System for forming a cylinder lock assembly

Abstract

System for forming a cylinder lock assembly, comprising: a housing part in which a cylinder space is formed; a cylinder part configured to be accommodated in the cylinder space; and a cam configured to cooperate with a bolt operable via the cylinder lock assembly, wherein the system is configured to allow the cylinder part to be rotatable relative to the housing part about a cylinder axis of the cylinder part, and to allow the cylinder part and the cam to be rotationally fixedly coupled to each other, wherein the system is configured to position the cylinder part and the cam axially fixedly relative to each other along the cylinder axis using a first resilient holding element.

Description

[0001] Title: System for forming a cylinder lock assembly

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a system for forming a cylinder lock assembly, as well as to a cylinder lock assembly that comprises the system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Cylinder lock assemblies and systems for forming them are known as such. Such a system typically includes various components that need to be coupled together according to a specific design, for example manually, to form the cylinder lock assembly. Systems often offer customization or selection options, for example regarding a length of the cylinder lock assembly or regarding the selection of keys with which the cylinder lock assembly can be operated.

[0006] The manual formation of a cylinder lock assembly from components is perceived by some users as relatively difficult and time-consuming. This is particularly true for non-professional users such as consumers.

[0007] Some cylinder lock assemblies are operable by a motor, wherein the motor can be operated, for example, via secure wireless communication. Sometimes a same cylinder lock assembly can be operated from an opposite end with a physical key. An example of such a cylinder lock assembly, which is also adjustable in length, is known from NL2028758B1.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] An objective of the invention is to facilitate forming of a cylinder lock assembly, particularly for non-professional users. An objective is to retain one or more advantages of known systems for forming a cylinder lock assembly. An objective is to provide at least an alternative system for forming a cylinder lock assembly.

[0010] An aspect of the invention provides a system for forming a cylinder lock assembly. The system comprises a housing part for the cylinder lock assembly, wherein a cylinder space is formed in the housing part. The system comprises a cylinder part for the cylinder lock assembly, wherein the cylinder part is configured to be accommodated in the cylinder space. The system comprises a cam for the cylinder lock assembly, wherein the cam is configured to cooperate with a bolt operable via the cylinder lock assembly.

[0011] The system is configured to, in the cylinder lock assembly, allow the cylinder part accommodated in the cylinder space to be at least selectively rotatable relative to the housing part about a cylinder axis of the cylinder part, and to allow the cylinder part and the cam to be rotationally fixedly coupled to each other.

[0012] The system comprises a first resilient holding element. The system is configured to position the cylinder part and the cam axially fixedly relative to each other along the cylinder axis using the first resilient holding element, when the cylinder part and the cam are rotationally fixedly coupled to each other.

[0013] By the combination of the rotationally fixed coupling and the axially fixed mutual positioning of the cylinder part and the cam, forming of the cylinder lock assembly can be facilitated. In particular, this can prevent the cylinder part and the cam from unintentionally moving relative to each other or even becoming detached from each other during forming of the cylinder lock assembly. At the same time, the system can still be constructed in a relatively economical manner using the first resilient holding element.

[0014] The rotationally fixed coupling and axially fixed mutual positioning can be realized relatively easily, for example by a user forming the cylinder lock assembly. It is also possible to realize this at an earlier stage, for example in a pre-assembly step by a manufacturer or seller of the system, thereby further relieving said user. It is also possible to have the entire cylinder lock assembly, or a larger part thereof, formed by a manufacturer or seller. However, in many cases, it will be desirable to have the forming of the cylinder lock assembly at least partially realized by a user, that is, someone who installs the cylinder lock assembly and thus prepares it for use, for example in a door.

[0015] A further aspect provides a cylinder lock assembly comprising a system as described herein. In the cylinder lock assembly, it is preferably the case that: the cylinder part is accommodated in the cylinder space and is at least selectively rotatable relative to the housing part about the cylinder axis; the cylinder part and the cam are rotationally fixedly coupled to each other; and the cylinder part and the cam are positioned axially fixedly relative to each other along the cylinder axis using the first resilient holding element.

[0016] Such a cylinder lock assembly provides advantages that correspond to the advantages of the system described above.

