PROGRAMMABLE LOCK CYLINDER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking cylinder, in particular a programmable locking cylinder, and to a method for programming a locking cylinder.

[0002] Lock cylinders consist of a stator (sometimes called a "cylinder body") that can be fixed to a lock and is non-rotatably attached to a lock, and a rotor (sometimes called a "cylinder core") that rotates around the cylinder's axis when a suitable key is inserted. Rotating the rotor moves drive means that operate a bolt or other means related to the desired function of the lock cylinder.

[0003] Many mechanical locking cylinders, whether for reversible keys or serrated keys, have long been based on the same functional principle. The rotor is a cylinder inserted into the stator with several holes extending through the rotor and stator, into which a tumbler, a counter-tumbler and a coil spring are inserted. The tumbler and counter-tumbler are movable along the hole axis and are subjected to a restoring force by the coil spring. When a key matching the locking cylinder is inserted into the locking cylinder, the tumblers position themselves in such a way that a parting line formed between the tumbler and counter-tumbler (i.e. the parting surface, parting line or parting point) coincides with a parting line (i.e. the parting surface / shear surface) between the rotor and stator. The tumbler is therefore located completely in the rotor and the counter-tumbler completely in the stator.This allows the rotor to rotate within the stator and can thus enable a locking system to be unlocked.

[0004] Lock cylinders are typically manufactured individually, so that each tumbler has a length tailored to a corresponding key. These lengths correspond to the coding incorporated into the key, which manifests itself in recesses of varying depths in defined positions on the key (and scanned by the respective tumbler). This entails a significant logistical effort to transport the manufactured lock cylinders to their place of use or to dealers, especially if the lock cylinder is to be replaced by another lock cylinder or become part of a larger locking system. Furthermore, the production of customized lock cylinders usually requires a great deal of manual labor to assemble the numerous individual parts.

[0005] For this reason, various options have been proposed for programming, i.e., customizing, a locking cylinder after assembly. In the case of programmable locking cylinders, a generic, non-customizable, yet programmable locking cylinder can be manufactured, enabling more efficient and highly automated production. Furthermore, generic locking cylinders can be supplied that are only programmed afterward, for example, at the point of use or at a dealer.

[0006] For example, WO 2010 / 103032 A1 proposes providing tumblers whose length can be adjusted by rotating a part of the tumbler with an internal thread relative to a part with a matching external thread. This requires the creation of very small threads, particularly in reversible key cylinders. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the length of each tumbler is set with sufficient accuracy during programming, and that this setting remains sufficiently accurate even after years of use of the cylinder.

[0007] US 2005 / 0217331 discloses a programmable locking cylinder in which the shearing surface between the locking cylinder rotor and the locking cylinder stator can be adjusted for each locking / counter-locking pair by positioning so-called shear sleeves in adjustable positions. US 2 232 017 discloses a locking cylinder with two-part locking elements that can be programmed in the presence of a key before assembly of the locking cylinder.

[0008] Other programmable locking cylinders are known, for example, from EP 2 152 986, WO 2007 / 050511 A2 and US 2003 / 0084692 A1.

[0009] US 3,190,093 shows a locking system for serrated keys in which the locking cylinder is initially programmed to a temporary key. The locking cylinder has a special tumbler / counter-tumbler pair at one position, in which the tumbler comprises a sleeve and an additional element, e.g., a ball, that can be inserted into the sleeve against a frictional force. This additional element is rounded towards the joint with the counter-tumbler. If a secondary key with a shallower notch is used at the location of the special tumbler / counter-tumbler pair, the cylinder will lock due to the excessively long tumbler. However, by turning it and applying appropriate force, the user can push the additional element further into the sleeve against the frictional force, thus shortening the tumbler overall to such an extent that it matches the secondary key. The temporary key will then no longer fit.

[0010] This reprogramming system has the first disadvantage that it allows only very limited reprogramming, and only in one direction (from a key with a deeper notch to a key with a shallower notch). Therefore, the system is not suitable for the concept of first producing a generic, unprogrammed cylinder and only programming the cylinder later, for example, on-site. It is also very delicate to ensure that the force required to push the additional element into the sleeve (exerted by a shearing movement) does not become excessive, while at the same time preventing the connection between the sleeve and the additional element from becoming loose.

[0011] It is an object of the invention to create an alternative programmable locking cylinder that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, programming should be simple, quick, and secure. Furthermore, a corresponding method for programming a locking cylinder should be created.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a programmable locking cylinder that is mechanically robust, in particular such that the programming remains accurate even after years of use and / or other mechanical stress. A further object of the invention is to enable particularly simple programming of a locking cylinder. Yet another object of the invention is to enable particularly rapid and / or particularly precise programming of a locking cylinder. The programmable locking cylinder and / or the tools used for programming should preferably be relatively simple to manufacture and meet high security requirements.

[0013] At least one of these objects is at least partially achieved by devices according to the patent claims.

[0014] A locking cylinder of the type described here is a mechanical locking cylinder (which does not preclude the additional presence of electronic / electromechanical security features) and comprises a stator and a rotor rotatable within the stator, with a key opening into which a key can be inserted. It further comprises a plurality of locking / counter-locking pairs mounted in bores in the rotor and stator, respectively. The corresponding bores of the rotor and stator are aligned with each other when the rotor is in an initial position relative to the stator, in which insertion and removal of a key is possible.

[0015] The effective locking length is the length that the tumbler measures along a bore axis, which defines the bore in the rotor in which the tumbler is mounted (in this text, the term "bore" is used regardless of how the corresponding structures (holes / cavities / openings) are manufactured, i.e. it is not limited to manufacturing by drilling).

[0016] For locking systems with high security requirements, it is required that the sum of the effective locking length of the locking device and the counter-locking device is constant so that the locking length cannot be read using measuring instruments.

