Electrical multi-contact system with key with insulation area

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-contact system (100) comprising a housing (2) defining a chamber (16) configured to receive a cryptographic portion (IA) of a key (1), the cryptographic portion (IA) of the key (1) having a cryptographic section (1B) made of an electrically conductive material, the housing (2) comprising, when the key (1) is in an inserted position, electrical contacts (17) for contacting the cryptographic section (1B), the electrical contacts (17) being connected to a computing unit (15), the computing unit (15) is configured to communicate with an operating device (40), the encrypted section (1B) of the encrypted portion (1A) of the key (1) comprising insulating areas (22), the multi-contact system (100) forming, in the insertion position of the key: a disconnect switch for each of the electrical contacts opposite one of the insulating areas (22); and a closing switch for each of the electrical contacts (17), the closing switch being in contact with the encryption section outside the insulating regions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the technical field of keys and locks.

[0002] The present invention more specifically relates to a multi-contact system, which includes a shell defining a chamber configured to accommodate at least an encryption portion of a key, the encryption portion of the key having an encryption segment formed at least partially of a conductive material, the shell including a plurality of electrical contacts on an inner surface of the chamber, the plurality of electrical contacts being in contact with the encryption segment of the encryption portion of the key when the key is in an inserted position in the chamber of the shell, the electrical contacts being connected to a microcontroller configured to communicate with an operating device. Background Art

[0003] There are mechanical locks ranging from latches to deadbolt locks, electrical locks activating servomotors or electromagnetic systems, locks controlled by image recognition (fingerprint, retina, iris, face, etc.), radio controlled locks, and many more.

[0004] The most widely used, industrially perfected, latch lock is the mortise lock. This lock operates by stacking pins in a hole. When a key pushes against the upper pin, the contact surface between the pins coincides with the shear plane, allowing the rotor to rotate within the stator or the moving part to slide relative to the fixed part. This technology is proven and very reliable, but it requires extremely high-quality machining with tight tolerances.

[0005] All have their advantages and disadvantages, and the ideal lock must meet many requirements that can be difficult to reconcile.

[0006] Therefore, the key must be practical, low-cost, easy to produce but difficult to copy, strong and durable but not bulky, etc. The lock must be resistant to picking, knocking, drilling and brute force attacks while keeping the cost as low as possible; it cannot be too heavy or bulky so that it can be installed on the door without causing too much damage, it must be easy to manufacture with minimal machining, maintain good lubrication over time, be resistant to digital or computer-controlled lock intrusion, etc.

[0007] Currently no lock is tamper-proof. As with all burglar protection, the prevailing notion is that to be effective, a locking system must require more energy or more money to enforce than the thing it is protecting, or at any rate take so long that an intruder might be interrupted before he can complete his task.

[0008] In most vehicles, turning the ignition key in the lock connects two wires to the ignition, thereby closing the circuit that powers the vehicle. Further turning the key or pressing a switch closes the starter circuit and starts the engine. This traditional system is highly practical and widely used, but it requires either removing the lock or accessing the two ignition and starter wires to start the vehicle. Furthermore, these latch-type locks are expensive, requiring high-precision machining and the use of high-quality metal alloys.

[0009] Electronic key systems consist of an infrared or radio frequency remote control and a transponder. When the driver turns on the ignition, the transponder activates an electrical current, starting the vehicle. The transponder typically consists of two components, located in the vehicle key and a contactor. The transponder can also be connected to a solenoid valve on the fuel pump to prevent ignition, providing a highly effective anti-theft device. Complex and time-consuming disassembly is the only way to access the vehicle. However, these systems can sometimes be easily hacked with the right electronic or computer tools, and the competition between thieves and protection is often won by criminals. Furthermore, the high cost of these devices limits their use to luxury vehicles.

[0010] Numerous patents have been filed for multi-contact devices (e.g., US9748685B2, EP2485334B1, US20120202391A1), but these systems are not designed to withstand thousands of connections and disconnections, and therefore cannot be used as key and lock systems. In practice, cards are made of insulating material with electrical contact areas on the surface. These contact areas are very thin and easily delaminated, worn, or disconnected from the conductors connecting them.

[0011] Patent FR2108751, currently under review, uses spring-mounted pins in wells to establish contact between a metal key and a conductor connected to a transponder. The system consists of a housing comprising a cover and a body with holes drilled into the pin shafts. Each well contains a pin, a spring, and a plug or shoulder in the well that replaces the plug and secures the spring. The housing is drilled under the cover to allow the key to be inserted. The holes in the key ensure that when the pins are raised against the holes, they do not touch their contact points, thus creating an open switch. When the pins are in the lowered position and come into contact with a key without holes, they touch their contact points, creating a closed switch. This pin-based system is very reliable and robust, but requires a certain thickness and multiple manufacturing steps. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy some or all of the shortcomings of the prior art, in particular by proposing a key solution that provides improved security guarantees by increasing the level of resistance to tampering, while being operationally reliable and durable over time.

[0013] Another goal was to simplify key operation while reducing thickness, part count, and manufacturing costs.

[0014] To this end, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a multi-contact system is proposed, comprising a housing defining a chamber configured to accommodate at least an encryption portion of a key, the encryption portion of the key having an encryption section formed at least partially of a conductive material, the housing comprising a plurality of electrical contacts on an inner surface of the chamber, the plurality of electrical contacts being in contact with the encryption section of the encryption portion of the key when the key is in an inserted position in the chamber of the housing, the electrical contacts being connected to a computing unit configured to communicate with an operating device, the multi-contact system being characterized in that the encryption section of the encryption portion of the key comprises an electrically insulating region, and the multi-contact system being configured to form, when the key is in the inserted position in the chamber of the housing:

[0015] a disconnect switch for each of the electrical contacts, the disconnect switch being opposite an insulating contact area formed by one of the insulating areas in the encryption section of the encryption part of the key; and

[0016] A closing switch for each of the electrical contacts, the closing switch being in contact with a conductive contact area outside these insulating areas in the encryption section of the encryption part of the key, the conductive contact area being electrically conductive.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the housing includes a housing body and a cover, wherein the housing chamber is at least partially defined by the housing body and the cover, and the electrical contacts are preferably fixed to the cover. This configuration in which the electrical contacts are preferably fixed to the cover facilitates any repair and / or maintenance operations, thereby improving the repairability of the multi-contact system.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the multi-contact system comprises a printed circuit board fixed to the housing, the printed circuit board preferably being fixed to the cover, the printed circuit board preferably also constituting the cover.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the contact areas of the encryption section of the encryption portion of the key are visually identical, each contact area being in contact with one of the electrical contacts when the key is inserted into the cavity of the housing. In particular, by making all combinations visually identical, the key is made more difficult to copy because the insulating and conductive contact areas are visually indistinguishable.

[0020] According to one embodiment, all or some, preferably all, of the contact areas comprise a metal core surrounded by a ring of electrically insulating material. These insulating rings, whether insulating or conductive, are arranged parallel to the surface plane of the useful face of the key (i.e., the face of the encryption section of the encryption portion of the key) and are preferably still flush with this surface so as to be visible. Regardless of the contact area, insulating or conductive, the same rings are visible, making it impossible to distinguish them from the outside.

[0021] According to one embodiment, each metal core is electrically connected to the conductive material of the encryption section of the encryption part of the key in an electrically conductive contact area.