[0017] Optional further advantageous embodiments of the mentioned aspects are provided by the features of the dependent claims, as explained in the following detailed description.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The invention is further explained below using examples of embodiments and figures. Although reference is made to the figures for illustration, the description of the embodiments can also be understood without the figures. The figures are schematic and only show examples. In the figures, corresponding elements are indicated with corresponding reference numerals. In the figures:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a cylinder lock assembly;

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a further perspective view of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1, wherein a housing part and a rotation locking element are not shown;

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the housing part, not shown in Fig. 2, of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a cam of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1;

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a cylinder part and some further components of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1;

[0024] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view along a radial plane of a detail of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1;

[0025] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a subassembly of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1;

[0026] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a resilient holding element of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1;

[0027] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the rotation locking element of Fig. 1;

[0028] Fig. 10 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a detail of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1; and

[0029] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the cylinder lock assembly of Fig. 1, wherein the rotation locking element is not shown.

[0030] The figures illustrate an example of a system 1 for forming a cylinder lock assembly 2. The system 1 comprises a housing part 3 for the cylinder lock assembly 2, wherein a cylinder space 4 is formed in the housing part 3. The system 1 comprises a cylinder part 5 for the cylinder lock assembly 2, wherein the cylinder part 5 is configured to be accommodated in the cylinder space 4. The system 1 comprises a cam 6 for the cylinder lock assembly 2, wherein the cam 6 is configured to cooperate with a bolt operable via the cylinder lock assembly 2.

[0031] The system 1 is configured to, in the cylinder lock assembly, allow the cylinder part 5 accommodated in the cylinder space 4 to be at least selectively rotatable relative to the housing part 3 about a cylinder axis C of the cylinder part 5, and to allow the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6 to be rotationally fixedly coupled to each other. The system 1 comprises a first resilient holding element 7. The system 1 is configured to position the cyhnder part 5 and the cam 6 axially fixedly relative to each other along the cylinder axis C using the first resilient holding element 7, when the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6 are rotationally fixedly coupled to each other.

[0032] The figures further illustrate an example of a cyhnder lock assembly 2 comprising the system 1.

[0033] In embodiments, including in the shown example, the cylinder part 5 is accommodated in the cylinder space 4 and is at least selectively rotatable relative to the housing part 3 about the cylinder axis C, wherein the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6 are rotationally fixedly coupled to each other, wherein the cyhnder part 5 and the cam 6 are axially fixedly positioned relative to each other along the cylinder axis C using the first resilient holding element 7.

[0034] Fig. 8 separately shows the first resilient holding element 7 of the shown example. Fig. 5 and 6 show the first resilient holding element 7 of the shown example in an operational position. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the first resilient holding element 7 is located radially between the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6. In Fig. 6, it is particularly well visible that the first resilient holding element 7 in this position provides an axially, that is, along the direction DC of the cylinder axis C, fixed mutual positioning of the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6, as further explained elsewhere herein.

[0035] In embodiments, including in the shown example, the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6 are each provided with a respective engagement structure for mutual rotationally fixed engagement. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the engagement structures comprise one or more radially extending lugs 17 and / or recesses 18, wherein the lugs 17 are preferably configured to extend into the recesses 18 to provide the rotationally fixed coupling. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the one or more lugs 17 are part of the cam 6, wherein the one or more recesses 18 are formed in the cylinder part 5.

[0036] In embodiments, including in the shown example, the system 1 comprises a second resilient holding element 8, wherein the system 1 is configured to position the cylinder part 5 and the housing part 3 axially fixedly relative to each other along the cylinder axis C using the second resilient holding element 8, when the cylinder part 5 is accommodated in the cylinder space 4. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the cylinder part 5 and the housing part 3 are positioned axially fixedly relative to each other along the cylinder axis C using the second resilient holding element 8.

[0037] Thus, the forming of the cylinder lock assembly 2 can be further facilitated. In particular, this can prevent the cylinder part 5 and the housing part 6 from unintentionally moving axially relative to each other or even becoming detached from each other. At the same time, the rotatability of the cylinder part 5 relative to the housing part 6 about the cylinder axis C can be maintained. Also here the axially fixed mutual positioning can be relatively easily realized, for example by a user installing the cylinder lock assembly or in a pre-assembly step.

[0038] An important additional advantage is that indirectly also the cam 6 and the housing part 3 can be axially fixedly positioned relative to each other, namely by axially fixing both relative to the same cylinder part 5. This can facilitate the forming of the cylinder lock assembly 2 even further.

