Double-entry lock cylinder, adjustable size

Abstract

This description concerns a double-entry lock cylinder comprising: a first half-cylinder and a second half-cylinder, a cam positioned between the first and second half-cylinders, a rod for connecting the first and second half-cylinders, and a clamping mechanism including an eccentric pin for clamping one of the arms in one of the first and second half-cylinders. The eccentric pin of the clamping mechanism can be rotated from outside the lock cylinder between two positions, one loose and the other tight. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Double entry lock cylinder of adaptable size Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lock cylinders. In particular, it offers double-entry lock cylinders of adaptable size (modular cylinder). STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Locks used for example for closing doors are elements of standardized sizes and formats. A double entry cylinder lock allows a door to be opened with the same key, on either side of the door. It comprises two half-cylinders and a bit positioned between the two half-cylinders.

[0003] Most often, the two half-cylinders of a double-entry cylinder lock are identical and therefore have the same length. The length of the double-cylinder lock can, for example, be twice 30mm (notation: 30 x 30mm) or twice 40mm (notation: 40 x 40mm) etc.

[0004] However, it is possible that a particular installation, such as a door of non-standard thickness, requires a lock with half-cylinders of different lengths. For example, it is possible to require a double cylinder lock whose length would be 30 x 40mm.

[0005] One possibility to obtain such a lock could be to add a 10mm extension to a 30 x 30mm double cylinder lock.

[0006] Mechanisms allowing a cylinder extension have already been proposed in particular in patent application EP1201852A1.

[0007] However, adding an extension to an existing double cylinder lock requires modifications to certain parts of the lock.

[0008] The steps to be implemented for installing the extension are also complex: such an addition requires the removal or replacement of certain parts (removal of fixing pins, replacement of fixing arms with new arms adapted to the new length).

[0009] Furthermore, lock cylinders are precision mechanisms which require careful assembly and therefore specific tools and skills. GENERAL DISCLOSURE

[0010] An object of the invention is to facilitate a modification of a length of a lock cylinder by the addition of an extension.

[0011] For this purpose, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a lock cylinder with double entry including: - a first half-cylinder and a second half-cylinder, - a bit positioned between the first half-cylinder and the second half-cylinder, - a rod for connecting the first half-cylinder and the second half-cylinder, the rod comprising two coaxial arms adapted to be engaged respectively one in the first half-cylinder and the other in the second half-cylinder, and - a clamping mechanism comprising an eccentric pin for clamping one of the arms in one of the first half-cylinder and the second half-cylinder, the eccentric pin of the clamping mechanism being rotatable from outside the lock cylinder between two positions, • one loose in which the arm is free in the half-cylinder and can be disengaged or reengaged, • the other tight one in which the arm is blocked in the half-cylinder, the arm being able to be blocked in the half-cylinder in at least two relative positions thus allowing the installation of a cylinder extension between the half-cylinder and the bit.

[0012] Such a modular lock cylinder allows simplified installation of the extension by dismantling the modular lock cylinder into only two separate assemblies. In fact, to install the cylinder extension, only the first half-cylinder is separated from the modular lock cylinder.

[0013] Furthermore, the modular lock cylinder allows the installation of a cylinder extension between the first half-cylinder and the bit without changing the parts constituting the modular lock cylinder. Indeed, the rod and the clamping mechanism cooperate to allow the assembly of the two half-cylinders, with or without the cylinder extension, in other words whether the modular lock cylinder is in the first or second position.

[0014] Advantageously, but optionally, the exposed cylinder may comprise the characteristic according to which each arm comprises at least two successive notches intended to receive the eccentric pin turned into a clamped position, thus participating in the locking of the arm.

[0015] According to another aspect, there is provided a cylinder extension configured to be positioned between a first half-cylinder and a bit of a lock cylinder as previously described, the cylinder extension comprising a fixing hole configured to receive the rod arm.

