Protective cap device, lock device, dust preventing lock device, and lock device

The protective cap device with movable locking elements and snap-fit connections addresses the lack of versatility and dust protection in existing designs, providing adaptable and reliable protection for various locking devices.

EP4707503A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-11DORMAKABA SCHWEIZ AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-06
Publication Date
2026-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing protective cap devices for lock cylinders are not versatile and cannot be easily adapted to different locking devices, and they may lead to contamination due to design limitations and lack of dust protection.

Method used

A protective cap device with movable locking elements and a design that allows attachment to various locking devices through snap-fit connections, featuring a rotatable cap with fastening elements and a spring mechanism to ensure proper alignment and dust protection.

Benefits of technology

Enables versatile use across different locking devices while maintaining dust protection, ensuring reliable operation and longevity by preventing contamination and misalignment issues.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a protective cap device (10) for a locking device (100), with at least one locking element (20, 21) for protecting a keyway (110) of the locking device (100), wherein the at least one locking element (20, 21) is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the protective cap device (10) comprises a protective cap (11), wherein the protective cap (11) comprises a base area (12) and a lateral area (13), wherein the at least one locking element (20, 21) is arranged in the protective cap (11), wherein the protective cap (11) comprises an insertion opening (14) for inserting a key on the base area (12), and wherein the protective cap (11) comprises fastening elements (15) on the lateral area (13) for attaching the protective cap (11) to a rotor (120) of the locking device (100).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective cap device for a locking device, the locking device, a dust protection locking device and a closing device.

[0002] DE 10 2019 130 415 A1 discloses a protective cap device for a lock cylinder. This protective cap device comprises two locking elements which, in a closed position, cover a keyway of the lock cylinder behind them. When the key is inserted, the locking elements move apart into an open position, allowing the key to be inserted into the keyway. The two locking elements are movably mounted on a slotted plate. The slotted plate includes an insertion opening for the key and rotates with the key. A flange is provided to mount the slotted plate with the locking elements, which is attached to the stationary lock cylinder housing by means of clamping pins. This makes it impossible to attach the protective cap device to lock cylinders of different dimensions or designs, or to other locking devices, such as padlocks.Furthermore, it is not possible to use the lock cylinder without the protective cap device, as openings on the front of the lock cylinder housing, which serve to insert the tension pins, can at least lead to contamination.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a protective cap device that can be used in a particularly versatile manner. In particular, the protective cap device should be able to be used on different locking devices. Furthermore, the locking devices should be able to be used without dust protection, without modifying the locking device.

[0004] This problem is solved by the present claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0005] The invention discloses a protective cap device for a locking device. The protective cap device comprises at least one locking element for protecting a keyway of the locking device. The at least one locking element is movable between an open position and a closed position. The protective cap device comprises a protective cap, the protective cap comprising a base area and a lateral surface area. The at least one locking element is arranged in the protective cap. The lateral surface area is preferably annular with a round, oval, or polygonal cross-section. Preferably, the lateral surface area adjoins the circumference of the base area like a "lateral surface."

[0006] The protective cap includes an insertion opening on its base for inserting a key. The insertion opening is preferably a through-hole that is completely closed at its edge. An imaginary key axis is preferably defined at the insertion opening. A key can be inserted through the insertion opening along this key axis. An imaginary longitudinal axis of the insertion opening is defined perpendicular to the key axis. In particular, the insertion opening extends further in the direction of its longitudinal axis than in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the key axis.

[0007] The at least one locking element is preferably arranged in the protective cap such that it can be moved from the closed position to the open position by the key and by inserting the key. For this purpose, the at least one locking element is preferably arranged to be slidable within the protective cap.

[0008] The protective cap includes fastening elements on its outer surface, designed for attaching the protective cap to a rotor of the locking device. Preferably, the protective cap is designed to be rotatable with the rotor of the locking device. Preferably, the fastening elements are designed for a positive-locking attachment of the protective cap to the rotor.

[0009] Preferably, the protective cap, including the fastening elements, is manufactured in one piece. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the protective cap, including the fastening elements, is made of a single material.

[0010] Preferably, the protective cap, including the fastening elements, is manufactured as a single casting. Specifically, the protective cap is manufactured as a copper-beryllium casting. Alternatively, the protective cap can be manufactured as a metal injection molded part (MIM part).

[0011] Preferably, the fastening elements are arranged and / or designed on the outer surface area in such a way that the protective cap can only be attached to the locking device in one or only in two different orientations.

[0012] Preferably, the fastening elements are designed to form a snap-fit ​​connection between the protective cap and the rotor. This snap-fit ​​connection is also referred to as a "clip connection." Preferably, the fastening elements are designed as inwardly directed elastic projections. "Inwardly directed" describes, in particular, that the fastening elements extend from the outer surface area in the direction of the key axis.

[0013] As previously described, an imaginary longitudinal axis is defined at the insertion opening. Preferably, at least two of the fastening elements are arranged to the right of the longitudinal axis and at least two of the fastening elements are arranged to the left of the longitudinal axis. Particularly preferably, the fastening elements are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] The protective cap may include an orientation element, particularly one directed inwards. This orientation element is designed to engage with a counter-orientation element on the rotor. The orientation element ensures that the protective cap can be attached to the rotor in only one specific orientation. For example, the orientation element may be a nose and the counter-orientation element a recess. Furthermore, the orientation element and the counter-orientation element may prevent the protective cap from twisting off the rotor.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one of the fastening elements has a parallelogram-shaped cross-section in a section made parallel to the base area. This section parallel to the base area preferably extends perpendicular to the key axis.

[0016] Preferably, the protective cap device comprises at least two of the closure elements, namely a first closure element and a second closure element.

