Security device

Abstract

We propose a security device that makes it more difficult, or completely prevents, cutting the lock body to reach the recess in the lock body. [Solution] A security device 5 comprising a first metal member 15 and a second member 10 in contact with the first member 15, wherein the first member 15 has metallurgically bonded metal tracks 20, 25 on its surface, and the tracks 20, 25 include a first track 20 extending in a first direction and adjacent to the contact portion with the second member 10, and a second track 25 extending in one or more second directions, wherein one or more second directions are parallel to or extend along the contact portion between the first member 15 and the second member 10, and the first direction is different from one or more second directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described in this specification relate to security devices, and more particularly to the use of a cut-resistant material for the lock body of a security device. In one embodiment, the cut-resistant material is provided at a location on the lock body that makes it more difficult or completely prevents cutting through the lock body to reach the recess of the lock body.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to one embodiment, a security device is provided that includes a first track and a second track metallurgically joined to the surface of a metal body, and the second track continuously extends or overlaps at the end of the first track.

[0003] According to another embodiment, a security device is provided that includes a first member made of metal and a second member in contact with the first member, and the first member includes a metal track metallurgically joined to its surface. The track includes a first track extending in a first direction and adjacent to the contact portion with the second member, and a second track extending in one or more second directions. One or more second directions are parallel to or extend along the contact portion between the first member and the second member, and the first direction is different from one or more second directions.

[0004] In one embodiment, the contact portion is planar. In another embodiment, the contact portion is curved. In either case, one or more second directions in which the second track extends are such that the second track at least partially, preferably completely, follows the contact portion regardless of the shape of the contact portion. In one embodiment, the first member is a cylindrical member and the second track extends along the outer periphery of the cylindrical member. In this embodiment, it will be understood that the plurality of second directions are all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder when the second track surrounds the cylinder, and are a part of these directions when the second track only partially surrounds the cylinder.

[0005] In one embodiment, the second track is continuous with the contact portion with the second member.

[0006] In one embodiment, the security device is a padlock, a D-type lock, or a U-type lock, and the first member is an elongated shackle.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second track extends circumferentially along at least part or all of the outer circumference of the shackle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second component is the body of the lock, and the second track is adjacent to or continuous with the body of the lock.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second track is spaced 1.6 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less, and most preferably 0.8 mm or less from the body of the lock.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second track comprises a plurality of adjacent or overlapping tracks.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second track is continuous with or overlaps the end of the first track.

[0012] In one embodiment, a method is provided for improving the cut resistance of a metal body, which involves metallurgically joining a first track and a second track to the surface of the metal body, wherein the second track extends continuously to or overlaps the end of the first track.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first track is joined to the surface after the second track.

[0014] In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium is provided for storing data defining a digital representation of the security device described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0015] In one embodiment, the computer-readable medium further stores computer program instructions that, when executed by the additive manufacturing machine, configure the additive manufacturing machine to add a first track and a second track to an existing first component.

[0016] In the embodiment, the operating components of the locking device are reinforced with a cut-resistant material. According to the embodiment, the security device has an elongated metal body, at least one end of which can be attached to the locking portion. The body has at least one track extending longitudinally on its surface and metallurgically joined to it, formed of the material described above. The material of the track has particles of a hard cut-resistant material, which can be dispersed in a self-fluxing matrix having a melting point lower than the melting point of the body, and containing nickel, iron, and cobalt in a composition containing chromium, silicon, and boron. Typically, the track is added to the elongated body by welding, preferably laser welding or laser cladding, but plasma arc welding or brazing may also be used. The low melting point prevents melting of the elongated body while enabling metallurgical joining. Tungsten carbide is a preferred hard cut-resistant material, but other materials such as silicon carbide, cubic boron nitride, or industrial or synthetic diamond may be used.

[0017] The preferred matrix used in the track material of the apparatus of the present invention is, ideally, mainly nickel or cobalt having a hardness of about 50-60 HRC (Rockwell C hardness). A particularly preferred matrix is ​​mainly nickel, optionally containing iron. In the matrix forming the track which is an element of the present invention, the hardness of the cut-resistant particles is preferably in the range of 2500-3000 Hv (Vickers hardness), and the hardness of the matrix is ​​in the range of 500-600 Hv.

[0018] The main material for the slender body is usually steel, typically hardened low-carbon steel. The preferred material is low-carbon steel with a surface hardening of 58-60 HRC.

[0019] The matrix having dispersed particles can be in solid or powder form. In solid form, it is supplied as a rod or wire and needs to be melted when the track is added. This can generate more heat in the addition area, causing the body material to move into the track. In a preferred addition process, the powder form is used and supplied and welded directly to the body to form the track. The movement of material from the elongated body into the matrix should be kept to a minimum, preferably less than 10 volume percent of the track material.