[0016] According to another aspect, there is provided an assembly comprising a lock cylinder as previously described, and a cylinder extension as previously described, the rod of the lock cylinder having arms of different dimensions, the

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021] cylinder extension being positioned between one of the half-cylinders and the bit of the lock cylinder or intended to be so. Advantageously, but optionally, the disclosed assembly may comprise a key extension, the key extension passing through the cylinder extension and cooperating with the bit and with the first half-cylinder to enable actuation of the bit. According to another aspect, there is provided a kit comprising a tightening tool and a lock cylinder as previously described, or an assembly as previously described, the tightening tool being configured to actuate the eccentric tightening of the first half-cylinder between the open position and the closed position. According to another aspect, there is provided a lock comprising a lock cylinder as previously described, or an assembly as previously described. According to another aspect, there is provided a method of modifying a length of a lock cylinder of an assembly as previously described, the method comprising: - a first rotation of the eccentric pin relative to the first half-cylinder to move the eccentric pin from the tightened position to the loosened position, the eccentric pin being fixed to the first half-cylinder by cooperating with the first notch; - a disengagement of the first half-cylinder of the arm; - positioning the cylinder extension against the bit; - a re-engagement of the first half-cylinder on the arm; and - a second rotation of the eccentric pin relative to the first half-cylinder to move the eccentric pin from the loosened position to the tightened position, the eccentric pin being fixed to the first half-cylinder by cooperating with the second notch. According to another aspect, there is provided a method of modifying a length of a lock cylinder of an assembly as previously described, the method comprising: - a first rotation of the eccentric pin relative to the first half-cylinder to move the eccentric pin from the tightened position to the loosened position, the eccentric pin being fixed to the first half-cylinder by cooperating with the second notch; - disengagement of the first half-cylinder and the cylinder extension from the first arm; - a re-engagement of the first half-cylinder on the first arm so that the bit is in contact with the first half-cylinder and the second half-cylinder; and - a second rotation of the eccentric pin relative to the first half-cylinder to move the eccentric pin from the loosened position to the tightened position, the eccentric pin being fixed to the first half-cylinder by cooperating with the first notch. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0022] Other characteristics, aims and advantages will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig.l] shows a lock and a lock cylinder in a first configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective view with partial cutaway of the lock cylinder of [Fig.l] shown in the same configuration;

[0025] [Fig. 3] illustrates a side view of the lock cylinder of Figures 1 and 2, shown in a second configuration;

[0026] [Fig.4] illustrates steps implemented for the installation of a modular lock cylinder extension;

[0027] [Fig.5a], [Fig.5b], [Fig.5c] and [Fig.5d] are perspective views of the lock cylinder of Figures 1 to 3 illustrating steps in fitting an extension to such a cylinder; and

[0028] [Fig.6] illustrates steps implemented for the removal of a modular lock cylinder extension. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As illustrated by way of example in [Fig.l], a lock 10 usually comprises a box 11, one or more bolts 12 and a cylinder 1 (or barrel). The box 11 is crossed by a slot 13 intended to receive the cylinder 1. The cylinder 1 is removably mounted in said slot 13. A retaining screw 14 makes it possible to fix said cylinder 1 when it is in place on the box 11.

[0030] The cylinder 1 is in this case a double-entry cylinder (double cylinder) and comprises two half-cylinders 2a, 2b with European profile. Each half-cylinder 2a, 2b thus has on the one hand: - a stator 22 with a cylindrical part 23 of longitudinal axis XX and a standardized oblong part 24 and - on the other hand a rotor 21 mounted coaxially rotatably in the cylindrical part 23 of the stator 22.

[0031] A bit 3 is interposed between the two half-cylinders 2a and 2b and is capable of being engaged with one and the other of the two rotors 21. This bit has a lug 31 which projects from the two half-cylinders 2a and 2b and which is intended to mesh with elements of the lock 10 for actuating the bolts 12 and locking / unlocking said lock 10.

[0032] The bit 3 is driven by the rotation of one or other of the two rotors 21, under the effect of the movement of a key 15, the introduction of which into one of these rotors 21 pushes back pins thereof and releases the rotation of the rotor 21 in its stator 22.

[0033] The cylinder 1 further comprises a rod 4 configured to connect the two half-cylinders 2a, 2b together.

[0034] As illustrated in [Fig.2], said rod 4 comprises a central part 40 and two arms 41 which extend coaxially on one side and the other of said central part 40.

[0035] The oblong portion 24 of each half-cylinder 2a, 2b comprises a longitudinal fixing sleeve 25 configured to receive an arm 41. The two arms 41 of the rod 4 are respectively engaged in the fixing sleeves 25 of the two half-cylinders 2a, 2b. The arms 41 thus ensure, in cooperation with clamping mechanisms 5 described later in more detail, the connection between the two half-cylinders 2a, 2b.

[0036] Compared to the two arms 41, the central part 40 has an excess thickness against which the oblong parts 24 come into abutment at their end where the sleeves 25 open. The length of the central part 40 along the axis of the rod 4 corresponds to the thickness of the bit 3, said bit 3 and said central part 40 being located in line with each other. Also, a hole 43 passes through the central part 40 perpendicular to the axis XX to receive the retaining screw 14.