[0017] Preferably, the protective cap device comprises only these two closure elements.

[0018] The first and second locking elements are each movable between the open and closed positions. In particular, the first and second locking elements are arranged such that they can be moved apart by inserting the key, thereby moving in opposite directions to their respective open positions. When the key is removed, the first and second locking elements preferably move towards each other, particularly into their respective closed positions. In the closed position, the first and second locking elements preferably rest against each other.

[0019] It is particularly preferred that the first and second locking elements are arranged in the protective cap in such a way that the first and second locking elements move linearly apart when the key is inserted.

[0020] The linear movement is caused in particular by the longitudinal extension of the key along the longitudinal axis of the insertion opening.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that the locking elements are arranged so as to be freely movable within the protective cap that the first and second locking elements can pivot relative to each other, i.e., they do not move apart linearly, or not only linearly, but also perform a pivoting movement. This movement is performed by the first and second locking elements, in particular, when a pointed object is inserted at only one end of the insertion opening. That is, the pivoting movement occurs when an object with a significantly smaller longitudinal dimension than the key is inserted into the insertion opening. Thus, a pivoting movement of the locking elements can occur, if necessary, before, after, and / or during the linear movement.

[0022] The first and second locking elements are preferably arranged and designed in such a way that they cover the keyway in the closed position and serve to make the keyway accessible in the open position.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one locking element comprises a side facing away from the insertion opening. When the locking element is opened, this "away side" moves towards the outer surface area of ​​the protective cap. The at least one locking element is preferably designed such that, even in the open position, its away side is spaced away from the outer surface area of ​​the protective cap. This ensures that a receiving space for dust and abrasion remains even in the open position, allowing the locking element to be moved into the open position even after a certain period of aging of the protective cap device.

[0024] It is specifically provided that the first locking element comprises a side facing away from the insertion opening, wherein the first locking element, in the open position, is spaced apart from the outer surface area with its side facing away from the insertion opening. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the second locking element comprises a side facing away from the insertion opening, wherein the second locking element, in the open position, is spaced apart from the outer surface area with its side facing away from the insertion opening.

[0025] Preferably, the protective cap comprises at least one positioning element and the at least one closing element comprises a counter-positioning element, wherein the counter-positioning element is arranged closer to the at least one positioning element in the closed position than in the open position. Preferably, the positioning element is formed laterally to the longitudinal axis of the insertion opening.

[0026] It is particularly preferred that, when using the first and second closure elements, the protective cap comprises a first positioning element and a second positioning element, wherein the first positioning element is formed on one side of the longitudinal axis of the insertion opening and the second positioning element is formed on the other side of the longitudinal axis of the insertion opening. The first closure element has a first counter-positioning element. In the closed position of the first closure element, the first counter-positioning element is located closer to the first positioning element than in the open position. The second closure element has a second counter-positioning element, wherein in the closed position of the second closure element, the second counter-positioning element is located closer to the second positioning element than in the open position.It is possible that one of the counter-positioning elements is in contact with the positioning element in the closed position.

[0027] When using the first and second locking elements, it is preferably provided that the first positioning element and the second positioning element are located between the first and the second counter-positioning element.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one locking element can be moved into its closed position by means of a force storage device, in particular a spring. By inserting the key, the at least one locking element can be moved into the open position against the force of the force storage device.

[0029] Regardless of the number of positioning elements or counter-positioning elements used, the following is preferably provided: Preferably, the at least one positioning element projects inwards from the base area of ​​the protective cap.

[0030] The counter-positioning element is located closer to the positioning element in the closed position than in the open position.

[0031] Preferably, at least one counter-positioning element is spaced apart from the associated positioning element in the open position of the associated closing element.

[0032] Preferably, at least one positioning element is designed parallel to a longitudinal extension of the insertion opening, i.e., in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion opening.

[0033] Preferably, the energy storage device, in particular a spring, is provided to move the at least one locking element in the direction of the associated positioning element.

[0034] If at least one positioning element were missing in the protective cap device, the locking element, or the first and second locking elements, would preferably be freely movable in the space between the base area and the rotor. In other words, the at least one locking element would have virtually no contact with the outer surface area in the closed position. Only a tip of the at least one locking element preferably rests against a wall of the outer surface area, in particular against only one of the two walls.By inserting a pointed object at one end of the insertion opening and applying pressure in one direction, the locking elements in the protective cap device could be twisted without a positioning aid, i.e., without interaction between the positioning element and the counter-positioning element, and might not return to the correct closed position, thus making it more difficult to subsequently insert a key correctly.

[0035] Preferably, a center point is defined on at least one closure element, relative to a longitudinal direction of the closure element. The longitudinal direction of the closure element extends, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion opening. The "center point" defined here is, in particular, a center line or center plane that is perpendicular to this longitudinal direction of the closure element and is located centrally within the at least one closure element relative to its longitudinal direction. When using the first and second closure elements, a center point of the first closure element and, correspondingly, a center point of the second closure element are defined in this way. In particular, it is provided that the centers of the two closure elements are located at the same level.

[0036] On at least one locking element, it is preferably provided that the corresponding counter-positioning element is formed on both sides of the center. Furthermore, the associated positioning element is preferably designed to correspond to the counter-positioning element.

[0037] Thus, when using the first and second locking elements, it is preferably provided that the first counter-positioning element of the first locking element is formed on both sides of the center of the first locking element, wherein the first positioning element is formed corresponding to the first counter-positioning element, and in particular is also located on both sides of the center.

[0038] Preferably, the second counter-positioning element is formed on both sides of the center of the second locking element, wherein the second positioning element is designed to correspond to the second counter-positioning element and is located on both sides of the center.