[0017] In order to create this possibility, according to the invention the mechanical locking cylinder further comprises a plurality of locking-counter-locking pairs which are mounted in bores in the rotor or stator, wherein the corresponding bores of the rotor and the stator are aligned with each other when the rotor is in an initial position relative to the stator in which insertion and removal of a key is possible.According to the invention, at least one of the tumblers has a first and a second part which can be brought into different positions relative to one another and fixed in these, and at least the associated counter-tumbler has a third and a fourth part which can be brought into different positions relative to one another and fixed in these, wherein a closing-effective total length of the tumbler along an axis depends on the relative position of the first and the second part and a closing-effective total length of the counter-tumbler along an axis depends on the relative position of the third and the fourth part.

[0018] Accordingly, both the locking and the counter-locking can be adjusted in their effective closing length.

[0019] In particular, the first, second, third and fourth parts can be shaped and arranged in the initial position relative to one another such that a movement of the fourth part relative to the third part by a path length L causes a movement of the second part relative to the first part by the same path length L. If such a displacement of the second part relative to the first part causes a shortening of the locking device by L, the length of the counter-locking device can simultaneously be increased by L - the sum of the lengths therefore remains constant.

[0020] For this purpose, the second part can be arranged axially within the fourth part with respect to the bore axis and aligned with it. An outer portion of the first part can also be aligned with an inner portion of the third part.

[0021] This occurs, for example, when the first part forms the inner, key-side end of the tumbler (which also scans the coding of the key), the third part forms an outer end of the counter-tumbler, and a distance between the first and the third part is kept constant when the fourth part is moved relative to the third part (e.g. is pushed inwards) and in the process moves the second part relative to the first, or even when, as explained below, the second part is moved independently of the fourth part.

[0022] For this purpose, a separation arrangement can be present between the first and third parts, which is in physical contact with the first and third parts, and on the basis of which a plurality of possible separation joints are defined between the first part and the third part – namely at least where the separation arrangement is in contact with the first part and where the separation arrangement is in contact with the third part, and, for example, also within the separation arrangement. In the latter case, the separation arrangement comprises, for example, several separation elements that are not connected to one another or are only loosely connected (via a predetermined separation point).

[0023] In embodiments with the separation arrangement, on the one hand, the second and the fourth part can be aligned with each other and can be displaced together in the axial direction relative to the first and third part - at least inwards - and on the other hand, an outer part of the first part, the separation arrangement and an inner part of the third part can be aligned with each other.

[0024] In particular, the second and fourth parts can be arranged radially inside the inner portion of the third part (preferably the entire third part), the separation arrangement, and the outer portion of the first part, which surround the second and fourth parts in a sleeve-like manner. In such embodiments, the separation arrangement can, for example, comprise one or preferably several rings, which in the latter case are loosely stacked on top of one another or connected to one another by a detachable connection (in particular, a predetermined separation point).

[0025] The actual separating joint between the locking device and the counter-locking device is defined by the - movable, i.e. programmable - separating joint between the second and fourth part.

[0026] However, in embodiments, programming may be possible that allows the second part to be arranged at a distance from the fourth part, allowing several different codes to fit the tumbler-counter-tumbler pair (multiple code levels), which is suitable for more complex locking systems with multiple keys opening a lock (so-called Master Key Systems MKS). To move the second part without moving the fourth part, a programming tool used can act directly on the second part. For this purpose, the fourth part can have a through-opening through which the programming tool can act on the second part even when the cylinder with counter-tumbler has already been assembled.

[0027] A programming tool of the type described above can then, in addition to the mandrels, also have at least one programming pin, which is guided, for example, in the tool and, depending on the desired programming, protrudes far enough beyond the stop during programming that the second part is displaced relative to the first part by the desired amount during programming. Such a programming pin can, for example, be guided in the tool so that it can be inserted coaxially into the bore and, for example, be guided axially through an internal opening in the respective mandrel. For programming, the programming pin can be brought into different positions relative to the stop surface of the tool, with this position being selected, for example, depending on the - known - coding of the key at the position of the corresponding locking / counter-locking pair.

[0028] As an alternative to programming in the manner described above with direct action on the second part, an MBS system can also be achieved by not equipping certain holes with locking / counter-locking pairs or by designing some locking / counter-locking pairs conventionally and providing them with one or more coding discs, so-called "split pins".

[0029] In one embodiment, the first part forms a key-side end of the respective tumbler for sensing a key inserted into the locking cylinder, and the second part forms a counter-tumbler-side end of the respective tumbler for interacting with the respectively associated counter-tumbler.

[0030] In one embodiment, a stop is formed by the respective first part to limit the movement of the respective tumbler into the key opening. This can make it difficult or even impossible to optically read the coding. To limit the movement, the stop interacts with a stop in the rotor bore for the tumbler.

[0031] In particular, it can be provided that the first parts each have a section (for example, a section with an annular cross-section) in which they fill a cross-section of a bore in the rotor in which the respective locking device is movably mounted. The same can additionally or alternatively apply (if present) to the third part and / or the separation arrangement. Of course, a certain amount of play must still remain to ensure the mobility of the locking device in the opening in the rotor.

[0032] It is also possible (additionally or alternatively) for the second parts each to have a section in which they completely fill a cross-section of a bore in the rotor, in which the respective tumbler is movably mounted. This can lead to increased mechanical stability and mechanical load-bearing capacity of the locking cylinder and, accordingly, to increased security of the locking cylinder. In this context, the second part can be T-shaped or mushroom-shaped, for example. This option is not applicable in embodiments with the separation arrangement if it is present radially on the outside, as is preferred.

[0033] In one embodiment, the second part forms a punch (also referred to as a shaft), which is inserted into a press-fitted opening in the associated first part. In particular, such a punch can be cylindrical, and the opening in the associated first part can be hollow-cylindrical.

[0034] The first part can, for example, be sleeve-shaped at least on the outside.

[0035] The first and / or second part can, for example, be rotationally symmetrical, in particular a rotary part. The same optionally applies to the third and / or fourth part and / or the separation arrangement.