[0020] The particles in the matrix forming the tracks, which are elements of the present invention, are preferably spherical in shape, with a typical particle size distribution in the range of 50 to 160 μm. The particles may also be in a crushed form after casting. In this form, the particle dimensions are typically distributed between 50 and 200 μm. In some embodiments, a mixture of spherical and crushed particles may also be used. The particle size distribution determines the particle density in the matrix, but if the particles are too small, they may melt or collapse when the tracks are attached to the body, and if the particles are too large, they may not be retained. The particles typically constitute 40 to 65 volume percent of the track material.

[0021] The dimensions of the tracks on the elongated body, which are an element of the present invention, or the dimensions of each track, vary depending on the dimensions of each body. However, for a body with a circular cross-section having a maximum diameter of 5 cm, the typical maximum track thickness is 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less, and the typical width is in the range of 3 to 10 mm.

[0022] In all embodiments, the final product may be plated, coated, or encapsulated in a polymer material, preferably a low-pressure plant-derived polymer, to impart corrosion resistance and long service life and to conceal the location and arrangement of the reinforcing tracks.

[0023] The device of the present invention can be used in bicycle locks and motorcycle locks, such as padlocks, D-type locks or U-type locks as described in European Patent Nos. 3193405 and 3584394, and various portable security devices, and also in door locks, safes, and catalytic converter locks shown as examples for many other applications.

[0024] Here, as an example, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a plan view of a security device having a build-up welded elongated member. [Figure 2] It is a view showing the security device in a disassembled state. [Figure 3] It is a view showing the state of tungsten carbide dispersed in the matrices of tracks 20 and 25 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] It is a view showing the state of tungsten carbide dispersed in the matrices of tracks 20 and 25 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a security device 5 having a lock body 10 and an elongated member 15, specifically a padlock in this example. In this example, the elongated member is a shackle. A track formed of a hard cut-resistant material is added to a part of the elongated member 15 that is not housed in the lock body 10 in the assembled and locked state shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] In an embodiment, the track may be formed from one or more of a cutting-resistant material including one or more of cermet, tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, titanium nitride, and titanium carbonitride. It is known to use materials such as tungsten carbide to form a wear-resistant layer on the surface. For example, in one embodiment, as discussed in a conference paper titled "High temperature erosion wear of cermet particles reinforced self-fluxing alloy matrix HVOF sprayed coatings" published in Materials Science in September 2015, tungsten carbide particles are dispersed in a self-fluxing matrix or self-fluxing alloy mainly composed of nickel, iron, or cobalt with a composition containing chromium, silicon, and boron. Products having such a layer or coating are available from various companies such as ASB Industries Inc. in Barberton, Ohio, USA, B&B Precision Engineering in Huddersfield, UK, and Oelikon Metco in Pfäffikon, Switzerland.

[0028] In one embodiment, the material of the track includes a hard cutting-resistant material such as tungsten carbide in a low-melting-point self-fluxing matrix or alloy as described above. In one embodiment, the self-fluxing matrix is mainly composed of nickel and combined with chromium, silicon, and boron. A preferred composition is 15% chromium, 3% boron, 4.5% silicon, 0.65% carbon, and 3% iron, the balance being nickel, although small amounts of ceramics are usually also included.

[0029] In this embodiment, different tracks 20 and 25 are provided that extend in different directions relative to the elongated member 15. In this embodiment, the surface of the elongated member 15 is generally covered by tracks 20 that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member 15. However, it is not essential that the tracks 20 extend in this manner; instead, the tracks may extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member, as long as the direction in which the tracks extend has a component that extends along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

[0030] Furthermore, tracks 25 are provided. These tracks extend along the circumferential direction of the elongated member 15.

[0031] Tracks 25 are built into the elongated member by build-up welding. For this purpose, both the material forming the tracks 25 and the base metal of the elongated member are locally melted. It has been found that the resulting molten pool can be moved by the laser used to melt the material. More specifically, it has been found that the laser used for melting pushes the molten pool away from the direction in which the laser is irradiated onto the surface of the elongated member. Such movement of metal / molten pool along individual tracks is not significant and does not adversely affect the precision or uniformity of the tracks metallurgically joined to the elongated member. However, if the formation direction of adjacent tracks is different, for example, if the first track of track 20 starts from the right half of the elongated member 15 in Figure 2 and is formed toward the left half, the end of the track 20 thus formed on the left half of the elongated member will protrude slightly beyond the endpoint where the laser has finished melting the surface of the elongated member, because the molten pool has been pushed forward by the laser. In contrast, for tracks formed on the left half of the elongated member 15 adjacent to the end of the formed first track, and extending toward the right half, the starting point is formed slightly ahead of the point where the laser began to melt the surface material of the elongated member. This is also because the laser pushed the molten pool forward. Therefore, in situations where different or opposing directions are selected for forming / overlay welding, the endpoints of individual tracks, or even adjacent tracks, may not be aligned. This is not a problem for all parts of the elongated member 15, but misalignment of the track ends can be a problem for parts of the elongated member that are close to or continuous with the lock body 10 when inserted into the lock body 10. Even if only some tracks extend excessively toward the lock body 10, it may be difficult to insert the elongated member 15 into the lock body 10 in the desired manner / locking manner. Similarly, even if some tracks terminate at a position of the elongated member 15 that does not reach the lock body 10 during assembly, an area may be formed where the elongated member can be cut more easily with a disc cutter or angle grinder.

