Central module for a modular double-sided locking cylinder, and locking cylinder having such a central module

Abstract

The invention relates to a central module for a modular double-sided locking cylinder. The central module is designed to be arranged along a rotation axis defined by the locking cylinder for a cylinder core between a first cylinder housing element and a second cylinder housing element of the locking cylinder. The central module comprises at least one central module element (2, 3) manufactured by a casting process and at least one connecting element (8, 9) made of steel. The at least one central module element (2, 3) has support surfaces for bearing against the cylinder housing elements. The at least one connecting element (8, 9) extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis between two end regions and is arranged with its end regions to engage in at least one recess (24, 34) of the at least one central module element (2, 3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a central module for a modular double-sided locking cylinder, as well as a modular double-sided locking cylinder with such a central module. Background of the invention

[0002] Lock cylinders are known from the prior art and are described, for example, in the German standard DIN 18252. Depending on their end face, they are distinguished as profile cylinders, round cylinders, and oval cylinders. A profile cylinder with two locking sides is usually referred to as a "double cylinder." In contrast, a profile cylinder with only one locking side is called a "half cylinder." In this document, a lock cylinder with two locking sides is referred to as a "double-sided lock cylinder."

[0003] EP 3 085 859 A1 describes a locking cylinder with a cylinder body comprising two end modules and a central module arranged between the end modules. One or more extension modules can be inserted between the central module and each of the two end modules. An axially arranged fastening bolt is provided for connecting two modules. A foot portion of the fastening bolt is rigidly connected to the first module, for example, the central module, in the axial direction, for example, by screwing, and a head portion of the fastening bolt is inserted into the second module, for example, an end module, allowing axial movement. A clamping element is then inserted radially, i.e., transversely to the axial direction, into the second module, thereby clamping the fastening bolt in the axial direction.

[0004] It is known to mill the central module of a lock cylinder from brass. However, this is comparatively complex and involves high material costs. Furthermore, the milling process generates a significant amount of material that must be discarded. Additionally, the brass is nickel-plated during manufacturing, which further increases the production effort.

[0005] In principle, manufacturing a central module in the form of a zinc die-cast part could be considered. Producing a zinc die-cast part is generally relatively simple and inexpensive. However, this would have the disadvantage that the central module would not possess sufficient stability, making it relatively easy to forcibly destroy the lock cylinder, for example, by core pulling.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a central module for a modular double-sided locking cylinder that offers suitable stability while being manufactured in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, a locking cylinder with such a central module is to be provided. In particular, a central module is to be provided that exhibits suitable stability with respect to core pulling and also with respect to twisting, so that the cylinder core can be easily rotated within the locking cylinder. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, a central module is provided for a modular locking cylinder, in particular a single-sided locking cylinder and preferably a double-sided locking cylinder, wherein the central module is designed to be arranged along a rotation axis defined by the locking cylinder for a cylinder core of the locking cylinder between a first cylinder housing element of the locking cylinder and a second cylinder housing element of the locking cylinder. The central module comprises at least one central module element manufactured by a casting process and at least one connecting element made of steel. The at least one central module element has support surfaces for bearing against the cylinder housing elements. The at least one connecting element extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis between two end regions and is arranged with its end regions to engage in at least one recess of the at least one central module element.

[0009] Unlike a conventional intermediate module, which consists of only one part, the intermediate module presented here consists of several parts. This is advantageous because the intermediate module achieves particularly high stability with comparatively little material.

[0010] Because at least one connecting element is made of steel, it is easy to manufacture and, moreover, due to its ductility, is particularly stable against pulling along the axis of rotation of the lock cylinder.

[0011] Because at least one central module element is manufactured using a casting process, overall production is comparatively simple and cost-effective.

[0012] For example, it may be provided that the at least one central module element has two central module elements, each of the two central module elements having a recess, and the at least one connecting element is arranged with a first end region engaging in the recess of the first central module element and with its second end region engaging in the recess of the second central module element.

[0013] Preferably, at least one connecting element is stamped from steel. This allows for particularly simple manufacturing. Alternatively, at least one connecting element can be laser-cut or waterjet-cut. This also allows for comparatively simple manufacturing.