[0039] The at least one positioning element is preferably designed as an inwardly projecting rib at the insertion opening. "Inwardly projecting" here describes in particular that the positioning element extends in a direction parallel to the key axis, especially in the direction of the locking device.

[0040] When using the two locking elements, it is preferably provided that the first positioning element is designed as an inwardly projecting rib at the insertion opening. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the second positioning element is designed as an inwardly projecting rib at the insertion opening.

[0041] The design of at least one positioning element as an inwardly projecting rib results in a mechanically stable design of the protective cap.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one locking element comprises a guide section for guiding a key to be inserted, wherein the counter-positioning element connects to the guide section and / or forms a common recess with the guide section.

[0043] When using the first and second locking elements, it is therefore preferably provided that the first locking element comprises a guide section for guiding the key, wherein the first counter-positioning element connects to the guide section of the first locking element and / or forms a common recess of the first locking element with this guide section. Similarly, it is preferably provided for the second locking element that it comprises a guide section for guiding the key, wherein the second counter-positioning element connects to the guide section of the second locking element and / or forms a common recess of the second locking element with this guide section.

[0044] When using the first and second locking elements, a common energy storage device, preferably designed as a spring, is provided. This energy storage device is part of the protective cap assembly and is designed and arranged such that it simultaneously forces the first and second locking elements into the closed position. For this purpose, the energy storage device is preferably designed as a curved, open spring. This curved, open spring is preferably made of a bent strip of sheet metal, wire, or plastic.

[0045] The spring, which forms the common energy storage unit, is manufactured in one piece.

[0046] Preferably, the spring is designed to act at a point of application in or near the center of each locking element. Accordingly, it is particularly recommended that the first locking element and the second locking element each have a corresponding point of application. The two points of application are located in or near the center of each locking element. "Near the center" particularly encompasses a region of 30%, preferably 20%, and most preferably 10%, of the longitudinal extent of each locking element from its center in both directions along its longitudinal axis.

[0047] Particularly preferably, the first and second locking elements have a contour that allows the spring to engage only at the central points of contact and not at any other parts of the locking element. This makes it possible for the spring to contact the locking elements only at its two ends, so that the entire length of the spring is effective.

[0048] Preferably, the protective cap device is designed so that the spring only rests against the outer surface area when both locking elements are in the open position.

[0049] It is particularly preferred that the spring comprises at least one of the sections described below. In particular, the spring comprises at least two, and especially preferably all three, of the described sections.

[0050] In particular, it is provided that each section is straight, i.e., describes a straight path of the spring. The straight path is especially true when the at least one locking element, preferably the first and the second locking element, is in the closed position. In the open position of the at least one locking element, however, at least one section may be curved.

[0051] A first section of the spring runs from the first locking element to the second locking element.

[0052] A second section runs longitudinally along the second locking element. The third section runs longitudinally along the first locking element. This longitudinal orientation of the second and third sections describes how these sections extend essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion opening, particularly with a deviation of up to 45°, but may also be inclined slightly to the longitudinal axis. This essentially parallel orientation is particularly evident when the locking elements are in the closed position.

[0053] It is particularly preferred that the spring comprises a first loop and a second loop. The first loop extends, in particular, from the third section to the point of application of the first locking element. The second loop extends, in particular, from the second section to the point of application of the second locking element.

[0054] The invention further comprises a locking device with a rotor and a stator, the rotor comprising a keyway. The rotor comprises a front surface and a circumferential surface. The front surface is, in particular, perpendicular to the circumferential surface. An imaginary key axis is defined along the keyway. A key can be inserted into the rotor along the keyway and along the key axis.

[0055] The rotor has counter-fastening elements on its circumferential surface for attaching a protective cap, in particular a protective cap of the protective cap device described above.

[0056] Preferably, the counter-fastening elements for forming a snap connection, also known as a clip connection, are designed between the protective cap and the rotor. Preferably, the counter-fastening elements are designed as recesses directed inwards, i.e., particularly towards the key axis.

[0057] The locking device preferably has an imaginary keyway longitudinal axis defined. This axis extends, in particular, perpendicular to the key axis and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion opening already described. Specifically, it is provided that at least two of the counter-fastening elements are arranged to the right of the keyway longitudinal axis and at least two of the counter-fastening elements are arranged to the left of the keyway longitudinal axis. The counter-fastening elements are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the keyway longitudinal axis.

[0058] Preferably, a counter-orientation means, for example a recess, is formed on the rotor so that the protective cap device can be attached to the rotor in only exactly one orientation.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the rotor protrudes beyond the stator, so that the protective cap can be arranged on the protruding area.

[0060] The rotor may comprise several rotor elements. Preferably, the rotor elements are positively and / or force-fitted together and together form the rotor.

[0061] Preferably, at least one rotor element of the rotor is manufactured as a metal injection molded part (MIM part). Preferably, the rotor element comprising the counter-fastening elements is manufactured as the metal injection molded part (MIM part).

[0062] Preferably, the outer diameter of the protective cap is smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the stator. This makes it possible, in particular, to insert the stator into a locking device housing, a lock, a door, or a flap.

[0063] Preferably, the front surface of the rotor is designed to be flat, in particular completely flat, for contact with the at least one locking element.

[0064] Preferably, it is provided that, in the assembled state of the protective cap, at least one locking element is guided through the front surface of the rotor and the base area of ​​the protective cap. This allows the at least one locking element to rest with some play against the front surface of the rotor and the base area of ​​the protective cap.

[0065] Preferably, the locking device includes a key removal protection device. The counter-fastening elements are preferably located between the key removal protection device and the front surface of the rotor.

