EP3670799B1 - Locking device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a locking device, in particular for locking a box provided with a flap, which comprises a housing with a housing core and at least one locking element that is moved by an unlocking means from a locked position in which the housing core is immovable into an unlocked position in which the Housing core is movable relative to the housing, can be brought, wherein only a linear movement of the unlocking means causes an actuation of an unlocking means.

Out EP 2 107 186 A1 a lock for a container is known in which a linear movement of a cylinder in a key insertion direction causes a rotation of a bolt. To enable the linear movement, it is necessary to turn a key counterclockwise ("push button operated mode").

With one off DE 25 32 076 A1 known lock for a cash register to protect against unauthorized use is by a linear movement of a spring-mounted cylinder, in which a suitable key is inserted, an actuating rod that actuates an electrical switch, movable from a basic position into an actuating position.

From the prior art, mailbox locks are also known which have a lock cylinder with a cylindrical lock cylinder core. By inserting a suitable key into a receiving channel of the lock cylinder core, spring-mounted, multi-part frame-like or pin-shaped locking elements are moved into an unlocked position and the lock cylinder core can be rotated relative to the housing by turning the key. As a result of this rotation, a locking bolt firmly connected to the core is pivoted into an unlocked position and the flap can be opened. Depending on the design of the lock cylinder, the key may need to be turned 90 to 180 degrees.

Rotatable handles for opening doors, windows or flaps are also known from the prior art, which have a lock cylinder with a cylindrical lock cylinder core. The lock cylinder is used to block a rotary movement of the handle, which prevents unauthorized opening of the door, window or flap. By inserting a suitable key into a receiving channel of the lock cylinder core, resiliently mounted, multi-part frame-like or pin-shaped locking elements are moved into an unlocked position and the lock cylinder core can be rotated relative to the rotatable handle by turning the key. As a result of this rotation, a locking bolt firmly connected to the core is pivoted into an unlocked position and the handle can be rotated. The door, window or flap can be opened. Depending on the design of the lock cylinder, the key may need to be turned 90 to 180 degrees.

The present invention is based on the object of creating a locking device of the type mentioned at the beginning which enables very simple unlocking. A further object of the invention is to create a locking device which can be mounted completely inside a box to be locked with a flap.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the housing core is designed in several parts, a first housing core part being designed to receive the unlocking means, a second housing core part being designed like a sleeve and at least partially enclosing the first housing core part.

According to the invention, no rotary movement of a suitable unlocking means is required to unlock the locking device. For example, a key can be inserted into a receiving channel of the locking device according to the invention in order to move the locking elements into the unlocked position. A further linear movement of the key actuates an unlocking means, whereby the locking device is unlocked. A flap of a letterbox or another container closed with a flap, for example a cupboard or a locker, can be opened or a rotary movement of a handle for an opening, in particular a window, can be released. A rotary movement of the unlocking means is not required for unlocking. Since the housing core is constructed in several parts, a translation of the linear movement of the unlocking means into a different movement of further Housing core parts take place. The multi-part housing core has a gear-like effect and converts a linear movement, for example, into a rotary movement of further housing core parts.

Because a linear movement is not required for unlocking, the locking device according to the invention can advantageously be fitted completely inside the box or a rotatable window handle. It is not necessary to pass a lock cylinder through, for example, a flap of a box to be locked or a rotatable handle, a slot in the flap or the rotatable handle for inserting an unlocking means is sufficient.

An actuating element is expediently linearly movable, rotatable or pivotable and / or vertically, obliquely, parallel or coaxially movable to a direction of movement of the unlocking means. The linear insertion movement of the unlocking means, which can be an insertion movement of a key, is translated into a linear movement, a rotary movement or a pivoting movement of the actuating element. For example, a long stroke or rotation path of the unlocking means from a locking position into an unlocking position is advantageously possible from a short insertion path of the unlocking means. The actuating element can also be designed to form a material, force-locking and / or form-fitting connection with the unlocking means, which can have a locking bolt.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing core has a shape deviating from a cylindrical shape and in particular comprises a rectangular base area. The fact that no rotary movement of the housing core is required for unlocking means that freedom of design is advantageously increased. Further advantageously, a housing core with a rectangular base can be guided more stably in a housing and is secured against tilting.

An actuating element is expediently attached to the housing core, preferably to an end face facing the unlocking means, and in particular formed in one piece. It is also conceivable that the actuating element is formed from a different material and / or has different mechanical properties than the housing core. Simple production is advantageously possible.

