted to receive a key blade, the key blade matching the cross-sectional shape of the key slot; as well as a locking mechanism operable to project into the keyway, the locking mechanism being configured to prevent rotation of the plug unless actuated by the key blade, the locking mechanism being integrated into a plug body insert component; The insert component is selected from a plurality of insert components, each insert component corresponds to at least one key blade among a plurality of key blades, and each insert component can be interchanged with another insert component.

2. The lock plug according to claim 1, wherein: The plug body has a cylindrical shape and a length, wherein the cylindrical shape is coaxial with the axis, the length extends parallel to the rotation axis, the length is between a front end and a rear end, the keyway opens at the front end, and the insertion component is generally formed as a section of the cylindrical shape, the section has a height extending radially relative to the axis, the height is less than the radius of the cylindrical shape, and the section has a portion of the length of the plug body.

3. The lock plug according to claim 2, wherein: The insert member has a first transverse engagement surface extending transverse to the height and along the length, and the plug body has a second transverse engagement surface cooperating with the second transverse engagement surface.

4. The lock plug according to claim 3, wherein: The first and second lateral engagement surfaces are straight in an axial orientation and curved in a lateral orientation.

5. The lock plug according to claim 1, wherein: A retaining ring secures the insert part to the main part, the retaining ring being coaxial with the axis of rotation.

6. The lock plug according to claim 1, wherein: The insert component and the main component have axial abutment surfaces.

7. The lock plug according to claim 6, wherein: One of the insert component and the main component has at least one axially oriented male member, which protrudes from the corresponding axial abutment surface, and the other of the insert component and the main component has at least one axially oriented female member, which is recessed in the corresponding axial abutment surface, and the at least one male member can be axially engaged with the at least one female member.

8. The lock plug according to claim 1, wherein: The latch mechanism has a switch biased toward the key blade and configured to engage an abutment of the key blade and be urged rearwardly by the abutment of the key blade, the mechanism unlocking rotation when urged rearwardly an unlocking distance.

9. The lock plug according to claim 8, wherein: The locking mechanism has a rack and a pinion, the rack being integrated into the converter, the pinion being rotatable about a pinion axis by means of the rack to selectively lock or unlock the rotation of the locking plug.

10. The lock plug of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve extending around the lock plug between the lock plug and the lock housing.

11. The lock plug according to claim 1, wherein: The lock housing also includes a locking mechanism having a switch disposed along the length of the keyway, the switch being biased into the keyway, the locking mechanism being configured to prevent the plug from rotating unless activated by a key blade having a matching edge pattern.

12. The lock plug according to claim 1, which is rotatably mounted in a housing of a lock cylinder, the lock cylinder having a small interchangeable core SFIC, the SFIC being configured to be engaged in a corresponding opening formed in the lock housing.

13. A method of assembling a lock plug, the method comprising: Select an insert component from a plurality of insert components; assembling components of a latch mechanism with the insert member, the insert member partially defining a keyway; as well as The insert component is assembled to the main component of the lock plug to form a plug body, the main component partially defines the keyway, the plug body has a solid of revolution shape, the solid of revolution shape is defined around an axis, and the plug insert component is generally formed as a segment of the solid of revolution shape, the height of the segment is less than the radius of the solid of revolution shape around the axis.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Assembling the insert component to the main component includes: abutting the first lateral engagement surface of the insert component against the second lateral engagement surface of the main component, and sliding the insert component along the length of the keyway until the first axial engagement surface of the insert component abuts the second axial engagement surface of the main component, and then fixing the insert component to the main component.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The first transverse engagement surface has at least one axially oriented male member protruding from the surface, and the second transverse engagement surface has at least one axially oriented female member recessed in the surface, the at least one male member being axially engageable with the at least one female member.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The locking mechanism is a first locking mechanism; the method also includes: assembling components of a second locking mechanism to a second insert component, the second insert component is selected from the multiple insert components, and the geometric structure of the second locking mechanism is different from the geometric structure of the first locking mechanism; the method also includes: before assembling the first insert component to the main component, selecting the first insert component based on the geometric structure of the first locking mechanism.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The geometry of the first locking mechanism differs from the geometry of the second locking mechanism in that the geometry of the first locking mechanism is configured to mate with different types of key blades.

18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The lock plug is rotatably mounted in a mating recess of a lock housing; the method further comprises engaging a key blade of a matching type in the key slot, the key blade disengaging the locking mechanism, thereby allowing the lock plug to rotate, and rotating the lock plug in the housing by rotating the key blade.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The key blade disengages from the locking mechanism including: an abutment portion defined in a face of the key blade pushes a switch of the locking mechanism toward a rear portion of the lock plug until a stop portion of the key blade abuts a corresponding stop portion of the lock plug and the switch of the locking mechanism reaches an unlocked position.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The key blade has an edge profile that matches a locking mechanism configuration of the lock housing, the edge profile further disengaging the locking mechanism, thereby allowing the lock plug to rotate.

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