[0037] The oblong part 24 of each half-cylinder 2a, 2b is crossed over at least part of its thickness by an eccentric pin 51 which extends transversely therein and which is capable of being rotated on itself. Such an eccentric pin 51 comprises a blocking bulge 52 and forms part of the clamping mechanism 5. It can be rotated on itself and take two positions: - one in which the bulge 52 of the eccentric pin 51 disappears to allow the free translation of the arm 41 in the sheath 25 of the corresponding half-cylinder 2a, 2b; - the other in which the eccentric pin 51 is pivoted a quarter turn so that its bulge 52 locks by clamping on the arm 41 and thus ensures the fixing of said arm 41 in the corresponding half-cylinder 2a, 2b. The clamping mechanism 5 thus retains the rod 4 in the half-cylinder 2a, 2b considered.

[0038] Each arm 41 of the rod 4 comprises for this purpose several successive notches in its length (in this case two notches 42a, 42b in [Fig.2]). Thus, in the position in which the clamping mechanism 5 clamps the arm 41 in the half-cylinder 2a, the bulge 52 of the eccentric pin 51 is positioned inside of a notch 42a, 42b to the right of which is located said eccentric pin 5. The notches 42a, 42b therefore make it easier to block the arm 41 in the half-cylinder 2a as well as to assemble the cylinder 1. Said notches 42a, 42b thus make it possible to fix the arm 41 in the half-cylinder 2a at a desired distance from the central part 40. In addition, the combination of the eccentric pin 51 and the notches 42a, 42b makes it easier to assemble the cylinder 1 due to their cooperation. Indeed, the rotation of the eccentric pin 51 in the notch 42a, 42b achieves a progressive and guided tightening, unlike a pin and hole system which operates in all-or-nothing mode and requires the pin to be exactly in the hole to be able to perform the tightening.

[0039] The arms 41 and the sheaths 25 comprise complementary keying elements 44 (such as longitudinal grooves and slides) which require an arm 41 to be presented with a given angular orientation in order to make it slide in a sheath 25. This orientation keying 44 makes it possible to present the surface of the arm 41 where the notches 42a, 42b are located so that this surface is directly opposite the eccentric pin 51.

[0040] The eccentric pin 51 emerges from the half-cylinder 2a, 2b by a head 53 which has an external surface which is in continuity with the external surface of the oblong part 24 when the pin 51 is in place on its half-cylinder 2a, 2b. The head 53 has on the surface a hollow imprint 54 which is intended to receive an end of complementary shape of a tool such as a screwdriver. The tool thus allows an operator to turn the clamping mechanism 5, and therefore the eccentric pin 51, on itself in one direction or the other.

[0041] To adapt the length of the cylinder 1 to different door thicknesses, one or more cylinder extensions 6 can be provided ([Fig.3]).

[0042] Such a cylinder extension 6 is intended to be interposed between one of the two half-cylinders 2a, 2b and the bit 3.

[0043] Advantageously, the cylinder extension 6 has a length in the longitudinal direction XX equal to a gap between two successive notches 42a, 42b.

[0044] The cylinder extension 6 comprises, like the half-cylinders 2a, 2b, a cylindrical part 61 and an oblong part 62. Its cylindrical part 61 further incorporates a key extension 63 configured to cooperate with the bit 3 and to extend the rotor 21 of the half-cylinder 2a, 2b in question. Its oblong part 62 comprises a fixing hole 64 so as to allow the arm 41 intended to be engaged in the sheath 25 which is extended to also pass through the cylinder extension 6.

[0045] Thus, the presence of the cylinder extension 6 does not hinder the operation of the cylinder 1 and allows its operation without having to change the half-cylinders 2a, 2b, the rod 4 and / or the bit 3.

[0046] When installing such an extension 6, the arm 41 of the rod 4 is engaged in the hole 64 and in the sleeve 25 of the cylinder 2a, 2b which is being extended.

[0047] The eccentric pin 51 is clamped in a notch 42a, 42b different from that used in the absence of extension 6.

[0048] The cylinder 1 can thus take several configurations, or positions, as illustrated in figures 1 and 3: - in a first configuration, illustrated by [Fig.l], the cylinder 1 has a length of twice 30 mm (30x30mm) or twice 40 mm (40x40mm) (other dimensions are of course possible); - in a second configuration, illustrated by [Fig.3], the cylinder extension 6 is positioned between one of the two half-cylinders 2a, 2b and the bit 3; the cylinder 1 then has a length of 30 plus 40 mm (30x40mm) or 40 plus 50mm (40x50mm).