[0014] Preferably, at least one central module element is designed as a die-cast part, for example, as a zinc die-cast part. This is advantageous because it allows for the realization of particularly complex component geometries with suitable dimensional accuracy at relatively low manufacturing costs. Alternatively, if comparable advantages are offered, production by means of plastic injection molding can be used.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one connecting element has an opening extending transversely to the axis of rotation for receiving a screw, in particular a countersunk screw. Due to its geometric constraints, the opening for a countersunk screw inherently represents a potential weak point. Therefore, given the connecting element's exceptional stability, it is particularly advantageous to provide this opening within the element itself. Preferably, the opening is formed along the axis of rotation between the two end regions, particularly midway between the two end regions of the at least one connecting element.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one connecting element comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation between a first end region and a second end region opposite the first end region, and wherein the second connecting element extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation between a first end region and a second end region opposite the first end region. In particular, the first end region of the first connecting element and the first end region of the second connecting element can be arranged to engage in a first recess of the at least one central module element, and the second end region of the first connecting element and the second end region of the second connecting element can be arranged to engage in a second recess of the at least one central module element.The first recess can be a recess of a first central module element and the second recess can be a recess of a second central module element.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one central module element comprises a first central module element and a second central module element, wherein the first central module element and the second central module element are arranged in a row along the axis of rotation. Preferably, the at least one connecting element is arranged with its first end region engaging in a recess of the first central module element and with its second end region engaging in a recess of the second central module element.

[0018] For example, the at least one connecting element can have a first connecting element and a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is arranged with its first end region engaging in a recess of the first central module element and with its second end region engaging in a recess of the second central module element, and wherein the second connecting element is arranged with its first end region engaging in the recess of the first central module element and with its second end region engaging in the recess of the second central module element.

[0019] Preferably, the first central module element has a support surface for contact with the first cylinder housing element, wherein the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element extends with its first end region in the axial direction to the support surface of the first central module element. This is advantageous due to the high stability of the connecting elements with regard to good stability of the central module against twisting.

[0020] Accordingly, the second central module element preferably has a support surface for contact with the second cylinder housing element, wherein the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element extends with its second end region in the axial direction to the support surface of the second central module element.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one, for example the first and / or the second connecting element has a first shoulder surface oriented normal to the axis of rotation and pointing towards the second end area at its first end area, and a second shoulder surface oriented normal to the axis of rotation and pointing towards the first end area at its second end area.

[0022] Furthermore, preferably, with reference to a longitudinal center plane of the locking cylinder, the first shoulder surface and / or the second shoulder surface of the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element has an outwardly pointing edge which is convexly shaped.

[0023] Preferably, the central module further comprises an elongated fixing element extending parallel to the axis of rotation for axially fixing the first cylinder housing element to the first central module element.

[0024] Preferably, the central module further comprises an elongated fixing element extending parallel to the axis of rotation for axially fixing the second cylinder housing element to the second central module element.

[0025] Preferably, the elongated fixing element and / or the further elongated fixing element comprises a screw element with an external thread and a nut, the nut being screwed onto the external thread. For manufacturing purposes, the nut can advantageously be, for example, a square nut.

[0026] Preferably, the design is such that the nut of the elongated fixing element can be arranged to bear an axial force at least partially on the first shoulder surface of the first connecting element and / or at least partially on the first shoulder surface of the second connecting element.

[0027] Preferably, the design is such that the nut of the further elongated fixing element can be arranged to bear an axial force at least partially on the second shoulder surface of the first connecting element and / or at least partially on the second shoulder surface of the second connecting element.

[0028] Preferably, the further elongated fixing element is designed analogously or identically to the first-mentioned elongated fixing element.

[0029] Preferably, the first central module element has at least one contact surface for contact with the second central module element. Preferably, the second central module element has at least one contact surface for contact with the first central module element.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, a modular double-sided locking cylinder is provided, comprising a first cylinder housing element, a second cylinder housing element, and an intermediate middle module as described in the present description. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of some components of a lock cylinder according to the present invention, including a first cylinder housing element, a middle module and a second cylinder housing element. Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1 The components shown are partly depicted in the form of an exploded view. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of components of the central module. Fig. 4 shows the in Fig. 3 The components shown are depicted in the manner of an exploded view. Fig. 5 shows two connecting elements of the central module. Fig. 6 shows the in Fig. 4 The components shown, with two nuts of fixing elements depicted in their intended positions relative to the two connecting elements. Fig. 7 shows the in Fig. 6 The connecting elements and nuts shown are isolated in a slightly enlarged view. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of some components of a modular double-sided locking cylinder according to the invention, including a first cylinder housing element 1, a middle module according to the invention and a second cylinder housing element 4. Fig. 2The figure shows a corresponding exploded view. The central module is designed to be arranged along a rotation axis A defined by the locking cylinder for a cylinder core of the locking cylinder (not shown in the figures) between the first cylinder housing element 1 and the second cylinder housing element.

