Patent Publication Number: US-2022213715-A1

Title: Cylinder Lock With Improved Strength

Description:
This invention relates to a cylinder lock and, more especially, this invention relates to a cylinder lock with improved strength. 
     Cylinders locks are known and widely used. They are often used, for example, in doors, shutters, windows, safes, lockers, padlocks, cases, boxes, drawers, and switches. The cylinder locks have the benefit that they can easily be installed and removed. 
     Known profile cylinder locks include those known as Euro cylinder, oval cylinder, and Swiss round cylinder. Such known cylinder locks usually comprise a housing with a cylindrical hole which houses a rotatable plug having a keyway and a number of pin, wafer, tumbler, disc, bar, ball, or other components which lock the plug to the housing. Insertion of a correct key into the keyway unlocks the plug, allowing it to be turned by an operator. 
     A cylinder lock may also be operated by a turnable control device such as a thumb turn, knob or handle. Alternatively, a cylinder lock may comprise a turnable control device to be operated with a tool, including a hex socket to be operated with a hex key, or a slot to be operated with a flat object, or a square head to be operated by a square socket. 
     A mechatronic cylinder lock may electronically authenticate a key, fob, remote, card, code entered by keypad, biometrics or other means. After authentication, there usually follows movement of a locking component that locks the plug or a turnable control device to a housing. A rotatable actuator is usually rotationally coupled to the plug or turnable control device, and a clutch may be used to provide a coupling that can be engaged or disengaged. In a mechatronic lock, a motor may be coupled to the actuator to rotate it. The actuator usually operates locking means such as a lock bolt, lock bar, latch, hook, pawl, cam or lock case, or locks/unlocks a device, or activates a switch. 
     The known cylinder locks have a weak joining portion, which causes the cylinder locks to break when subjected to loads applied by intruders. Various solutions have been provided to prevent breaking of the weak joining portion in the cylinder locks. 
     One proposed solution disclosed in WO 2007/099523 provides a thrower which axially connects first and second cylinder housings together so as to transfer axial pulling force applied to one of the cylinder housings to the other cylinder housing. Such a design may provide additional strength, however it may not be sufficient to prevent snapping during a typical attack. 
     The proposed solution in WO 2007/099523 has the disadvantage that when the lock is attacked, the thrower bears loads applied to the housing which may cause it to bind to the housing. This may hinder the thrower from being turned and render the lock inoperable. It may prevent an authorised operator from entering or exiting a building. 
     GB2372535 discloses a cylinder lock with a ductile joining element which connects two cylinder lock housing sections. The joining element is designed to deform by bending under load but not to break or fracture, thereby retaining the connection together of the housing parts. 
     Another proposed solution disclosed in EP2894279 provides a U-shaped security element fitted in a recess of the cylinder lock body to reinforce the joining portion. Other solutions have proposed using reinforcing elements. 
     GB2372535 and EP2894279 may provide some improvement to the problem of snapping during a typical attack. However, due to the limited amount of material in the joining portion, the effectiveness of the respective solutions is hindered. 
     GB2516323 discloses a cylinder lock with a novel profile shape that provides an increased area of material in the joining portion. Such a design may be effective. However the use of this profile shape is not well established, and it is not compatible with old door hardware. Consequently this cylinder lock has barriers to adoption in the lock industry. 
     GB2545389 discloses a cylinder lock with a body that comprises a remainder part, and a sacrificial part that breaks from the remainder part during a lock snapping attack. A security device is located in the remainder part. The security device comprises an immobiliser which actuates upon breaking of the sacrificial part, hindering movement of a plug relative to the remainder part. This proposed solution is unsatisfactory in that it deliberately weakens the lock rather than strengthening it, and once the immobiliser is actuated, it prevents an authorized operator from entering with a correct key. The lock will then usually need to be drilled to gain access and must be replaced. 
     It is an aim of the present invention to avoid or reduce the above mentioned problems, and to provide an improved strength cylinder lock. 
     Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cylinder lock comprising first and second housing sides, an actuator which is positioned in a space between the first and second housing sides, and a connecting portion which extends completely across the space and connects the first and second housing sides, and wherein the actuator is rotatable about the connecting portion in order to cause operation of locking means. 
     The cylinder lock of the present invention advantageously has improved strength compared with known comparable cylinder locks. 
     The cylinder lock may be one in which the connecting portion is fixed with respect to the first and second housing sides. 