[0022] According to one embodiment, in the insulating contact area, each metal core is electrically insulated from the conductive material of the encryption section in the encryption part of the key by means of an insulating envelope, the insulating envelope consisting of at least a ring and a complementary element, such as a sleeve or a partition made of electrically insulating material.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the key has a recessed portion that forms a well at each contact area for receiving a stud. Each well in the conductive contact area is configured to receive a conductive stud, while each well in the insulating contact area is configured to receive an insulating stud. This configuration significantly simplifies keying according to the key code, allowing the key body to be manufactured first with the wells assembled. Then, the conductive and insulating studs can be assembled according to the key code, each receiving them in the corresponding wells. Manufacturing the key body is no longer dependent on the key code.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each recess or well includes a spacer insert configured to cover the bottom of the associated well. Preferably, the spacer is made of an electrically insulating material for all wells, and even more preferably, the spacer is identical for all wells. This simplifies key manufacturing, as installation of the spacer is independent of the key code.

[0025] According to one embodiment, each of the studs comprises a metal core surrounded in its upper part by a ring of electrically insulating material. Preferably, in this case, each pair of metal core and ring of electrically insulating material is identical for all contact areas, ie all wells.

[0026] According to one embodiment, each conductive stud is at least partially surrounded in its lower part by a conductive element, preferably located vertically below the insulating ring, so as to conduct electricity between the side wall of the associated well and the metal core in the inserted position of the corresponding conductive stud. In the inserted position of the associated conductive stud, the conductive element is vertically positioned, preferably inserted, between the lower partition (whether made of insulating or conductive material) and the upper insulating ring, the latter being visible to the user.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the electrically insulating region is preferably formed at least in part by locally depositing an insulating coating on the surface of the encryption section of the encryption part of the key. In the event that it is desired that the contact regions of the encryption section of the encryption part of the key be visually identical, each contact region being intended to be in contact with one of the electrical contacts in the position in which the key is inserted into the cavity of the housing, the electrically conductive region comprises a conductive coating locally deposited on the surface of the encryption section of the encryption part of the key, the conductive coating then being selected to be visually identical to the insulating coating.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the key has a recess located at each insulating area and filled with an electrically insulating material having an outer surface flush with the outer surface of the encryption section of the encryption part of the key so as to limit wear on the electrical contacts against which the key rubs when inserted in its cavity.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the multi-contact system includes at least one elastically retractable lug, which is configured to penetrate the cavity and insert into the slot of the encryption part of the key when the key is in the insertion position in the cavity of the housing to hold the key in its insertion position and inform the user of the correct insertion position of the key.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the cavity of the housing has a shape complementary to that of the encryption part of the key, such that said encryption part of the key can slide in the cavity while being guided and constrained in translation and positioning of the cavity.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the body of the housing is made of a metallic material and is connected to the electrical terminals of the electric dipole.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the body of the housing is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material, and comprises plugs for connecting the electrical terminals of the electric dipole to the key when said key is in its inserted position in the housing.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the electrical contacts comprise elastic means configured to elastically constrain said electrical contacts into contact and against the encryption section of the encryption part of the key in the inserted position of the key in the cavity of the housing.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the encryption portion of the key, which is intended to fit within the housing's cavity, has side faces each beveled to have a trapezoidal cross-section, with the distal end of the encryption portion of the key preferably also having a beveled front face. This shape has the advantage that it not only serves as a key feature but also protects electrical contacts and a printed circuit board (PCB) from excessive pressure from the key on the latter, and is less expensive to manufacture.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the electrical contacts each comprise an assembly having two sliding cylinders constrained to each other by an internal spring; the electrical contacts each preferably comprise a Pogo TM Pins. Using these pins simplifies the overall construction of multi-contact systems and reduces the number of components.

[0036] According to one embodiment, if a predetermined combination of electrical contacts is connected to predetermined electrodes, the computing unit is configured to communicate with the operator by sending information such as a predetermined encryption key to the operator, the predetermined encryption key being, for example, a key comprising several hundred or even several thousand bits. As another example, the predetermined encryption key may be a 128-bit or 256-bit key.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the computing unit is configured to detect the electrical contacts in the powered state and, preferably, upon detecting an erroneous combination different from a predetermined combination of electrical contacts, triggers a refractory period preventing the key from any further testing for a predetermined time.

[0038] The present invention also relates to an actuating mechanism for a device, which includes the above-mentioned multi-contact system and is configured to command an operating device to actuate the device when a key is inserted into a cavity of a housing and the key is recognized by the multi-contact system, in particular when a predetermined combination of electrical contacts is connected to predetermined electrodes, the predetermined combination indicating that the key of the device is inserted into the cavity of the housing.

[0039] The term "activation" is used herein in the broadest sense and may refer to any action, such as a command to start, stop or authorize access to a computer terminal, computer files or computer network, or to authorize or deny use of a function of a device by energizing an electromagnetic lock.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the actuating mechanism is an ignition switch for an apparatus such as a motor road vehicle, wherein actuation of the apparatus corresponds to starting of the vehicle.

[0041] The present invention also relates to an ignition switch for a motor road vehicle. The ignition switch features a multi-contact system. The ignition switch is configured to command an operator to start the vehicle when a vehicle key is inserted into a cavity of a housing and the key is recognized by the multi-contact system. Specifically, the key is recognized by the multi-contact system when a predetermined combination of electrical contacts connects to predetermined electrodes, indicating that the vehicle key is inserted into the housing.

[0042] The object of the present invention also relates to an actuation control component, comprising an operating device and the above-mentioned multi-contact system, the actuation control component comprising a control unit, which includes a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller, and the control unit is configured to allow actuation of the device when a key is inserted into the cavity of the housing and the key is recognized by the multi-contact system. The control unit is connected to the main module of the operating device via a switch, and the switch is configured to switch between an actuation position in which the operating device allows actuation of the device and a stop position in which the operating device prevents actuation of the device.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the actuation control member is an ignition member for an apparatus such as a motor road vehicle, wherein actuation of the apparatus corresponds to starting of the vehicle.

[0044] Therefore, the present invention also relates to an ignition control assembly comprising an operating device and a multi-contact system. The ignition control assembly includes a control unit having a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller. The control unit is configured to enable a vehicle to be started when a key is inserted into a chamber of a housing and recognized by the multi-contact system. The control unit is connected to a main module of the operating device via a switch, which is configured to switch between an ignition position in which the operating device allows the vehicle to be started and a stop position in which the operating device prevents the vehicle from being started.

[0045] This multi-touch system thus provides a simple mechanical human-machine interface (the key is inserted into the housing) that transmits a code (such as a very complex code contained in a microcontroller activated by the correct key) to the electronic circuits of the vehicle's main components, or whatever system is being protected. The entire package is very inexpensive. The mechanical combination and code can be randomly assigned during the production process. Such a system can easily be added to or replaced with an existing system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

[0047] - Figure 1 : A schematic isometric perspective view of a multi-contact locking system according to one embodiment, wherein the key is in an inserted position in the housing;

[0048] - Figure 2 : Figure 1 a schematic front view of the illustrated multi-contact locking system with the key in the inserted position within the housing;

[0049] - Figure 3 : Figure 1 Bottom schematic diagram of the multi-contact locking system shown;

[0050] - Figure 4 :from Figure 2 A schematic isometric perspective view of the key in a position separated from the housing, as viewed from below, in an embodiment of FIG.

