LOCKING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device, in particular a mechanical lock, comprising a housing and an elongated locking element inserted into the housing, wherein the elongated locking element has locking elements which can be moved by a suitable unlocking means from a locked position in which the locking element is not rotatable relative to the housing to an unlocked position in which the locking element is rotatable relative to the housing for unlocking the locking device, wherein the elongated locking element has at least two locking element areas, wherein locking elements of a first locking element area are designed differently from locking elements of a second locking element area.

[0002] A locking device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 5,181,406 A.

[0003] Locks with an elongated housing and an elongated locking element arranged within it are known from use. Such locks are used, for example, in mailboxes that have a mail receptacle with a lockable access flap.

[0004] If the locking elements are designed as locking discs with spacers arranged between adjacent discs, the lock can be opened quickly and without damage using a lock-picking tool. This tool, which is adapted to the specific lock type being opened, allows all the locking discs to be rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the locked position, a locking pin extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the locking element engages in a detent groove in the housing and rests against the outer surfaces of the locking discs, thus preventing any rotation of the locking element within the housing around its longitudinal axis.

[0005] In the unlocked position, the locking discs are in a position where the locking pin engages only in notches forming an unlocking groove in the locking discs and spacers, and no longer in the detent groove in the housing, thus allowing rotation of the locking element within the housing. The lock can now be moved from a locked position, in which, for example, a locking bolt engages behind a projection, to an unlocked position, in which the locking bolt no longer engages behind the projection.

[0006] If the locking elements are designed as locking bars or frame-like locking plates, their movement from a locked position to an unlocked position occurs against the spring force of a coil spring. For this purpose, the spring rests with one end against the housing and with a second end, opposite the first end, against an end face of the locking bar or against a frame projection of the frame-like locking plate.

[0007] In a lock with locking bars, these are typically made in two parts, with the two parts being of different lengths. In the locked position, the locking bars protrude from the housing into the locking body. In the unlocked position, one locking bar section facing the housing is located within the housing, and the other locking bar section facing the locking body is located within the locking body. The transition between the two locking bar sections is flush with the housing and the locking body.

[0008] In a lock with frame-like locking plates, the locking edges of the plates protrude from the locking body into the housing when locked and engage in a detent groove in the housing. When unlocked, the locking edges are located within the locking body, i.e., retracted, and no longer engage in the detent groove.

[0009] In the aforementioned mechanical locks known from the prior art, the locking elements are moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by a key when it is inserted into the lock.

[0010] In expert circles, the security of a mechanical lock is measured by the time required to open it without authorization. The longer this time, the more secure the lock is considered.

[0011] A locking device according to the invention is an exclusively mechanical locking device. Electrical and / or electronic components are not included.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of designing a mechanical locking device of the type mentioned above which is particularly resistant to unauthorized, non-destructive opening.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of creating a locking device of the type mentioned above that is particularly resistant to forced opening.

[0014] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the locking elements of a first locking element area of ​​the at least two locking element areas being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the elongated locking body, and the locking elements of a second locking element area of ​​the at least two locking element areas being linearly movable obliquely or perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the elongated locking body.

[0015] By allowing the locking elements of the various locking element areas to move in different directions or by performing different movements, a particularly secure locking device is advantageously created.

[0016] Preferably, each of the at least two locking element regions has several identical or similar locking elements that differ from the locking elements of another locking element region. For example, a first locking element region can have locking discs, while a second locking element region comprises locking bars.

[0017] Because the locking elements of the at least two locking element sections are different from each other, opening the locking device with a previously known lockpicking tool is advantageously impossible. Furthermore, it is advantageously necessary for an unauthorized person to overcome two locking element sections with different locking elements in order to open the locking device without authorization and without causing damage. This means that all locking elements of each locking element section must be moved from the locked position to an unlocked position so that the locking element can be rotated within the housing to open the locking device. This requires combining different lockpicking techniques. For this to be possible at all, a lockpicker must know how many locking elements each locking element section has and what their design is.