[0033] The central module comprises at least one central module element, in the example shown here a first central module element 2 and a second central module element 3. The central module elements 2 and 3 are manufactured using a casting process. Preferably, they are die-cast zinc parts. Alternatively, they can be injection-molded plastic parts.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of components of the isolated central module, Fig. 4A corresponding representation in the form of an exploded view. The first central module element 2 has a support surface 21 for contact with the first cylinder housing element 1, and the second central module element 3 has a support surface 31 for contact with the second cylinder housing element 4.

[0035] The first central module element 2 can have an annular area extending around the axis of rotation A with an inwardly facing guide surface 22, which is designed to guide the cylinder core of the locking cylinder. Similarly, the second central module element 3 can have an annular area with an inwardly facing guide surface 32 for guiding the cylinder core.

[0036] The first central module element 2 has a recess 24, which is preferably formed such that, viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation A, it is spaced apart from the guide surface 22. The second central module element 3 has a recess 34, which is preferably formed such that, viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation A, it is spaced apart from the guide surface 32. As shown in Fig. 6 As sketched, the design is preferably such that the recess 24 of the first central module element 2 opens in a first direction d1, which runs parallel to the axis of rotation A and points from the first central module element 2 to the second central module element 3. Similarly, the design of the recess 34 of the second central module element 3 is preferably such that it opens in a second direction d2, which is directed opposite to the first direction d1.

[0037] For manufacturing purposes, the recess 24 of the first central module element 2 can be advantageously designed as a through-opening extending along the axis of rotation A through the first central module element 2. Similarly, the recess 34 of the second central module element 3 can be designed as a through-opening extending along the axis of rotation A through the second central module element 3.

[0038] From a manufacturing perspective, the second central module element 3 can be designed analogously, in particular identically, to the first central module element 2.

[0039] The central module continues to show, for example in Fig. 4 shown, at least one connecting element, in the example shown here a first connecting element 8 and a second connecting element 9. Fig. 5Figure 1 shows the two connecting elements 8 and 9 of the central module in isolation. The first connecting element 8 extends essentially parallel to the axis of rotation A between a first end region 81 and a second end region 82 opposite the first end region 81. In the assembled state of the lock cylinder or the central module, the first connecting element 8 is arranged such that its first end region 81 extends into the recess 24 of the first central module element 2 and such that its second end region 82 extends into the recess 34 of the second central module element 3.

[0040] The second connecting element 9 extends essentially parallel to the axis of rotation A between a first end region 91 and a second end region 92 opposite the first end region 91. In the assembled state of the locking cylinder or the central module, the second connecting element 9 is arranged such that its first end region 91 extends into the recess 24 of the first central module element 2 and such that its second end region 92 extends into the recess 34 of the second central module element 3.

[0041] The connecting elements 8 and 9 are made of steel. From a manufacturing perspective, they can be advantageously designed as stamped parts. It is also advantageous from a manufacturing perspective for the second connecting element 9 to be designed analogously, and in particular identically, to the first connecting element 8.

[0042] The connecting elements can be designed, in particular, as stamped steel parts.

[0043] The first connecting element 8 preferably has a first shoulder surface 83 oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation A and pointing towards the second end region 82 at its first end region 81, and a second shoulder surface 84 oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation A and pointing towards the first end region 81 at its second end region 82. Similarly, the second connecting element 9 preferably has a first shoulder surface 93 oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation A and pointing towards the second end region 92 at its first end region 91, and a second shoulder surface 94 oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation A and pointing towards the first end region 91 at its second end region 92.

[0044] Preferably, the design is such that the first shoulder surface 83 of the first connecting element 8 and the first shoulder surface 93 of the second connecting element 9 extend in a first plane and that the second shoulder surface 84 of the first connecting element 8 and the second shoulder surface 94 of the second connecting element 9 extend in a second plane arranged at a distance from the first plane.

