KEY, KEY AND LOCK CYLINDER

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a key according to claim 1 and a combination of key and lock cylinder according to claim 8. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Security keys and cylinders of the aforementioned type are known in numerous designs. For security keys used in high-value systems, it is essential that they cannot be easily copied using relatively simple drilling and milling machines. According to EP 0 621 384 B1, a security key with a high level of copy protection can be achieved by equipping the shaft of the security key with a control element designed as a pin and slidably mounted within the shaft. This control element can be engaged with an additional locking pin in the cylinder. Such a key cannot be copied with reasonable effort.

[0003] EP 1 523 603 discloses a combination of a security key and a locking cylinder. In the key according to EP 1 523 603, the extended front end of the rotor and the rear end of the key shaft are used to provide additional control surfaces. These control surfaces can be produced particularly cost-effectively by recesses and, in particular, slots in the extended front end of the rotor. On the security key, the control surfaces are produced particularly cost-effectively by recesses and, in particular, milled grooves on the shoulders of the key shaft. According to the technical teaching of EP 1 523 603, the position of a control surface arranged transversely to the central axis of the shaft must be aligned with the recess. Otherwise, the correct interrogation of the key control bores is prevented by an incorrect axial spacing.

[0004] Furthermore, a combination of key and lock cylinder is known from EP 2 388 413 A1, in which the key has several scanning surfaces at the rear end of the key shaft. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a key or a combination of a key with a locking cylinder which is improved compared to keys from the prior art. In particular, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a key which, in addition to the usual tumblers, has a further query element which is easy to use.

[0006] This problem is solved by a key for a locking cylinder according to claim 1. Accordingly, a key comprises a key handle and a key shaft adjoining the key handle, which extends along a longitudinal axis. The key shaft has control recesses on its outer surface, in particular in the form of control bores, for engaging tumblers on the locking cylinder. The key further comprises at least one key-side scanning surface with which the key abuts a scanning surface on the locking cylinder side.Furthermore, at least one of the key-side query surfaces is inclined at an angle to a reference line oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one query surface is arranged at the rear end of the key shaft, in which, according to the invention, two query surfaces inclined at an angle are arranged, wherein the query surfaces are arranged symmetrically with respect to a first reference plane extending through the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the narrow side of the key shaft; and / or two query surfaces inclined at an angle are arranged, wherein said query surfaces are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0007] By arranging the query surfaces at an angle to the aforementioned reference line, an advantage is gained in that query surfaces can be provided that allow for further querying.

[0008] The query is very simple or reduced to the essential features, making the key easy to use.

[0009] Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the query surfaces ee at an angle to the aforementioned reference line, security against manipulation is increased, since the production of angularly inclined surfaces is too complex for a key copier.

[0010] Furthermore, the query surface at an angle to the aforementioned reference line provides an alternative to previous solutions.

[0011] In a first configuration, the aforementioned query surfaces are always positioned in the same location relative to the key shaft within a key set. In this case, the lock cylinder-side query surfaces are arranged in different positions within a lock cylinder set. In a second configuration, the aforementioned query surface is positioned in different locations relative to the key shaft within a key set. In this case, the lock cylinder-side query surfaces are arranged in different positions within a lock cylinder set; or the lock cylinder-side query surfaces are arranged in the same positions within a lock cylinder set. These two configurations thus have the advantage that the permutations can be modified as desired, in particular enlarged or reduced, depending on the chosen configuration.

[0012] The query surface is intersected by the reference line. The angle between the query surface and the reference line is the required angle of intersection. The angle of intersection can also be calculated as the difference between 90° and the angle between a surface normal to the query surface, which extends through the intersection point between the query surface and the reference line, and the reference line itself.

[0013] The lock cylinder is preferably a rotary lock cylinder. The key is preferably designed as a reversible key.

[0014] The key engages with the cylinder-side engagement surface at least on one of its key-side surfaces when the key shaft is fully inserted into the cylinder's keyway. If the key is intended for the cylinder, it is correctly positioned and the tumblers can be operated. If the key is not intended for the cylinder, it is incorrectly positioned and the tumblers cannot be operated. The engagement surfaces therefore also act as stop surfaces for the key.