In one embodiment of the invention, the unlocking means has a movable locking bolt, which is preferably linearly movable or pivotable. The locking bolt is set up to engage behind a locking projection. If the locking bolt can be moved linearly, it could be extended and retracted in order to engage behind the locking projection, which can be a frame section of a mailbox housing. A very compact design is advantageously possible. An entry path of 3 to 10 mm can already be sufficient to achieve a particularly burglar-proof locking. The locking bolt can also be formed from a flat piece of metal that engages behind the locking projection in a locking position and can be pivoted into an unlocking position. A movement of the locking bolt perpendicular, parallel, coaxially or obliquely to the linear direction of movement of the unlocking means is conceivable.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the unlocking means is designed as a key and the first housing core part is cylindrical.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second housing core part can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. A linear movement of the first housing core part, which is provided for receiving the unlocking means, can advantageously be converted into a rotary movement of the second housing core part about a longitudinal axis. If an actuating element is attached to the second housing core part, an actuating path or angle to be covered in the circumferential direction can be determined by its eccentric attachment.

A second housing core part expediently has a groove into which a driver element protruding from the first housing core part in the direction of the second housing core part engages. Both housing core parts are preferably cylindrical and coaxial with one another. Advantageously, a linear movement of the first housing core part can be converted into a rotary movement of the second housing core part by the driver element, which can in particular be designed as a driver pin. If, for example, it is necessary to rotate an actuating element through an angle of 90 degrees with a short insertion path of a key, the groove can have a directional component that runs predominantly in the circumferential direction. If a rotation is required for a long key insertion path, the groove can have a directional component that runs predominantly in one insertion direction. A path that the driver element covers in the longitudinal direction is preferably just as long as a path in the circumferential direction.

In one embodiment of the invention, a first housing core part of a multi-part housing core can be moved linearly in the unlocked position and a second housing core part, which encloses the first housing core part like a sleeve, can be rotated in the unlocked position. The linear movement can be brought about by a suitable key which is inserted into the first housing part and moved further in an insertion direction, in particular is pushed in. A linear movement of the first housing core part can advantageously be translated into a rotary movement of the second housing core part.

In one embodiment of the invention, a return means is provided which preferably has a helical spring and which is arranged between a housing and a one-piece housing core or between a first housing core part and a second housing core part of a multi-part housing core. A linear movement of the housing core or of the first part of the housing core when the locking device is unlocked takes place against a restoring force of the restoring means. This advantageously enables the housing core or the first housing core part to move back when the unlocking means is removed, for example when a key is pulled out.

Appropriately, an unlocking means for use with the locking device comprises an electronic key on which data are stored that are transmitted to a control unit that is set up to control at least one preferably electric drive that is used to move the locking elements into an unlocked position and for linear movement of a housing core or a first housing core part of a multi-part housing is provided. The control unit checks whether the data on the electronic key, which can have an RFID chip, authorize the unlocking of the device. If this is the case, the locking elements are moved into the unlocked position and the housing core or a first housing core part of a multi-part housing core is moved linearly into a housing.

In one embodiment of the invention, an unlocking means, which in particular comprises a preferably linearly movable locking bolt or a multi-part locking element, is arranged within the housing or within a receiving section molded onto the housing. The multi-part locking element is preferably designed in two parts and can be designed to engage behind a locking pin. Two semicircular ring sections can be provided for this purpose.
The receiving section can be provided for receiving a locking pin, which dips into the receiving section, and can also be designed as a sleeve section. The unlocking means is advantageously protected from contamination by the housing or the receiving section.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an unlocking means is provided which is arranged both in an unlocked position and in a locked position within the housing or within a receiving section molded onto the housing. A particularly compact design of the locking device is advantageously possible.

Two restoring means are expediently provided, a first of which between a housing and a one-piece housing core or between a first housing core part and a second housing core part of a multi-part housing core is arranged, and a second between the housing and an unlocking means. The return means can for example be designed as helical springs.
A purely mechanical actuation of the locking device is possible. Battery-powered electrical or electronic components that require electricity for intended use are not required. The locking device is advantageously particularly fail-safe.

In one embodiment of the invention, the unlocking means engages in a locking position in an annular groove of a locking means or engages behind a retaining projection of a locking means. The locking means is preferably designed as a locking pin which is firmly connected to an inner wall of the container or a flap of the container.