     The cylinder lock may include rotating means for rotating the actuator about the connecting portion. The rotating means may comprise a magnet. Alternatively, the rotating means may comprise two or more gears. Alternatively, the rotating means may comprise at least two sprockets, at least two pulleys, or at least one sprocket and one pulley. This rotating means may be coupled by appropriate coupling means such for example as a belt, a chain, a wire, a cable, a rope or a band. Alternatively, the rotating means may comprise two or more wheels which transmit rotation by friction. 
     The cylinder lock may be one which includes a plug or a turnable control device, and in which the plug or the turnable control device is rotatable in the connecting portion. The turnable control device may be, for example, a thumb turn, a knob, or a handle. 
     The cylinder lock may be one in which the connecting portion comprises at least one receiving portion, and in which the receiving portion is for receiving at least one locking component, or is for enabling at least one plug or at least one turnable control device to lock relative to the connecting portion. The receiving portion may be a hole, a slot, a groove, a notch or a depression. 
     The cylinder lock may be one in which the actuator is a cam, a cog wheel or a worm. Other types of actuator may be employed. 
     The cylinder lock may include a housing. The connecting portion may be integrally formed with housing components. Alternatively, the cylinder lock may be one in which the connecting portion has first and second sides, and in which one or both of the sides is connected to housing components by joining means. The joining means may be, for example, an interference fit, a pin, a screw, a clip, welding, brazing, soldering or an adhesive. Alternatively, the cylinder lock may be one in which the connecting portion includes an extending portion, and in which the extending portion extends into housing components for facilitating attachment of the extending portion to the housing components. 
     The cylinder lock may be one in which the rotating means is configured so that rotation of a plug or turnable control device provides equal rotation of the actuator. Alternatively, the rotating means may be configured so that one revolution of a plug or turnable control device provides one revolution of the actuator. 
     The cylinder lock may be one in which the rotating means is configured so that rotation of a plug or turnable control device rotates the actuator in the same direction. The direction may be clockwise or anticlockwise. 
     The cylinder lock may be one which requires power for operation, and in which the power is provided by an operator of the cylinder lock or by a motor. Thus, for example, the required power may be provided by an operator when turning a key or turning a turnable control device. 
     The cylinder lock may be one which includes a plug or a turnable control device, and in which the axis of the plug or the turnable control device and the axis of the actuator are offset. 
     The cylinder lock may be one which includes clutch means, and in which at least one component of the clutch means is at least partially housed within at least one component of the rotating means. 
     The cylinder lock may be one which includes clutch means and clutch transfer means, and in which at least one component of the clutch transfer means is at least partially housed within at least one component of the rotating means. 
     The cylinder lock of the present invention may be a Euro cylinder, an oval cylinder, or a Swiss round cylinder. 
     The present invention also provides a combination of a cylinder lock of the invention and the locking means. 
     The combination may be one in which the locking means is a mechanical locking means, or an electrical locking means. The mechanical locking means may be a lock bolt, lock bar, latch, hook, pawl, cam or lock case. The lock case may alternatively be known as a gear box. Other mechanical locking means may be employed. Any suitable electrical locking means may be employed, for example an electromagnetic device. 
    
    
     
       Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1 a - b    show various views of a known cylinder lock; 
         FIG. 1 c    shows a cam actuator for a known cylinder lock; 
         FIG. 1 d    shows a cog wheel actuator for a known cylinder lock; 
         FIGS. 2 a - d    show various view of a first cylinder lock of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a second cylinder lock of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a third cylinder lock of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5 a - d    show a fourth cylinder lock of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6 a - f    show a fifth cylinder lock of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7 a - e    show a sixth cylinder lock of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8 a - d    show a seventh cylinder lock of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9 a - c    show an eighth cylinder lock of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10 a - b    show a ninth cylinder lock of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 11 a - c    show a tenth cylinder lock of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     In the following description, similar parts in all the Figures have been given the same reference numerals in order to facilitate an easy comparison and understanding of equivalent component parts of the cylinder locks. 
       FIG. 1 a    shows a common cylinder lock  100  known as a double Euro cylinder. Such a cylinder lock usually has a housing  102  having a substantially uniform keyway-shaped profile with a first and a second housing side  104  and  106  connected by an integral central joining portion  108 . An actuator  120  is positioned in a space  116  between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . A cylindrical hole  110  in the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  seats a rotatable plug  112  comprising a keyway  114 . 
     Various types of actuators  120  exist.  FIG. 1 c    illustrates a prior art actuator  120  known as a cam and which comprises a camshaft and a cam lobe. The cam lobe of the actuator  120  radially extends from the outer surface of the camshaft. The actuator  120  may have more than one cam lobe. The actuator  120  of  FIG. 1 c    has a clutch keyway  122  which may engage with a clutch component. 