[0051] - Figure 5 : Figure 1 Horizontal cross-section of the housing with the key in the inserted position in the housing.

[0052] - Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of the working principle of an electrical contact according to an embodiment;

[0053] - Figure 7 : a vertical cross-section of the housing through several electrical contacts in a keyless position (i.e., a key not inserted into an associated cavity of the housing);

[0054] - Figure 8 :and Figure 7 a similar figure with the key inserted into the housing;

[0055] - Figure 9 :according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the operating principle of the multi-contact system of the illustrated embodiment, showing an ignition control member according to a first embodiment;

[0056] - Figure 10 : A bottom view of a key according to another embodiment;

[0057] - Figure 11 : Figure 10 A longitudinal vertical cross-section of the key;

[0058] - Figure 12 :Based on something similar to Figure 11 An isometric perspective view of a longitudinal vertical cross-section of a multi-contact system of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the key is in an inserted position in the housing;

[0059] - Figure 13 : An isometric perspective view of a key body according to another embodiment in a position separated from the housing; Figure 14 :according to Figure 13 An isometric perspective view of a vertical cross-section of a key of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] - Figure 15 :according to Figure 13isometric perspective view of a vertical cross-section of a key of an embodiment of the invention, being a detailed view of an encryption section of an encryption portion of the key;

[0061] - Figure 16 :according to Figure 15 An isometric perspective view of an insulating stud of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] - Figure 17 :according to Figure 15 An isometric perspective view of a conductive stud of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] - Figure 18 :according to Figure 17 An isometric perspective view of a conductive stud of a variant embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] - Figure 19 : A schematic diagram of the working principle of the ignition control component according to the second embodiment;

[0065] - Figure 20 : Operation diagram of the multi-contact system of the ignition control member according to the second embodiment;

[0066] - Figure 21 : Operation diagram of the ignition control unit according to the second embodiment.

[0067] For clearer illustration, the same or similar elements are identified by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1 A schematic isometric perspective view of a multi-contact locking system 100 according to one embodiment is shown. This multi-contact system 100 consists of a housing 2 into which a key 1 can be inserted. In the embodiment shown, the multi-contact system 100 is used in an ignition switch of a motor vehicle such as a car. In the prior art, an ignition switch is also known as a "Neiman." If the multi-contact system 100 does not recognize the key 1, the ignition switch is configured to prevent the vehicle from starting; if the key 1 is recognized, the vehicle is started. However, the multi-contact system 100 according to the invention is not limited to use in ignition switches.

[0069] Key 1 has a handle 6, which forms the head of key 1 and is configured to provide a user with a gripping area for key 1. Key 1 also includes an encryption portion 1A located in the axial extension of the handle along reference axis X. This encryption portion 1A is designed to be received in cavity 16 of housing 2. When key 1 is inserted into housing 2, only handle 6 of key 1 protrudes from the housing; that is, handle 6 remains protruding from housing 2 in this inserted position. A key retaining hole 7 is provided in handle 6 of key 1 for convenient and effective attachment to a key ring.

[0070] The housing 2 includes a housing body 3A and a cover 3B, which are fixed together by a fastening device. The cover 3B is attached to the housing body 3A by, for example, but not limited to, screws 14. The housing 2 defines an interior space of a chamber 16 and has an axial opening for inserting the key 1 from the front face 19 of the housing 2. The key 1 is axially inserted into the chamber 16 through the axial opening. The translation direction of the key 1 is indicated by arrow 37 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 The front side 19 of the housing 2 is axially opposite to the back side 10 of the housing 2 , and the housing 2 is vertically defined by two lower sides 11 and an upper side 9 .

[0071] The housing 2 is here formed by assembling its body 3A and its cover 3B, these two parts together defining the cavity 16. Of course, in a specific but non-limiting embodiment, the housing 2 may be formed in a single piece.

[0072] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A schematic front view of a multi-contact locking system is shown, with a key 1 inserted into a housing 2 .

[0073] The cavity 16 is in the form of a slot into which the encryption part 1A can be inserted. The cavity 16 of the housing 2 has a shape complementary to that of the encryption part 1A of the key 1, so that the encryption part of the key 1 can slide axially in the cavity 16 while being guided and restricted in translation and positioning by the cavity 16.

[0074] The encryption portion 1A of the key 1 typically extends axially from the head of the key 1 formed by the handle 6 of the key 1 to a distal end. The encryption portion 1A of the key 1 includes an encryption section 1B formed at least partially from a conductive material. The encryption section 1B can be a component attached to the encryption portion 1A of the key 1, for example, in the form of a metal sheet attached to the encryption section 1A of the key 1, or a component formed, for example, from a plastic material. In another advantageous configuration, the encryption section 1B can be formed integrally with the encryption portion 1A of the key 1, for example, in the form of a sheet of conductive material, such as a metal-based material.

[0075] The housing 2 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 17 (e.g., Figure 8 As shown), each of these electrical contacts 17 is arranged at least on the inner surface 36 of the cavity 16, and when the key 1 is in the inserted position in the cavity 16 of the shell 2, each of these electrical contacts 17 will contact the encryption segment 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1.

[0076] According to the invention, the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 comprises an electrically insulating area 22 , and when the key 1 is in the inserted position in the cavity 16 of the housing 2 , the multi-contact system 100 is configured to form:

[0077] a disconnect switch for each of the electrical contacts 17 , the disconnect switch being situated opposite an insulating contact area formed by one of the insulating contact areas 22 in the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 ; and

[0078] A closing switch for each of the electrical contacts 17 , which contacts an electrically conductive contact area 41 in the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 , outside these insulating areas. This contact area 41 is electrically conductive.

[0079] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 2 is assembled from a body 3A of the housing 2 and a cover 3B, which together define a chamber 16. The body 3A of the housing 2 is machined so as to define the chamber 16 transversely, laterally and axially relative to a reference axis X. The chamber 16 is vertically delimited on one side by a first face 35 carried by the body 3A of the housing 2 and on the other side by a second face 36 carried by the cover 3B, which here is constituted by the integrated circuit 4.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the body 3A of the housing 2 is made of a metallic material and is connected to the electrical terminals of the electric dipole.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the body 3A of the housing 2 is made of an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic material, and comprises a plug for connecting the electrical terminals of the electric dipole to the key 1 when said key 1 is in its inserted position in the housing 2 .

[0082] In this embodiment, the cover 3B of the housing 2 is a flat element that is substantially parallel to a horizontal plane containing the reference axis X and forms a support for the electrical contacts 17. In other words, the electrical contacts 17 are each fixed to the cover 3B. The multi-contact system 100 includes a printed circuit board 4 fixed to the housing 2, wherein the cover 3B forms the printed circuit board 4.

[0083] The printed circuit board 4 therefore comprises electrical contacts on one of its faces 36 facing the cavity 16 of the housing 2 and designed to come into contact with the useful face 12 of the key 1, in particular with the face 12 of the encryption part 1A of the secret key 1 carried by the encryption segment 1B, when said key 1 is in the inserted position in the cavity 16 of the housing 2.

[0084] The encryption section 1B in the encryption portion 1A of the key 1 is made of metal. The electrically insulating region 22 is preferably formed by an insulating coating deposited locally on the surface of the encryption section 1B of the encryption portion 1A of the key 1. In this embodiment, the encryption section 1B is integrally formed with the encryption portion 1A of the key 1 in the form of a sheet of conductive material (such as a metal-based material). This results in a completely conductive key 1, or a key having both a conductive body and an insulating region.