[0018] Advantageously, the at least two locking element areas are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the elongated locking body. It is advantageous to have a front and a rear locking element area, with the rear locking element area being located deeper within the locking body, i.e., further away from an insertion opening through which an unlocking means, such as a key, can be inserted. As a result, the locking elements of the rear locking element area are less easily accessible than those of the front locking element area. This arrangement creates a locking device that is better secured against unauthorized opening than locking devices known from the prior art.

[0019] Advantageously, the locking elements of a first locking element area of ​​at least two locking element areas are designed as locking discs rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the elongated locking body, and the locking elements of a second locking element area of ​​at least two locking element areas are designed as frame-like locking plates or locking bars movable linearly against a restoring force of a restoring means.

[0020] Locking discs are essentially round, especially circular, while locking plates are angular. An unlocking device, such as a key, moves the locking discs or plates from the locked position to the unlocked position and back through a central opening. Locking discs are rotated during this insertion movement, while locking plates are moved linearly with a directional component perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated locking element.

[0021] Locking bars, which can be made of two or more parts, rest against the unlocking means, for example, the key blade of a key, and are moved linearly. In particular, the return element can include a spring such as a helical spring or a spiral spring.

[0022] Advantageously, a locking device is created that is particularly secure and easy to manufacture. The inventors have also determined that such a locking device enables a particularly long service life.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, one of the at least two locking element regions has a hollow cylindrical base body comprising several webs. The webs can be arranged between insertion recesses through which the locking elements can be inserted into the hollow cylindrical base body.

[0024] It is conceivable that one end face of the hollow cylindrical base body has a web that is only limited on one side by an insertion recess.

[0025] Barrier elements are inserted into the hollow cylindrical base between adjacent bridges.

[0026] Although it is conceivable that several locking elements could be inserted into the hollow cylindrical base body through a single insertion recess, in particular, a single locking element is inserted into the hollow cylindrical base body through a single insertion recess. Preferably, the hollow cylindrical base body is formed in one piece.

[0027] Preferably, the hollow cylindrical base body is formed as a casting, preferably as a metallic casting. Its manufacture from a ceramic material or plastic is also conceivable.

[0028] The webs create a particularly stable hollow cylindrical base body, which makes the locking device especially secure against forced, unauthorized opening using impact or drilling tools.

[0029] Although it is conceivable that the insertion recesses are of different widths, where width refers to their dimension in a longitudinal direction of the locking body, the insertion recesses are in particular of the same width.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the webs are designed as ring-section-shaped webs.

[0031] The ring-shaped webs can be semi-ring-shaped or semi-circular. The ring diameter of semi-ring-shaped or semi-circular webs corresponds to the diameter of the hollow cylindrical base body.

[0032] The outer surfaces of the webs can form surface sections of the hollow cylindrical base body, meaning the webs extend in its circumferential direction.

[0033] The bridges also act as spacers, corresponding to spacer washers known from the prior art.

[0034] Furthermore, the webs act as reinforcing means, thereby significantly increasing the stability of a locking device according to the invention.

[0035] The webs can have congruent notches arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the hollow cylindrical base body. These congruent notches can form an unlocking groove with corresponding congruent notches in the locking elements.

[0036] The webs are advantageously of different thicknesses. Adjacent barrier elements are not equidistant from each other, but rather spaced at different intervals.

[0037] The thickness of the web is its dimension in a longitudinal direction of the locking element. If the webs have different thicknesses, a separate lockpicking tool must be created for each design of a locking device according to the invention. Advantageously, a particularly secure locking device is created.

[0038] If some of the bridges are thicker than others, a locking device that is particularly stable against forced opening is also created.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the hollow cylindrical base body comprises, on a side opposite the insertion recesses, several receiving recesses for receiving locking element projections of the locking elements. Advantageously, locking elements known from the prior art can be used, for example, locking discs, frame-like locking plates, or locking bars. A receiving recess is exactly as wide as one of the insertion recesses opposite it. Width is defined as its dimension in a longitudinal direction of the hollow cylindrical base body.