The at least one locking element is expediently designed in the form of a pin, rod or frame and is preferably held in the locking position by a restoring means, in particular a spring. A frame-like design is particularly advantageous because the production of frame-like locking elements is particularly simple. In addition, such locking elements are easier to handle during assembly.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing has a viewing window through which a position of a connecting means that connects a first housing core part to a second housing core part of a multi-part housing can be seen. A user of the locking device can advantageously recognize from a position of the connecting means whether the device is locked or unlocked. For example, the connecting means can be a driving pin which is inserted with a first end section into an opening in the first housing core part and with a second end section engages in a groove in the second housing core part.

Fig. 1a-d

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Verriegelungseinrichtung in mehreren Ansichten,

Fig. 2a-d

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Verriegelungseinrichtung in mehreren Ansichten,

Fig. 3

eine erste besondere Ausführungsform einer Verriegelungseinrichtung in einer Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 4a, b

eine weitere besondere Ausführungsform einer Verriegelungseinrichtung in einer Explosionsdarstellung.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the attached drawings relating to the exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1a-d

a first embodiment of a locking device in several views,

Figures 2a-d

a second embodiment of a locking device in several views,

Fig. 3

a first special embodiment of a locking device in an exploded view,

Figures 4a, b

another particular embodiment of a locking device in an exploded view.

One in Fig. 1a The locking device (1) shown in an exploded view comprises a housing (2) which is designed to receive a housing core (5) having two parts (3, 4). A first cylindrical housing core part (3) has an elongated channel, closed on one end face (6), for receiving a key (7). Openings (9) are made in an upper side (8) of the first housing core part (3), through which blocking sections (10) of frame-like blocking elements (11) can pass. The locking elements (11) engage with the locking sections (10) in a locking position in which the first part (3) is immovable relative to the housing (2) and / or the second housing core part (4), in Fig. 1a not visible receiving recesses, which are introduced into an inside of a second housing core part (4). The second housing core part (4) is designed like a sleeve, encloses the first housing core part (3) and is arranged between the first housing core part (3) and the housing (2) such that it can rotate about a longitudinal axis.

The locking elements (11) are mounted in the first part (3) on helical springs (12), each of the helical springs (12) having an underside (13) against an in Fig. 1a receiving section (not shown) of the first housing core part (3) and with an upper side (14) against a projection (15) of one of the frame-like locking elements (11). In the relaxed state of the springs (12), the locking sections (10) pass through the openings (9) and are in the locking position.

To unlock, that is, to move the locking elements (11) from a locked position into an unlocked position, a suitable key (7) is inserted into the channel of the first part (3). As a result, the locking sections (10) of the locking elements (11) are moved against a spring force of the helical springs (12) through the openings (9) into the interior of the first housing core part (3). In the unlocked position, the first housing core part (3) can be moved linearly into the second housing core part (4) in the direction of a key insertion direction.

From the first housing core part (3) there is also a driver pin (16), preferably made of metal, which with a pin head (17) is in a longitudinal and The groove (18) extending in the circumferential direction engages in the second part (4). The groove (18) is continuous in the radial direction of the cylindrical sleeve.

If the first housing core part (3) is moved linearly into the second housing core part (4) in an unlocked position of the locking elements (11) by pressure on the key in its axial direction, this linear movement causes a straight movement of the driver pin (16) from an initial position, in which it rests against a first groove end (19), into an end position in which the driver pin (16) rests against a second groove end (20). When moving in a straight line from the starting position to the end position, the second part (4) is rotated by an operating angle relative to the first part (3). This is 90 degrees in this exemplary embodiment, since the first (19) and the second groove end (20) are arranged offset from one another by an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical second part (4). Furthermore, an insertion path by which the first part (3) is pushed into the second part (4) is just as large as a path in the circumferential direction by which the second part is rotated. As a result, a particularly good translation of a linear movement into a rotary movement is achieved.

The fact that the second housing core part (4) is provided on an outside with an actuating element (21) which protrudes from the housing (2) and to which an unlocking means (23) designed as a locking bolt is attached by a fastening clamp (22) the bolt (23) is rotated when the second housing core part (4) is rotated by the operating angle of 90 degrees from a basic position into an unlocked position. It goes without saying that other operating angles are conceivable, for example between 30 and 90 degrees, in particular 30, 45 and 60 degrees.

At the in Figure 1B The locking device (1) shown in a side view is a matching key (7) inserted into the first part (3) of the housing core (5) so that the in Fig. 1a locking elements (11) shown are in the unlocked position. The locking bar (23) extends in Figure 1b into the plane of the drawing. If the key (7) linearly by a key path, which can be between 5 and 15 mm, preferably 8 mm, in an in Figure 1c When the end position shown is pushed, a linear movement of the first part (3) of the housing core (5) is effected, which by the driver pin (16) leads to a rotation of the sleeve-like second part (4) by the operating angle. As a result, the bolt (23) firmly connected to the second part (4) is pushed into the in Figure 1c Unlocking position shown of the locking device (1) rotated.