[0039] In embodiments, including in the shown example, the first resilient holding element 7 and the second resilient holding element 8 are formed mutually correspondingly. In Fig. 8, therefore, a same element, indicated with 7 / 8, is shown as an example for both mentioned holding elements 7 and 8. In Fig. 5 and 6, both holding elements 7 and 8 of the shown example are shown in their respective operational positions. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the second resilient holding element 8 is located radially between the cylinder part 5 and the housing part 3. In Fig. 6, it is particularly well visible that the second resilient holding element 8 in this position provides an axially, that is, along the direction DC of the cylinder axis C, fixed mutual positioning of the cylinder part 5 and the housing part 3, as further explained elsewhere herein.

[0040] In embodiments, including in the shown example, at least one of the first resilient holding element 7 and the second resilient holding element 8 is configured to extend substantially circumferentially relative to the cylinder axis C.

[0041] Thus, the respective holding element can provide a relatively robust axially fixed positioning, in particular substantially independent of a mutual rotational position of the respective components.

[0042] In embodiments, including in the shown example, for at least one of the first resilient holding element 7 and the second resilient holding element 8, the resilience of the holding element 7,8 provides an adjustability of a radius R of the holding element 7,8, particularly in radial direction relative to the cylinder axis C. In embodiments, including in the shown example, at least one of the first resilient holding element 7 and the second resilient holding element 8 is formed as a circlip.

[0043] Thus, the respective holding element can be relatively easily applied, particularly between the respective components, wherein the holding element can then provide an effective axially fixed positioning.

[0044] In embodiments, including in the shown example, the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6 are each formed with a recess 9,10 in which the first resilient holding element 7 can be at least partially accommodated. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the cylinder part 5 and the housing part 3 are each formed with a recess 11,12 in which the second resilient holding element 8 can be at least partially accommodated. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the respective recess 9-12 is formed as a groove extending substantially circumferentially relative to the cylinder axis C. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the system 1 is configured to allow the respective resilient holding element 7;8 to extend into both respective recesses 9,10; 11,12 so as to axially hold the respective parts 5,6; 5,3 relative to each other. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the recess or recesses 9,11 in the cylinder part 5 is or are configured to fully accommodate the respective resilient holding element 7,8 therein under resilient deformation of the respective holding element 7,8.

[0045] Thus, the functionality of the resilient holding elements 7,8 described elsewhere herein can be realized particularly effectively and efficiently.

[0046] In embodiments, including in the shown example, the system 1 is configured for coupling the cylinder part 5 with a motor for motorized operation of the cylinder lock assembly 2. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the system 1 comprises a coupling rod 13 for coupling the cylinder part 5 with the motor, wherein the system 1 is configured to allow the coupling rod 13 to axially extend from the cylinder part 5 to outside the cylinder part 5 at an opposite axial end of the cylinder part 6 relative to the cam 6, and to allow the coupling rod 13 to be rotationally fixedly coupled with the cylinder part 5.

[0047] The mutually fixed positioning and coupling of the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6 can thus advantageously be combined with a motorized operation of the cylinder lock assembly 2.

[0048] In embodiments, including the shown example, the system 1 is configured to bias the coupling rod 13 relative to the cylinder part 5 in an axial direction away from the cam 6, for example using a biasing spring 19 placed in the cylinder part 5.

[0049] Thus, an axial position of a distal end of the coupling rod 13 can be easily adjustable, for example in connection with different possible door thicknesses, particularly while the coupling rod 13 is continually biased axially towards the motor to prevent detachment from the motor.

[0050] In embodiments, including in the shown example, the system 1 is configured to allow the cylinder lock assembly 2 to be operable with a physical key from an axial end 20 of the cylinder lock assembly 2 opposite the motor. For this purpose, the cylinder lock assembly 2 comprises, for example, a further housing part and a further cylinder part accommodated therein that is rotatable relative to the further housing part when a suitable key is inserted into the further cylinder part.

[0051] In embodiments, including in the shown example, the system 1 comprises a coupling device 21, in English also known as a clutch, which is configured to selectively provide rotational transfer between the further cylinder part and the cam 6 when a key is inserted into the further cylinder part. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the coupling device 21 is configured to hold onto the cam 6. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the coupling device 21 holds onto the cam 6. This can further facilitate the forming of the cylinder lock assembly 2, particularly by preventing unintended detachment of the coupling device 21. For the holding, for example, a snap -fit connection can be used.