[0085] More specifically, the key 1 has a recess located at each predetermined insulating area 22 associated with the key 1 and filled with an electrically insulating material having an outer surface flush with the outer surface 12 of the encryption section 1B of the encryption portion 1A of the key 1, so as to limit wear on the electrical contacts 17 against which the key 1 rubs when it is inserted into its cavity 16. The insulating material may be introduced into each recess located at the relative insulating area 22 by any method preferred by a person skilled in the art (e.g. casting, press-fitting, gluing, etc.).

[0086] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the bottom of the multi-contact locking system 100 is shown in FIG.

[0087] Figure 4 Shown from the Figure 2 Schematic isometric perspective view of the key 1 in an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below, in a position separated from the housing 2.

[0088] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the key 1 is provided with at least one notch 27 in its encryption portion 1A, through which the elastically retractable lug 13 of the housing 2 can penetrate, so as to retain the key 1 in its inserted position and inform the user of the correct insertion position of said key 1 .

[0089] In particular, the cryptographic portion 1A of the key 1 intended to fit in the cavity 16 of the housing 2 has:

[0090] - side faces 21 jointly defining laterally the width of the encryption portion 1A of the key 1 , each side face being designed to face one of the lateral sides of the cavity 16 of the housing 2 when said key 1 is in the inserted position in the cavity 16 of the housing 2 ; and

[0091] A front face 20 defining the distal end of the key 1 , designed to face the side axially delimiting the bottom of the chamber 16 of the housing 2 when said key 1 is in the inserted position in the chamber 16 of the housing 2 .

[0092] The multi-contact system 100 includes at least one, preferably two, elastically retractable lugs 13 fixed to the housing 2 and the first portion of the key 1; and at least one, preferably two, notches 27 fixed to the housing 2 and the second portion of the key 1, each elastically retractable lug 13 being configured to be inserted into an associated notch 27. For ease of manufacturing, the elastically retractable lug 13 is fixed to the housing 2, while the associated notch 27 is fixed to the key 1.

[0093] The notches 27 are particularly located on the side 21 of the key 1, with elastically retractable lugs 13 carried by each lateral side of the cavity 16, wherein they are configured to be actuated from the outside of the housing 2 (towards the button) and into the cavity 16 to engage in the associated notch 27, for example when the key 1 is in the inserted position in the cavity 16 of the housing 2 and when the lugs 13 are in the locked position of the key 1. Each retractable lug 13 preferably has the characteristics of a spring ball which, in the locked position, only partially extends into the cavity 16 (see Figure 5 ). In this way, the ball creates a locking constraint that can be unlocked by manual axial action on the key, greater than the force required to retain the key in the chamber 16. In this case, no external actuation is required, but it may be useful to have a movable, outwardly projecting part to enable manual adjustment of the retractable lug 13. For example, the spring of the lug 13 can be supported on one side by the ball and on the other side by a threaded, generally cylindrical support that engages in a corresponding thread of the housing 2. Screwing the support into the housing 2 enables manual adjustment of the retractable lug 13.

[0094] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen in detail in the Figure 1 , the encryption portion 1A of the key 1 designed to fit in the cavity 16 of the housing 2 has chamfered edges 26, in particular on its side faces 21 and on its front face 20. The encryption portion 1A of the key 1 has a trapezoidal cross-section with an inclined side 21 defined between a large base carried by the first face 8 or upper surface of the key 1 and a small base carried by the second face 12 or lower surface of the key 1, which forms the outer surface of an encryption section 1B designed to face the printed circuit board 4 and to ensure contact with each electrical contact 17 when said key 1 is in the inserted position in the cavity 16 of the housing 2. An alternative configuration is entirely conceivable in which the small base is carried by the first face 8 or upper surface of the key 1 and the large base by the second face 12 or lower surface of the key 1 (see Figure 1 ). Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 ).

[0095] Typically, the cavity 16 of the housing 2 has a shape that is complementary to that of the encryption part 1A of the key 1, so that said encryption part 1A of the key 1 slides in the cavity 16 thus created and is limited in its translation and positioning. This cavity can be defined, for example, by chamfers, sliders, or any other processing technique preferred by a person skilled in the art. This feature makes it possible to limit the mechanical stresses on the printed circuit board 4, which forms part of the wall defining the cavity 16 of the housing 2, and in particular the cover 3B, so as to ensure the correct position of the key relative to the electrical contacts 17 when the key 1 is in the inserted position in the cavity 16 of the housing 2. This feature also facilitates the use of the multi-contact system 100 to ensure that it is correctly positioned once inserted by the user, like a key feature.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, electrical contacts 17 are connected to a computing unit 15, which is configured to communicate with a manipulation device 40. The computing unit 15 includes at least one microprocessor and / or microcontroller. Preferably, the computing unit 15 is part of a circuit board. In each of the illustrated embodiments, the computing unit 15 includes a microcontroller.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the electrical contacts may be connected to a microcontroller configured to communicate with the operating device 40. In this case, preferably:

[0098] - if a predetermined combination of electrical contacts 17 is connected to predetermined electrodes, the microcontroller 15 is configured to communicate with the operator 40 by sending information such as a predetermined encryption key to the operator, for example a key comprising several hundred or even several thousand bits; and / or

[0099] The microcontroller 15 is configured to detect the electrical contacts in the powered state and, preferably, upon detecting an erroneous combination of electrical contacts different from a predetermined combination, triggers a refractory period preventing the key 1 from any further testing for a predetermined time.

[0100] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of the electrical contact 17 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0101] The electrical contacts 17 are equipped with elastic means 31 to enable good contact with the associated face of the key 1 , ie with the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 .

[0102] The electrical contacts 17 each comprise an assembly comprising two sliding cylinders 29 and 34 constrained together by an internal spring 31. In particular, in the inserted position of the key 1 in the chamber 16 of the housing 2, this elastic means 31 enables said electrical contacts 17 to be elastically constrained to come into contact with and abut against the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1.

[0103] Figure 6 The electrical contacts 17 shown in FIG correspond to the Pogo TM Pin 39. Thus, in one embodiment, each electrical contact 17 forms a connector comprising a base fixed relative to housing 2 and having a fixed tubular portion 34 defining a first cylinder and housing a second cylinder that can translate relative to the first cylinder, thereby forming a piston 29 of the connector. Piston 29 is spring-loaded by an internal spring 31. Internal spring 31 is arranged between a wall 32 forming the base of connector 39 and a distal end 33 of the wall 32 opposite piston 29. Thus, piston 29 slides in the direction of its translation 38, in this case along an axis orthogonal to the horizontal reference plane.

[0104] The height of the base is approximately equal to the thickness of the printed circuit board 4. In this way, the collar of the fixed base of each connector can come into contact with the outer wall of the housing 2 to ensure its attachment to the housing 2. The fixed tubular portion 34 is integrally housed in a hole in the printed circuit board 4, which here forms the cover 3B of the housing 2. The bottom of the base of the connector 39 is accessible from the outside of the housing 2 to allow the contacts 30 of the connector 39 to be made.

[0105] Figure 7 A vertical cross-section of the housing 2 through several electrical contacts 17 is shown in a position without the key 1 , ie without the key 1 inserted into the associated cavity 16 of the housing 2 .

