WO1993010323A1

WO1993010323A1 - Cylinder lock

Info

Publication number: WO1993010323A1
Application number: PCT/SE1992/000782
Authority: WO
Inventors: Åke HÄGGSTRÖM
Original assignee: Assa Ab
Priority date: 1991-11-15
Filing date: 1992-11-12
Publication date: 1993-05-27
Also published as: SE9103385D0; SE9103385L

Abstract

A cylinder lock (1) including a lock housing (8) and a replaceably fittable lock cylinder (2) having a core (3) and a manoeuvering device (7). The core has a reduced section or necked section adjacent the manoeuvering device for accommodating a rollback in the form of a sleeve (15) and a catch means (15a) which, when the lock cylinder (2) is fitted, coacts with two hooked pins (16) which also extend into corresponding recesses in the lock cylinder and therewith assist in guiding the lock cylinder (2) into the lock housing (8). When inserting a lock replacement key (10), whose code length (10a) is greater than the code length (11a) of a standard key (11), the sleeve (15) and the catch means are rotated between a latching position and a release position. An additional pair of pin tumblers function to hold the sleeve against rotation and also to assist in rotation of the sleeve. The lock replacement key (10) may be the main key of a lock system.

Description

1 Cylinder Lock

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a cylinder lock and more specifically to a cylinder lock having a lock cylinder which can be releasably retained in a lock housing and being of the kind defined in the preamble of Claim 1.

Background Prior Art

It is desirable in many instances to be able to replace at least part of the lock cylinder of a cylinder lock and, in many instances, it is known to provide the lock cylinder with a replaceable core. This need arises, for instance, when there is a risk of unauthorized persons obtaining possession of the key to a particular lock.

In other instances, it may be desirable to change all of the cylinder locks or parts of said locks in a hotel on one and the same occasion and at short or longer inter¬ vals, with the intention of reducing the risk of a person who books a room in the hotel from making a copy of that particular room key in preparation of making unauthorized entry to the room at a later date.

Other examples of cases where it is desirable to change a cylinder lock or parts thereof are found in storage lockers in railway stations, airports and like estab¬ lishments, where an unauthorized person can readily procure a copy of a key to a given locker and then use the key when he knows that something valuable has been placed in the locker. In these and other cases, it is desirable to enable the lock or lock part to be replaced quickly and easily, and also for the catch means which functions to releasably secure the exchangeable part in the lock will be highly reliable in function but, at the same time, have a simple construction so as not to make the lock unneces¬ sarily expensive.

US, A 2,347,802 (Voigt) teaches an example of one known solution in which a lock cylinder and an associated core are housed in a housing provided with external screw threads which enable the cylinder to be screwed securely to a lock housing. The housing surrounding the replace¬ able lock cylinder also includes catch means. When the core is turned with the aid of a so-called lock replace¬ ment key, the catch means rotates in accompaniment with said movement to a release position in which the lock cylinder can be removed from its housing and replaced with another.

This arrangement is relatively complicated and requires a large number of component parts. One particular com¬ plication is that the arrangement requires the provision of extension parts which transmit core movement through the threaded part of the housing to an external dogging means, said threaded part having a relatively long axial length.

US,__.1,986,453 (Shaw) describes a similar solution in which the lock cylinder is also provided with external screw threads and a core. The actual catch arrangement also includes a plurality of separate elements, in¬ cluding axially moveable securing screws.

DE,A. 2,723,887 (Best Lock Corp.) describes a solution in which an 8-shaped part which includes a core is replaceably mounted in a round lock cylinder fitted to a door. This lock structure also includes anchoring pins which are inserted through a lock housing and which coact with a corresponding lock cylinder on the other side of the door. A comparatively complicated catch means functions to secure and release the 8-εhaped part when the core is turned with the aid of a lock replace¬ ment key.

Still another solution for replacing a complete lock cylinder housed in its housing is described in US,A 3,434,316 (Neary) . This solution is even more complicated than the aforedescribed solutions, if such is possible, and requires the insertion of a special tool in the form of a wire in order to release the lock cylinder.