[0052] In Fig. 7, an example is shown of how a subassembly 22 for the cylinder assembly 2 can thus be provided, which subassembly 22 can, for example, be pre-assembled by a producer or seller or possibly be assembled by a user themselves. The subassembly 22 can then, for example, be expanded as desired with one or more further components, such as the further housing part, the further cylinder part, and / or one or more extension parts, to relatively easily form a cylinder lock assembly 2 with desired properties.

[0053] In embodiments, including in the shown example, in the housing part 3 at least one housing part opening 14 extending radially relative to the cylinder axis C is formed that connects the cylinder space 4 with a space outside the housing part 3, wherein in the cylinder part 5 at least one cylinder part opening 15 extending radially relative to the cylinder axis C is formed that is configured to be in communication with a housing part opening 14 of the at least one housing part opening 14 when the accommodated cylinder part 5 is in a predetermined starting position relative to the housing part 3, wherein the at least one housing part opening 14 and the at least one cylinder part opening 15 are dimensioned to allow a rotation locking element 16 introduced from the space outside the housing part 3 to extend through the housing part opening 14 into the cylinder part opening 15 to temporarily hold the cylinder part 5 in the predetermined starting position relative to the housing part 3, wherein the system 1 is configured to allow the introduced rotation locking element 16 to be removable from the space outside the housing part 3 manually and / or using a hand tool. In embodiments, including in the shown example, the system 1 further comprises the rotation locking element 16.

[0054] Thus, the forming and installation of the cylinder lock assembly 2 can be further facilitated, particularly by preventing the cylinder part 5 and the cam 6 from being moved out of their starting position relative to the housing part 3 until just before installation. To provide the desired operational rotatability of the cylinder part 5 relative to the housing part 3, the rotation locking element 16 can be easily removed by a user after the cylinder lock assembly 2 is fully formed, for example, just before the cylinder lock assembly is installed. The rotation locking element may, for example, comprise a pin or a screw or a bolt and may or may not be provided with a handle. In the case of a screw or a bolt, the possible hand tool may, for example, be a screwdriver or a key such as an hex key.

[0055] Although the invention is explained herein using examples of embodiments and figures, these do not limit the scope of the invention, which scope is determined by the claims. Within said scope, many variations are possible. For example, the cylinder part may be operable by a physical key. A resilient holding element may, for example, be formed as a radially extending pin or series of pins under pre-tension configured for engagement with a circumferentially formed groove. The system may comprise one or more pre-assembled subassemblies for the cylinder lock assembly. The system may, for example, be configured to provide freedom of choice and / or adaptability regarding an axial length of the cylinder lock assembly.