[0066] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the locking device includes an axial locking device. This locking device allows the position of the rotor relative to the stator to be fixed. Preferably, the counter-fastening elements are located between the locking device and the front surface of the rotor.

[0067] The locking device preferably comprises an electromechanical actuator, e.g., an electric motor. The electromechanical actuator can be controlled by the locking device's electronics when digital access authorization is present. Activating the actuator can, for example, change the rotor from a non-rotating state to a rotatable state.

[0068] The assembled arrangement of locking device and protective cap device is referred to as a "dust protection locking device". The invention preferably comprises this dust protection locking device with the protective cap device and the locking device described above, wherein the protective cap device is attached to the locking device. Preferably, the fastening elements of the protective cap device are positively connected to the mating fastening elements of the locking device.

[0069] The orientation aid is preferably combined with the counter-orientation aid.

[0070] The invention further comprises a Locking device.The locking device comprises the locking device or dust protection locking device described above, preferably two locking devices, two dust protection locking devices, or one locking device and one dust protection locking device. The locking device also comprises a locking device housing. The stator(s) of the locking device(s) or dust protection locking device(s) is / are positively and / or frictionally secured in the locking device housing. This securing is effected in particular by means of at least one fastening element.

[0071] The locking device is preferably a cylinder lock, in particular a double or half cylinder, a furniture cylinder, a padlock, or a similar device. The locking device, designed as a cylinder lock, can be inserted into a lock (for example, a mortise lock) on a door as a possible locking element. The padlock can, for example, be attached to a door.

[0072] Preferably, the locking device comprises a driver that can be rotated by turning the rotor relative to the stator.

[0073] The locking device preferably comprises the electromechanical actuator. The electromechanical actuator can be controlled by the locking device electronics to move the driver from a non-rotatable to a rotatable state.

[0074] Preferably, the locking device and / or dust protection locking device and / or locking device is designed as an electromechanical locking device, dust protection locking device or locking device, wherein the respective device is designed in particular such that the key to be inserted is free of any mechanical coding.

[0075] Preferably, the locking device and / or dust protection locking device and / or locking device is designed so that the at least one locking element can be moved from the closed position to the open position independently of a key coding, i.e., in particular, only by inserting the key.

[0076] The presence of at least one positioning element can—independently of the presence of fastening elements on the outer surface area for attaching the protective cap to the rotor—constitute an independent inventive concept. Thus, an alternative characterizing part of claim 1 can, instead of the fastening elements on the outer surface area, comprise as an inventive concept that the protective cap comprises at least one positioning element and the at least one closing element comprises a counter-positioning element, wherein the counter-positioning element is arranged closer to the at least one positioning element in the closed position than in the open position. The other embodiments of the protective cap device, as disclosed in the description, the claims, and the drawings, also apply to this independent inventive concept. This applies in particular to the further features of the positioning element.

[0077] The invention will now be explained using an exemplary embodiment. The following are shown: Figure 1 a locking device according to the invention with two locking devices according to the invention and with a protective cap device according to the invention, wherein the protective cap device with one of the locking devices forms a dust protection locking device according to the invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 the locking device Figure 1 without a locking device housing, so that a dust protection locking device and a locking device according to the invention are visible, Fig. 3 the dust protection locking device according to the invention made of Fig. 2 in a front view, Fig. 4 the locking device according to the invention Figure 2 , wherein the locking devices are each shown without a stator, so that the rotor of the locking devices is visible in each case, Fig. 5the protective cap device according to the invention made of Figure 1 and a part of a rotor of a locking device according to the invention in an exploded view, Fig. 6 a view into the interior of the protective cap device according to the invention Figure 1 , Fig. 7 a view of a protective cap of the protective cap device according to the invention Figure 6 , Fig. 8 a first closure element of the protective cap device according to the invention made of Figure 6 , Figure 9 , a top view of the interior of the protective cap device according to the invention Figure 6 with locking elements in a closed position, Figure 10 the top view from Figure 9 with the locking elements in an open position, Figure 11 a sectional view according to section AA from Figure 10 with locking elements in the closed position (i.e., accordingly) Figure 9 ), Figure 12 a sectional view according to section AA from Figure 10with locking elements in the open position (i.e., correspondingly) Figure 10 ), and Figure 13 a cross-sectional view of the protective cap made of Figure 7 .

[0078] The Figures 1 to 13 Figures show an embodiment of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, reference is always made to all figures below: Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a locking device 160 with a dust protection locking device 101 on the right side. The dust protection locking device 101 comprises a locking device 100 with a mounted protective cap device 10. The protective cap device 10 and a locking device housing 170 of the locking device 160 conceal in Figure 1 the locking device 100, which, however, in Figure 2 The locking device 160 comprises a further locking device 100 according to the invention on the left side in Figure 1, on which no protective cap device 10 is mounted. For this reason, a circumferential surface 122 of a rotor 120 of the locking device 100 is shown. Counter-fastening elements 123 are formed on the circumferential surface 122. The counter-fastening elements 123 serve to fasten a protective cap device 10. The locking device 100 protrudes from the locking device housing 170.

[0079] As explained in the general part of the description, the locking device 160 can also comprise two dust protection locking devices 101 and thus two locking devices 100, each with a protective cap device 10 mounted on it. This also applies to the exemplary embodiment.

[0080] According to Fig. 1 The locking device 160 includes the locking device housing 170 for receiving both locking devices 100. Fig. 2 The locking device 160 is shown. Figure 1 without the locking device housing 170.

[0081] The locking devices 100 are positively and / or force-fitted in the locking device housing 170. This fastening is effected by means of at least one fastening element 190 (see figure). Figure 2 ).

