U.S. patent number 3,584,484 [Application Number 04/683,309] was granted by the patent office on 1971-06-15 for magnetic lock.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Huwil-Werke, Hugo Wallach & Sohne. Invention is credited to Hermann Hallmann, Horst Willach.
United States Patent |
3,584,484 |
Hallmann , et al. |
June 15, 1971 |
MAGNETIC LOCK
Abstract
Relative movement between a pair of elements, one of which can
operate a latch, is controlled by magnetic tumblers, arranged
according to a code. The tumblers are retained in recesses in the
respective elements, one of the recesses being big enough to
accommodate the entire tumblers, and the other part of it, to
provide for coupling; the recesses have a region, or a liner of
ferromagnetic material so that the tumblers will remain attracted
thereto and hold their position even after removal of the key. The
recess of the outer element is just beneath the outer surfaces
thereof, so that a key, placed against the outer surface, for
example against a face of a cylindrical area, will effect locking
(or unlocking) action, the lock being completely sealed to the
outside, and a keyslot being avoided.
Inventors: |
Hallmann; Hermann
(Ruppichteroth, DT), Willach; Horst (Ruppichteroth,
DT) |
Assignee: |
Huwil-Werke, Hugo Wallach &
Sohne (Bezirk Cologne, DT)
|
Family
ID: |
25980561 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/683,309 |
Filed: |
November 15, 1967 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 19, 1966 [DT] |
|
|
61034 IC/68a |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/276; 70/181;
70/141; 70/218; 70/350; 70/493; 70/413 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B
47/0044 (20130101); Y10T 70/5805 (20150401); Y10T
70/752 (20150401); Y10T 70/7057 (20150401); Y10T
70/7605 (20150401); Y10T 70/5642 (20150401); Y10T
70/7904 (20150401); Y10T 70/5372 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
E05B
47/00 (20060101); E05b 027/00 (); E05b
047/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;70/276,413,364A,350--352 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Champion; Marvin A.
Assistant Examiner: Wolfe; Robert L.
Claims
We claim:
1. Magnetic lock for use with a key having zones of magnetization
impressed thereon comprising
tumbler means of magnetic material having their magnetization
arranged in accordance with a code;
relatively movable elements located adjacent each other, one of
said elements being a key-receiving element and having a region
adapted to have the key placed thereagainst, said elements being
formed with complementary recesses in which said tumbler means are
located, the total cross-sectional volume of said recesses being
larger than that of said tumbler means to permit said tumbler means
to move from a position wholly in the recess of one element to a
coupling position interlocking said elements, said key-receiving
element having a portion located intermediate the key placement
region and said recess, said portion being at least adjacent said
recess, of ferromagnetic material to provide for magnetic
interaction with said tumbler means.
2. Lock according to claim 1, wherein said key-receiving element is
of ferromagnetic material.
3. Lock according to claim 1 wherein said key-receiving element is
of nonmagnetic material and a ferromagnetic liner is located in
said recess of said element to magnetically interact with said
tumbler means.
4. Lock according to claim 1 wherein one of said elements is a
hollow cylinder having a central bore, and the other a cylindrical
body fitting into said bore; and a pair of sets of complementary
recesses are formed in said cylinders; and the coding of the
magnetization of said tumbler means in each of said complementary
recesses is different.
5. Lock according to claim 4 wherein the sizes of said
complementary recesses, of said pair, are different, and the coding
of magnetization of the tumbler means of one set of complementary
recesses of any lock is different from any other lock; and the
coding of magnetization of the tumbler means in the other set of
complementary recesses of any lock is the same for a plurality of
locks, whereby keys affecting the tumbler means of the other set
will function as master keys.
6. Lock according to claim 1 wherein said lock is adapted to
cooperate with a latch, one of said elements forming a coupling
element connectable to said latch and movable between latched and
unlatched terminal positions, and wherein said recesses are located
in said one element to be complementary to the recess of the other
element when said one element is in a terminal position.
7. Lock according to claim 1 wherein said lock is adapted to
cooperate with a latch, one of said elements forming a coupling
element connectable to said latch and movable between terminal
unlatched and latched positions, wherein one of said elements is a
cylindrical body, said other element is a covering surrounding said
cylindrical body at least at an end region thereof;
and said complementary recesses are formed at the end face of the
cylindrical body and in the interior of said surrounding body,
respectively.