[0015] According to the invention, in a first embodiment two scanning surfaces inclined at an angle to the intersection are arranged, wherein the scanning surfaces are arranged symmetrically with respect to a first reference plane which extends through the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the narrow side of the key shaft.

[0016] This arrangement has the advantage that when the key is inserted and, in particular, when the intended end position is set, the key is symmetrically aligned with the key channel.

[0017] The angle of intersection of one query surface with the reference axis is equal to the angle of intersection of the other query surface with the reference axis. Viewed from the longitudinal axis, the two query surfaces are oriented such that the distance between them increases in one direction and decreases in the other direction as the distance increases.

[0018] In another embodiment, the two query surfaces inclined at an angle to each other form a first pair of query surfaces, with a second pair of query surfaces arranged symmetrically with respect to a second reference plane that extends through the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the aforementioned first reference surface. Consequently, there are a total of four angled query surfaces.

[0019] In another embodiment according to the invention, two inclined scanning surfaces are arranged at an angle to each other, wherein said scanning surfaces are arranged in a mirror-symmetric manner with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] Preferably, a further scanning surface is arranged, which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or to the reference line. This further scanning surface is present in addition to the scanning surfaces arranged at an angle.

[0021] Preferably, the additional query surface connects the query surfaces arranged at an angle to each other.

[0022] Preferably, when arranging several query surfaces, the surface normals of said query surfaces are arranged such that they lie in a common plane, the plane being parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0023] The further query surface intersects the angled query surfaces at a cutting edge, which cutting edge runs perpendicular and laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis.

[0024] This arrangement has the further advantage that the aforementioned scanning surfaces can be produced very easily, for example, with a finger milling cutter whose central axis is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the scanning surfaces can be produced in a single setup.

[0025] Preferably the cutting angle is greater than 0° and less than 90°, in particular that the cutting angle is in the range of 30° to 60°.

[0026] Furthermore, the scanning surfaces are arranged at the rear end of the key shaft. In other words, the scanning surfaces are located in a transition area between the key shaft and the key handle. Preferably, a recess is arranged between the key shaft and between the scanning surfaces, extending into the key shaft.

[0027] Preferably, the query surfaces extend outwards from the narrow side of the key shaft.

[0028] The fact that the query surfaces extend outwards from the key shaft has the advantage that no cutouts need to be made in the key shaft for the query surfaces, which means that the key strength is not negatively affected despite the added function of the query surfaces.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one scanning surface(s) are arranged laterally to the key axis such that they do not extend beyond the side faces of the key shaft. The key is not widened by the scanning surface. This offers the advantage that the material thickness for the base sheet used in key manufacturing can be dimensioned to be compatible with the keyway in the lock cylinder.

[0030] A locking cylinder and a key according to the above description are characterized by the fact that the locking cylinder has a stator, a rotor rotatably mounted in the stator about a central axis with a key channel, wherein tumblers are provided between the stator and rotor which can be aligned by the control recesses on the key shaft, and wherein the rotor has at least one locking cylinder-side scanning surface.

[0031] The locking cylinder-side query surfaces are intended for querying the aforementioned query surface arranged at an angle to the reference line and / or for querying other query surfaces arranged on the key.

[0032] The locking cylinder-side scanning surface on the rotor interacts with the scanning surfaces on the key. The locking cylinder-side scanning surface provides a stop for the key-side stop surface. If the key is an authorized key, the key shaft aligns precisely with the tumblers in the keyway, allowing the tumblers to engage. If the key is unauthorized, the key shaft does not align correctly, and the tumblers cannot engage.

[0033] Preferably, at least one of the at least one cylinder-side scanning surfaces arranged at an angle to the intersection is inclined at an angle to a reference line oriented parallel to the central axis. The cylinder-side scanning surface arranged at the angle to the intersection serves to scan the key-side scanning surface arranged at the same angle. Preferably, the angles to the intersection are the same on both the key and the cylinder.

[0034] Preferably, two of the said scanning surfaces arranged at an angle of intersection are arranged on the locking cylinder, wherein the scanning surfaces are arranged symmetrically with respect to a reference plane which extends through the central axis and perpendicular to the narrow side of the keyway.