[0082] As in Figure 2As shown, the locking devices 100 each comprise a stator 130 and the rotor 120 arranged therein. The locking device 100 includes a driver 180, which can be rotated relative to the respective stator 130 by rotating one of the rotors 120. In the present embodiment, the locking device 100 is designed as a locking cylinder, specifically as a double cylinder. Alternatively, the locking device 100 can be designed as a half cylinder or as a furniture cylinder if one of the two locking devices is omitted, so that the driver is moved by only one rotor 120. In a further alternative, not shown, the locking device 100 can be designed as a padlock. In a padlock, the driver 180, i.e., the eccentric projection or the eccentric recess, serves to secure or release the shackle.

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment, it is particularly provided that the locking devices 100 are designed as electromechanical locking devices 100, wherein the key to be inserted is free of any mechanical coding. For this purpose, the locking device 100 comprises an electromechanical actuator, in particular an electric motor. Activation of the actuator, when digital access authorization is present, causes the driver 108 to rotate with the rotor 120, either because the rotor 120 is unlocked or because the rotor 120 is coupled to the driver 108.

[0084] The locking device housing 170 can vary depending on the type of locking device 100. Because the locking device 100 is designed with its own stator 130, the locking device 100 can be integrated into different locking device housings 170.

[0085] The following section describes a protective cap device 10 in more detail.

[0086] The protective cap device 10 comprises several locking elements, namely a first locking element 20 and a second locking element 21 for protecting a keyway 110 of the locking device 100. The locking elements 20, 21 are positioned between an open position (see Fig. 10 ) and a closed position (see Fig. 9 ) movable.

[0087] The protective cap device 10 comprises a protective cap 11, the protective cap 11 comprising a base area 12 and a lateral surface area 13. Both closure elements 20, 21 are arranged in the protective cap 11. The lateral surface area 13 is annular with a round cross-section.

[0088] The protective cap 11 includes an insertion opening 14 on its base area 12 for inserting a key. The insertion opening 14 is a fully enclosed through-hole. An imaginary key axis 142 is located at the insertion opening 14 (see Fig. 1 ) defined. A key can be inserted through the insertion opening 14 along the key axis 142. An imaginary longitudinal axis 141 of the insertion opening 14 is defined perpendicular to the key axis 142. The insertion opening 14 extends further in the direction of its longitudinal axis 141 than in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis 141 and the key axis 142.

[0089] The first and second locking elements 20, 21 are arranged in the protective cap 11 such that they can be moved from the closed position to the open position by the key and by inserting the key. For this purpose, the first and second locking elements 20, 21 are slidably arranged in the protective cap 11. The first and second locking elements 20, 21 are arranged and designed such that, in the closed position, they cover the keyway 110 and, in the open position, serve to make the keyway 110 accessible.

[0090] The protective cap 11 comprises fastening elements 15 on its outer surface area 13, which are designed for attaching the protective cap 11 to the rotor 120 of the locking device 100. The protective cap 11 is designed such that it is rotatable with the rotor 120 of the locking device 100. The fastening elements 15 are designed for positive locking of the protective cap 11 to the rotor 120.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiment, the protective cap 11, including the fastening elements 15, is manufactured in one piece. The protective cap 11, including the fastening elements 15, is made of a single material. For example, the protective cap 11, particularly including the fastening elements 15, is manufactured as a single casting.

[0092] The fastening elements 15 are arranged and designed on the outer surface area 13 in such a way that the protective cap 11 can only be attached to the locking device 100 in two different orientations.

[0093] The fastening elements 15 are designed to form a snap connection between the protective cap 11 and the rotor 120. This snap connection is also referred to as a "clip connection". The fastening elements 15 are designed as inwardly directed elastic projections. "Inwardly directed" describes the fact that the fastening elements 15 extend from the cylindrical surface area 13 in the direction of the key axis 142.

[0094] In the exemplary embodiment, several, for example two, of the fastening elements 15 are arranged to the right of the longitudinal axis 141 and several, for example two, of the fastening elements 15 are arranged to the left of the longitudinal axis 141. The fastening elements 15 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 141. This makes it possible to attach the protective cap device 10 to the locking device 100 in two different orientations.

[0095] Fig. 13 Figure 1 shows that the fastening elements 15 have a parallelogram-shaped cross-sectional area 151 in a section made parallel to the base area 12. This section parallel to the base area 12 preferably extends perpendicular to the key axis 142.

[0096] In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second locking elements 20, 21 are arranged in the protective cap 11 such that they move apart linearly when the key is inserted. In principle, the locking elements 20, 21 are arranged such that a pivoting movement of the locking elements 20, 21 can occur, if necessary, before and / or after and / or during a linear movement. The two locking elements 20, 21 are arranged so that they can move freely within the protective cap 11, such that when a pointed object is inserted at one end of the insertion opening 14, the two locking elements 20, 21 pivot relative to each other, i.e., they do not move apart linearly, or not only linearly, but also perform a pivoting movement.

[0097] The first locking element 20 comprises a side 201 facing away from the insertion opening 14, wherein, in the open position, the side 201 of the first locking element 20 is spaced away from the outer surface area 13. The second locking element 21 comprises a side 211 facing away from the insertion opening 14, wherein, in the open position, the side 211 of the second locking element 21 is spaced away from the outer surface area 13. This ensures that even in the open position, a receiving space for dust and abrasion remains, thus enabling the locking elements 20 and 21 to move into the open position even after a certain degree of aging of the protective cap device 10.