[0049] The cylinder structure 1 previously described makes it possible to easily adapt the length of the latter to move from one configuration to another by adding or removing a cylinder extension 6, or even several.

[0050] The steps for installing an extension 6 are typically those illustrated in [Fig.4],

[0051] An operator, starting from the lock 10 provided in the configuration of [Fig.l], that is to say with the two half-cylinders 2a, 2b fixed by clamping on the first notch 42a of each arm 41 to the rod 4, rotates the clamping mechanism 5 and therefore the pin 51 of one of the two half-cylinders 2a, 2b (step E1), as illustrated by [Fig.5a]. The operator thus loosens by rotation the eccentric pin 51 of the corresponding clamping mechanism 5 and thus releases the arm 41 in the fixing hole 25.

[0052] This rotation El of the eccentric pin 51 is carried out using the tool 7.

[0053] After loosening, the operator disengages the arm 41 made free from its half-cylinder 2a by translating (step E2) the first half-cylinder 2a along the longitudinal axis XX, as illustrated by [Fig.5b].

[0054] Then, he positions the cylinder extension 6 on the arm 41, against the bit 3 and the central part 40 the rod 4 (step E3), as illustrated by [Fig.5c].

[0055] During this step E3, the operator ensures that the key extension 63 cooperates with the bit 3.

[0056] Once the positioning E3 of the cylinder extension 6 has been carried out, the operator re-engages (step E4) the first half-cylinder 2a on the arm 41. The re-engagement E4 is obtained by the translation of the first half-cylinder 2a on the arm 41 by the sheath 25, as illustrated by [Fig.2]. The re-engagement E4 induces a connection between the rotor 21 of the first half-cylinder 2a and the key extension 63.

[0057] Thus, the cylinder extension 6 is positioned between the first half-cylinder 2a and the bit 3 and the central part 40.

[0058] Finally, and to obtain a functional cylinder 1, the operator performs a second rotation E5 of the clamping mechanism 5 relative to the first half-cylinder 2a, as illustrated by [Fig.5d]. The second rotation E6 makes it possible to move the clamping mechanism 5 of the first half-cylinder 2a from the open position to the closed position. In other words, the second rotation E5 makes the eccentric pin 51 cooperate with the second notch 42b to fix the arm 41 to the half-cylinder 2a, 2b considered. The second rotation E5 makes the eccentric pin 51 cooperate with the second notch 42b because the presence of the cylinder extension 6 positions the half-cylinder 2a further from the central part 40 on the rod 4 than in the first configuration where the eccentric pin 51 cooperates with the first notch 42a.

[0059] The operator can carry out the first rotation (step E1) and the second rotation (step E5) using the same single clamping tool 7. A single tool 7 is therefore necessary to carry out the process.

[0060] During the process, the clamping mechanism 5 of the second half-cylinder 2b was not actuated, the second half-cylinder 2b not needing to be detached from the bit 3 and the rod 4 to allow the cylinder extension 6 to be put in place.

[0061] The operator can also implement a method of reducing the length of the double cylinder 1 in order to go from a cylinder 1 in the second configuration to a cylinder 1 in the first configuration, as illustrated for example by [Fig.6]

[0062] To do this, the operator must carry out the same steps as the extension method except that the disengagement step (step E2) is replaced by a disengagement E21 of the first half-cylinder 2a and the cylinder extension 6 and finally that the positioning step E3 is not implemented.

[0063] Thus, by simply rotating the clamping mechanism 5 and translating the first half-cylinder 2a, 2b, the cylinder extension 6 can be positioned or removed in order to lengthen or reduce the length along the longitudinal axis XX of the double cylinder 1.

[0064] The lengthening and reduction processes only involve the removal of one half-cylinder 2a, 2b from the cylinder 1. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts to be handled as much as possible. In addition, the same half-cylinders 2a, 2b, the bit 3 and the rod 4 are compatible with the first configuration and with the second configuration.

[0065] During the process of modifying the length of the double cylinder 1, each clamping mechanism 5 remains integral with the half-cylinders 2a, 2b and the clamping mechanism 5 is therefore not removed. This makes it possible to avoid any loss and difficulty in installing a clamping mechanism 5.