In Fig. 1d is the in Figures 1a-c The locking device (1) described in detail is shown in a perspective view.

With the in Fig. 1 The embodiment of the invention shown here can translate a linear movement of a first part (3) of a multi-part housing core (5) into a rotary movement of an unlocking means.

There is also an in Fig. 1a-d Threaded section shown (24) introduced into a housing outer side (25) and for connection to an in Fig. 1 not shown receiving housing or a holding frame set up.

It is now on Fig. 2 Reference is made where the same or equivalent parts have the same reference numbers as in Fig. 1 and the letter a is attached to the relevant reference number.

One in Fig. 2a The locking device shown (1a) differs from that in Fig. 1a shown in that an unlocking means is designed as a linearly movable locking bolt (26), the direction of linear movement of which consists of a in Figure 2b locking position shown in a in Figure 2c Unlocking position shown is perpendicular to an insertion direction of a key (7a). The locking bolt (26) is held in the locking position by a spring (27) which rests with an upper end (28) against an underside (29) of the locking bolt (26). The locking bar (26) also has a recess (30) into which an actuating bolt (31) protruding from a second, sleeve-like part (4a) of a housing core (5a) engages. The bolt (31) is formed in one piece and eccentrically on an end of the cylindrical part (4a) facing the locking bolt (26) and can be rotated by an operating angle when a driver pin (16a) moves from an initial position to an end position. During a rotary movement, the bolt (31) presses against an underside (32) of the recess and causes a linear movement of the locking bolt (26) against a force of the spring (27) into the in Figure 2c Unlocking position shown.

With the in Fig. 2 The embodiment of the invention shown, the translation of a linear movement of an unlocking means into a linear movement of an unlocking means is possible.

So that a first housing core part (3, 3a) of a multi-part housing core (5; 5a) can be moved from an end position of a driver pin (16; 16a) back to an initial position of the driver pin (16; 16a), an in Fig 1 and 2 not shown, in Fig. 3 and 4th with (53; 53a) designated return means can be provided, which is designed in particular as a helical or leaf spring and is inserted between the first housing core part (3; 3a) and a second housing core part (4; 4a) in the multi-part housing core (5; 5a) . When the key (7; 7a) is withdrawn from the end position in which the device according to the invention is unlocked, the driver pin (16; 16a) is moved by its restoring force into an initial position in which the device according to the invention is locked.

It is conceivable that a housing (2; 2a) of a locking device (1; 1a) has a viewing window (54; 54a) through which a position of a head (17; 17a) of a driver pin (16; 16a) for a user of the locking device (1; 1a) can be seen. As a result, the user can see whether the locking device (1; 1a) is locked or unlocked.

It is now on Fig. 3 Reference is made where the same or equivalent parts have the same reference numbers as in Fig. 1 and 2 and the letter b is added to the relevant reference number.

One in Fig. 3 The locking device (1b) shown in an exploded view is designed as an emergency unlocking device (1b) of a safe provided with an electronic lock and can be introduced into a safe door.
A sleeve section (33), which is open towards the housing (2b) and is provided for receiving a locking pin (34), is molded onto a housing (2b). The locking pin (34) engages behind with a circumferential projection (35) at one end (36) an in Fig. 3 Opening not shown in a wall of a safe door. One end (37) facing away from the first end has an annular groove (38) into which a locking projection (39) of a locking bolt (26b) engages in a locking position of the locking device when the locking pin (34) is inserted into the sleeve section (33) . For this purpose, the locking bolt (26b) emerges from the housing (2b) into the sleeve section (33).

For emergency unlocking, a suitable key is inserted into a one-piece housing core (5b) and in an unlocked position of the locking elements (11b) linearly into the housing (2b) moved in. An actuating element (40) which tapers to a point in the actuating direction is inserted eccentrically into a recess (41) in the locking bolt (26b) and moves it against a spring force of a spring (27b) into an unlocking position in which the locking projection (39) is no longer in the annular groove (38) engages.
The locking device (1b) is intended to be inserted into a door of the safe, while the locking pin (34) can be inserted into a wall of the safe.

It is now on Fig. 4 Reference is made where the same or equivalent parts have the same reference numbers as in Figs. 1 to 3 and the letter c is added to the relevant reference number.