[0098] As in Figure 9As shown, the first and second locking elements 20, 21 have virtually no contact with the outer surface area 13 in the closed position. Only a tip 203 of the first locking element 20 rests against a first wall 18 and / or second wall 19 of the outer surface area 13. Only a tip 213 of the second locking element 21 rests against the first wall 18 and / or second wall 19 of the outer surface area 13. Preferably, the first and second locking elements 20, 21 rest against only one wall. Figure 9 only on wall 19.

[0099] The protective cap 11 comprises a first positioning element 16 and a second positioning element 17, wherein the first positioning element 16 is formed on one side of the longitudinal axis 141 of the insertion opening 14 and the second positioning element 17 is formed on the other side of the longitudinal axis 141.

[0100] The first locking element 20 has a first counter-positioning element 202. In the closed position of the first locking element 20, the first counter-positioning element 202 is closer to the first positioning element 16 than in the open position.

[0101] The second locking element 21 has a second counter-positioning element 212, wherein the second counter-positioning element 212 is located closer to the second positioning element 17 in the closed position of the second locking element 21 than in the open position.

[0102] The first positioning element 16 and the second positioning element 17 are located between the two locking elements 20, 21.

[0103] Both positioning elements 16, 17 project inwards from the base area 12 of the protective cap 11.

[0104] In the closed position of the first and second locking elements 20, 21, the locking elements 20, 21 are abutting each other. At the same time, the first and second locking elements 20, 21 are positioned with some play against the first and second positioning elements 16, 17, respectively. For example, at least the first or the second locking element 20, 21 can be in contact with the corresponding positioning element 16, 17 in the closed position. At a minimum, the locking elements 20, 21 are arranged so close to the corresponding positioning element 16, 17 in the closed position that pivoting of the locking elements 20, 21 is essentially prevented.

[0105] In the open position of the first locking element 20, the first counter-positioning element 202 is spaced apart from the first positioning element 16. In the open position of the second locking element 21, the second counter-positioning element 212 is spaced apart from the second positioning element 17.

[0106] The first positioning element 16 is designed parallel to a longitudinal extension of the insertion opening 14, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis 141 of the insertion opening 14. The second positioning element 17 is designed parallel to a longitudinal extension of the insertion opening 14, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis 141 of the insertion opening 14.

[0107] A force storage device, designed as a spring 40, is provided to move the first locking element 20 towards the associated first positioning element 16 and the second locking element 21 towards the associated second positioning element 17. The spring 40 presses the first and second locking elements 20, 21 against each other in the closed position.

[0108] As in Figure 3As shown, the first locking element 20 comprises a guide section 205 for guiding the key. The second locking element 21 comprises a guide section 215 for guiding the key. The first and second guide elements 205, 215 are each designed as an inclined surface, as is particularly well shown in Figure 11 The guide elements 205, 215 direct the key to the position where the first and second locking elements 20, 21 are abutted in the closed position. On its way there, the key can push the first and second locking elements 20, 21 apart.

[0109] As in Figure 3As shown, the first and second locking elements 20, 21 lie abutting each other in the closed position along the longitudinal axis 141. In other words, the first and second locking elements 20, 21 lie abutting each other in the closed position parallel to an edge of the insertion opening 14, with the edge extending along the longitudinal axis 141.

[0110] If the positioning elements 16, 17 were missing in the protective cap device 10, the two locking elements 20, 21 would be almost completely free to move in the space between the base area 12 and the rotor 120. By inserting a small, pointed object at one end of the insertion opening 14 and applying pressure in one direction, the two locking elements 20, 21 in the protective cap device 10 could be rotated without any positioning aid, i.e., without interaction between the first positioning element 16 and the first counter-positioning element 202 or the second positioning element 17 and the second counter-positioning element 212, and might not return to the correct closed position. This would, with regard to Figure 3This means that the first and second locking elements 20, 21 would, in the closed position, abut each other at an angle to the edge of the insertion opening 14. This would subsequently make correct insertion of a key difficult or impossible.

[0111] How Fig. 8 and 9 As shown, a center 204 of the first locking element 20 and, correspondingly, a center 214 of the second locking element 21 are defined. It is intended that the centers 204, 214 of the two locking elements 20, 21 are located at the same height.

[0112] The center 204, 214 of both locking elements 20, 21 is defined with respect to a longitudinal direction 220 of the locking element 20, 21. Fig. 8Figure 1 shows this longitudinal direction 220 as an example for the first closure element 20. The longitudinal direction 220 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 141 of the insertion opening 14. The "centers 204, 214" defined here are a center line or center plane that is perpendicular to this longitudinal direction 220 of the closure elements 20, 21 and is located centrally within the respective closure element 20, 21 with respect to the longitudinal direction 220 of the closure element 20, 21.

[0113] On the first locking element 20, the first counter-positioning element 202 is formed on both sides of the center 204 of the first locking element 20, wherein the first positioning element 16 is formed corresponding to the first counter-positioning element 202, and is in particular also located on both sides of the center 204.

[0114] On the second locking element 21, the second counter-positioning element 212 is formed on both sides of the center 214 of the second locking element 21, wherein the second positioning element 17 is designed to correspond to the second counter-positioning element 212, and is also located on both sides of the center 214. This prevents the locking elements 20, 21 from rotating clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0115] The first positioning element 16 is designed as an inwardly projecting rib directly adjacent to the insertion opening 14. The second positioning element 17 is also designed as an inwardly projecting rib directly adjacent to the insertion opening 14. "Inwardly projecting" here describes the fact that the respective positioning element 16, 17 extends in a direction parallel to the key axis 142, in particular in the direction of the locking device 100.