[0040] The receiving recesses can be formed in an inner wall of the hollow cylindrical base body in the form of a blind hole, or extend radially through a continuous surface of the hollow cylindrical base body. If the receiving recesses are designed as blind holes, a particularly rigid hollow cylindrical base body is created.

[0041] The recess ends of the receiving recesses form two stops for the locking element projections of the locking elements. In a locked position, the locking element projections can rest against one of the two stops, and in an unlocked position, against the other. By varying the length of the recess in one circumferential direction of the hollow cylindrical body, a number of possible positions of the locking elements between a locked and unlocked position can be defined. The longer the recesses, the more different key combinations are possible. The receiving recesses that accommodate the locking element projections also act as guides for the locking elements, enabling guided movement from a locked to an unlocked position.

[0042] It is understood that the locking element projections of all locking elements do not have to be in contact with one of the two stops.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one of the at least two locking element areas has a locking element housing into which at least one locking element is inserted.

[0044] The locking element housing can form a separate assembly. A locking device according to the invention is advantageously particularly adaptable to the needs of users of the locking device. For example, one user of a locking device according to the invention may require a locking element housing for locking frames, while another user of a locking device according to the invention may require a locking element housing for locking bars.

[0045] In particular, the at least one locking element in the locking element housing can be linearly movable against a restoring force of a restoring means, wherein the restoring means is completely incorporated into the locking element housing.

[0046] It is understood that several locking elements can be incorporated into a single locking element housing.

[0047] Advantageously, the locking element area, which includes the locking element housing, is arranged in the insertion direction of the unlocking means either in front of or behind the other of the at least two locking element areas. The locking element housing can act as an additional reinforcement of the locking device, for example as additional drill protection.

[0048] This creates a particularly secure locking device.

[0049] Although it is conceivable that several locking elements are incorporated into the locking element housing and that the locking element housing is designed such that adjacent locking elements project from the same side at least partially in the locked position, in one embodiment of the invention several locking elements are incorporated into the locking element housing and the locking element housing is designed such that adjacent locking elements project from two opposite sides at least partially in the locked position. The locking elements preferably project towards the housing of the locking device. In the locked position, the projecting locking element sections can engage in detent grooves in the housing.

[0050] The fact that the locking elements protrude from the locking element housing on two opposite sides creates a particularly stable and secure locking device. In particular, this effectively prevents the locking device housing from being pulled to unlock it without authorization.

[0051] For example, locking element edges can protrude from the housing in the locked position and engage in a detent groove in the housing of the locking device.

[0052] Locking elements inserted into the locking element housing are preferably movable against a restoring force of a restoring means, which may include a spring such as a helical spring, in particular linearly.

[0053] In a further embodiment of the invention, the elongated locking element is formed in multiple parts, wherein a first locking element part forms at least one of the at least two locking element areas and a second locking element part forms at least one of the second of the at least two locking element areas. A modular locking device is thus created. Each locking element area can form its own assembly. Advantageously, a locking device according to the invention is particularly easy and economical to manufacture. Due to its modular design, a locking device according to the invention is further advantageously particularly easy to adapt to the safety requirements of a user of the locking device.

[0054] Advantageously, a device for attaching a locking element of the locking device is integrally formed on one side of the elongated locking body facing away from a housing opening through which the unlocking means can be inserted into the housing.

[0055] If the elongated locking body is made up of multiple parts, the fastening device is integrally formed onto one of the locking body parts.

[0056] Advantageously, there are no joints that could act as breaking points.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, a drill protection element is arranged on a side of the elongated locking body facing a housing opening through which the unlocking means can be inserted into the housing.

[0058] The drill protection element can be made of a metal such as steel and be connected to the housing or a locking body of the locking device in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0059] It is conceivable that the drill protection element is disc-shaped.