[0032] It was found that the molten pool is pushed forward of the laser in the direction of laser propagation. Therefore, by providing a track 25 that extends along the circumferential direction of the elongated member, a circumferential displacement of the track end from the desired track end is theoretically created. Such a displacement does not adversely affect the fitting of the elongated member 15 within the lock body 10. By providing the track 25, the overall manufacturing precision of the security device 5 is improved as a result.

[0033] It has been further found that track 25 may be provided before or after track 20 is provided on the elongated member. In one embodiment, a single track 25 is provided at either end of the elongated member. In another embodiment, two or more tracks 25, for example, two adjacent tracks, are provided at each end of the elongated member 15.

[0034] Figure 3 shows spherical tungsten carbide (WC) particles dispersed in a nickel-based matrix. The dispersion is random, with smaller particles tending to occupy the spaces between larger particles. The particle size is distributed within the range of 50–160 μm in diameter. The matrix is ​​primarily nickel-based, containing silicon and boron. Such particle composites in this matrix are available from Stoody Industrial Welding Supply, Inc. in San Diego, California, USA. The WC particle content in the matrix is ​​approximately 65 volume%. Figure 4 shows WC particles crushed after casting in the same nickel-based matrix as in Figure 3. As can be seen, the particle density is higher than that in Figure 3, at approximately 80%.

[0035] Figures 1 and 2 show an elongated member 15 with a substantially circular cross-section, but any suitable cross-section can be adopted. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tracks 20 overlap each other so that they form a seamless covering over the elongated member 15. In other embodiments, the tracks 20 may be spaced apart from each other without overlapping, or they may overlap each other in less than but not all of the elongated member 15. For example, the tracks 20 may overlap each other only in the areas most likely to be attacked by a cutting disk.

[0036] Figures 1 and 2 show a padlock as an example, but other embodiments comprising an elongated member 15 with a track 25 may include a D-type or U-type lock commonly used on bicycles and motorcycles, or a single-leg stud lock in which only one end of the elongated member locks to the lock body. More generally, the track can be added as described above and used in any security device having a rigid member where it is necessary to terminate the track precisely at a position in contact with another component of the security device.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications and / or changes (e.g., additions, omissions, substitutions, etc.) may be made to the described and / or illustrated embodiments in order to provide other embodiments. Accordingly, the described and / or illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not limiting. Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent by referring to the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Any feature described herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment may be combined with any other feature described herein in relation to any other aspect or embodiment, where appropriate and applicable. Where used herein, terms relating to degree, such as “generally,” “about,” and “substantially,” are used in context to take into account manufacturing tolerances, degradation, tendencies, characteristics, imperfect practical conditions, etc.

Claims

1. A security device comprising a first track and a second track metallurgically bonded to the surface of a metal body, wherein the second track extends continuously to or overlaps with the end of the first track.

2. A security device comprising a first metal member and a second member in contact with the first member, A security device wherein the first member comprises a metal track metallurgically joined to its surface, the track comprising a first track extending in a first direction and adjacent to the contact portion with the second member, and a second track extending in one or more second directions, the one or more second directions being parallel to or along the contact portion between the first member and the second member, and the first direction being different from the one or more second directions.

3. The security device according to claim 1, wherein the second track is continuous with the contact portion with the second member.

4. The security device according to claim 2, wherein the security device is a padlock, a D-type lock, or a U-type lock, and the first member is an elongated shackle.

5. The security device according to claim 3, wherein the second track extends circumferentially along at least a portion or all of the outer circumference of the shackle.

6. The security device according to claim 4, wherein the second member is the body of the lock, and the second track is adjacent to or continuous with the body of the lock.

7. The security device according to claim 2, wherein the second track comprises a plurality of adjacent or overlapping tracks.

8. The security device according to claim 2, wherein the second track is continuous with or overlaps the end of the first track.

9. A method for improving the cut resistance of a metal body, A method comprising metallurgically joining a first track and a second track to the surface of the metal body, wherein the second track extends continuously to or overlaps the end of the first track.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first track is joined to the surface after the second track.

11. A computer-readable medium for storing data that defines a digital representation of the security device described in claim 2.

12. The computer-readable medium according to claim 11, further storing computer program instructions which, when executed by an additive manufacturing machine, configure the additive manufacturing machine to add the first track and the second track to an existing first component.

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