[0036] For example, the holes in the rotor or stator are radially aligned with respect to the rotor's rotational axis, which particularly favors the use of rotationally symmetrical parts. However, skewed hole axes with respect to the rotational axis are also conceivable—depending on the arrangement of the coding on the key.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first part forms an outer guide and the second part an inner guide. However, it is also possible to reverse this, so that the first part forms an inner guide and the second part an outer guide. If necessary, the third part and the separation arrangement form an outer guide and the second and fourth parts form an inner guide—or possibly vice versa.

[0038] The corresponding inner guide-outer guide pair can, on the one hand, ensure that the two parts move along the same axis during programming and, on the other hand, if necessary (with a sufficiently long design), can ensure a strong press fit and thus a high mechanical stability of the connection between the two parts.

[0039] The first and second parts are preferably connected to each other in a press fit, allowing relative movement. The same can be additionally or alternatively also applied to the third and fourth parts.

[0040] A press fit is sometimes also referred to as an interference fit. The press fit connects the two parts so tightly that they retain their relative position even after years of use and other typically occurring mechanical stress. On the other hand, the length of the locking device can be adjusted during programming due to the mechanical forces applied. These forces are so large that the two press-fitted parts can be displaced relative to each other, resulting in the length adjustment of the locking device and thus in the programming.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first or third and / or the second or fourth parts and / or optionally the elements of the separation arrangement are made of one of the materials Bronze; brass; steel, in particular free-cutting steel or spring steel or silver steel or sintered steel; or ceramic; a synthetic material (e.g. an artificial stone or a polymer-based plastic, with or without filler); another metal; in particular a sintered metal or another sintered material.

[0042] In particular, the first, second, and optionally third, fourth parts and / or parts of the separation arrangement can be made of the same or completely or partially different materials. Any combinations and permutations are possible.

[0043] In one embodiment it is particularly provided that the first / third part made of bronze and the second / fourth part made of bronze; or the first / third part made of bronze and the second / fourth part made of brass; or the first / third part made of silver steel and the second / fourth part made of brass; or the first / third part made of bronze and the second / fourth part made of spring band steel; is finished.

[0044] In the event that the second / fourth part forms the radially outer part in the press fit, the specified material pairings are exactly the opposite.

[0045] However, it is not only possible to manufacture the first and second, or the third and fourth, parts from metal. The first, second, third, and / or fourth parts can also be made of plastic, for example, a polymer or a polymer composite.

[0046] In one embodiment, the locking cylinder has a coil spring for each locking / counter-locking pair. When using conventional counter-locking devices, such a counter-locking device can have a recess at its end facing away from the key opening to accommodate the respective coil spring.

[0047] In one embodiment, the locking cylinder has a housing, for example a sleeve, which encloses the stator, and each of the coil springs rests against an inner surface of the housing at its end facing away from the key opening.

[0048] The invention further relates to a device comprising one of the described locking cylinders and a tool. The tool can be used to program the locking cylinder and can be designed as described in the present patent application. In particular, it can have a stop surface and at least one pin protruding from the stop surface. It can also have several pins that protrude the same distance from the stop surface. The tool can be characterized in that it has at least one stop surface and at least one pin protruding from the stop surface, wherein the diameter and length of the at least one pin are adapted for programming the locking cylinder.

[0049] The method for programming a locking cylinder relates to a locking cylinder having a stator and a rotor rotatable within the stator, with a key opening into which a key can be inserted, and further comprising at least one tumbler having a first and a second part connected to one another in a press fit. In the method, when the key is inserted into the key opening, in particular by a tool acting from outside the locking cylinder, in particular when the key is inserted completely up to a key stop, so that each coding is positioned as intended relative to the corresponding tumbler-counter-tumbler pair, an effective locking length of the tumbler is changed, in particular reduced, by sliding the first and second parts into or apart from one another.

[0050] In some embodiments, the tool has a stop surface and a mandrel protruding from the stop surface. The mandrel can also be referred to as a rod and causes the first and second parts to slide into one another. The mandrel can be a solid mandrel. However, if necessary, the mandrel can be a hollow mandrel (or a hollow rod).

[0051] Such a tool can enable very precise programming, and it can be relatively easy to manufacture.

[0052] The stop surface can be flat, but it can also be curved.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mandrel is guided into the stator until the stop surface rests against a counter-stop and a force is exerted by the mandrel on the second part, causing it to slide into one another.

[0054] The counter-stop is usually formed by a part of the locking cylinder. In particular, it can be formed by a housing surrounding the stator, for example, a sleeve, or more precisely, by an outer surface of the housing. It is also possible to provide for the counter-stop to be formed by the stator itself (more precisely, by an outer surface of the stator).

[0055] The force can be directed toward the key. In particular, the force can be directed along the axis of the bore in which the locking mechanism is located in the rotor.

[0056] It can be provided that the stop surface has a curvature that is adapted to a curvature of the counter stop.

[0057] In the event that the stator is encased in a housing (e.g. sleeve), (access) openings can be provided in the housing through which the mandrel can be passed, so that the mandrel can be inserted through the housing into the stator.

[0058] In one embodiment, there is a parting line between the stator and the rotor, and a length of the mandrel, measured from the stop surface, is dimensioned such that, after the mandrel is inserted into the stator until the stop surface rests against the counter-stop, the first and second parts are pushed together to such an extent that an end of the tumbler facing away from the key coincides with the parting line. In particular, if a counter-tumbler is adjacent to the tumbler, the first and second parts are pushed together to such an extent that a parting line formed between the tumbler and the counter-tumbler lies at the parting line between the stator and the rotor.

[0059] In particular, the tool acts indirectly (by the mandrel pressing the counter-lock or a part of it against the locking device) or directly (by pressing on the second part) on the second part, while an inner end of the first part rests against the correspondingly coded key. When the joint between the locking device and the counter-lock is displaced to the level of the joint between the rotor and stator, the locking cylinder is programmed. In particular, the tool does not carry any information about the coding: rather, this is transferred from the key to the locking cylinder in the described process.

[0060] This process enables simple and precise programming (customization) of a locking cylinder, which was previously typically a generic locking cylinder. In particular, programming requires neither specific, customized tools nor does the cylinder need to be modified; in some cases, it doesn't even need to be disassembled, but can be used fully assembled as a generic cylinder and customized using the programming described here.