[0060] If the drill protection element is rotatably mounted in the housing, it can rotate with a drilling tool. This advantageously creates a locking mechanism that is particularly secure against drilling.

[0061] Advantageously, the locking device has three locking element areas, two of which are identical and a third of which is different. For example, two locking element areas may have locking discs, while a third locking element area comprises locking bars. It is also conceivable that the three locking element areas have different designs. For example, a first locking element area may have spring-loaded locking bars, a second locking element area may have locking discs, and a third locking element area may have spring-loaded frame-like locking elements.

[0062] Advantageously, this further increases security against unauthorized unlocking.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the two identically designed locking element areas are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the elongated locking body in front of and behind the locking element area which is designed differently from the two identically designed locking element areas.

[0064] Advantages include easy manufacturing while ensuring high security against lockpicking.

[0065] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings relating to these embodiments. The drawings show: Fig. 1 A first embodiment of a locking device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a further embodiment of a locking device according to the invention, Fig. 3 a further embodiment of a locking device according to the invention, Figs. 4 and 5 different embodiments of a locking element of a locking device according to the invention.

[0066] One in Fig. 1 The locking device 1, designed as a mechanical lock and shown in an exploded view, comprises a housing 2 and an elongated locking element 3, designed as a metallic casting, which is inserted into the housing 2 and to which a device 4 for attaching a Fig. 1 The locking element, not shown, which may include a locking bar, is integrally molded.

[0067] The locking body 3 has two locking element areas 5, 6, which are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, i.e., in a longitudinal direction of the locking body 3. The first locking element area 5 comprises six locking discs 8 rotatable about a longitudinal axis 7 of the locking body and spacer discs 9 arranged between the locking discs 8.

[0068] The second locking element area 6 has a locking plate housing 10 into which two frame-like locking plates 11 are inserted. Locking edges 12 of the frame-like locking plates project from opposite sides 13, 14 of the locking plate housing 10 in a locking position. The locking plates 11 are resiliently mounted in the locking plate housing 10 by helical springs 15.

[0069] The elongated locking body 3 further comprises two retaining arms 17, which are straight in the longitudinal direction and curved in a circumferential direction of the locking body 3. These retaining arms define the locking element areas 5, 6, and between which the locking discs 8, the spacer discs 9, and the locking plate housing 10 are arranged. A bending radius of the retaining arms 16 in a circumferential direction of the locking body 3 corresponds to a radius of the locking discs 8.

[0070] The fastening device 4 has a fully cylindrical, threaded projection 18 on a side of the locking body 3 facing away from the retaining arms 17, on which a Fig. 1 The locking bolt of the locking device, not shown, can be attached.

[0071] In an area of ​​the housing 2 facing the key 16, a disc-shaped, non-rotatable drill protection element 19 made of steel is inserted into the housing 2.

[0072] In Fig. 1For the sake of clarity, retaining pins are not shown by which the locking element 3 is held in the housing 2. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, Fig. 1 No locking pin is shown which lies in an unlocked position in an unlocking groove 22 formed by notches 20 in the locking discs 8 and notches 21.

[0073] It will now be on Fig. 2 Reference is made where identical or equivalent parts are used with the same reference number as in Fig. 1 are designated and the letter a is appended to the relevant reference number.

[0074] One in Fig. 2 The locking device 1a shown in an exploded view differs from that in Fig. 1This is shown by the fact that a first locking element area 5a has a hollow cylindrical base body 23 which includes insertion recesses 24 through which locking discs 8a are inserted into the hollow cylindrical base body 23. Between adjacent insertion recesses 24 and at the ends of the hollow cylindrical base body 23, semicircular annular webs of equal thickness are formed, which, as in Fig. 1 The spacer discs designated 9 are effective. The webs 25 have congruent notches 26 arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction 7a, which are congruent to notches 20a of the locking discs 8a and together with them form an unlocking groove 22a.