[0106] Figure 8 It also shows that Figure 7 A similar view with the key 1 inserted into the housing 2 .

[0107] Connector 39 can be moved between the following positions:

[0108] - when the key 1 is inserted into the phase chamber 16 of the housing 2 , the piston 29 is retracted into a position in the thickness of the printed circuit board 4 when constrained by the encryption part 1A of the key 1 , in particular by the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 ; and

[0109] - When the chamber 16 of the housing 2 is empty (ie no key 1 is inserted), the piston 29 is in the deployed position in the chamber 16 of the housing 2 , wherein the internal spring 31 is released.

[0110] Generally speaking, such a connector 39 is particularly well suited for temporary connections and is generally designed to withstand hundreds of thousands of cycles of insertion and release of the piston 29 .

[0111] When the key 1 is in direct contact with the metal or insulating area 22 within its chamber, the electrical contacts 17 then rest against the metal encryption section 1B of the encryption portion 1A of the key 1. When the contacts 17 touch the metal of the encryption section 1B of the encryption portion 1A of the key 1, they form a closed switch; and when they touch the electrically insulating area 22, they form an open switch.

[0112] Figure 9 Shown according to Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the operating principle of the multi-touch system 100 of an embodiment.

[0113] The calculation unit 15 is configured to communicate with the operating device 40 by sending information such as a predetermined encryption key (for example a 128-bit or 256-bit key) to the operating device if a predetermined combination of electrical contacts 17 connected to predetermined electrodes is ensured when the key 1 is inserted into the cavity 16 of the housing 2.

[0114] The ground plug 5 of the housing 2 is connected to the ground (the negative terminal of the vehicle battery) by a wire attached by welding, screwing or any other connector known to those skilled in the art.

[0115] In this example, the grounding plug 5 is attached to the housing 2 by means of a fastening screw 14. Figure 1 As shown, the grounding plug 5 will be connected to a pole of the circuit and will likely be ground in the case of direct current, or a neutral contact in the case of alternating current.

[0116] In this embodiment, conductive wires 18 connect each connector 39 to an identification terminal of computing unit 15, allowing computing unit 15 to identify each wire 18. Specifically, conductive wires 18 are attached to each connector 39 via connectors, solder, or any other method preferred by those skilled in the art, and connected to the identification terminal of computing unit 15, thereby enabling computing unit 15 to identify a signal emitted by housing 2, i.e., the flow of current in the combination of conductive wires 18, which corresponds to the electrical contacts forming an open switch. Thus, the electrical contacts 17 collectively form a combination of open and closed switches carried by body 28 of multi-contact system 100, a combination that is unique to a given housing 2-key 1 combination, ensuring the transmission of correct information.

[0117] A person skilled in the art will likely connect the electrical wires 18 in a bundle extending to the microcontroller 15. As an alternative, a person skilled in the art may also choose to attach the computing unit 15 to the underside of the housing 2, so that the connector 39 is connected directly thereto.

[0118] The computing unit 15 itself is powered via a ground line 25 and a line 24 connected to the vehicle's positive (+) pole (or phase in an AC (alternating current) system). A person skilled in the art will choose the best method to ensure that the computing unit 15's response to any signal emitted from the housing 2 is time-delayed, so as to make any attempt to penetrate the system 100 more difficult and, most importantly, more time-consuming. This means that any key 1 test will have to wait for a while before its results are available.

[0119] The computing unit 15 receives the correct information from the housing 2 via the electrical contacts 17 and, after any delay, transmits it to the control device 40 via a network 23, such as a wired control network (typically of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type), a wiring harness (or by radio or any method chosen by a person skilled in the art), etc. The control device 40 is selected by a person skilled in the art and may be, for example, but not limited to, the vehicle's main board, the vehicle's computer, the ignition system, the fuel pump, the starter, the steering hydraulic circuit, the servo motor of the lock, or any other component necessary for the operation of the vehicle or the system to be protected.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the computing unit 15 is configured to detect the electrical contacts in the powered state and, preferably, upon detecting an erroneous combination different from a predetermined combination of the electrical contacts 17, the computing unit 15 triggers a refractory period that prevents the key 1 from undergoing any further testing for a predetermined time. Therefore, a brute force attack on the system (consisting of trying all possible combinations) is very time-consuming.

[0121] The device of the present invention is particularly suitable for use as a contact device in a vehicle. In each of the illustrated embodiments, the multi-contact system 100 is used in a vehicle ignition switch. The multi-contact system 100 is designed to identify the key 1 when a predetermined combination of electrical contacts 17 is connected to predetermined electrodes, indicating that the vehicle key 1 is inserted into the housing 2.

[0122] In each of the embodiments shown, the ignition switch and operating device 40 together form an ignition control member that is configured to control starting of the vehicle.

[0123] Figure 19 The ignition control components shown are Figure 9 The main difference of the ignition control assembly shown is that the control unit 50 is located between the multi-contact system 100 and the main module 52 of the operating device 40 . Figure 19 The control unit 50 and the main module 52 shown in FIG. Figure 9 The operating means 40 of the control units in the illustrated embodiment are similar.

[0124] Figure 19 The multi-touch system 100 shown is almost identical to Figure 9 Specifically, the multi-contact system 100 recognizes the key 1 when a predetermined combination of electrical contacts 17 is connected to predetermined electrodes, the predetermined combination of electrical contacts 17 indicating that the vehicle key 1 is inserted into the housing 2 .

[0125] The control unit 50 preferably comprises an electronic control board. The control unit 50 includes a microprocessor 54 and / or a microcontroller. More generally, the control unit 50 comprises a computing unit. The control unit 50 also comprises a switch 56, also known as a relay. The control unit 50 is connected to the multi-contact system 100 via the network 23, which is typically a CAN-type wired control network. The start authorization or start prohibition information received by the control unit 50 from the multi-contact system 100 is preferably encrypted. The control unit 50 is configured to instruct the main module 52 to start the vehicle when the key 1 is inserted into the chamber 16 of the housing 2 and the key 1 is recognized by the multi-contact system 100.

[0126] The microprocessor 54 and / or microcontroller of the control unit 50 is electrically connected to a switch 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic board of the control unit 50 preferably includes the microprocessor 54. The microprocessor 54 is configured to communicate with the microcontroller 15 of the housing 2, for example, to receive start information, such as start authorization or start inhibition. The switch 56 is electrically connected to the main module 52. The switch 56 is configured to switch between a start position, in which the operating device 40 allows the vehicle to start, and a stop or non-start position, in which the operating device 40 prevents the vehicle from starting. The switch 56 is connected to the microprocessor 54 and transmits the start or stop command from the microprocessor 54 to the main module 56.

[0127] Similar to Figure 9 In an embodiment, main module 52 includes, for example, but not limited to, the vehicle main board, the vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit), the ignition system, the fuel pump, the starter, the steering hydraulics, and the locking mechanism. Main module 52 is electrically connected to control unit 50, making it impossible to activate main module 52 to start the vehicle without a start command from control unit 50. For example, the power supply for main module 52 is integrated into control unit 50. As another example, if main module 52 is activated to enable the vehicle to start without a start command from control unit 50, main module 52 is configured to be damaged.