[0061] In this case, for example, the tool acts on the second part via the fourth part, i.e. the tool moves the fourth part inwards relative to the first part - while, for example, the third part is prevented from being moved inwards by the separation arrangement - and the fourth part moves the second part inwards relative to the first part, which can be equivalent to the second and first part being pushed into one another.

[0062] In one embodiment, a tool may be used in which a programming pin acts directly on the second part to space it from the fourth part—this is to define multiple parting lines so that an MBS can be created. Additionally, mandrels may be present on the same tool or on a separate tool that act on the fourth part in the manner described above.

[0063] Before and after programming, and thus before and after the first and second parts are pushed together or moved apart, the two parts are connected to each other in a press fit, for example.

[0064] As already stated above, the detailed description is limited to the case of reducing the effective closing length by (further) pushing the first and second parts together.

[0065] It is not absolutely necessary for a counter-locking device to be present during programming. Programming can also be performed without a counter-locking device. However, it can simplify the completion of the locking cylinder if a counter-locking device assigned to the locking device is already provided in the locking cylinder during programming, along with a spring if necessary.

[0066] The first and second parts can be pushed together, in particular, by exerting a force acting in the direction of the key, so that the first and second parts are pushed together. In particular, the first part can rest against the key.

[0067] Since the first and second parts are already inserted into each other (slided into each other) before programming, the said sliding of the first and second parts into each other during programming generally corresponds to a further sliding of the first and second parts into each other.

[0068] In one embodiment, the locking cylinder with tumbler and associated counter-tumbler has a helical spring associated with the tumbler and the counter-tumbler, wherein when the first and second parts are pushed together, the mandrel extends through at least part of the helical spring, in particular extends completely through the helical spring.

[0069] Typically, a locking cylinder has several tumbler-counter-tumbler pairs. The described method can easily be applied to locking cylinders with two or more tumblers, each with at least two parts.

[0070] It is possible to ensure that the tumblers in a generic locking cylinder are all the same length.

[0071] Of course, it is possible to combine the above-described embodiments with one or more of the other described embodiments, provided this is logically possible. This also applies to combinations of features described for the method with features described for the locking cylinder, and vice versa.

[0072] It's also important to note that tools of the type described above do not require any programming-related coding. In other words, the tools required for programming a lock cylinder are the same, regardless of the key used to program the lock cylinder.

[0073] For example, it's possible to have a set of one or more tools on-site (e.g., at a dealer) that are suitable for programming a specific type of (generic) lock cylinder. This tool set can then be used to program any of these lock cylinders for use with any key (provided, of course, that is generally suitable for that type of lock cylinder).

[0074] Alternatively, the use of an at least partially coded tool is also possible. Such a tool could, for example, have a base body that forms a stop and at least one programmed mandrel that protrudes a programmable amount from the base body. The adjustment of such a mandrel can be done manually, e.g., via an adjusting screw, or electronically / automatically.

[0075] When using such a coded (programmable) tool, programming can be done without a key. The information used to program the tool can also be used separately, in a conventional manner, for the production of the key by applying the appropriate coding.

[0076] In some embodiments, it is also possible to assemble the locking cylinder only during or after programming, for example, by not pre-assembling the locking elements—e.g., the two-part locking elements—and possibly the separation arrangements, but rather inserting them together with the corresponding mandrel of the tool, or inserting them after the—then programmable—tool has directly acted on the second parts. In some embodiments, it may also be provided that the fourth parts, or the second and fourth parts, are inserted subsequently, for example, during or immediately before programming.

[0077] Further embodiments and advantages emerge from the dependent patent claims, the following description of embodiments and the figures.

[0078] In the following, the subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Figures 20-29 Embodiments of the invention, and Figures 1-19 serve to better understand the invention. They show: Fig. 1a locking cylinder with inserted key, perspective; Fig. 2the locking cylinder from Fig. 1 , in exploded view, perspective; Fig. 3 a locking-counter-locking pair with spring, perspective; Fig. 4 the locking-counter-locking pair of Fig. 3, in section, perspective; Fig. 5-15 a locking cylinder in partial section, perspective, to illustrate the locking cylinder and its programming; Fig. 16 a two-part tumbler, schematic, in section; Fig. 17 a two-part tumbler, schematic, in section; Fig. 18 a two-part tumbler, schematic, in section; Fig. 19 a two-part tumbler, schematic, in section; Fig. 20 another embodiment of a generic locking cylinder in section; Fig. 21 the locking cylinder according to Fig. 20 after inserting a coded key; Fig. 22 the locking cylinder Figs. 20 and 21 during programming; Fig. 23 the locking cylinder Fig. 20-22 after programming; Fig. 24 the locking cylinder Fig. 20 during programming with a tool that allows programming to a locking cylinder that can be opened with different keys; Fig. 25 the locking cylinder according to Fig. 20after programming accordingly Fig. 24 ; Fig. 26 one to the locking cylinder according Fig. 20 alternative locking cylinder during programming; Fig. 27the locking cylinder according to Fig. 26 after programming; and Fig. 28 and 29 each show a representation of a programmable locking / counter-locking pair with separation arrangement, for a locking cylinder according to one of the Figures 20-27 .

[0079] Parts not essential to understanding the invention are partially omitted. The described embodiments are exemplary of the subject matter of the invention or serve to explain it and are not limiting.

[0080] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a locking cylinder 1 with an inserted key 10. Fig. 2 shows in perspective an exploded view of the locking cylinder from Fig. 1. The locking cylinder 1 has a rotor 5 and a stator 6 as well as a sleeve 7. Instead of the sleeve 7, the locking cylinder 1 can have another housing, or the housing can include, in addition to the sleeve, further parts, for example, parts that at least partially surround the sleeve, which in Fig. 1 is not shown.

[0081] As described above, a locking device with at least two parts is recommended. An example of this is shown in Figs. 3 and 4 shown in perspective, in Fig. 4 cut.