Object of the Present Invention

The invention is primarily based on the realization that it is normally preferable to replace the whole lock cylinder, including core and associated catch means. This removes the risk of damage to the core and the associated catch means. This is necessary in particular because the core includes two or more lock systems, which may be independent of one another, such as a side¬ bar which is activated by a separate row of pins and a separate associated key code, in addition to a "normal" row of pins which coact with a more or less conventional key code. One such high security lock is retailed by Applicant under the trade name ASSA TWIN. Since the peripherally mounted side-bar is very likely to be damaged when only the cylinder lock core is replaced, it will be understood that it is desirable, if not neces- sary, to be able to replace the whole of the lock cylinder. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a cylinder lock whose lock cylinder is provided with a simple arrangement of devices which will enable the whole lock cylinder, together with associated ele- ents, to be replaced quickly and safely.

Brief Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention, this object and other objects are fulfilled with a cylinder lock of the aforedescribed kind which is mainly characterized by the characteristic features set forth in the character¬ izing clause of Claim 1.

Among other things, the invention affords the advantage that the element or elements with which the catch means cooperate have the additional function of simplifying fitting of the cylinder lock to the lock housing, there¬ by facilitating the actual lock replacing operation. In the case of the inventive cylinder lock, the catch means coacts with appropriately configured means on the lock housing, which is sufficient to accurately and reliably secure the lock cylinder to the lock housing in a manner which will enable the lock cylinder to be replaced safely. This can be achieved by simply turning the lock replacement key, e.g. through 90°, wherein the catch means rotates in accompaniment with key movement.

When the core is turned by means of the standard key, the catch means is held fixed in its latching position, wherein, when turned, the core merely performs its usual function, namely that of activating the lock mechanism in the lock housing.

A particularly effective solution is obtained when the catch means is arranged to engage with two hooked pins joined to the lock housing, these pins preferably being provided with heads, optionally of irregular shape, and secured, e.g. welded, to the inner surface of the lock housing.

Two such hooked pins form advantageously guide means of the aforesaid kind. The hooks on respective pins form the devices with which the catch means engages in the locked state of the lock.

The catch means is conveniently mounted on a sleeve which surrounds a reduced end-part of the core inwardly of the manoeuvering device, and the sleeve is also provided with a groove or a recess which is intended for coaction with the pins of the additional pin pair.

It will be understood that such a sleeve will provide a simple and reliable component which is able to carry the catch means effectively, so that the core can be twisted or rotated relative to the sleeve and the catch means when a standard key is inserted into the core, and so that the sleeve and the catch means can be rotated together with the core when a lock replacement key is inserted.

In an arrangement of this kind, it is preferred that the catch means has the form of a tongue or a segment which are able to grip against two hooked pins.

When the standard key is inserted, corresponding upper pins prevent further rotation of the sleeve while when the special key, or lock replacement key, is inserted, the division plane between bottom pins and upper pins lies on a level with the sleeve periphery, wherein the bottom pin enters the aforesaid groove or recess so that the sleeve will accompany the subsequent rotary movement of the core.

The sleeve and associated catch means can be referred to as a core-mounted rollback.

The sleeve is also conveniently provided with a stop shoulder which functions to engage abutment surfaces on the cylinder housing and therewith restrict movement of the sleeve and therewith also movement of the catch means between their respective latching and release positions.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to an exemplifying embodiment thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coin-operated lock housing, to which an inventive lock cylinder can be fitted and quickly removed with the aid of a lock re¬ placement key, the Figure also showing the standard lock key.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one end of the lock cylinder provided with manoeuvering or activating means and a rollback.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rollback for the lock cylinder shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the lock cylinder shown in Figures 1 and 2 as fitted to the lock housing.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line V-V in

Figure 4 and shows the catch means of the rollback in a locking position.

Figure 6 is a sectional view corresponding to the view of Figure 5 and shows the catch means in a lock-release position.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a hooked pin for guiding the lock cylinder into position in the lock housing and securing the lock cylinder in said position.

Figure 8 is a section view of the lock housing having two hooked pins according to Figure 7 welded to said housing.

Figure 9 shows part of a lock housing provided with a circular hole for manoeuvering of the lock cylinder and also shows two hooked pins mounted in place.