[0045] As in the example shown, and for example in Fig. 5 As sketched, with reference to a longitudinal center plane of the locking cylinder, the first shoulder surface 83 can have an outwardly projecting edge 831, which is convexly shaped. This allows for a particularly material-saving design. The further shoulder surfaces 84, 93, 94 can be similarly convexly shaped. Preferably, in this case, the connecting elements 8, 9 are designed as stamped and bent parts.

[0046] The two connecting parts 8, 9 preferably have an opening 85 extending transversely to the axis of rotation A for receiving a screw, in particular a countersunk screw (not shown in the figures). Accordingly, the opening 85 is preferably a through opening. In the example shown, the opening is formed between the first plane of the first shoulder surfaces 83, 93 and the second plane of the second shoulder surfaces 84, 94.

[0047] As in Fig. 2As sketched, the central module further comprises an elongated fixing element 6 extending parallel to the axis of rotation A for axially fixing the first cylinder housing element 1 to the first central module element 2. Preferably, the design is such that the fixing of the first cylinder housing element 1 to the first central module element 2 can be effected by an axial force generated by the fixing element 2. The fixing element 6 can be a screw, for example, a steel screw.

[0048] For example, the elongated fixing element 6 can have a screw element 61 with an external thread formed on a first axial end region of the fixing element 6, as well as a, for example in Fig. 4The nut 62 shown is screwed onto the external thread. For manufacturing purposes, the nut 62 can advantageously be, for example, a square nut. The design is further preferably such that the nut 62 can be supported, or is already supported, against the first shoulder surface 83 of the first connecting element 8 and against the first shoulder surface 93 of the second connecting element 9 to absorb the axial force when the first cylinder housing element 1 is assembled with the central module as intended.

[0049] At a second axial end region opposite the first axial end region, the fixing element 6 preferably has a head element 63, for example a screw head, which is designed to be arranged in an opening 12 of the first cylinder housing element 1 and clamped there to exert the axial force. This can be provided, for example, as known from the aforementioned EP 3 085 859 A1, i.e., by a clamping element inserted transversely to the axis of rotation A into the first cylinder housing element 1, which accordingly acts on the head element 63 of the fixing element.

[0050] An analogous design can be provided between the second central module element 3 and the second cylinder housing element 4 by means of a corresponding additional fixing element 7, which has a corresponding nut 72. This design allows the axial cohesion of the two cylinder housing elements 1, 4 and the central module elements 2, 3 to be adequately secured by the steel connecting elements 8, 9 and the two fixing elements 7, 8, which can also be made of steel, for example. In this way, a sufficiently high tensile strength can be achieved, which is advantageous, for example, with regard to protection against core pulling.

[0051] The first central module element 2 can be, for example, in Fig. 6The designated mounting surface 25 is designed to connect to a corresponding mounting surface 35 of the second central module element 3. It may be provided that the central module elements 2, 3 each have several such mounting surfaces 25, 35, for example, as shown in Fig. 4 sketched, four each. In particular, these contact surfaces can be designed to absorb the aforementioned axial forces by which the cylinder housing elements 1, 4 are pressed against the central module elements 2, 3.

[0052] The two connecting elements 8, 9 extend with their first end regions 81, 91 preferably to the support surface 21 of the first central module element 2 and with their second end regions 82, 92 to the support surface 31 of the second central module 3. This allows for particularly suitable stability of the central module against twisting.

[0053] The lock cylinder can be an extendable lock cylinder. For this purpose, at least one of the two cylinder housing elements 1, 4 can consist of at least two parts arranged one behind the other in the direction of the axis of rotation A. As an example of this, see in Fig. 2 A case is outlined in which the second cylinder housing element 4 consists of a first part 42 and a second part 44, wherein the first part 42 may be identical in construction to the first cylinder housing element 1 and the second part 44 may be an extension module.

[0054] To facilitate assembly and further improve stability, it may be provided that the second central module element 3, as for example in Fig. 3The first cylinder housing element 4 has a first, for example axially projecting, alignment element 39, and the second cylinder housing element 4 has a corresponding alignment element, for example in the form of a recess congruent with the first alignment element 39. Corresponding alignment elements can also be provided between the first central module element 2 and the first cylinder housing element 1, or optionally between the extension module 44 and the first part 42 of the second cylinder housing element 4.