One in Figure 4a The emergency release device shown differs from the one in Fig. 3 shown in that a two-part locking element (42) with two essentially semicircular sections (43, 44) engages behind a retaining projection (45) which protrudes in the circumferential direction from a locking pin (34c) and is integrally formed on the locking pin (34c). Forced unlocking is advantageously particularly difficult, since the holding projection (45) is engaged from behind by the two sections (43, 44) almost over its entire circumference.
To pivot the semicircular sections (43, 44), an actuating element (40c) formed in one piece on a first part (3c) of a multi-part housing core (5c) can be inserted between the two sections (43, 44) so that they are linearly counter to a spring force are moved by coaxially arranged springs (47) so that the sections (43, 44) no longer engage behind the retaining projection (45). The emergency release device can be unlocked.

A housing (2c) and the multi-part housing core (5c) are also connected to one another by a fixing pin (48) in such a way that a second housing core part (46) is immovable in relation to the housing (2c) and the first housing core part (3c) is linear in the second Housing core part (46) is movable, provided that locking elements (11c) are in an unlocked position. The fixing pin (48) is guided in a groove (49) which is introduced into the housing core part (3c). In addition, the locking elements (11c) engage in a locking position in openings (50) in the housing core part (3c).

An end section (51) of a locking pin (34c), which is mushroom-shaped in this exemplary embodiment, is provided for engaging an electronic lock, for example a safe.

One in Figure 4b The emergency release device shown differs from the one in Figure 4a shown in that a circumferential projection (35c) of a locking pin (34c) is engaged behind by a holding section of a holding element (52) connected, for example, to a safe wall. It is also conceivable that the locking device (1c) is introduced into a wall of a safe and the holding element (52) is attached to a safe door.

It goes without saying that the in Fig. 3 and 4th Locking devices shown can be used for locking each container provided with a flap or door, in particular for letterboxes or lockers.

Claims (10)

1. Locking device (1; 1a; 1b; 1c), in particular for locking a box provided with a flap, which has a housing (2; 2a; 2b; 2c) with a housing core (5; 5a; 5b; 5c) and at least one locking element (11; 11a; 11b; 11c), which can be moved by an unlocking means (7; 7a; 7c) from a locking position in which the housing core (5; 5a; 5b; 5c) is immovable into an unlocking position in which the housing core (5; 5a; 5b; 5c) is movable relative to the housing (2; 2a; 2b; 2c), with only a linear movement of the unlocking means (7; 7a; 7c) causing an actuation of a release device (23 ; 26; 26b; 42), characterized in the way that the housing core (5; 5a; 5c) is consisting of several parts, a first housing core part (3; 3a; 3c) being set up to accommodate the unlocking means (7; 7a; 7c), a second housing core part (4; 4a; 46) having a sleeve-like form and enclosing at least partially the first housing core part (3; 3a; 3c).
2. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in the way that an actuating element (21; 21a; 40; 40c) is linearly movable, rotatable or pivotable, or is movable vertically, diagonal, parallel and / or coaxially to a direction of movement of the unlocking means (7; 7a).
3. Locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in the way that the housing core (5; 5a; 5b; 5c) has a shape deviating from a cylindrical shape and in particular comprises a rectangular base area.
4. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in the way that an actuating element (21; 21a; 40; 40c) is attached to the housing core (5; 5a; 5b; 5c), preferably to a front facing the unlocking means, and in particular is formed in one piece.
5. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in the way that the unlocking means has a movable locking bolt (23; 26; 26b) which is preferably linearly movable or pivotable.
6. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in the way that the unlocking means is designed as a key (7; 7a; 7c) and the first housing core part (3; 3a; 3c) is cylindrical.
7. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in the way that the second housing core part (4; 4a; 46) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis.
8. Locking device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in the way that a second housing core part (4; 4a) has a groove (18; 18a) into which a driver element (16; 16a) protruding from the first housing core part (3; 3a) in the direction of the second housing core part (4; 4a) engages.
9. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in the way that a first housing core part (3; 3a) of a multi-part housing core (5; 5a) is linearly movable in the unlocked position and a second housing core part (4; 4a), which surrounds the first housing core part like a sleeve, is rotatable in the unlocked position.
10. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in the way that a restoring means (53; 53a) is provided which preferably has a helical spring and which is located between a housing (2b) and a one-piece housing core (5b) or between a first housing core part (3; 3a; 3c) and a second housing core part (4; 4a; 46) of a multi-part housing core (5; 5a; 5c).

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