[0128] Figure 20 Shown Figure 19The multi-contact system 100 is shown in a method 200 for operating the computing unit 15. In step 201, the computing unit 15 is powered on and begins operation. For example, the computing unit 15 may be powered on when a vehicle door is opened. A delay 203 may optionally be provided between the activation of the computing unit 15 and the initiation of key 1 detection. Subsequently, during a key detection step 205, the computing unit 15 detects the presence of the key 1 in the chamber 16 of the housing 2. If the key 1 is detected in the chamber 16 of the housing 2, the multi-contact system 100 checks in a verification step 207 whether the key is recognized. Verification of the key 1 is performed by checking that a predetermined combination of electrical contacts 17 is connected to predetermined electrodes, indicating that the vehicle key 1 is inserted into the housing 2. If the key 1 is detected but not recognized, the system checks again to see if the key 1 is still in the chamber 16. If so, the system checks whether the key 1 is recognized in a subsequent verification step 209. If the key 1 is recognized, the computing unit 15 sends a start command or a start authorization command 211 to the control unit 50 . Figure 21 Shown Figure 19 The method 300 for operating the control unit 50 is described. In step 301, the control unit 50 is turned on and begins operation. For example, when a vehicle door is opened, the control unit 50 is turned on. A delay 303 may optionally be provided between the activation of the control unit 50 and the detection of a start command by the multi-contact system 100. Subsequently, in a command detection step 305 from the multi-contact system 100, the control unit 50 detects a possible start / authorization command from the multi-contact system 100. In the command detection step 305 from the multi-contact system 100, the control unit 50 detects a possible non-start command from the multi-contact system 100. When a start / start authorization command is detected, in a switching step 307, the switch 56 is moved to the start position. When the switch 56 is in the start position, the main module 52 of the operating device checks whether the vehicle engine is off in an engine check step 309. If the engine is off, it is started. For example, in the deactivation step 311 , the switch 56 is automatically pushed to the deactivation position, which is particularly a safety position of the switch 56 to prevent the vehicle from being stolen.

[0129] Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 A multi-contact system 100 according to another embodiment is shown, in which the contact areas of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 are visually identical, each of which will contact one of the electrical contacts 17 in the inserted position of the key 1 in the cavity 16 of the housing 2.

[0130] Specifically, in this embodiment, all contact areas (ie, the conductive contact area 41 and the insulating contact area 22) comprise a metal core 45, 46 surrounded by a ring 42 of electrically insulating material. In addition:

[0131] In an electrically conductive contact area 41 , each metal core 45 is electrically connected to the electrically conductive material of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 .

[0132] In the insulating contact area 22 , each metal core 46 is electrically insulated from the conductive material of the encryption section 1B in the encryption part 1A of the key 1 by means of an insulating envelope consisting at least of a ring 42 and a sleeve 47 of electrically insulating material.

[0133] According to one embodiment, in the conductive area 41, the metal cores 45 are connected to the metal body of the key, for example by slotting around these metal cores 45 to form an annular groove 43, which is an integral part of the body of the key 1; the insulating rings 42 are then filled with the same insulating material as that used in the insulating area 22. Once housed in the associated groove 43, each insulating ring 42 is positioned flush with the useful outer surface 12 of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1.

[0134] According to one embodiment, in the insulating area 22, blind wells 44 are machined on the useful outer surface 12 of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1, each of these wells 44 having the same diameter as the previously described annular groove 43. An insulating sleeve 47 is provided at the bottom of these wells 44 to isolate the metal core 46 from the metal body of the key.

[0135] In particular, each of these sleeves 47 has: an outer diameter such that it fits into the well 44; an inner diameter such that a portion of the metal core 46 can be inserted therein; and a height such that sufficient space remains to place the same insulating material therein to form an insulating ring 42 identical to the insulating ring of the conductive area.

[0136] The metal core 46 of the insulating area 22 has the same diameter as the metal core 45 of the conductive area 41 and has a height such that, when embedded in the sleeve 47 and abutting the insulating surface of the associated sleeve 47, the metal core 46 is flush with the lower surface of the key 1. This assembly is held together by gluing, pressing, or any other means chosen by a person skilled in the art. Subsequently, the same insulating material is placed between the metal core 46 and the inner wall of the well 44, forming an insulating ring 42 flush with the useful outer surface 12 of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1.

[0137] It should be noted that Figure 12The embodiment shown is Figure 11 The embodiment shown differs substantially in that the cover 3B and the printed circuit board 4 are two separate components, even if they are fixed to one another.

[0138] During use, the key 1 thus pushes the combination of conductive contact areas 41 against the Pogo pins on the printed circuit board 4 attached to the underside of the housing 3. TM Pins 39 form electrical contacts 17. These electrical contacts 17 are connected to electrical ground via key 1. This unique combination of electrical contacts sends the correct signal (code or electronic key) contained in the computing unit 15 to the circuit board 4, thereby implementing one or more actions specified by the manufacturer, such as starting the vehicle, activating the CAN bus, ignition, releasing the parking brake, etc. If the wrong combination is activated, the computing unit 15 can be made inactive within a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds).

[0139] In a first embodiment, a multi-contact system 100 is described in which the electrically insulating area 22 comprises, or in particular consists of, a recess formed in the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1, or more generally, in the body of the key 1, and is filled with an electrically insulating material. In this case, the conductive contact area 41 is formed by the conductive metal body of the key 1. This embodiment is Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 8 Especially obvious in.

[0140] In see Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the second embodiment shown, the multi-contact system 100 is such that the insulating contact areas 22 each include a metal core 45 embedded in an electrically insulating material, i.e., surrounded by a ring 42 and a sleeve 47 made of electrically insulating material, and a conductive contact area 41 made by electrically connecting each metal core 46 to the conductive material of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1, since the sleeve 47 is not present in the conductive contact area 41.

[0141] To further facilitate the manufacture of the multi-contact system 100, another embodiment was developed in which the processing of the key is no longer dependent on the key code itself. Figure 13 、 Figure 14 , and 15, Figure 16 and Figure 17 A multi-contact system 100 according to another embodiment is shown. This embodiment differs substantially from those described above in the configuration of the contact areas of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 .

[0142] like Figure 1As shown, recesses (preferably cylindrical) forming wells 44 are machined (e.g. drilled) into the body of the key 1, following the topography of the provided electrical contacts 17 and the associated conductive contact areas 41 and insulating contact areas 22. These recesses forming wells 44 are designed to accommodate insulating studs 56 or conductive studs 55, depending on the code of the key 1. Such a key 1 can be easily manufactured by molding technology, wherein the wells 44 are concomitantly formed during this molding step, thanks to the mold configured for this molding step.

[0143] These blind wells 44 are open on the useful outer surface 12 of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1. Each well 44 has a cylindrical shape defined by a cylindrical side wall 440 and a bottom 441 opposite the opening of the associated well 44, the associated well 44 having the shape of a disk.

[0144] At the bottom of each well 44 is an insulating spacer 57 made of insulating material. In this case, this spacer 57 is an insert in the form of a thin insulating disc, but it could also take the form of a suitable coating, such as insulating varnish or the like.

[0145] In another embodiment not shown, it may be preferable to place an insulating partition 57 at the bottom 441 of the well 44 located on the insulating contact area 22 and to place a partition made of conductive material at the bottom 441 of the well 44 intended to form the conductive contact area 41, although this approach increases the production stages, leads to an increase in costs and process time, is also a source of error and prevents the production of identical key bodies having all the bottoms 441 of the well 44 covered by the same insulating partition 57.