8. Lock according to claim 7 wherein said cylindrical body is
rotatable; and said recesses have a substantially rectangular plan
aspect.
9. Lock according to claim 7 wherein said key placement region is a
flat face parallel to the end face of said covering surrounding
cylindrical body.
10. Lock according to claim 9 including index means at the outer
end face of said covering in the key-receiving region, and
cooperating index means on said key.
11. Lock according to claim 1 wherein said lock is adapted to
cooperate with a latch, one of said elements forming a coupling
element connectable to said latch and movable between unlatched and
latched terminal positions, and wherein a housing is provided; one
of said elements is a cylindrical body, said other element is a
covering surrounding said cylindrical body at least in an end
region thereof;
and said complementary recesses are formed at a circumferential
side of said cylindrical body, and said covering, respectively;
and said key placement region is formed on said coupling element
along a side thereof.
12. Lock according to claim 11 wherein said body is slidable
longitudinally of its axis in said housing; and said key-receiving
region is located adjacent the side of said housing.
13. In a magnetic lock device, a first member, a second member
movably mounted on the first member;
said members being of nonmagnetic material;
the first member having a hole therein and the second member having
a socket therein in alignment with said hole, a permanently
magnetized tumbler longitudinally slidable and fitted in said hole
and socket, and positioned part in said hole and part in said
socket, a film disc of magnetic material positioned fixed in said
socket and facing the end of the tumbler which is in said
socket;
said tumbler being capable of being entirely within said hole;
said tumbler in all of its positions, being attracted to said film
disc, in combination with a key of nonmagnetic material having a
permanently magnetized insert;
said disc being between said tumbler and said key, said key, when
placed in a position so that its magnetic insert is in alignment
with said tumbler and acting to repel the tumbler so the tumbler is
moved entirely within said hole in the first member, the second
member will thereby be released for movement in relation to the
first member;
the strength of the attraction of the tumbler to the film disc
being such that, regardless of the line of direction of movement of
the tumbler to leave the socket, it will be attracted by said disc
film to maintain it entered into the socket when said socket and
hole are in alignment and said key is away from said position;
the strength of said magnetic insert being such that regardless of
the line of movement and direction of movement of the tumbler to
leave the socket, said insert will act on the tumbler to maintain
it wholly in said hole when said key is in said position,
regardless of the attraction of the tumbler for said film disc and
means for each hole for limiting the distance the tumbler can
travel thereinto.
14. A magnetic lock device as defined in claim 13, wherein the
first member is a casing and the second member is a barrel
rotatably fitted in said casing;
the mentioned hole being in the wall of said casing;
said barrel having a bore therein therealong and said bore being
accessible for the admission of the key therein.
15. A magnetic lock device as defined in claim 13, including means
on said key and second member which come into alignment upon
placing said key so that its magnetic insert is in alignment with
said tumbler, and upon such positioning of the key and when said
tumbler is entirely within said hole in the first member, the key
can be manipulated to move the second member, in relation to the
first member.
Description
The present invention relates to a lock, and more particularly to a
lock in which tumblers of magnetic material are used, arranged
according to a code, and the key for the lock is a plate of
magnetic material, having zones of magnetization impressed thereon
in a code to fit the lock, so that, when key and magnetic tumblers
are brought into proximity, alignment of the tumblers in accordance
with the code on the key will permit operation (that is, locking,
or unlocking action) of the lock. Specifically, the lock of the
present invention is a further development of locks disclosed and
claimed in application Ser. No. 569,212, now Pat. No. 3,495,425
(attorney docket 6050), and assigned to the assignee of the present
invention.
The lock of the present invention has, basically, a pair of
relatively movable elements, one of which is adapted to receive a
key, and the other of which is an actuating element to, directly or
indirectly operate a latch, to permit being moved by a handle, a
pushbutton or the like, as is customary in doors for cabinet
hardware, automobile doors or the like. The lock is enclosed in a
housing. Tumblers, acting as locking elements or as
motion-transmitting elements, depending on the design, transmit
operating movement, that is opening or locking to a latch, a
locking bolt or the like. Usually, such locks have an inner
cylinder having a keyhole or keyslot. Upon insertion of the key
into the keyslot, the tumblers are moved into an unlocking position
in such a manner, that when the key is turned, the inner cylinder
can also turn with respect to the housing. The inner cylinder is
provided at its inner end with a locking bail, locking lever or the
like which, upon turning of the cylinder, operates the lock. Upon
removal of the key, the lock is again secured against turning.