Figure 10 is a sectional view of a modified embodiment of the lock cylinder and shows a standard key inserted in the lock.

Figure 11, finally, is a sectional view corresponding to the view of Figure 10 with a lock replacement key, in the form of a system key or main key, inserted in the lock.

Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention

In Figure 1, the reference numeral 1 identifies gener¬ ally a cylinder lock having a lock mechanism which is housed in a lock housing 8, of which mechanism only an outwardly projecting hooked bolt is shown in Figure 1. The Figure 1 illustration also shows a coin-operated lock having a coin slot 8a and a further slot 8b for guiding an element 19 which forms part of the lock mechanism and which is mounted in the lock housing.

The lock housing 8 is also provided with a recess 8c for accommodation of a lock cylinder manoeuvering device 7 which is intended for coaction with a cylinder follower (not shown) mounted in the lock housing 8.

The lock cylinder 2 is provided with a core 3 and a key slot 4. The key slot 4 is intended to receive a standard key 11 for rotation of the core 3 and corresponding rotation of the manoeuvering device 7.

Although not shown, the lock cylinder 2 includes a row of pin tumblers which coact with a corresponding row of pin tumblers (not shown) mounted in the lock core 3.

The lock cylinder 2 is of the kind which includes an additional pair of pin tumblers 6, as shown in Figure 4. The pins of this additional pin pair are intended to be activated by a lock replacement key 10, the code 10a of which has a greater length than the code 11a of the standard key 11.

In order to enable the lock cylinder 2 to be connected to the lock housing 8 in a manner which will enable the lock cylinder to be quickly released from the lock housing, the core 3 of the lock cylinder has a reduced or necked down part inwardly of the manoeuvering device 7, this reduced or necked part being intended to receive a rollback in the form of a sleeve 15 which includes a tongue-like catch means 15a. The outer periphery of the sleeve 15 therewith coincides with the major part of the outer periphery of the core. The sleeve 15 is provided with a groove or recess 15c into which (c.f. Figure 4) the additional pair of pin tumblers 6 normally protrude, so as to prevent the sleeve 15 from turning when the standard key 11 is inserted into the lock cylinder 2.

However, when the lock replacement key 10 is inserted into the key slot 4, the additional pair of pins 6 are activated such that the parting plane of both pins 6a,

6b will fall along the outer periphery of the sleeve 15, and consequently when the key 11 is turned the sleeve 15 will be caused to accompany rotation of the key through the action of the bottom pin 6b. The catch means 15a will therewith take a release position, in the manner described herebelow.

When the sleeve 15 is in the position shown in Figure 2 and Figure 5, the catch means 15a occupies its latching position in which it coacts with two hooked pins 16, the general configuration of which is shown in Figure 7. These hooked pins 16 are provided with partially cut¬ away heads 16a which are accommodated within the lock housing 8, such that the pin sections will project out in the manner shown in Figure 1. The hooked pins are welded to an inner surface of the lock housing. The hooked pins 16 are provided with tapered ends 16b for coaction with corresponding recesses 2a in the lock cylinder 2. When the lock cylinder 2 is inserted in position for coaction with the lock housing 8, the hooked pins function to guide the lock cylinder into an exact and correct position in relation to the lock housing.

When the core 3 is rotated by means of the lock replace¬ ment key 10, the catch means 15a will rotate from the release position shown in Figure 6 to the latch position shown in Figure 5, in which the catch means 15a engages behind shoulders 16c on the hooked pins 16, thereby holding the lock cylinder secured in its correct posi¬ tion on the lock housing 8, although while enabling the lock cylinder to be quickly removed and replaced. A stop shoulder 15b on the sleeve or the rollback 15 limits movement of the rollback between a release position and a locking position. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, this rotary movement is limited to 90°, as will be seen from Figures 5 and 6. Corresponding shoul¬ ders 2d, 2e on the cylinder housing coact with the stop shoulder 15b.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a modified embodiment of the lock cylinder 2. In the- case of this embodiment, the diameter of the sleeve or rollback 15 is smaller than the diameter of the core 3. In other cases, the diameter of the sleeve may be greater than the core diameter.