[0035] Preferably, at least one of the aforementioned at least one locking cylinder-side query surfaces is perpendicular to a reference line oriented parallel to the central axis. This perpendicularly oriented query surface cooperates with the aforementioned further query surface of the key.

[0036] A set of locking cylinders preferably comprises a first type of locking cylinder with at least one scanning surface arranged at an angle of intersection and a further type of locking cylinder with at least one scanning surface oriented perpendicular to the reference line. The aforementioned at least one scanning surface arranged at an angle of intersection of the locking cylinder cooperates with the aforementioned at least one scanning surface arranged at an angle of intersection of the key, and the aforementioned at least one perpendicular scanning surface of the locking cylinder cooperates with the aforementioned at least one further scanning surface of the key.

[0037] Particularly preferably, the first type of locking cylinder does not have the additional scanning surface, and the second type of locking cylinder does not have the scanning surface arranged at an angle. A locking system equipped with both types of locking cylinders, and containing keys with both the scanning surface arranged at an angle and the additional scanning surface, thus has the advantage that both types of locking cylinders can be operated with the same key, but cannot be operated with duplicate keys lacking the scanning surfaces. Preferably, such a locking system comprises a random distribution of locking cylinders of the first type and locking cylinders of the second type.

[0038] This means that different rotors are used in a set of locking cylinders, with the key-side query surfaces being queried differently by the different rotors.

[0039] Preferably, the locking cylinder-side scanning surfaces extend transversely to the central axis away from the key channel and into the front surface of the rotor.

[0040] Preferably, the rotor has a recess with respect to the keyway opposite the scanning surface.

[0041] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a key 1 according to the invention from one side; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the key according to Figure 2from the other side; Fig. 3 a perspective detail view of the key according to the preceding figures; Fig. 4 a top view of a detail of the key according to the preceding figures; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a rotary lock cylinder together with the key according to the preceding figures, wherein the rotary lock cylinder is designed according to a first type; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a rotary lock cylinder with a key according to the preceding figures, wherein the rotary lock cylinder is designed according to a second type; Fig. 7 a detail view of the Figure 5 without key; Fig. 8 a detailed view of the Figure 5 with key; Fig. 9 a top view of the lock cylinder according to Figure 5 without key; Fig. 10 a top view of the lock cylinder according to Figure 5 with key; Fig. 11 a detailed view of the Figure 6 without key; Fig. 12 a detailed view of the Figure 6with key; Fig. 13 a top view of the lock cylinder according to Figure 6 without a key; and Fig. 14 a top view of the lock cylinder according to Figure 6 with key. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0043] In the Figures 1 to 4 Various views of a key 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figures 5 to 14 The key will be issued according to the Figures 1 to 4 then shown in connection with a first type and a second type of rotary locking cylinder 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] With reference to the Figures 1 to 4The embodiment of the key 1 will now be described. The key 1 comprises a key handle 3 and a key shaft 4 adjoining the key handle 3. The key shaft 4 extends along a longitudinal axis L. The key shaft 4 has two narrow sides 8 and two broad sides 20, also at a distance from each other. The two broad sides 20 connect the two narrow sides 8. The narrow side 8 is the narrow side and the broad side 20 is the wide side of the key 1. In the front region opposite the key handle 3, the key shaft 4 has a key tip 21. Control recesses, in particular control bores, for engaging tumblers on the lock cylinder 2 are typically arranged on the outside of the key shaft 4. These control recesses are not shown.Typically, the tax recesses extend across the narrow side 8 and the broad side 20 into the key shaft 4.

[0045] Furthermore, the key 1 has at least one key-side scanning surface 6. This scanning surface 6 is arranged in addition to the control recesses. The key 1 engages a corresponding scanning surface 7 on the cylinder side via this scanning surface 6. The insertion depth of the key shaft 4 into the keyway 15 of the cylinder 2 is controlled by the contact between the key-side scanning surface 6 and the cylinder-side scanning surface 7. With an authorized key 1, the key shaft 4 protrudes into the keyway 15 to the correct depth, and the control recesses can engage the tumblers accordingly. With an unauthorized key, the control recesses on the key and the tumblers are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis L, and the tumblers cannot be engaged.