       FIG. 1 d    illustrates another prior art actuator  120  known as a cog wheel or a gear, and which comprises a wheel and a plurality of projected cogs along the circumference of the wheel. The actuator  120  of  FIG. 1 d    has a clutch keyway  122 . The plug  112  may be rotationally coupled to the actuator  120  via a clutch arrangement. 
     One known drawback of these types of cylinder locks  100  is that they are prone to snapping when subjected to certain loads. It has become common for such locks  100  to be broken by intruders to provide access to manipulate the actuator  120 . 
     The problem is inherent in the design. As is shown in  FIG. 1 a    the joining portion  108  of the housing  102  contains a significantly reduced amount of material, creating a weak point. Typically a fixing hole that passes through the joining portion  108  is provided for securing the lock  100 , leaving a very small amount of material above and below the fixing hole, and thereby further weakening the joining portion  108 . 
       FIG. 1 b    shows the same prior art cylinder lock  100  after it has been snapped at the joining portion  108 . 
       FIGS. 2 a - d    illustrate a first embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2 a    illustrates an isometric projection view of a cylinder lock  100 .  FIG. 2 b    illustrates an exploded isometric projection of the lock  100 .  FIG. 2 c    illustrates a front view of the lock  100 .  FIG. 2 d    illustrates a section therethrough on the line I-I of  FIG. 2   c.    
     The lock  100  comprises a housing  102  having a substantially uniform keyway-shaped profile commonly known as a Euro cylinder. The housing  102  of the lock  100  is formed by a cylindrical portion, from the outer surface of which an extension portion integrally radially extends. The lock  100  can be operated from two sides and may also be known as a double Euro cylinder. The housing  102  comprises first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The first and second housing sides  104  and  106  are connected by an integral joining portion  108  and an integral connecting portion  200 . The connecting portion  200  extends completely across a space  116  between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The connecting portion  200  is fixed with respect to the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     A cylindrical hole  110  in the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  seats a rotatable plug  112  comprising a keyway  114  and clutch keyway  122 . An annulus  206  is press fitted into a circular recess  204  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to prevent axial movement of the plug  112 . 
     A cylindrical bore  202  through the connecting portion  200  seats a rotatable cylinder magnet  208  which comprises a clutch keyway  122  at its circular ends. The cylinder magnet  208  is preferably diametrically magnetised. 
     An actuator  120  is formed by a first and a second actuator side  210  and  212  which are joined together by press fitting a join pin  214  of the first actuator side  210  into a join hole  216  of the second actuator side  212 . The actuator  120  is shown as a cam actuator. A magnetic material  220  is seated in a seating recess  218  of the first actuator side  210  and is attracted by magnets. The actuator  120  is seated in the space  116  and is rotatably mounted about the connecting portion  200  in order to cause operation of locking means (not shown). The locking means may be a mechanical locking means or an electrical locking means. The mechanical locking means may be a lock bolt, lock bar, latch, hook, pawl, cam or lock case. The electrical locking means may be an electromagnetic device. 
     The cylinder magnet  208  and the magnetic material  220  are magnetically coupled due to magnetic attraction. Turning the cylinder magnet  208  thus turns the actuator  120 . Thus the cylinder magnet  208  forms rotating means for rotating the actuator  120  about the connecting portion  200 . 
     The clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112  seats a clutch element  222 . The clutch element  222  is rotationally (but not axially) fixed to the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112 . A clutch spring  224  sits within the clutch keyway  122  of the cylinder magnet  208 , and bears against the end of the clutch keyway  122  and an end of the clutch element  222 , seated in the adjacent plug  112 . The clutch spring  224  is a compression coil spring. However other types of spring may be used including a magnetic spring. 
     When a key (not shown) is fully inserted in the keyway  114  of one plug  112 , the tip of its blade extends into the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112  and makes contact with the end of the clutch element  222 , moving the clutch element  222  axially towards the cylinder magnet  208  so that a portion of the clutch element  222  enters the opposing clutch keyway  122  of the cylinder magnet  208 . This rotationally couples the plug  112  with the cylinder magnet  208 . The plug  112  is thus rotationally coupled to the actuator  120 . 