The tumblers are formed of magnets, the magnetization of which is
arranged in a code, so that the key which is inserted may have a
smooth outer surface and only have a similar, coded magnetization
impressed thereon, so that the magnetic tumblers are selectively
attracted or repelled in order to cause (or prevent) relative
movement of the cylinder with respect to the housing. It is
extremely difficult to determine the relative polarization of
magnetic tumblers, and it is thus practically impossible to pick
such a magnetic lock, or to open such a lock, without physically
destroying its components.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic lock
in which the effect and the position retention of the magnets is
improved, and in which the combinations possible in a given space
can be increased.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lock
which does not have a keyhole slot, but in which locking action can
be obtained by placing a magnetic key against an outer surface
thereof, so that the lock can be completely sealed against moisture
or other contamination.
SUBJECT MATTER OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Briefly, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention,
relatively movable elements of a lock are formed with recesses in
which magnetic tumblers are located. The recesses in one of the
elements are large enough to wholly accommodate the tumblers; when
the tumblers are wholly in one recess, free motion between the
elements is possible. When the tumblers are located to span the
recesses of both elements, the two locking elements are coupled
together. The particular position of the tumbler depends upon the
insertion or absence of a key. The portion of at least one of the
elements adjacent one of the recesses is made to be of
ferromagnetic material, or a liner of ferromagnetic material is
placed therein to provide for magnet interaction of the
ferromagnetic material with the tumblers. Upon insertion of a key,
the ferromagnetic material may further interact with the magnetic
field of the key.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, one of
the two elements is an outer closed covering element, within which
an inner element is located movable with respect thereto. Recesses
to hold tumblers are formed in both elements, the recess in the
outer covering element being close to the outer surface thereof so
that, when a key having zones of magnetization impressed thereon is
placed against the outer surface of the outer covering, the
tumblers will be affected by the magnetic field from the key. Thus,
a completely enclosed structure can be provided without a keyhole
or keyslot.
Providing a region of ferromagnetic material between the key and
the zone where the tumbler operates, improves the effectiveness
since the airgap between key and tumblers is now replaced by a
magnetic circuit. This enables the use of small magnetic tumblers,
thus increasing the possibility of combinations of locks. Further,
when the key is removed, the tumblers will themselves adhere by
magnetic action against the ferromagnetic region in the element, or
the liner therein, in order to retain the position into which they
have been placed upon withdrawal of the key. Another advantage in
providing a ferromagnetic zone, adjacent the recesses, is that
opposite tumblers may be arranged with random magnetization and not
such to be mutually attractive attraction now being provided by the
ferromagnetic liners or regions.
By providing outer key placement regions, the interior of the lock
can be totally enclosed so that dirt, dust or moisture can no
longer penetrate the lock and providing better mechanical
protection therefor. The keys themselves can be located against the
lock in certain index positions, readily marked by cooperating
index markers, thus avoiding the necessity to search for a small
key opening, for example the opening of a weather-protected
automobile lock. The outer housing can then, preferably, be made of
nonmagnetic material such as plastic, brass, aluminum, or similar
alloys and the magnetic flux concentrated towards the magnetic
tumblers by means of ferromagnetic insert liners.
Locks in which the key is applied at the outside, against a surface
thereof, for example against a facing surface of a cylindrical
lock, are particularly useful in combination with latch handles,
turn knobs, or press-to-open button arrangements. The key may then
merely consist of a flat plate, such as a disc, having magnets
placed therein (or having zones of magnetization impressed thereon,
if of ferromagnetic material). This disc can then merely be placed
against the outer surface of an actuating part in order to move the
magnetic tumblers placed therein. This effectively prevents any
possibility to determine the magnetic coding of the tumblers within
the lock, the arrangement of the relative polarity, and the
strength of the magnets therein, greatly improving the protection
afforded by the lock against unauthorized opening short of
destruction.