Located between the pair of top pins 5a and bottom pins 5b in said pin rows are intermediate pins or "cheeses" 5c of mutually different thicknesses, in accordance with a so-called system lock principle. The additional pair of pins are not effected by the insertion of the stan¬ dard key 11 in the Figure 10 embodiment. The sleeve 15 and the catch means 15a are thus held secured in their latching position by the upper pin 6a.

Although not shown, an intermediate pin may also be inserted between the upper pin 6a and the lower pin 6b.

Figure 11 illustrates a main or system key 10 inserted in the cylinder lock. The active code length of this main key is greater than the code length of the standard key 11. This enables the sleeve 15 to be rotated togeth¬ er with the core 3 under the action of the lower pin 6b. The main key 10 can therewith be used to quickly replace different lock cylinders belonging to the current system. Industrial Application

It will be understood that the lock cylinder of an inventive cylinder lock can be fitted in position in a lock housing quickly and easily and that it can also be quickly and easily replaced when so desired. The lock cylinder is secured in position with the aid of simple and effective means which do not involve any real structural complications and which do not greatly in- crease the cost of the lock cylinder.

Although the exemplifying embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to a coin-operated lock, it will be understood that lock cylinders intended for other types of locks can be constructed in accordance with the invention so as to enable the whole lock cylinder to be replaced quickly and reliably when so desired.

This is particularly beneficial in those instances when the core of the lock cylinder is intended to coact with two mutually independent lock systems, in which case it is often unsuitable to replace solely the core of the lock cylinder.

As a result of the direct engagement of the additional pair of pins with the recess in the sleeve part 15, it is ensured that this lock component will be held in position when the standard key is inserted, while en- abling, without complication, said lock component to rotate in accompaniment with the core to and from its release position, when the lock replacement key 10 is inserted into the cylinder core.

Claims

1. A cylinder lock comprising a) a lock cylinder (2) having a cylinder housing which accommodates one or more rows of pin tumblers; b) a core (3) provided with one or more rows of corres¬ ponding pin tumblers and having a key slot (4) which can be turned in the cylinder housing when a standard key (11) is correctly inserted; c) a manoeuvering device (7) which is located on one end of the core and accommodated in a lock housing (8) with which the lock cylinder is releasably connected; d) at least one additional pair of pin tumblers (6) in said row or one of said rows, said additional pair of pin tumblers being actuable upon the insertion of a lock-cylinder replacement key (10) whose code length is longer than the code length of the standard key (11); e) a catch means (15a) which is connected to the core (3) of the lock cylinder (2) and which is held non- rotatably by the additional pair of pin tumblers (6) in a latching position upon rotation of the core (3) by the standard key (11) but which is activated by a pin tum¬ bler (6a) of said additional pair of pin tumblers upon rotation by means of the lock replacement key (10), so as to accompany said rotary movement and move to a release position in which the lock cylinder (2) can be released from the lock housing (8); c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the catch means (15a) is intended to engage with at least one element (16) which projects laterally outwards from the lock housing (8) and which is received in a corresponding recess (2a) in the lock cylinder (2) while guiding the lock cylinder to its correct position in the lock housing (8).

2. A cylinder lock according to Claim l, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the catch means (15a) is intended to engage with two hooked pins (16) which are connected to the lock housing (8) and which are preferably provid- ed with heads (16a), optionally of an irregular shape, and which are connected to the lock housing (8) prefera¬ bly by welds.

3. A cylinder lock according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the catch means (15a) is mounted on a sleeve (15) which surrounds a corresponding end-part of the core (3) inwardly of the manoeuvering device (7), and in which a groove or a recess (15c) in the sleeve (15) is intended to coact with the pin tumblers (6) of said additional pair of pin tumblers, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the catch means (15a) has the form of a tongue or a segment for engagement with two mutually spaced hooked pins (16) .

4. A cylinder lock according to Claim 3, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the sleeve (15) includes a stop shoulder (15b) which is intended to engage two mutually spaced abutment surfaces (2d, 2e) on the lock cylinder (2) so as to limit the movement of the sleeve (15), and therewith also the movement of the catch means (15a), between their latching and release positions respective¬ ly-