[0082] The tumbler 2, together with a counter-tumbler 3 (and a coil spring 4, part of which is accommodated in a recess 3a of the counter-tumbler 3), as well as with the rotor 5 and stator 6, can enable the conventional locking and opening function of the locking cylinder in an otherwise known manner. If the separating gap T2 formed by all tumbler-counter-tumbler pairs coincides with the separating gap between rotor 5 and stator 6, the rotor 5 can rotate in the stator 6 and the rotor 5 is unlocked. As long as the separating gap T2 of at least one of the tumbler-counter-tumbler pairs lies elsewhere, the rotor 5 is locked and cannot rotate in the stator 6.

[0083] Tumbler 2 comprises a first part 2a and a second part 2b, which have a press fit 2p. For example, the second (counter-tumbler side) part 2b can form a shaft 2i, and the first (key side) part 2a can form a guide 2j for the shaft 2i, so that the two parts 2a, 2b can be displaced relative to each other (while maintaining the press fit).

[0084] As in the example of Figures 3 and 4 As shown, the second part 2b, adjacent to the counter-lock, can be T-shaped or mushroom-shaped, and the first part 2a can be sleeve-shaped. The first part 2a has an end 2e, by means of which a key inserted into the locking cylinder is sensed.

[0085] Fig. 5 to 15 show a perspective view of a locking cylinder 1 in partial section, illustrating the locking cylinder 1 and its programming. For clarity, not all reference numerals are used in all figures.

[0086] Fig. 5 Illustrates a view of the interior of a not yet programmed, generic locking cylinder 1. The individual parts have already been described. The key opening is labeled 1a. All five illustrated locking-counter-locking pairs are still the same length and are in the same radial position. In the case of locking cylinders for serrated locks, the initial situation may appear equivalent. For more complex locking cylinders for reversible keys than the one shown, the length and orientation may vary for different locking-counter-locking pairs.

[0087] Furthermore, the following only illustrates the case where the locking cylinder is pre-assembled with the locking / counter-locking pairs, as well as spring 4 and sleeve 7, prior to programming. However, this is not mandatory. For example, sleeve 7, or sleeve 7 and counter-locking elements 3 (and spring 4), can be added after programming.

[0088] Fig. 6 illustrates the insertion of a key 10, for which (and by means of which) the locking cylinder 1 is to be programmed. The length of the tumblers 2 is still unchanged, but their radial position changes by inserting the key 10, as can be seen from the joints T2, T2'. Also, the stop 1b of the bore in Fig. 6 visible, which causes the tumblers 2 to open when the key 10 is not inserted (cf. Fig. 5 ) do not protrude too far into the key opening.

[0089] In Fig. 7the key 10 is fully inserted. The length of the tumblers 2 is still unchanged, but their radial position (relative to the rotor axis) is now determined by the coding provided on the key 10, as can be seen from the joints T2, T2'.

[0090] A programming tool 9 is shown. It has several mandrels 9a attached to a base plate, which forms a stop surface 9b. A counter-stop 8 for the tool 9 is formed by the outer surface of the sleeve 7 in the example shown.

[0091] In Fig. 7 one can also see that the mandrels 9a of the tool are inserted through openings in the housing (here the sleeve 7) and that the coil springs then surround the mandrels; the openings in the housing have a smaller diameter than the coil springs so that the latter can bear against the inner surface of the housing.

[0092] As in Fig. 8 As can be seen, the mandrels 9a of the tool 9 are inserted through the sleeve 7 into the stator 6, each extending through the interior of one of the coil springs 4.

[0093] The arrow K indicates Fig. 9 symbolizes a force K, by means of which the mutually press-fitted parts 2a and 2b are pushed into each other. This leads to the Fig. 9 noticeable shortening of the length of tumblers 2.

[0094] In Fig. 10 The stop surface 9b (of the tool 9) and the counter-stop 8 (of the locking cylinder 1) are in contact with each other, so that no further force can be exerted by the tool 9 to push the two parts 2a, 2b of the tumblers 2 together. The locking cylinder 1 is now programmed. And the rotor 5 is unlocked. As can be seen from Fig. 10 As can be seen, all the separating joints T2 of the locking-counter-locking pairs coincide with the separating joint T1 between rotor 5 and stator 6.

[0095] In Fig. 11 It is shown that the tool 9 is removed again by pulling the mandrels 9a out of the locking cylinder 1, in Fig. 12 it is no longer shown.

[0096] In Fig. 13 The situation is illustrated when the key 10 has been turned slightly after the actual programming. The locking and counter-locking pairs are separated from each other. Fig. 14 the key is turned a little further and the rotor 5 is no longer shown in section. In Fig. 15 the key 10 is turned a little further.

[0097] As has become clear from the above, the programming of the locking cylinder 1 can be done in a very simple yet precise manner, and also the tool 9 used can be an easily manufactured one.

[0098] In the case of complex locking cylinders with, for example, non-radial and differently angled holes of different lengths for the locking / counter-locking pairs, it may be necessary or useful to use an individual tool for each locking / counter-locking pair or at least to use different tools for some of the locking / counter-locking pairs.

[0099] The tool(s) therefore carry no information about the locking cylinder's coding. The locking cylinder's coding is taken over by the key.

[0100] Fig. 16 shows a schematic cross-section of a two-part locking device 2. This locking device 2 corresponds to the Figures 3 and 4The first part 2a is sleeve-shaped and forms (through an internal bore) an internal guide 2j for the shaft 2i of the second part 2b, which is T-shaped or mushroom-shaped. The first part 2a further comprises a stop 2c, through which (by interaction with the stop 1b, see Fig. 6 ) the tumbler 2 is held in its bore and the tumbler 2 is prevented from projecting too far into the key opening 1a.

[0101] However, many other geometries of two-part tumblers 2 are also possible. Figures 16 to 19 show some examples.

[0102] In Fig. 16 to 19 For clarity, the first part 2a is depicted with wider lines than the second part 2b. The effective length of the locking elements 2 is marked L.