The shape of the key itself is not critical, and may be made to
match the shape of the outer surface of the lock against which it
is to be placed. If the actuating surface is the flat face of a
cylinder, the key may be a round disc, or a flat strip placed
thereacross. The actuating region may also be at the side. The
cylinder may be flattened off for use with a flat key, or the key
itself may be rounded or have a shape matching the shape of the
surface provided by the designer against which the key is to be
placed. Combinations of locking actions, utilizing one or more keys
can readily be provided-- one key being specific to a specific lock
and another key being specific, for example, to a plurality of
locks to act as a master key for a set of locks, or a pair of keys,
to be placed against different regions of the lock can be provided
to permit opening of the lock only upon presence of both keys
simultaneously. Various combinations of keys, acting both on the
sides and on the face can readily be provided, and the possibility
of combinations for the lock designer is greatly increased.
The structure, organization, and operation of the invention will
now be described more specifically with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a locking cylinder in a
housing, with key removed;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with key inserted;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a lock in a housing having an
intermediate coupling cylinder and symmetrically arranged
symmetrically poled coupling elements;
FIG. 4 is a different embodiment of FIG. 3 with a key matching the
left coupling side;
FIG. 5 with a key matching the right coupling side;
FIG. 6 is a lock with a press-to-operate button, in longitudinal
cross-sectional view, with a key inserted, in released
position;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 in operated position;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 in open position;
FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view along line IX-IX of
FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a lock with a turn knob, with a facing key position, in
longitudinal view;
FIG. 11 is a top view of the lock of FIG. 10, with applied key;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view with an unlocking key
applied;
FIG. 13 is a top view of the unlocking position of the lock of FIG.
12;
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lock with a turn
button, in disengaged position;
FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 in engaged position; and
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view along line XVI-XVI of FIG.
15.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to the embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2: A housing 1, formed as an outer
cylinder, surrounds an inner cylinder 3, into which a key 4 can be
inserted. Both housing 1 and inner cylinder 3 are formed with
radial bores 5 into which magnetic tumblers 6 are inserted. The
magnetic tumblers are radially movable, and are arranged in a
certain precoded pattern, for example as shown N-SN. The
magnetization of the tumblers is such that the opposite side of the
tumbler in a radial direction, has the opposite pole.
A holding or anchor element 7, formed of ferromagnetic material, is
located at the base of the radial bores 5 of the inner cylinder 3.
When the key 4 is removed, the tumblers 6 adhere to the holding
element 7. This causes the tumblers to extend into the radial bore
5 of the outer cylinder, thus preventing rotation of the inner
cylinder with respect to the outer one. These bores 5, which may
also be formed as recesses, are of such size that the recess formed
by the bore 5 within the outer cylinder 1 is large enough to wholly
accommodate the tumblers 6. This position is illustrated in FIG. 2,
in which a key having key magnets 4a located therein and poled as
shown in FIG. 2, is inserted into the lock. Repulsion of the like
poles causes the tumblers to wholly locate themselves within the
recesses 5 of the outer cylinder, thus uncoupling the outer
cylinder and the inner cylinder and enabling rotation of the inner
cylinder so that a locking latch, or locking member 3a can be
operated. The key, inserted into the inner cylinder, magnetizes the
holding or anchor elements 7, causing effective and powerful
repulsion of the tumblers 6.
FIGS. 3--5 illustrate a lock only in cross-sectional views; it
being understood that it is generally cylindrical, having a housing
21 forming an outer cylinder, an intermediate or coupling cylinder
22 coaxial and rotatable therein, and an inner cylinder 23. The
inner cylinder 23 is formed with a central keyhole slot 23a which
has a different top and bottom outline to permit entry of a key in
only one direction. The inner, or key cylinder 23 is formed at its
circumference with longitudinally extending recesses 23b. Magnetic
coupling elements, or tumblers 26 are located in these recesses,
for example poled as shown in FIG. 3 and having four zones of
magnetization reversely poled with respect to each other. The
intermediate or coupling cylinder 22 is connected with the locking
or latching element of the lock by means of a follower, such as a
locking lever similar to lever 3a 1 and 2). The inner surface of
the coupling cylinder 22 is likewise formed with opposed recesses
or chambers 22b, of the same cross-sectional outline as the
recesses 23b, but having a depth such that only half of the
tumblers 26 can be received therein. Anchor or holding elements 27
are located at the base of the recesses 23b of the inner cylinder
23. Again, the anchor element 27 contains ferromagnetic material,
formed for example of steel or iron plate, wires, or wire mesh or
other liners placed therein and either pressed, glued, adhered or
cast into the inner cylinder. Further, the inner cylinder 23 may be
made entirely of ferromagnetic material. A key, not seen in FIG. 3,
is provided along its longitudinal direction and in its vertical
height (with respect to FIG. 3) with permanent magnets (or provided
with zones of magnetization when made of magnetic material), the
magnetization matching the polarity of the tumblers but being
oppositely poled with respect thereto.