[0146] Each well 44 is configured to receive a conductive stud 55 or an insulating stud 56 to support the conductive contact area 41 or the insulating contact area 22 , respectively.

[0147] In this embodiment, all contact areas (conductive area 41 and insulating area 22 ) comprise a metal core 45 , 46 surrounded by a ring 42 of electrically insulating material.

[0148] Each stud 55 , 56 comprises a metal core 45 , 46 , which may be cylindrical and is surrounded by an insulating ring 42 , for example in the form of a sleeve made of insulating material.

[0149] Each metal core 45, 46 has an outer diameter that is strictly smaller than the inner diameter of the associated well 44. In this way, the respective metal core 45, 46 can be inserted into the associated well 44, leaving a gap between the well and the side wall 440 of the associated well 44, so that an insulating material in the form of a sleeve can be inserted and placed between the well and the side wall 440 of the associated well 44. This allows the respective stud 55, 56 to be securely held.

[0150] Each metal core 45, 46 has a height complementary to that of the associated partition 57, such that the sum of the height or thickness of the partition 57 and the metal core 45, 46 is equal to the height or depth of the associated well 44. Typically, the height of each metal core 45, 46 is selected such that:

[0151] - the upper surface of the metal cores 45 , 46 is flush with the useful outer surface 12 of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 ; and

[0152] The lower side, opposite the upper side, of said metal cores 45 , 46 is in contact with and bears against an associated insulating spacer 57 placed at the bottom 441 of the associated well 44 .

[0153] The insulating ring 42 forms a sleeve of electrically insulating material. The insulating ring 42 can be a component attached to the metal core 45, 46, for example by being arranged around it, or preferably molded around the metal core 45, 46, or even introduced into the well 44 by liquid or solid phase force casting. If the insulating sleeve 42 is made of solid material, the insulating sleeve 42 is configured such that:

[0154] the upper side of the insulating ring 42 is flush with the surface of the useful outer surface 12 of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 in the assembled position; and

[0155] the height of said insulating ring 42 is strictly less than the height of the associated well 44 , so that, in the assembled position, an annular space 58 is vertically delimited by said insulating ring 42 and the bottom 441 of the well 44 , and preferably between the insulating ring 42 and the partition 57 ; and

[0156] The radial width of the insulating ring 42 is configured to fit tightly and concentrically between the metal cores 45, 46 and the sidewalls 440 of the associated well 44: in this way, the insulating ring 42 can be pressed into the well 44 to securely attach and retain or help retain the metal cores 45, 46. The annular space 58 preferably has a volume configured to act as a compression chamber so that air trapped at the bottom of the well 44 does not push the stud 31 upward.

[0157] In the case of a conductive stud 55 intended as a support for the conductive contact area 41 , this comprises a metal core 45 which may, for example, have the shape of a cylinder surrounded by:

[0158] - an insulating ring 42 formed in its upper part by a sleeve of insulating material; and

[0159] In its lower part, it consists of an at least partially annular conductive element 59 , 59 ′ situated vertically below the insulating ring 42 .

[0160] Figure 17 An embodiment is shown in which the element 59 is completely annular, completely surrounding the lower portion of the metal core 45. In this example, the element 59 is shaped like a torus.

[0161] Figure 18 Shown Figure 17 A variant in which element 59′ is partially annular, surrounding only the lower portion of metal core 45 within a predetermined angular sector, preferably greater than or equal to 270°, more preferably greater than or equal to 315°. Advantageously, partially annular element 59′ sufficiently surrounds metal core 45 to allow it to be easily assembled around it and thus retained by clamping it. This facilitates the assembly operation of conductive stud 55 in the body of key 1 during the assembly method. Indeed, the stud is easily handled without its components being separated.

[0162] The size and shape of each metal core 45 are configured so that it can be inserted into the corresponding well 44, thereby leaving an annular space between it and the side wall 440 of the well 44, so that the insulating material in the form of the insulating ring 42 and at least part of the annular element 59, 59' can be inserted and placed between the metal core 45 and the side wall 440 of the well 44.

[0163] The height of each metal core 45 is configured such that:

[0164] the outer face of the cylinder is flush with the useful outer surface 12 of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 ; and

[0165] The other or inner face, perpendicularly opposite to the outer face, is in contact with and pressed against the insulating or conductive material placed at the bottom 441 of the associated well 44 in the form of a partition 57 .

[0166] The metal ring 59, 59' is designed to conduct electricity between the body of the key and the metal core 45, whether the metal core 45 is placed on the conductive or insulating material of the partition 57. In the assembled position, this ring 59, 59' is housed in the annular space 58. Thus, in the conductive contact area 41, each metal core 45 is electrically connected to the conductive material of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1.

[0167] The metal ring 59, 59' is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular metal. It can be complete or incomplete, solid or hollow, or it can take the form of a coiled spring or any other preferred form by those skilled in the art. The incomplete ring 59' or spring provides a configuration that allows for easier adaptation of the desired compression function between the metal core 45 and the sidewall 440 of the associated well 44. It can be placed at the bottom 440 of the well 44 before the metal core 45 is inserted into the well 44, or around the metal core 45 beneath the insulating ring 42, and the entire assembly is then pressed into the well 44. The diameter of the metal ring 59, 59' ensures radial compression between the metal core 45 and the sidewall 440 of the associated well 44, ensuring good electrical conductivity between the metal core 45 and the key 1.

[0168] The insulating stud 56 does not have a metal ring 59, 59'. Therefore, the annular space 58 plays the role of insulation isolation. In the insulating contact area 22, each metal core 46 is electrically insulated from the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 by means of the conductive material below.

[0169] In the following cases:

[0170] - The insulating stud 56 is completely pre-prepared and consists of a metal core 46 and an insulating ring 42; and wherein

[0171] The conductive column 55 is completely pre-prepared and comprises the metal core 45 , the insulating ring 42 and the conductive elements 59 , 59 ′;

[0172] The key 1 is mounted by simply inserting each pre-assembled stud provided by the code of the key 1 into its corresponding well 44. A cold treatment is used to reduce the size of the studs 55, 56 before they are inserted into the wells 44, which is very beneficial because the subsequent expansion will retain each stud 55, 56 in its well 44 and eliminates the need for glue or solder.

[0173] Due to this design, the contact areas of the encryption section 1B of the encryption part 1A of the key 1 are visually identical, improving the security of the associated system 100, each contact area will contact one of the electrical contacts 17 when the key 1 is inserted into the cavity 16 of the housing 2.

[0174] Preferably, each pair of metal cores 45, 46 and insulating ring 42 is identical for all contact areas (i.e., for all wells 44). Furthermore, the wells 44 are preferably all identical. This further optimizes manufacturing costs without compromising key security. It also ensures that the contact areas are visually identical.

[0175] Thanks to the multi-contact system 100 according to the invention, the key has a simple structure and operation and the key also does not present any electronic devices such as circuits or microprocessors as in prior art solutions.

[0176] Furthermore, its operation is entirely digital, further simplifying its operation as opposed to prior art analog solutions, without compromising security and guaranteeing its reliability and tamper resistance.

[0177] Of course, the present invention has been described above by way of example, and it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art can produce various variant embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0178] For example, it is conceivable that the electrical contacts consist only of the conductive metal walls of the key and that each contact area is equipped with a device such as a Pogo TM Contactors like pins.