[0103] In Fig. 16A second position of the second part 2b and the corresponding (shortened) effective locking length L are symbolized by means of dotted lines, as they may be, for example, after programming the locking cylinder.

[0104] The tumbler 2 of Fig. 17 is similar to that of Fig. 16 . However, in this case, the guidance of the second part 2b in the bore is better, which, however, entails a more complex manufacturing of the second part 2b.

[0105] In the examples of Figs. 18 and 19 an internal guide is formed by the second part 2b, while a shaft guided therein is formed by the first part 2a.

[0106] In case of Fig. 18 the stop 2c is as in Figs. 16 and 17 formed by the first part 2a. However, this results in a small wall thickness of the sleeve-shaped second part 2b.

[0107] If, as in Fig. 19If the stop 2c is provided on the second part 2b, the wall thickness of the sleeve-shaped second part 2b can be greater, so that the second part 2b can be quite robust. However, this can simplify the optical readability of the coding.

[0108] Regarding the choice of material, some information has already been provided above. For example, bronze can be chosen for the first part 2a and brass for the second part 2b. Typical dimensions are a maximum diameter of the tumblers between 2 mm and 3 mm and a shaft or guide diameter between 1 mm and 1.6 mm, with a (diameter-related) interference fit of between 0.015 mm and 0.04 mm. Other materials and dimensions are conceivable.

[0109] An example of a locking cylinder 1 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 20, in which, as in the following figures, the rotor 5, the stator 6 with tumblers 2 and counter-tumblers 30 are shown in section in the starting position (in which the bores of the rotor and stator are aligned and in which the key can be inserted or removed). For the sake of simplicity, the housing, on which, for example, springs (not shown in these figures) acting on the outside of the counter-tumbler are supported, is not shown. As explained with reference to the above examples, such a housing can have openings for the mandrels of the tool.

[0110] In Fig. 20 The generic, programmable locking cylinder is shown in the initial, unprogrammed configuration and without the key shaft inserted into the key channel 1a. Figures 28 and 29 each show a tumbler-counter-tumbler pair with a separation arrangement for a locking cylinder as in Fig. 20and the following figures, Fig. 29 in an exploded view (wherein the elements 41, 42, 43 of the separation arrangement 40 are drawn together, although they can, for example, be designed as separate elements).

[0111] In contrast to the locking cylinders according to Fig. 1-19 In addition to the two-part locking devices 2, the locking cylinder 1 also has two-part counter-locking devices 30, which can be seen in Figures 28 and 29 particularly well. The programmable locking / counter-locking pairs (in Fig. 20all ten pairs shown are shown as programmable pairs; however, combinations with conventional locking / counter-locking pairs are also conceivable) are constructed as follows: the first part 2a of the locking device has the inner end 2e, which projects into the keyway 1a. On the outside, it has a sleeve-like section forming an outwardly open opening, which forms a guide 2j for the second part 2b. The second part is designed as an inner part, which can be guided inside the sleeve-like section and which, in the initial configuration, is only inserted into the guide 2j with its inner end. Because the dimensions of the first part and the second part are coordinated to form a press fit, the second part 2b is fixed relative to the first part 2a.

[0112] The counter-locks 30 also have a third, outer part 30a and a fourth, inner part 30b. The fourth part 30b is guided in the first part 30a, which for this purpose is constructed in a sleeve-like manner, with a through-opening. The dimensions of this through-opening are matched to the outer dimensions of the fourth part, so that a press fit is also produced between these parts. The through-opening of the third part 30a can be widened outwards, so that, regardless of the position of the fourth part 30b, an opening 30d limited to the bottom (in the arrangement according to Fig. 28 a circumferential groove) into which a helical spring of the type described above can engage, which spring rests on the outside against an inner surface of a housing surrounding the stator, also of the type already described above.

[0113] In the examples shown, the fourth part itself is also sleeve-shaped, with an inner opening 30c extending in the direction of the bore axis. This configuration is optional and, in some embodiments, serves the purpose of programming a "Master Key System" (MKS), which will be explained in more detail below.

[0114] A separation arrangement 40 is provided between the first part 2a and the third part 30a. This arrangement comprises a plurality of separation elements 41, 42, 43, each of which has a separating gap formed between it. The thickness of the separation elements (measured in the direction of the bore axis) corresponds to the difference in the entire locking system between two adjacent possible coding depths of coding bores of the key (which is designed here as a flat key / reversible key; if the invention is implemented with a serrated key, the thickness corresponds to the distance between two adjacent possible coding steps of the serrated profile).

[0115] The separation elements can be fixed relative to both the second part 2b and the fourth part 30b, here also by a press fit, by having a continuous opening whose inner diameter matches the outer diameter of the first and fourth parts. Accordingly, after programming, the separation elements can be used as a locking device or a counter-locking device, depending on the application.

[0116] Incidentally, it is not necessary to fix the separation elements relative to the locking or counter-locking mechanism; rather, they can be arranged loosely relative to the locking / counter-locking mechanism, for example, since their function during programming lies in defining the distance between the first and third parts, and the position of the separation elements relative to the locking and counter-locking mechanism is already defined by the arrangement.

[0117] In the initial configuration, all separation elements 41-43 are fixed to the second part 2b.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the separation elements 41, 42, 43 are designed as perforated disks. Alternatively, they can also initially form a one-piece element with predetermined separation points corresponding to the parting lines. Other geometries, e.g., slotted rings, are also possible; a reversal of inside and outside is also not excluded (ie, the second and fourth parts are each sleeve-shaped, and the first and third parts as well as the separation arrangement are guided in these sleeves), whereby in the latter case, openings for the mandrels of the tool are provided in the (in Figures 20 ff. not shown) housings may need to be adapted and can, for example, be designed in a crescent shape.

[0119] Fig. 21 shows the locking cylinder Fig. 20after inserting a key 10. The locking and counter-locking pairs are displaced outward to varying degrees according to the key coding, counteracting the spring force of the springs (not shown). In this configuration, the locking cylinder is ready to be programmed according to the coding of the inserted key 10.