The operation of the lock of FIG. 3 is simple. If no key is
inserted, the tumblers 26 will adhere to the ferromagnetic zone,
shown as liner 27 in FIG. 3, and will be retained in the adhered
position. There is no coupling between the inner or locking
cylinder 23 and the intermediate cylinder 22. Thus, locking
cylinder 23 can spin freely and a locking bail attached to the
intermediate cylinder 22 will not be operated. If a magnetically
matching key is inserted into the keyhole 23a, mutually repelling
poles of the key and of the tumblers will be located opposite each
other. The key magnets will magnetize the anchor element 27 in the
opposite direction, and the tumblers 26 will be repelled to be
pressed in the recess where they will couple the inner cylinder 23
and the coupling cylinder 22 together. Turning of the key will then
cause turning of the locking bail connected to the intermediate or
coupling cylinder 22.
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a different embodiment, in which the
coupling tumblers 26 are differently poled. The left tumbler 26a is
provided with four zones of magnetization, whereas the right
tumbler element 26b is provided with six adjacent zones of
polarization. If a key 24a is inserted into the lock of FIG. 4, and
provided with magnets only on its left side, only the magnets at
the left side will be repelled and cause coupling of the inner
cylinder and the intermediate cylinder 22. The right coupling
tumblers 26b are not influenced and remain in the nonoperating
position.
FIG. 5 illustrates insertion of a key in which the tumblers at the
right side only are activated. Only magnets affecting the tumblers
26b are formed on the key 24c, these magnets, or zones of
magnetization, being illustrated at 24d. Again, the tumblers will
be pressed into coupling position similar to the arrangement of
FIG. 4, and rotation of the key will turn the intermediate cylinder
22d and thus the lock can be operated. The left tumblers 26a remain
in their nonconnecting position.
The lock in accordance with FIGS. 4 and 5 can thus be operated by
two different keys. For example, locks can be made in which one
side of the tumblers has coded zones of magnetization which are
individual to individual keys, whereas the tumblers at the other
side of the lock are all identical, to be operated all by one key,
which then can serve as a master key for a group or set of
locks.
Referring now to FIGS. 6--9, a housing 120 is formed as a hollow
cylindrical cap including therein a spring 121 against which an
actuating member 122 bears, which is likewise in the form of a
hollow cylinder. Housing 120 can be secured in any manner well
known in the art to a furniture door or drawer, an automobile door,
or the like. The cylindrical element 122 is limited in its travel
by a pin 123 inserted therein and traveling in a slot 124 formed in
the housing 120. A generally cylindrical bolt 125 is located within
the hollow bore of the actuating element 122. A notch 126 in
element 122 and a matching projection 127 on the bolt 125 secures
bolt and notch against relative rotation, similar to the
arrangement of pin 123 slidable in slot 124.
The outer surface of the bolt 125 is formed with a recess 128, the
bottom of which is provided with a holding or anchor plate 129 of
ferromagnetic material. A corresponding recess 130, supplied with a
ferromagnetic liner 129', is formed at the inner surface of the
actuating member 122. A magnetic tumbler element 131, magnetized
with zones of polarization, for example as shown in FIG. 6, is
located in the recess 130, which is large enough to wholly
accommodate the tumbler 131. Of course, the tumbler 131 may consist
of more than one single element. Tumbler 131 is brought in its
position shown in FIG. 6 by means of a key 132, which is
transversely polarized as seen at 133, for example by separate
magnets, corresponding to the magnetic element 131. As seen, the
north and south poles, respectively, are located opposite each
other, whereas the poles of the magnetic element are located next
to each other. The key can be inserted into a key pocket, or key
track 134, formed on the side of actuating element 122. As best
seen in FIG. 9, actuating element 122 can be flattened off
slightly, so that the key will fit flat against a key placement
surface formed on element 122. Alternatively, the key may be
rounded to match the outer circumference of element 122, or may be
given different transverse shapes as desired.