[0075] On a side of the hollow cylindrical base body 23 facing away from the insertion recesses 24, receiving recesses 27 extending through a lateral surface of the hollow cylindrical base body 23 are provided, which are designed to receive and guide locking disc projections 28 of the locking discs 8a. Fig. 2 The ends of the receiving recesses not marked with a reference symbol form two stops. In a locked position, some of the locking discs 8a can rest against a first receiving recess end, i.e., one of the first of the two stops, while in the unlocked position, the locking discs 8a can rest against a second receiving recess end, i.e., one of the second of the two stops.

[0076] For the sake of clarity, in Fig. 2 not all insertion recesses 24, webs 25, notches 26, receiving recesses 27 and locking disc projections 28 are provided with a reference mark.

[0077] It will now be on Fig. 3 Reference is made where identical or equivalent parts are used with the same reference number as in Figs. 1 and 2 are designated and the letter b is appended to the relevant reference number.

[0078] One in Fig. 3 The locking device 1b shown in an exploded view differs from those in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown by the fact that a locking body 3b is formed in multiple parts, wherein a first locking body part 29 forms a first locking element area 5a, while a second locking body part 30 forms a second locking element area 6b.

[0079] The first locking element area 5b comprises a hollow cylindrical base body 23b forming the first locking element part 29, which is arranged in a housing 2b in a rotationally fixed manner with a locking plate housing 10b forming the further locking element part 30, so that the two locking element areas 5b, 6b can only be rotated together in the housing 2b if locking elements 8b, 11b are in an unlocked position.

[0080] In this embodiment, three locking plates 11b are provided, two of which protrude from the locking plate housing 10b on the same first side in a locking position, and one locking plate 11b protrudes from the locking plate housing 10b on a side facing away from the first side.

[0081] In this embodiment, a fastening device 4b is also integrally formed on the locking plate housing 10b.

[0082] It will now be on Fig. 4Reference is made where identical or equivalent parts are used with the same reference number as in Figs. 1 to 3 are designated and the letter c is appended to the relevant reference number.

[0083] A in Fig. 4 The multi-part locking element 3c shown in an exploded view differs from those in Fig. 2 and 3 shown by the fact that a locking element area 6c has a hollow cylindrical base body 23c to which a fastening device 4c is integrally formed, wherein the hollow cylindrical base body 23c comprises differently sized insertion recesses 24c, 31 and differently sized receiving recesses 27c, 32.

[0084] Advantageously, several locking elements 8c directly adjacent to each other or locking elements 8c with spacers 9c can be inserted into each of the insertion recesses 31.

[0085] Furthermore, the locking element housing 10c of the first locking element area 5c can advantageously act as additional drill protection, especially if it is designed as a metallic casting.

[0086] It will now be on Fig. 5 Reference is made where identical or equivalent parts are used with the same reference number as in Figs. 1 to 4 are designated and the letter d is appended to the relevant reference number.

[0087] A in Fig. 5 The multi-part 3D barrier shown in an exploded view differs from those in Figs. 2 to 4 as shown by the fact that the locking body 3d has three locking element areas 5d, 6d and 33, wherein the locking element areas 5d, 33 each comprise a locking plate housing 10d and are arranged in a longitudinal direction 7d in front of and behind the locking element area 6d.

[0088] One of the locking element housings 10d is inserted into a ring-section-shaped receiving area 34, which is integrally formed on the hollow cylindrical base body 23d.

[0089] It is conceivable that the in Figs. 1 to 5 The locking elements 11-11d shown are designed according to EP 3591146 A1.

[0090] It goes without saying that all combinations of features of the in Figs. 1 to 3 The locking devices shown 1-1c are conceivable.

[0091] Furthermore, it goes without saying that all combinations of features of the in Figs. 1 to 3 shown locking devices 1-1c with features of the in Fig. 4 and 5 The blocking elements shown in 3c and 3d are conceivable.