[0120] Fig. 22 shows the programming. A tool 9 with mandrels 9a, designed analogously to the tool described above, is positioned relative to the locking cylinder so that the mandrels 9a protrude into the bore and is then pressed against the cylinder until a stop surface 9b rests against a corresponding stop surface of the cylinder (in Fig. 22 formed by the outer surface of the stator; alternatively also by a surface of the housing (not shown).

[0121] The mandrels 9a act on the fourth part, which is pressed further in relative to the hole, unless it is pushed in due to a particularly deep coding hole of the key (as in Fig. 21 The fourth part 30b is already so deep in the bore (at position P1) that the corresponding mandrel 9a cannot even reach it. The fourth part 30b is displaced inward relative to the third part by the pressing force, thereby pushing the second part inward relative to the first part. Due to the contact with the key 10 or the separation arrangement 40, the first and third parts are prevented from moving inward.

[0122] The length of the mandrels 9a is adapted to the dimension of the fourth part in such a way that when the tool is pushed in to the stop for all locking and counter-locking pairs, the parting line between the second and the fourth part - which forms the parting line between the locking and counter-locking - is aligned with the parting line between the rotor and stator, which can be seen in Fig. 22 looks good. Since at each coding depth of the coding bore, a parting line is present between the separation arrangement 40 and the first 2a or the third part 30b or between elements 41, 42, 43 of the separation arrangement, this is both a sufficient and necessary condition for the rotor 5 to be able to rotate relative to the stator 6 when the key 10 is inserted.

[0123] In Fig. 22Two tools 9 are shown, one for each of the coding rows shown. However, even when multiple rows are present, as is usually the case with flat keys, it is also possible to work with only one tool; the tool is then used sequentially for programming the various rows.

[0124] For the engagement of the mandrels of the tool 9, the housing surrounding the stator (e.g. sleeve; in Fig. 20-27Each bore (not shown) in the stator has an opening aligned with the bore, which has a smaller diameter than the bore but a larger diameter than the respective mandrel of the tool, so that a stop surface is formed for the coil spring and the mandrel can still act on the fourth part 30b through this opening. The diameter of the mandrel may be larger than the diameter of the inner opening 30c of the fourth part 30b, but it is smaller than the diameter of the coil spring and the fourth part 30b.

[0125] Fig. 23 shows the programmed locking cylinder after removing the key 10. In order for the locking cylinder to be operated by rotating the rotor 5, the key 10 or a key of identical construction must be inserted so that all joints between the second and fourth element are positioned accordingly.

[0126] It is often necessary for locking cylinders to be operable with multiple different keys to grant different access authorizations, e.g., for a main entrance and apartment doors, for a master key, or for more complex, different hierarchical levels. For this purpose, in purely mechanical locks, at least some of the locking / counter-locking pairs must have multiple separation joints to allow for operation with different keys, and / or locking / counter-locking pairs must be omitted entirely.

[0127] Systems with locking cylinders that can be opened with several different keys are called MKS systems. The following are based on the Figures 24-27 Two possibilities are presented which - in addition to the trivial solution of simply omitting the tumbler-counter-tumbler pairs - make the locking cylinders according to the invention suitable for MKS systems.

[0128] Fig. 24 shows a locking cylinder which in its initial configuration is similar to that of Fig. 20 corresponds during programming, in a setup analogous to Fig. 22 In contrast to the execution according to Fig. 22 However, the tool 9 has a more complex structure. In addition to the mandrels 9a, it has a plurality of programming pins 90, which are guided through the tool coaxially with the locking and counter-locking bores and can be guided through the inner opening 30c of the fourth part 30b as well as through the inner opening of the separation arrangement 40, thus acting directly on the second part 2b.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 9 is equipped with a programming pin 90 per mandrel, but this is optional: if it is known in advance at which position the locking / counter-locking pair is to have multiple parting lines, it can also be equipped only at those positions. As a further alternative, the functions of the mandrels 9a and the programming pins 90 can also be implemented by two different tools that are applied one after the other, or the same tool can be used twice in succession, once without programming pins and once with programming pins.

[0130] The programming pins 90 are adjustable (in the illustrated embodiment relative to the body and the mandrels 9a of the tool) so that they extend into the bores to different distances and, when the tool is guided to the stop 9b, push the second parts 2b inward to different distances. In particular, they can push a second part 2b further inward than it was pushed by the fourth part 30b due to the action of the mandrel 9a, so that in this case the second part is at a defined distance from the fourth part. This can also be seen in Fig. 25 good, which shows the situation after removing tool 9 and withdrawing the key.

[0131] In the illustrated example shown, the distance at position P1 is, for example, two units (one unit is the difference between two adjacent possible defined coding depths of coding holes of the key, corresponding to the distance between two adjacent parting lines of the separation arrangement 40, here corresponding to the thickness of one of the separation elements 41, 42, 43), at position P5 three units, at position P3 one unit, and at positions P2 and P4 there is no distance at all.

[0132] Where a distance is programmed between the second and fourth parts, there are several possible separation gaps between the locking element and the counter-locking element; the separation elements in the gap can remain either in the bore of the locking element or the counter-locking element when the rotor is rotated relative to the stator – similar to a so-called "split pin" as known in conventional mechanical locking systems with MKS function.

[0133] The number of separating joints per locking-counter-locking pair is a+1, where a is the distance, measured in the specified units.

[0134] The programming means acting directly on the second part - here programming pins 90 - make it possible to create a locking cylinder which has at least one locking-counter-locking pair which has a plurality of separating joints, as required for locking systems with MKS function.

[0135] Fig. 26shows an alternative approach, in which individual pairs of the locking and counter-locking devices - in the example shown, the two pairs in relation to the key opening on the very inside, ie on the very left in the illustration of Fig. 26 - not programmable, but designed as pairs of conventional tumblers 22 and counter-tumblers 23, with a split pin 24 in between. The split pin 24 - or possibly several split pins per hole pair - can be formed in different thicknesses, as is known per se, and thus have different separating joints corresponding to defined coding depths of the corresponding hole on the key. The structure and programming of the remaining tumbler-counter-tumbler pairs is as described with reference to Fig. 20-23 described. Fig. 27 shows the locking cylinder 1 after programming.