[0046] At least one of the key-side query surfaces is inclined at an angle α to a reference line G that is parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L. In the illustrated embodiment, four query surfaces are arranged at an angle α. These query surfaces bear the reference numerals 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d. The aforementioned key-side query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are designed as planar surfaces. The query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are each inclined at the aforementioned angle α to a reference line G that runs parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L and is associated with the query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d. The reference line G intersects the query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d in a geometric sense. The reference lines G are defined in the Figures 3 and 4 shown accordingly.

[0047] In the Figure 4A top view of the transition area from the key shaft 4 to the key handle 3 is shown. The two scanning surfaces 6a and 6b are also shown. These surfaces extend perpendicular to the drawing sheet surface. The reference lines G are shown as dashed lines. The angle of intersection α is the angle between the scanning surfaces 6a and 6b and the reference line G.

[0048] In other words, the key-side query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are inclined at an angle α to the longitudinal axis L. However, these query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L, so that no actual intersection occurs between the longitudinal axis L and the query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d.

[0049] The angle of intersection α with respect to the respective scanning surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is greater than 0° and less than 90°. Preferably, the angle of intersection α lies between 30° and 60°. Other angles are also conceivable.

[0050] As already mentioned, several query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, two query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d inclined at an angle α are arranged such that the query surfaces 6a, 6b are symmetrically arranged with respect to a first reference plane R1, which extends through the longitudinal axis L and perpendicular to the narrow side 8 of the key. The two query surfaces 6a, 6b inclined at an angle α are laterally spaced from the reference plane R1. The distance between query surface 6a and query surface 6b is the same on both the left and right sides of the reference plane R1.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the two aforementioned query surfaces 6a, 6b form a first pair of query surfaces. With respect to a second reference plane R2, which extends through the longitudinal axis L and perpendicular to the aforementioned reference plane R1, a second pair of query surfaces 6c, 6d is arranged symmetrically to the first pair of query surfaces. The second pair of query surfaces 6c, 6d is symmetrically positioned with respect to the second reference plane R2.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the aforementioned query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are each perpendicular to the reference plane R2.

[0053] In another variant, not shown in the figures, it would also be conceivable that the query surfaces are not arranged in pairs, but that a query surface 6a and a query surface 6c are each arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis L.

[0054] In both versions, the key is designed as a reversible key.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, a further query surface 9 is arranged. This further query surface 9 is arranged in addition to the horizontally inclined query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, which are arranged at an angle α. In the illustrated embodiment, the further query surface 9 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L or perpendicular to a reference line G, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The further query surface 9 is designed as a planar surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the further query surface 9 connects the arranged query surfaces 6a, 6b and 6c, 6d, which are arranged at an angle α. One query surface 9 is arranged for each pair of query surfaces 6a, 6b and 6c, 6d, respectively. A cutting edge 12 is present in the intersection area of ​​the further query surface 9 with the respective arranged query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, which are arranged at an angle α.The cutting edge 12 is formed as the intersection line between the respective query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and the further query surface 9. The cutting edge 12 runs perpendicular to and laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis L.

[0056] When arranging several query surfaces as shown in the figures, the query surfaces are preferably arranged such that the surface normals of the said query surfaces are each located in a common plane, the plane being parallel to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the second reference plane R2 described above.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the scanning surfaces 6, 6b, 6c, 6d, 9 are each arranged at the rear end 10 of the key shaft 4 at the transition into the key handle 4, that is, opposite the key tip 29. The scanning surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 9 extend outwards from the narrow side 8 of the key shaft 4. However, the scanning surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 9 do not extend outwards along the broad side. Preferably, a recess 11 is arranged between the key shaft and between the scanning surfaces, which extends into the key shaft.

[0058] In the Figure 5 A first type of locking cylinder 2 and in the Figure 6A second type of locking cylinder 2 is shown. The two locking cylinders 2 of the first and second types differ in the different design of the locking cylinder-side probe surfaces 9. The tumblers of the locking cylinders may also differ. Otherwise, the two locking cylinders are identical in design.