Let it be assumed that bolt 125, as seen in FIG. 6, is in a locked
or latched position, and held this position by external means not
shown. In order to carry bolt 125 from its locked position, as seen
in FIG. 6, actuating part 122 is pushed inwardly, as seen in FIG.
7. This compresses spring 121. If the key 132 is now reversed and
placed in the keyslot as shown in FIG. 7, then the magnetic tumbler
element 131 will be repelled. As clearly appears from FIG. 7, the
polarity of the magnetic poles on the key and tumbler facing each
other will be alike, and tumbler element 137 will be pushed into
the position shown in FIG. 7, that is into the recess 128 of the
bolt 125, which is not deep enough to wholly accommodate the
tumbler element 131, thus coupling the bolt 125 and the actuating
element 122 together. As soon as the press-to-operate actuating
element 122 is released, spring 121 will expand and the tumblers
will carry the bolt 125 along, to bring the lock into the position
seen in FIG. 8. The lock is open.
The key can now be withdrawn, and even depressing the actuating
element from the position shown in FIG. 8 will not permit locking
because the tumbler elements 131 will remain adhered to the
internal anchor plate 129.
To close the lock, the key is reversed and brought into the
position shown in FIG. 6. This will cause attraction of tumbler
element 131, bringing it wholly within the recess 130. Pushing the
actuating element 122 then to the right (FIG. 8) will move the bolt
to the right, and the bolt can retain its position by external
means not shown, permitting the actuating element to snap back into
the position of FIG. 6. If it is desired to lock the locking
arrangement of FIGS. 6--9, the key need only be inserted once and
can be withdrawn immediately, the holding plate 129' ensuring
adhesion of the magnets 131 within recess 130.
The lock of FIGS. 6--9 has an externally accessible key placement
surface, and it will be noted that no keyslot in the conventional
sense is needed. The retaining housing 134 is provided for
convenience of placing the key, but not necessary. An arrangement
in which a key can be placed flat against the end surface of a
substantially cylindrical lock, rather than against a side surface,
is illustrated in FIGS. 10--13.
A housing 40 (FIG. 10), which may again be secured to a door or
other structure to be locked and schematically illustrated at 41,
is surrounded by a turn knob 42. The cylindrical housing 40 has a
central bore 43 which retains a motion-transmitting part or element
44, extending into the structure to be locked and there provided
with a locking bail 45, which may be formed in any suitable manner
as a latch-operating member or the like. The motion-transmitting
element 44 is rotatable in the housing, but prevented from
longitudinal movement therein by means known in the art and not
specifically illustrated. At the end projecting towards the edge of
the lock, the element 44 has an enlarged head 46, formed with a
recess 47 (FIG. 12) in which magnetic tumbler elements, which may
be single piece of material having zones of magnetization impressed
thereon as seen in FIGS. 10 and 12 is located. The magnetic tumbler
element 48 is movable in recess 47, which has at its inner end an
adhering or anchor plate 49. The turn knob 42 is likewise formed
with an internal recess 55, the inner end of which has a liner of
ferromagnetic material 56 placed thereagainst. The outer side of
knob 42, in the region immediately facing the recess, is formed
with a key-receiving notch 50, into which a key 51 can be fitted.
.Key 51 consists of merely a flat plate, having a handle member 52
and zones of magnetization impressed thereon, as seen in FIGS.
10--13. The handle member 52 fits within notches 53, 54, extending
diametrically across the face of knob 42 (FIG. 11).
In the position illustrated in FIG. 10, the magnets of the key
repel the tumbler magnets 48. The tumbler magnets 48 approximately
match the shape of the magnets in the key, as seen in FIG. 11, that
is they have a nonround (and preferably approximately rectangular)
outline. Upon repulsion of the tumbler magnets 48, that is in the
position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, coupling between knob 42 and
member 44 is effected, and rotation of knob 42 will cause rotation
of element 44 and with it of latch-operating member 45. The key can
be removed, and the lock can be continued to be operated, the
tumbler 48 adhering to the ferromagnetic anchor plate 49.
If the key is reversed, so that the key handle 52 fits into notch
54, that is in the position of FIG. 13, the polarity of the key
magnetization will be reversed, and tumbler element 48 attracted
towards the outside of the knob 42, that is towards the key
placement surface. This moves the tumbler element wholly within the
recess in the knob 42, uncoupling the connection with the element
44 and thus latch operating bail 45. The tumbler elements 48 will
retain the position shown in FIG. 12 due to their adhesion to the
magnetic liner 56. The knob 42, now being uncoupled from element 44
will spin freely and the lock can no longer be operated, even after
removal of the key from the lock structure.