[0136] In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the choice of the coding of the key for a locking cylinder is according to Figs. 26 and 27 not freely selectable; rather, the codings are predefined at the positions of the conventional locking / counter-locking pairs, which are generally already equipped by the cylinder manufacturer, whereby, as is known from MKS systems, several different codings fit - depending on the selected locking, counter-locking and split pin(s).

[0137] The conventional MKS locking / counter-locking pairs can optionally be identical for all locking cylinders in a series of locking cylinders and can thus also be delivered as generic cylinders, but offer an MKS function due to their design.

[0138] Systems with MKS function according to the principle of Figures 26 and 27In particular, they have an MKS function and are nevertheless programmable with a very simple tool; they therefore combine the MKS functionality of known systems with the programmability by a very simple tool according to the embodiments of the Figures 1-23 .

[0139] In all of the illustrated embodiments, a press fit has been described for securing the first part relative to the second part and for securing the third part relative to the fourth part. However, this is not necessary. Other securing mechanisms that allow programming of the type described here are also conceivable for all embodiments.

[0140] A first alternative to a press fit (a force-locking connection) is, for example, a locking system, according to which the second part can lock relative to the first part and / or, if applicable, the fourth part relative to the third part at a plurality of defined positions. For example, the second part can have a small circumferential rib or at least one locking projection that can lock into one of several corresponding grooves or locking openings in the first part; the same optionally applies to the fourth part and the third part.

[0141] A second alternative to press fitting is gluing, where a small amount of adhesive is applied between the first and second part and / or between the third and fourth part before programming, and the tool is only removed after the adhesive has cured.

[0142] Other material-locking connections such as welding—e.g., with current passing through the locking mechanism and the locking element—or soldering are also possible. Other positive-locking connections (besides the locking system) are also possible, for example, those connected by activation (e.g., rotation of the second / fourth element in a bayonet-like manner).

Claims

1. A locking cylinder, having a stator (6) and a rotor (5) which is rotatable in the stator and has a key opening (1a) into which a key (10) can be inserted, and a plurality of tumblers / counter-tumblers pairs which are displaceably mounted in bores in the rotor or stator, wherein at least one of the tumblers has a first part (2a) and a second part (2b) which can be brought into different positions relative to one another and can be fixed therein, and at least the associated counter-tumbler (30) has a third (30a) and a fourth part (30b), which can be brought into different positions relative to one another and can be fixed therein, wherein a total closing-effective length of the tumbler along a bore axis depends on the relative position of the first and the second part and a total closing-effective length of the counter-tumbler along the bore axis depends on the relative position of the third and the fourth part.

2. The locking cylinder according to claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth parts are shaped and arranged relative to one another in an initial position of the rotor relative to the stator such that a movement of the fourth part relative to the third part by a path length L causes a movement of the second part relative to the first part by the same path length L.

3. The locking cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, having an access which is arranged such that a tool (9), from outside the locking cylinder, can act at least on the fourth part and displace it relative to the third part.

4. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1 to 3, having a separation arrangement (40) which is arranged between the first part (2a) and the third part (30a), wherein the first part forms an inner, key-side end of the tumbler, wherein the third part (30a) forms an outer end of the counter-tumbler, wherein, when the bore in the rotor (5) in which the tumbler (2) is mounted and the bore in the stator (6) in which the counter-tumbler (30) is mounted are aligned with one another and the counter-tumbler is pressed inwards due to a spring force, the separation arrangement (40) is in physical contact with the third part and abuts against the first part, whereby a distance between the inner key-side end of the tumbler and the outer end of the counter-tumbler is defined by the first part, the third part and the separation arrangement and is independent of the relative positions of the second (2b) and the fourth part (30b).

5. The locking cylinder according to claim 4, wherein the separation arrangement (40) has a plurality of defined separation joints, in particular in that it is designed from a plurality of separation elements (41, 42, 43).

6. The locking cylinder according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an outer portion of the first part (2a), the separation arrangement (40) and an inner portion of the third part (30a) are aligned with one another in relation to the bore axis, and wherein the second part (2b) and the fourth part (30b) are aligned with one another.

7. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1-6, wherein all tumblers / counter-tumblers pairs have the same total length to prevent them being read.

8. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the second part is arranged radially inside a sleeve-like portion of the first part in relation to the bore axis and the fourth part is arranged radially inside a sleeve-like portion of the third part.

9. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the fourth part (30b) has a through-opening (30c) through which a tool acting from outside the locking cylinder can act directly on the second part (2b) in order to bring the second and fourth parts to a defined distance from one another in order to define a plurality of separation joints.

10. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the locking cylinder is programmable by a tool (9) which exerts a pushing force on the counter-tumbler or directly on the tumbler to displace the second part relative to the first part while a key with a desired coding is introduced into the cylinder and forms an inner stop for the tumbler depending on the coding.

11. The locking cylinder according to claim 10, having an access for the tool, which access is formed in particular by one access opening per tumbler / counter-tumbler pair with a two-part tumbler.

12. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1-11, wherein the first part (2a) and the second part (2b) are connected to one another in a press fit.

13. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1-12, wherein a key-side end of the tumbler for sensing a key introduced into the locking cylinder is formed by the first part and a counter-tumbler-side end of the tumbler for interacting with the respectively assigned counter-tumbler is formed by the second part.

14. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1-13, wherein a stop for limiting a movement of the tumbler into the key opening is formed by the first part.

15. The locking cylinder according to one of claims 1-14, having the combination of a plurality of programmable tumbler / counter-tumbler pairs, in which at least the tumbler has a first (2a) and a second part (2b), which can be brought into different positions relative to one another and can be fixed therein, with at least one MKS tumbler / counter-tumbler pair, in which the tumbler (22) and the counter-tumbler (23) each have a predefined length and in which at least one split pin (24) is present between the tumbler (22) and the counter-tumbler (23).