[0066] Furthermore, the presence of a first notch 42a and a second notch 42b on each of the two arms 41 of the rod 4 makes it possible to position a cylinder extension 6 on one and / or the other of the arms 41 and therefore between one, and / or the other, of the two half-cylinders 2a, 2b and the bit 3.

Claims

Claims

1. Double entry lock cylinder (1) comprising: - a first half-cylinder (2a) and a second half-cylinder (2b), - a bit (3) positioned between the first half-cylinder (2a) and the second half-cylinder (2b), - a rod (4) for connecting the first half-cylinder (2a) and the second half-cylinder (2b), the rod (4) comprising two coaxial arms (41) adapted to be engaged respectively one in the first half-cylinder (2a) and the other in the second half-cylinder (2b), characterized in that - a clamping mechanism (5) comprising an eccentric pin (51) for locking by clamping one of the arms (41) in one of the first half-cylinder (2a) and the second half-cylinder (2b), the eccentric pin (51) of the clamping mechanism (5) being able to be rotated from the outside of the lock cylinder (1) between two positions, • one loose in which the arm (41) is free in the half-cylinder (2a,2b) and can be disengaged or reengaged, • the other tightened in which the arm (41) is blocked in the half-cylinder (2a, 2b), the arm (41) being able to be blocked in the half-cylinder (2a, 2b) in at least two relative positions thus allowing the installation of a cylinder extension between the half-cylinder (2a, 2b) and the bit (3).,

2. Lock cylinder (1) according to claim 1, in which each arm (41) comprises at least two successive notches (42a, 42b) intended to receive the eccentric pin (51) turned into a tightened position, thus participating in the locking of the arm (41).

3. Cylinder extension (6) configured to be positioned between a first half-cylinder (2a) and a bit (3) of a lock cylinder (1), according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the cylinder extension (6) comprising a fixing hole (64) configured to receive the arm (41) of the rod (4).

4. Assembly comprising a lock cylinder (1), according to one of claims 1 and 2, and a cylinder extension (6), according to claim 3, the rod (4) of the lock cylinder having arms (41) of different dimensions, the cylinder extension (6) being positioned between one of the half-cylinders (2a, 2b) and the bit (3) of the lock cylinder (1) or intended to be so.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, comprising a key extension (63), the key extension (63) passing through the cylinder extension (6) and cooperating with the bit (3) and with the first half-cylinder (2a) to allow actuation of the bit (3).

6. Kit comprising a tightening tool (7) and a lock cylinder, according to one of claims 1 and 2, or an assembly, according to one of claims 4 and 5, the tightening tool being configured to actuate the eccentric tightening (5) of the first half-cylinder (2a) between the open position and the closed position.

7. Lock comprising a lock cylinder (1), according to any one of claims 1 and 2, or an assembly, according to one of claims 4 and 5.

8. A method of modifying a length of a lock cylinder (1) of an assembly, according to one of claims 4 and 5, the method comprising: - a first rotation (El) of the eccentric pin (51) relative to the first half-cylinder (2a) to move the eccentric pin (51) from the tightened position to the loosened position, the eccentric pin (51) being fixed to the first half-cylinder (2a) by cooperating with the first notch (42a); - a disengagement (E2) of the first half-cylinder (2a) from the arm (41); - a positioning (E3) of the cylinder extension (6) against the bit (3); - a re-engagement (E4) of the first half-cylinder (2a) on the arm (41);and - a second rotation (E5) of the eccentric pin (51) relative to the first half-cylinder (2a) to move the eccentric pin (51) from the loosened position to the tightened position, the eccentric pin (51) being fixed to the first half-cylinder (2a) by cooperating with the second notch (42b).;

9. A method of modifying a length of a lock cylinder (1) of an assembly, according to one of claims 4 and 5, the method comprising: - a first rotation (El) of the eccentric pin (51) relative to the first half-cylinder (2a) to move the eccentric pin (51) from the tightened position to the loosened position, the eccentric pin (51) being fixed to the first half-cylinder (2a) by cooperating with the second notch (42b); - a disengagement (E21) of the first half-cylinder (2a) and of the cylinder extension (6) from the first arm (41); - a re-engagement (E41) of the first half-cylinder (2a) on the first arm (41) so that the bit (3) is in contact with the first half-cylinder (2a) and the second half-cylinder (2b); and - a second rotation (E51) of the eccentric pin (51) relative to the first half-cylinder (2a) to move the eccentric pin (51) from the loosened position to the tightened position, the eccentric pin (51) being fixed to the first half-cylinder (2a) by cooperating with the first notch (42a).