[0059] The locking cylinder 2 comprises a stator 13 and a rotor 14 rotatably mounted in the stator 13 about a central axis M, with a keyway 15. Tumblers are provided between the stator 13 and the rotor 14, which can be engaged by the control recesses on the key shaft 4. Furthermore, the rotor 14 has at least one cylinder-side scanning surface 7. This scanning surface 7 is located on the end face of the rotor 14 and extends into the end face of the rotor 14.

[0060] In the Figures 5 and 7 to 10The aforementioned first type of locking cylinder 2 is shown. This first type of locking cylinder 2 comprises two scanning surfaces 7a and 7b. These scanning surfaces 7a and 7b are arranged at an angle β to a reference line G oriented parallel to the central axis M. The angle β corresponds essentially to the angle α, so that scanning surfaces 7a and 7b correspond to scanning surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d.

[0061] The two query surfaces 7a, 7b, arranged at an angle β, are symmetrically arranged with respect to a reference plane R, which extends through the central axis M and perpendicular to the narrow side 19 of the key channel 15. The key 1 is positioned as shown in the Figure 8 and 10 shown, with its query surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d in planar contact with the query surfaces 7a, 7b of the locking cylinder 2.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, a recess 22 extends from the scanning surfaces 7a, 7b further into the rotor 14 in the direction of the central axis M. This ensures contact between the key-side scanning surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and the lock cylinder-side scanning surfaces 7a, 7b.

[0063] The two locking cylinder-side scanning surfaces 7a, 7b are arranged such that their distance from each other decreases with increasing distance from the front surface 23. This ensures good guidance for the key 1 during insertion. Furthermore, the locking cylinder-side scanning surfaces 7a, 7b are arranged symmetrically to the central axis M of the rotor, thus preventing any lateral forces from acting on the key 1.

[0064] In the Figures 5 and 11 to 14The aforementioned second type of locking cylinder 2 is shown. This second type of locking cylinder 2 comprises a scanning surface 16. The scanning surface 16 is perpendicular to a reference line G oriented parallel to the central axis M. The scanning surface 16 is designed to interact with the second scanning surface 9 of the key 1. The second scanning surface 9 is offset from the front surface 23 of the rotor 14 in the direction of the central axis M into the rotor 14. Side surfaces 24 are arranged to the left and right of the scanning surface 9, positioned such that the key 1, with its second scanning surface 9, can be advanced to the scanning surface 16. The side surfaces 24 are preferably arranged so that there is no contact with the scanning surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d arranged at the intersection.

[0065] A set of locking cylinders comprises locking cylinders of the first type and locking cylinders of the second type. The scanning surfaces 7a, 7b, and 16, arranged at an angle to each other, are positioned such that the key 1 can be inserted into the keyway 15 to the same depth for both types. A set of locking cylinders 2 includes a first type of locking cylinder 2 with at least one scanning surface 7, 7a, 7b arranged at an angle to each other, and a second type of locking cylinder 2 with at least one scanning surface 16. Both types of locking cylinders 2 can be operated by the same key 1. The rotors 14 are designed differently for the two types of locking cylinders 2. The rotors 14 differ in the arrangement of the scanning surfaces 7a, 7b, and 16.This means that the said at least one intersecting surface 7a, 7b of the locking cylinder 2 works together with the said at least one intersecting surface 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d of the key 1 and the said at least one intersecting surface 16 of the locking cylinder 2 works together with the said at least one further intersecting surface 9 of the key 1. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0066] 1 Key 18 Exclusion 2 Lock cylinder 19 narrow side 3 Key handle 20 broadside 4 Key shaft 21 Key tip 5 outside 22 Exclusion 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d Key-side query area 23 front surface 7, 7a, 7b cylinder-side query surface α Cutting angle β Cutting angle 8 narrow side 9 further query area L Longitudinal axis 10 rear end G Reference line 11 Exclusion R1 Reference level 12 cut edge R2 second reference level 13 stator 14 rotor 15 Key channel 16 Query area 17 front surface