[0116] In Figure 8The first locking element 20 is shown in an orientation in which the side of the locking element 20 facing the base area 12 is in contact with the base area, and the surface of the locking element 20 that rests against the second locking element 21 in the closed position is visible. It is evident that the first counter-positioning element 202 connects to the guide section 205 of the first locking element 20 and forms a common recess 206 of the first locking element 20 with this guide section 205. Similarly, the second counter-positioning element 212 connects to the guide section 215 of the second locking element 21 and forms a common recess 216 of the second locking element 21 with this guide section 215 (see figure). Figure 11 ).

[0117] The spring 40 is designed as a common energy storage device for the first and second locking elements 20, 21. This energy storage device is part of the protective cap device 10 and is designed and arranged such that it simultaneously forces the first locking element 20 and the second locking element 21 into the closed position. For this purpose, the energy storage device is designed as a curved, open spring 40.

[0118] In the exemplary embodiment, the spring 40, which forms the common energy storage device, is manufactured in one piece.

[0119] The spring 40 engages at a point of attack 208 of the first locking element 20 in the middle 204 of the first locking element 20. The spring 40 engages at a point of attack 218 of the second locking element 21 in the middle 214 of the second locking element 21.

[0120] The first locking element 20 has a corresponding contour 207 that allows the spring 40 to engage only at the central point of application 208 of the first locking element 20 and not at any other components of the first locking element 20. The second locking element 21 has a corresponding contour 217 that allows the spring 40 to engage only at the central point of application 214 of the second locking element 21 and not at any other components of the second locking element 21. The contours are formed on the side of the first and second locking elements 20 and 21 facing away from the base area 12 (see figure). Figure 6 , 9 and 10 ).

[0121] The protective cap device 10 is designed such that the spring 40 only rests against the outer surface area 13 when the two locking elements 20, 21 are in the open position.

[0122] The spring 40 comprises according to Figs. 9 and 10several sections 41, 42, 43 described below: The first section 41 of the spring 40 runs from the first locking element 20 to the second locking element 21.

[0123] The second section 42 runs longitudinally along the second locking element 21. The third section 43 runs longitudinally along the first locking element 20. This longitudinal orientation of the second section 42 and third section 43 describes how these sections 42 and 43 extend essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis 141 of the insertion opening 14, particularly with a deviation of up to 45°, but may also be inclined to a small extent to the longitudinal axis 141. This essentially parallel orientation is particularly evident in the closed position of the two locking elements 20 and 21.

[0124] The spring 40 comprises a first loop 44 and a second loop 45. The first loop 44 extends from the third section 43 to the point of application 208 of the first locking element 20. The second loop 45 extends from the second section 42 to the point of application 218 of the second locking element 21.

[0125] For example, in Figure 5 As shown, the rotor 120 of the locking device 100 comprises a front surface 121 and the circumferential surface 122. The front surface 121 is perpendicular to the circumferential surface 122. The imaginary key axis 142 (see figure) runs along the keyway 110. Fig. 1 ) defined. A key can be inserted into the rotor 120 in the key channel 110, along the key axis 142.

[0126] The rotor 120 has the counter-fastening elements 123 on its circumferential surface for fastening the protective cap 11.

[0127] The counter-fastening elements 123 are designed to form the snap connection, also referred to as a clip connection, between the protective cap 11 and the rotor 120. The counter-fastening elements 123 are designed as recesses directed inwards, i.e., in particular towards the key axis 142.

[0128] The locking device 100 has an imaginary keyway longitudinal axis 111 (see Fig. 5 ) defined. This extends perpendicular to the key axis 142 and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis 141 of the insertion opening 14. Several, for example two, of the counter-fastening elements 123 are arranged to the right of the keyway longitudinal axis 111 and several, for example two, of the counter-fastening elements 123 are arranged to the left of the keyway longitudinal axis 111. The counter-fastening elements 123 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the keyway longitudinal axis 111.

[0129] Fig. 2shows that the rotor 120 protrudes beyond the stator 130, with the protective cap 11 being arranged on the protruding area.

[0130] The front surface 121 of the rotor 120 is designed to be completely flat for contact with the two locking elements 20, 21.

[0131] When the protective cap 11 is mounted, the first and second locking elements 20, 21 lie against the front surface 121 of the rotor 120 or against the base area 12 of the protective cap 11 (see figure). Figures 11 and 12 The locking elements 20, 21 are guided on the front surface 121 and the base area 12. That is, the locking elements 20, 21 rest with play on the front surface 121 and the base area 12, which defines the spatial position of the locking elements 20, 21 perpendicular to the key axis 142.

[0132] Due to the flat design and the counter-fastening elements 123 arranged on the circumferential surface 122, almost no elements are necessary for arranging the protective cap device 10 on the locking device 100 that would disturb the safety or appearance of the locking device 100 if no protective cap device 10 is mounted on the locking device 100.

[0133] According to Fig. 4 The rotor 120 comprises a first rotor element 124 and a second rotor element 125. At least one of the two rotor elements, 124, 125, in particular the first rotor element 124, is manufactured as a metal injection molded part (MIM part). The first rotor element 124 and the second rotor element 125 are positively connected to each other. The first rotor element 124 includes the keyway 110. The first rotor element 124 includes the counter-fastening elements 123.

[0134] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows an outer diameter D1 of the protective cap 11 and an outer diameter D2 of the stator 130. The outer diameter D1 of the protective cap 11 is less than or equal to the outer diameter D2 of the stator 130. This allows the dust protection locking device 101 to be integrated into locking device housings 170 where the locking device housing 170 protrudes beyond the rotor 120.

[0135] The locking device 100 includes a key removal protection device 140. This ensures that the key can only be withdrawn from the keyway 110 in one specific spatial orientation. The counter-fastening elements 123 are located according to Fig. 4 between the key removal protection device 140 and the front surface 121 of the rotor 120. Thus, the counter-fastening elements 123 are located far to the outside of the locking device 100.