Claims

1. Central module for a modular double-sided locking cylinder, wherein the central module is designed to be arranged along a rotation axis (A) defined by the locking cylinder for a cylinder core of the locking cylinder between a first cylinder housing element (1) of the locking cylinder and a second cylinder housing element (4) of the locking cylinder, wherein the central module comprises at least one central module element (2, 3) manufactured by a casting process, and at least one connecting element (8, 9) made of steel, wherein the at least one central module element (2, 3) has support surfaces (21, 31) for bearing against the cylinder housing elements (1, 4), and wherein the at least one connecting element (8, 9) extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis (A) between two end regions and is arranged with the end regions engaging in at least one recess (24, 34) of the at least one central module element (2, 3).

2. Middle module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting element (8, 9) is stamped from steel or cut by laser or water jet.

3. Middle module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one middle module element (2, 3) is designed as a die-cast part, preferably as a zinc die-cast part, or as a plastic injection-molded part.

4. Central module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connecting element (8, 9) has an opening (85) extending transversely to the axis of rotation (A) for receiving a screw, in particular a countersunk screw.

5. Central module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connecting element (8, 9) comprises a first connecting element (8) and a second connecting element (9), wherein the first connecting element (8) extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (A) between a first end region (81) and a second end region (82) opposite the first end region, and wherein the second connecting element (9) extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (A) between a first end region (91) and a second end region (92) opposite the first end region.

6. Central module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one central module element (2, 3) comprises a first central module element (2) and a second central module element (3), wherein the first central module element (2) and the second central module element (3) are arranged in a row along the axis of rotation (A).

7. Central module element according to claim 6, comprising the features specified in claim 5, wherein the first connecting element (8) is arranged with its first end region (81) engaging in a recess (24) of the first central module element (2) and with its second end region (82) engaging in a recess (34) of the second central module element (3), and wherein the second connecting element (9) is arranged with its first end region (91) engaging in the recess (24) of the first central module element (2) and with its second end region (92) engaging in the recess (34) of the second central module element (3).

8. Central module element according to claim 7, wherein the first connecting element (8) has at its first end region (81) a first shoulder surface (83) oriented normal to the axis of rotation (A) and pointing towards the second end region (82) and at its second end region (82) has a second shoulder surface (84) oriented normal to the axis of rotation (A) and pointing towards the first end region (81), and preferably the second connecting element (9) has at its first end region (91) a first shoulder surface (93) oriented normal to the axis of rotation (A) and pointing towards the second end region (92) and at its second end region (92) has a second shoulder surface (94) oriented normal to the axis of rotation (A) and pointing towards the first end region (91).

9. Central module element according to claim 8, wherein, with reference to a longitudinal central plane of the locking cylinder, the first shoulder surface (83, 93) and / or the second shoulder surface (84, 94) of the first connecting element (8) and / or of the second connecting element (9) has an outwardly projecting edge (831) which is convexly shaped.

10. Central module according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the features mentioned in claim 7, which further comprises an elongated fixing element (6) extending parallel to the axis of rotation (A) for axially fixing the first cylinder housing element (1) to the first central module element (2).

11. Central module according to claim 10, wherein the elongated fixing element (6) has a screw element (61) with an external thread and a nut (62), preferably in the form of a square nut, wherein the nut (62) is screwed onto the external thread.

12. Middle module according to claim 11, with the features mentioned in claim 8, wherein the design is such that the nut (62) can be arranged to receive an axial force at least partially supported on the first shoulder surface (83) of the first connecting element (8) and preferably also at least partially supported on the first shoulder surface (93) of the second connecting element (9).

13. Central module according to claim 12, which further comprises a further elongated fixing element (7) extending parallel to the axis of rotation (A) for axially fixing the second cylinder housing element (4) to the second central module element (3), wherein the further elongated fixing element (7) is preferably designed analogously or identically to the first-mentioned elongated fixing element (6).

14. Middle module according to one of the preceding claims, with the features of claim 7, wherein the first middle module element (2) has at least one contact surface (25) for contact with the second middle module element (3).

15. Modular double-sided locking cylinder with a first cylinder housing element (1), a second cylinder housing element (4), and a central module arranged between them according to one of the preceding claims.

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