Claims

1. Key (1) for a lock cylinder (2) comprising a key handle (3) and a key shank (4) connected to the key handle (3), which extends along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the key shank (4) has control recesses, in particular control holes, on its outer side (5) for the arrangement of tumblers on the lock cylinder (2), and wherein the key (1) further has at least one key-side interrogation surface (6) with which the key (1) strikes a lock cylinder-side interrogation surface (7), wherein at least one of the key-side interrogation surfaces (6a) is angled at an intersection angle (α) relative to a reference line (G) oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the at least one interrogation surface is arranged at the rear end (10) of the key shank (4), characterised in that two interrogation surfaces (6a, 6b) angularly inclined at an angle in the angle of intersection (α) are arranged, wherein the interrogation surfaces (6a, 6b) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a first reference plane (R1) extending through the longitudinal axis (L) and at right angles to the narrow side (8) of the key shank (4); and / or that two angularly inclined interrogation surfaces (6a, 6c; 6b, 6d) are arranged at an angle of intersection (α), wherein said interrogation surfaces (6a, 6c; 6b, 6d) are arranged mirror symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (L).

2. Key (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the two angularly inclined interrogation surfaces (6a, 6b) form a first pair of interrogation surfaces, wherein a second pair of interrogation surfaces (6c, 6d) is arranged symmetrically with respect to a second reference plane (R2) extending through the longitudinal axis (L) and at right angles to said first reference surface (R1).

3. Key (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a further interrogation surface (9) is arranged, which is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis (L) or to the reference line (G).

4. Key (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the additional interrogation surface (9) connects the interrogation surfaces (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) arranged angularly inclined at the angle of intersection (α ).

5. Key (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, when several interrogation surfaces (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 9) are arranged, the surface normals of said interrogation surfaces (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 9) lie in a common plane, which plane runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (L).

6. Key (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the angle of intersection (α) is greater than 0° and less than 90°, in particular that the angle of intersection (α) is in the range from 30° to 60°.

7. Key (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one interrogation surface (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) or the interrogation surfaces (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 9) extend outwards from the narrow side (8) of the key shank (4).

8. lock cylinder (2) and key (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lock cylinder (2) has a stator (13), a rotor (14) mounted in the stator (13) so as to be rotatable about a central axis (M) and having a key channel (15), wherein between the stator (13) and the rotor (14) tumblers are provided which can be engaged by the control recesses on the key shank (4), and wherein the rotor (14) has at least one locking cylinder-side interrogation surface (7).

9. Lock cylinder (2) and key (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that at least one interrogation surface (7a, 7b) of said at least one lock cylinder-side interrogation surface (7) is angularly inclined at an intersection angle (β) relative to a reference line (G) oriented parallel to the central axis (M).

10. Lock cylinder (2) and key (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that two of the said interrogation surfaces (7, 7a, 7b) arranged at an angle of intersection are arranged, wherein the interrogation surfaces (7, 7a, 7b) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a reference plane (R) extending through the central axis (M) and perpendicular to the narrow side (19) of the key channel (15).

11. Lock cylinder (2) and key (1) according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that at least one interrogation surface (16) of said at least one lock cylinder-side interrogation surface (7) is perpendicular to a reference line (G) oriented parallel to the central axis (M).

12. Lock cylinder (2) and key (1) according to claims 10 and 11, characterised in that a set of lock cylinders (2) comprises a first type of lock cylinders (2) with at least one interrogation surface (7, 7a, 7b) and a further type of lock cylinders (2) with at least one interrogation surface (16) oriented at right angles to the reference line (G) are present in a set of lock cylinders (2).

13. Lock cylinder (2) and key (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the said at least one interrogation surface (7, 7a, 7b) of the lock cylinder (2) arranged at an angle of intersection cooperates with the said at least one interrogation surface (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) of the key (1) and said at least one right-angled interrogation surface (16) of the lock cylinder (16) cooperates with said at least one further interrogation surface (9) of the key (1).

14. Lock cylinder (2) and key (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the lock cylinder-side interrogation surfaces (7, 16) extend transversely to the central axis (M) away from the key channel (15) and into the front surface (17) of the rotor (14).