[0136] The locking device 100 comprises an axial fixing device 150 on a groove 152 of the rotor 120 (see Fig. 11 The position of the rotor 120 relative to the stator 130 can be fixed axially using this locking device 150. The counter-fastening elements 123 are located between the locking device 150 and the front surface 121 of the rotor 120. Thus, the counter-fastening elements 123 are located far to the outside of the locking device 100. Preferably, the counter-fastening elements 123 are located closer to the front surface 121 than the groove 152 or a groove 143 for the key removal protection device 140.

Claims

1. Protective cap device (10) for a locking device (100), with at least one locking element (20, 21) for protecting a keyway (110) of the locking device (100), wherein the at least one locking element (20, 21) is movable between an open position and a closed position, characterized by that the protective cap device (10) comprises a protective cap (11), wherein the protective cap (11) comprises a base area (12) and a lateral area (13), wherein the at least one locking element (20, 21) is arranged in the protective cap (11), wherein the protective cap (11) comprises an insertion opening (14) for inserting a key on the base area (12), and wherein the protective cap (11) comprises fastening elements (15) on the lateral area (13) for attaching the protective cap (11) to a rotor (120) of the locking device (100).

2. Protective cap device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening elements (15) are designed to form a snap connection between the protective cap (11) and the rotor (120), in particular wherein the fastening elements (15) are designed as inwardly directed, elastic projections.

3. Protective cap device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a virtual longitudinal axis (141) is defined by the insertion opening (14), wherein at least two of the fastening elements (15) are arranged to the right of the longitudinal axis (141) and at least two of the fastening elements (15) are arranged to the left of the longitudinal axis (141), in particular in a mirror-symmetrical manner.

4. Protective cap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cap (11) is manufactured as a casting and / or at least one of the fastening elements (15) has a parallelogram-shaped cross-sectional surface in a section carried out parallel to the base area (12).

5. Protective cap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one closure element (20, 21) comprises a side (201, 201) facing away from the insertion opening (14), wherein the at least one closure element (20, 21) is spaced apart from the outer surface area (13) with its side (201, 211) facing away from the open position.

6. Protective cap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cap (11) comprises at least one positioning element (16, 17) and the individual closure element (20, 21) comprises a counter-positioning element (202, 212), wherein the counter-positioning element (202, 212) is arranged closer to the at least one positioning element (16, 17) in the closed position than in the open position, wherein the positioning element (16, 17) is formed laterally to the longitudinal axis (141) of the insertion opening (14).

7. Protective cap device (10) according to claim 6, wherein a center (204, 214) is defined on the at least one closure element (20, 21) with respect to a longitudinal direction (220) of the closure element (20, 21) and the counter-positioning element (202, 212) is formed on both sides of the center (204, 214), wherein the positioning element (16, 17) is formed corresponding to the counter-positioning element (202, 212).

8. Protective cap device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one positioning element (16, 17) is designed as an inwardly projecting rib at the insertion opening (14).

9. Protective cap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cap device (10) comprises a first locking element (20) and a second locking element (21), wherein the first locking element (20) and the second locking element (21) are each linearly movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the protective cap device (10) comprises a common energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device forces both the first locking element (20) and the second locking element (21) into the closed position, wherein the energy storage device is designed as a curved, open spring (40).

10. Protective cap device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the spring (40) acts at a point of attack (208, 218) in the center (204, 214) of the respective closure element (20, 21) and / or wherein the closure elements (20, 21) each have a contour (207, 217) such that the spring (40) acts only at the point of attack (208, 218) on the closure element (20, 21).

11. Protective cap device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the spring (40) comprises at least one of the following sections, preferably at least the following three substantially straight sections, wherein a first section (41) extends from the first locking element (20) to the second locking element (21), wherein a second and a third section (42, 43) each extend longitudinally along the first and second locking elements (20, 21), respectively; and / or wherein the spring (40) each comprises a loop (44, 45) up to the point of application (208, 218).

12. Locking device (100) with a rotor (120) and with a stator (130), wherein the rotor (120) comprises a keyway (110), wherein the rotor (120) comprises a front surface (121) and a circumferential surface (122), wherein the rotor (120) has on the circumferential surface counter-fastening elements (123) for fastening a protective cap (11), in particular the protective cap (11) of the protective cap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in particular the counter-fastening elements (123) are designed to form a snap connection between the protective cap (11) and the rotor (120), in particular wherein the counter-fastening elements (123) are designed as inwardly directed recesses.

13. Locking device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the outer diameter (D1) of the protective cap (11) is less than or equal to the outer diameter (D2) of the stator (130) and / or wherein the front surface (121) of the rotor (120) is designed to be flat for contact with the at least one locking element.

14. Dust protection locking device (101) with a protective cap device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and with a locking device (100) according to one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the protective cap device (10) is attached to the locking device (100, 101), wherein in particular the fastening elements (15) and the counter-fastening elements (123) are positively connected.

15. Locking device (160) with at least one locking device (100), in particular two locking devices (100), according to one of claims 12 to 13, or with at least one dust protection locking device (101), in particular two dust protection locking devices (101), according to claim 14, and with a locking device housing (170), • wherein the stator (130) of the locking device (100), in particular the two stators (130) of the two locking devices (100), is / are positively and / or force-fit in the locking device housing (170) by means of a fastening means (190), • or wherein the stator (130) of the dust protection locking device (101), in particular the two stators (130) of the two dust protection locking devices (101), is positively and / or force-fit in the locking device housing (170) by means of a fastening means (190) is / are attached.

Citation Information

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