[0056] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0057] 1. System

[0058] 2. Cylinder lock assembly

[0059] 3. Housing part

[0060] 4. Cylinder space

[0061] 5. Cylinder part

[0062] 6. Cam

[0063] 7. First resilient holding element

[0064] 8. Second resilient holding element

[0065] 9. Recess in cylinder part for first resilient holding element

[0066] 10. Recess in cam for first resilient holding element

[0067] 11. Recess in cylinder part for second resilient holding element

[0068] 12. Recess in housing part for second resilient holding element

[0069] 13. Coupling rod

[0070] 14. Housing part opening

[0071] 15. Cylinder part opening

[0072] 16. Rotation locking element

[0073] 17. Lug for rotationally fixed coupling

[0074] 18. Recess for rotationally fixed coupling

[0075] 19. Biasing spring

[0076] 20. Axial end for operation with a physical key

[0077] 21. Coupling device for key operation

[0078] 22. Subassembly

[0079] C. Cylinder axis

[0080] DC. Axial direction, i.e., direction of cylinder axis

[0081] R. Radius of holding element

Claims

CLAIMS1. System (1) for forming a cylinder lock assembly (2), comprising: a housing part (3) for the cylinder lock assembly (2), wherein a cylinder space (4) is formed in the housing part (3); a cylinder part (5) for the cylinder lock assembly (2), wherein the cylinder part (5) is configured to be accommodated in the cylinder space (4); and a cam (6) for the cylinder lock assembly (2), wherein the cam (6) is configured to cooperate with a bolt operable via the cylinder lock assembly (2), wherein the system (1) is configured to, in the cylinder lock assembly (2), allow the cylinder part (5) accommodated in the cylinder space(4) to be at least selectively rotatable relative to the housing part (3) about a cylinder axis (C) of the cylinder part (5), and to allow the cylinder part (5) and the cam (6) to be rotationally fixedly coupled to each other, wherein the system (1) comprises a first resilient holding element (7), wherein the system (1) is configured to axially fixedly position the cylinder part (5) and the cam (6) relative to each other along the cylinder axis (C) using the first resilient holding element (7), when the cylinder part(5) and the cam (6) are rotationally fixedly coupled to each other.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the system (1) comprises a second resilient holding element (8), wherein the system (1) is configured to position the cylinder part (5) and the housing part axially fixedly relative to each other along the cylinder axis (C) using the second resilient holding element (8), when the cylinder part (5) is accommodated in the cylinder space (4).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first resilient holding element (7) and the second resilient holding element (8) is configured to extend substantially circumferentially relative to the cylinder axis (C).

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cylinder part (5) and the cam (6) are each formed with a recess (9,10) in which the first resilient holding element (7) can be at least partially accommodated.

5. System according to any of claims 2 - 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the cylinder part (5) and the housing part (3) are each formed with a recess (11,12) in which the second resilient holding element (8) can be at least partially accommodated.

6. System according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the respective recess (9- 12) is formed as a groove extending substantially circumferentially relative to the cylinder axis (C).

7. System according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the system (1) is configured to allow the respective resilient holding element (7;8) to extend into both respective recesses (9,10; 11,12) so as to axially hold the respective parts (5,6; 5,3) relative to each other.

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first resilient holding element (7) and the second resilient holding element (8) is formed as a circlip, and / or wherein for at least one of the first resilient holding element (7) and the second resilient holding element (8), the resilience of the holdingelement (7,8) provides an adjustability of a radius (R) of the holding element (7,8), particularly in the radial direction relative to the cylinder axis (C).

9. System according to any of the preceding claims, configured for coupling the cylinder part (5) with a motor for motorized operation of the cylinder lock assembly (2).

10. System according to claim 9, comprising a coupling rod (13) for coupling the cylinder part (5) with the motor, wherein the system (1) is configured to allow the coupling rod (13) to axially extend from the cylinder part (5) to outside the cylinder part (5) at an opposite axial end of the cylinder part (6) relative to the cam (6), and to allow the coupling rod (13) to be rotationally fixedly coupled with the cylinder part (5).

11. System according to claim 10, configured to bias the coupling rod(13) relative to the cylinder part (5) in an axial direction away from the cam (6).

12. System according to any of claims 9 - 11, configured to allow the cylinder lock assembly (2) to be operable with a physical key from an opposite axial end of the cylinder lock assembly (2) relative to the motor, wherein the system (1) preferably comprises a coupling device (21) configured to selectively provide rotational transfer between a further cylinder part and the cam (6) when a key is inserted into the further cylinder part.

13. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the housing part (3) at least one housing part opening(14) extending radially relative to the cylinder axis (C) is formed that connects the cylinder space (4) with a space outside the housing part (3),wherein in the cylinder part (5) at least one cylinder part opening (15) extending radially relative to the cylinder axis (C) is formed that is configured to be in communication with a housing part opening (14) of the at least one housing part opening (14) when the accommodated cylinder part (5) is in a predetermined starting position relative to the housing part (3), wherein the at least one housing part opening (14) and the at least one cylinder part opening (15) are dimensioned to allow a rotation locking element (16) introduced from the space outside the housing part (3) to extend through the housing part opening (14) into the cylinder part opening (15) to temporarily hold the cylinder part (5) in the predetermined starting position relative to the housing part (3), wherein the system (1) is configured to allow the introduced rotation locking element (16) to be removable from the space outside the housing part (3) manually and / or using a hand tool.

14. System according to claim 13, further comprising the rotation locking element (16).

15. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cylinder part (5) is accommodated in the cylinder space (4) and is at least selectively rotatable relative to the housing part (3) about the cylinder axis (C), wherein the cylinder part (5) and the cam (6) are rotationally fixedly coupled to each other, wherein the cylinder part (5) and the cam (6) are axially fixedly positioned relative to each other along the cylinder axis (C) using the first resilient holding element (7), wherein preferably the cylinder part (5) and the housing part (3) are positioned axially fixedly relative to each other along the cylinder axis (C) using the second resilient holding element (8).

16. Cylinder lock assembly (2) comprising a system (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

Images