[0179] For example, the housing may also comprise an encryption section with an encryption portion, for example in order to make it more difficult to illegally copy the housing of the multi-contact system.

[0180] It is emphasized that all features as taught to a person skilled in the art from the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims, even if they have been specifically described in relation to other determined features (alone or in any combination), can be used in combination with one or more other groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this is not expressly excluded and there are no technical circumstances that make such a combination impossible or meaningless.

Claims

1. A multi-contact system (100), comprising a housing (2), the housing (2) defining a chamber (16), the chamber (16) being configured to accommodate at least an encryption portion (1A) of a key (1), the encryption portion (1A) of the key (1) having an encryption section (1B) formed at least partially of a conductive material, the housing (2) comprising a plurality of electrical contacts (17) on an inner surface of the chamber (16), the plurality of electrical contacts (17) being operative when the key (1) is in an inserted position in the chamber (16) of the housing (2). 17) is in contact with the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1), the electrical contacts (17) being connected to a computing unit (15), the computing unit (15) being configured to communicate with an operating device (40), the multi-contact system (100) being characterized in that the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1) comprises an electrically insulating area (22), and when the key (1) is in an inserted position in the cavity (16) of the housing (2), the multi-contact system (100) is configured to form: - a disconnect switch for each of the electrical contacts (17), said disconnect switch being situated opposite an insulating contact area formed by one of the insulating areas (22) in the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1); and - a closing switch for each of the electrical contacts (17), the closing switch being in contact with a conductive contact area (41) outside these insulating areas (22) in the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1), the conductive contact area (41) being electrically conductive.

2. The multi-touch system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (2) comprises a housing (2) body (3A) and a cover (3B), the chamber (16) of the housing (2) being at least partially defined by the housing (2) body (3A) and the cover (3B), and the electrical contact (17) is preferably fixed to the cover (3B).

3. The multi-touch system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The multi-contact system (100) comprises a printed circuit board (4) fixed to the housing (2), the printed circuit board (4) preferably being fixed to the cover (3B), the printed circuit board (4) preferably also constituting the cover (3B).

4. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The contact areas of the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1) are visually identical, each contact area being in contact with one of the electrical contacts (17) in the position in which the key (1) is inserted into the cavity (16) of the housing (2).

5. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that All or some of the contact areas comprise a metal core (45, 46) surrounded by a ring (42) of electrically insulating material.

6. The multi-touch system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that In the conductive contact area (41), each of the metal cores (45) is electrically connected to the conductive material in the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1).

7. The multi-touch system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that In the insulating contact area (22), each of the metal cores (46) is electrically insulated from the conductive material of the encryption section (1B) in the encryption part (1A) of the key (1) by means of an insulating envelope, the insulating envelope comprising at least the ring (42) and a complementary element, such as a sleeve (47) or a partition (57) made of electrically insulating material.

8. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The key (1) has a recess forming a well (44) at each contact area for accommodating a stud, each well (44) in the conductive contact area (41) being configured to accommodate a conductive stud (55), while each well (44) in the insulating contact area (22) is configured to accommodate an insulating stud (56), each of the studs (55, 56) preferably comprising a metal core (45, 46) surrounded by a ring (42) of electrically insulating material.

9. The multi-touch system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that Each conductive stud (55) is at least partially surrounded at the bottom by a conductive element (59, 59') located vertically below the insulating ring (42), so as to conduct electricity between the side wall (440) of the associated well-shaped piece in the inserted position of the corresponding conductive stud (55) and the metal core (45).

10. The multi-touch system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The electrically insulating region (22) is at least partially formed by, preferably consists of, an insulating coating, which is locally deposited on the surface of the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1).

11. The multi-touch system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The key (1) has a recess located at each insulating area (22) and at least partially filled with an electrically insulating material having an outer surface flush with the outer surface (12) of the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1) so as to limit wear on the electrical contacts (17) against which the key (1) rubs when the key (1) is inserted in its cavity (16).

12. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The multi-contact system (100) includes at least one elastically retractable lug (13), which is configured to penetrate the chamber (16) and be inserted into the notch (27) of the encryption part of the key (1) when the key (1) is in the insertion position in the chamber (16) of the housing (2), so as to keep the key (1) in its insertion position and inform the user of the correct insertion position of the key (1).

13. The multi-touch system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cavity (16) of the housing (2) has a shape complementary to the shape of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1), so that the encryption part of the key (1) can slide in the cavity (16) while being guided and constrained in translation and positioning of the cavity (16).

14. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims as at least dependent on claim 2, characterized in that The main body (3A) of the housing (2) is made of a metal material and is connected to the electric terminals of the electric dipole.

15. The multi-touch system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 as dependent at least on claim 2, characterized in that The body (3A) of the housing (2) is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material, and comprises a plug for connecting the electrical terminals of the electric dipole to the key (1) when the key (1) is in its inserted position in the housing (2).

16. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrical contact (17) comprises elastic means (31) configured to elastically constrain the electrical contact (17) to contact and abut against the encryption section (1B) of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1) in an inserted position of the key (1) in the cavity (16) of the housing (2).

17. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The encryption part (1A) of the key (1) intended to fit in the cavity (16) of the housing (2) has side faces, each of which is beveled to have a trapezoidal cross-section, and the distal end of the encryption part (1A) of the key (1) preferably also has a beveled front face (20).

18. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrical contacts (17) each comprise an assembly having two sliding cylinders (29, 34) constrained to each other by an internal spring (31); the electrical contacts (17) each preferably comprise a Pogo TM Pin (39).

19. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that If a predetermined combination of electrical contacts (17) is connected to predetermined electrodes, the calculation unit (15) is configured to communicate with the operator (40) by sending information such as a predetermined encryption key to the operator (40), the predetermined encryption key being, for example, a key comprising several hundred or even several thousand bits.

20. The multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The computing unit (15) is configured to detect electrical contacts in an energized state and, preferably, upon detecting an erroneous combination different from a predetermined combination of the electrical contacts, triggers a refractory period that prevents the key (1) from undergoing any further testing for a predetermined time.

21. An actuating mechanism for a device, comprising a multi-contact system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to command the operating device (40) to actuate the device when the key (1) is inserted into the chamber (16) of the housing (2) and the key (1) is recognized by the multi-contact system (100), in particular when a predetermined combination of electrical contacts (17) is connected to predetermined electrodes, the predetermined combination indicating that the key (1) of the device is inserted into the chamber (16) of the housing (2).

22. The actuating mechanism according to claim 21, wherein: The actuation mechanism forms an ignition switch for an apparatus such as a motor road vehicle, wherein actuation of the apparatus corresponds to starting of the vehicle.

23. An actuation control member comprising an operating device (40) and a multi-contact system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the actuation control member comprising a control unit (50), the control unit (50) comprising a microprocessor (54) and / or a microcontroller, the control unit (50) being configured to allow actuation of the device when the key (1) is inserted into the chamber (16) of the housing (2) and the key (1) is recognized by the multi-contact system (100), the control unit (50) being connected to the main module (52) of the operating device (40) via a switch (56), the switch (56) being configured to switch between an actuation position in which the operating device (40) allows actuation of the device and a stop position in which the operating device (40) prevents actuation of the device.

24. The control member according to claim 23, characterized in that The control member forms an ignition member for an apparatus such as a motor road vehicle, wherein an actuation of the apparatus corresponds to a start of the vehicle.

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