Claims

1. Locking device (1-1b), in particular a mechanical lock, which comprises a housing (2-2b) and an elongated locking body (3-3d) inserted into the housing, the elongated locking body having locking elements (8-8d, 11-11d) which can be moved by a suitable unlocking means (16-16b) from a locking position, in which the locking body is non-rotatable relative to the housing (2-2b), to an unlocking position, in which the locking body is rotatable relative to the housing (2-2b) to unlock the locking mechanism, the elongate locking body (3-3d) having at least two locking element regions (5-5d, 6-6d), locking elements (8-8d) of a first locking element region (5-5d) being designed differently from locking elements (11-11d) of a second locking element region (6-6 d), characterized in that the locking elements (8-8d) of a first locking element region (5-5d) of the at least two locking element regions (5-5d, 6-6d) can be rotated about a longitudinal axis (7-7d) of the elongate locking body (3-3d), and the locking elements (11-11d) of a second locking element region (6-6d) of the at least two locking element regions (5-5d, 6-6d) are linearly movable obliquely or perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (7-7d) of the elongate locking body (3-3d).

2. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two locking element regions (5-5d, 6-6d) are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the elongated locking body (3-3d).

3. Locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking elements of a first locking element region (5-5d) of the at least two locking element regions (5-5d, 6-6d) are locking discs (8-8d) which can rotate about a longitudinal axis (7-7d) of the elongated locking body (3-3d) and the locking elements of a second locking element region (6-6d) of the at least two locking element regions (5-5d, 6-6d) are designed as frame-like locking plates (11-11d) or locking rods that can be moved linearly against a restoring force of a restoring means.

4. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one of the at least two locking element regions has a hollow-cylindrical base body (23; 23b-23d) which comprises a plurality of webs (25; 25b-25d).

5. Locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that the webs (25; 25b-25d) are designed as webs in the form of ring sections.

6. Locking device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the webs (25; 25b-25d) are of different thicknesses.

7. Locking device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the hollow-cylindrical base body (23; 23b-23d ) has on a side lying opposite the insertion recesses (24; 24b-24d) a plurality of receiving recesses (27; 27b-27d) for receiving locking element projections (28; 28b-28d) of the locking elements (8a-8d).

8. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the at least two locking element regions (5-5d; 6-6d) has a locking element housing (10-10d) into which at least one locking element (11-11d) is introduced.

9. Locking device according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking element portion having the locking element housing (10-10d) is disposed in front of or behind the other of the at least two locking element portions (5-5d; 6-6d) in the inserting direction of the unlocking means (16-16b).

10. Locking device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a plurality of locking elements (11-11d) are introduced into the locking element housing (10-10d) and the locking element housing is designed in such a way that, in the locking position, adjacent locking elements (11-11d) project, at least in sections, from two opposite sides (13, 14) out of the locking element housing (10-10d).

11. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the elongate locking body (3b; 3c; 3d) is of multi-part design, a first locking-body part (29; 29c; 29d) having at least a first of the at least two locking element regions ( 5; 5c; 5d; 6; 6c; 6d) and a second locking body part (30; 30c; 30d) forms at least a second of the at least two locking element regions (5; 5c; 5d; 6; 6c; 6d).

12. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a device (4-4d) for fastening a locking element of the locking mechanism (1-1b) is integrally formed in one piece on a side of the elongated locking body (3-3d) that faces away from a housing opening through which the unlocking means (16- 16b) can be introduced into the housing (2-2b).

13. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a drilling protection element (19; 19a) is arranged on a side of the elongated locking body (3-3d) facing a housing opening through which the unlocking means (16-16b) can be introduced into the housing (2-2b).

14. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the locking device has three locking element regions (5d, 6d, 33), of which two locking element regions (5d, 33) are designed identically and are designed differently from a third locking element region (6d).

15. Locking device according to claim 14, characterized in that the two identically formed locking element regions (5d, 33) are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the elongate locking body (3d) in front of and behind the locking element region (6d) which is formed differently from the two identically formed locking element regions (5d, 33).