FIGS. 14--16 illustrate a form of the invention which permits
particularly simple operation of the lock. Housing 60, which again
may be secured to a door, drawer, or other structure to be locked,
by means well known by and in themselves, is formed as a cap
surrounding an actuating element 61, likewise formed as a cap and
inserted therein, but inverted with respect to housing 60.
Actuating element 61 is both longitudinally slidable, as well as
rotatable. The bottom 62 of housing 60 has a motion-transmitting
element 63 located therein, which is rotatable in the housing and
has the locking bail 64 connected thereto. In the interior of the
housing, element 63 is formed with a flange 65, having axial
grooves 66 therein to permit engagement with gripper or clutching
claws 67, and are connected by means of coupling pins 68 with the
free end 69 of actuating element 61. A guide element 70, secured to
the flange 65 of the actuating element 63, is formed with bores 70
through which the pins 68 can pass. A rotatable bolt 72 is
journaled concentric with rotating element 63 within the guide
element 71.
Bolt 72 is formed with a head 73 having a strong ring-type magnet
74 located therein. This ring-type magnet 74 is normally located
against the inner side of the end 75 of the actuating member 61. A
notch 77 is formed in the opposite side 76 of head 73, to match
with a projection 78 extending from the inner surface of the
actuating member 61 in a radial direction. A pair of helical
springs 79, surrounding pins 78, press the actuating member 61 into
the position illustrated in FIG. 15, in which position the coupling
claws 67, secured to actuating element 61, are engaged with notches
66 of the operating element 63. When the central shaft 72 is in the
position shown in FIG. 15, projection 78 matches with notch 77.
Rotating actuating element 61 will cause rotation of locking bail
64 by transmission of motion both by coupling claws 67 with notches
66 and projection 78 in notch 77.
If the actuating member 61 is pressed to the right, with respect to
FIG. 14, projection 78 will move beyond the head 73 of central
shaft 72. Further, claws 67 will disengage from notches 66. Thus,
connection between the actuating element 61 and the locking bail
shaft 63 will be broken. Rotation of the actuating member 61 will
then cause the head 73 to assume a position behind projection 78
(see FIG. 14), so that actuating member 61 cannot snap forward.
Accidental change from this position is ensured, as seen in FIG.
16, by providing a pair of magnets 79, 80 on the head 73 and on the
guide piece 71, respectively, to mutually attract each other and
prevent relative rotation.
If it is desired to open the lock, a key 82 is placed within the
central face, defined by a ridge 81. Key 82 is again provided with
a strong ring magnet 83. If the zones of polarization of the ring
magnet 83 match the zones of polarization of ring magnet 74,
magnetic head 73 can be rotated, against the attractive force of
magnets 79, 80 so that notch 77 can again match with projection 78
and coupling can be obtained by the actuating element 61 over the
actuating claws 65 with the element 63. The lock can be operated.
If it is desired to prevent operation, it is only necessary to push
actuating element 61 to the right to cause an uncoupling. As soon
as magnetic head 73 is freed from the restraint against rotation by
notch 78, magnetic pins 79, 80 will rotate head 73 to a matching
position, and engagement of the lock will be positively prevented
by projection 78.
The embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16
can be varied in many respects. For example, coupling claws 65 and
notches 66, as well as projection 78 and notch 77 may be omitted,
so that the lock can be formed as a push-to-operate lock, coupling
pins 68 then serving as locking bolts transmitting longitudinal
locking motion.
Various embodiments of the lock according to the present invention
have been illustrated. The magnetic lock of the invention can be
changed in many respects to suit the requirements of eventual use
and application. Thus, for example, the locks of FIGS. 1 and 2 may
be provided with an additional outside housing, the outer cylinder
1 then taking the place of an intermediate, freely spinning
cylinder similar to the embodiment illustrated in connection with
FIGS. 3--5. By providing intermediate coupling elements, a
longitudinally operating lock having an end surface key placement
region can readily be designed.
The invention has been illustrated and described with respect to
various embodiments of the rotatable and longitudinally slidable
bolt type. Various structural changes and modifications, as
determined by the requirements of particular applications or uses
may be made without departing from the inventive concept.
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