     The clutch spring  224  biases the clutch element  222  and clutch keyway  122  of the cylinder magnet  208  apart. Withdrawing a key from the keyway  114  pushes the clutch element  222  away from the clutch keyway  122  of the cylinder magnet  208  under the bias of the clutch spring  224 , decoupling the plug  112  and cylinder magnet  208 . The clutch element  222  and the clutch keyway  122  form clutch means for the actuator  120 . The clutch means may alternatively be another type of clutch arrangement. 
     The connecting portion  200  provides increased strength between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 , providing the lock  100  with greater resistance to snapping. The power to operate the lock  100  may be provided by an operator of the lock  100  when turning a key inserted in the keyway  114 . 
     In one alternative modification, the magnetic material  220  may be replaced with a magnet. In another alternative modification, the cylinder magnet  208  may be replaced with a component that is made of a material attracted by magnets, and the magnetic material  220  may be replaced with a magnet. In a further alternative modification, the first or second actuator side  210  or  212  may be made of a magnet material or a material attracted by magnets, and the magnetic material  220  may be omitted. Other alternate variations may also be used to achieve a similar result. 
     A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a cylinder lock  100 . 
     The lock  100  has a housing  102  comprising first and second housing sides  104  and  106  which are connected by an integral joining portion  108  and an integral connecting portion  200 . The connecting portion  200  extends completely across a space  116  between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     A cylindrical hole  110  in the first housing side  104  seats a rotatable plug  112  comprising a keyway  114  and an integral drive gear  300 . 
     An actuator  120  in the form of a cam actuator and comprising a driven gear  302  positioned in the space  116 , is rotatably mounted on the connecting portion  200 . The drive gear  300  is meshed with the driven gear  302  such that rotation of one will transmit rotation to the other. Rotation of the plug  112  will thus rotate the actuator  120 . The drive gear  300  and the driven gear  302  thus form rotating means for rotating the actuator  120 . 
     The drive and driven gears  300  and  302  may be of any type such as spur, helical, bevel or magnetic. In an alternative modification, planetary gears may be used. In an alternative modification, the drive and driven gears  300  and  302  may be replaced with wheels which transmit rotation by friction. 
     A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a cylinder lock  100 . 
     The lock  100  has a housing  102  comprising a first and a second housing side  104  and  106  which are connected by an integral connecting portion  200 . The connecting portion  200  extends completely across a space  116  between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     A cylindrical hole  110  in the first housing side  104  seats a rotatable plug  112  comprising a keyway  114  and an integral drive sprocket  400 . 
     An actuator  120  in the form of a cam actuator and comprising a driven sprocket  402  seated in the space  116 , is rotatably mounted on the connecting portion  200 . A chain  404  connects the drive sprocket  400  and driven sprocket  402  so that rotation of either the drive or driven sprocket  400  or  402  will transmit rotation to the other. The chain  404  provides coupling means to couple the drive sprocket  400  and driven sprocket  402 . Rotation of the plug  112  will thus rotate the actuator  120 . The drive sprocket  400 , driven sprocket  402  and chain  404  thus form rotating means for rotating the actuator  120  about the connecting portion  200 . 
     In another embodiment, the rotating means in the form of the drive or driven sprocket  400  or  402  may be replaced with a pulley or other device. The chain  404  may be replaced with other coupling means such for example as a belt, wire, cable, rope, band or other device. In an alternative modification, the lock  100  may comprise a joining portion between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     A fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 a - d   .  FIG. 5 a    illustrates an isometric projection view of a lock  100 .  FIGS. 5 b  and 5 c    illustrate an exploded projection of the lock  100 .  FIG. 5 d    illustrates an isometric projection cutaway view of the lock  100 . 
     The lock  100  comprises a housing  102  with a profile shape that is two semicircles joined by a rectangle. Such a lock  100  is commonly known as an oval cylinder. The housing  102  comprises first and second housing sides  104  and  106  which are connected by an integral joining portion  108 . 
     The first and second housing sides  104  and  106  comprise a fixing hole  504 . A threaded fastener  506  in the form of a bolt extends through the fixing hole  504  and screws into a threaded hole  500  of the connecting portion  200  to fasten the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to the connecting portion  200 . The threaded fastener  506  provides joining means to join the connecting portion  200  to the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . Other fasteners may be used to provide joining means, for example a rivet, a pin, a screw, a clip or a retaining ring. Other joining means may be employed such as crimping, an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering. The connecting portion  200  extends completely across a space  116  between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     The connecting portion  200  comprises a cylindrical bore  202  and a circumferential slot  502  on its curved surface. An actuator  120  in the form of a cog wheel actuator is positioned in the space  116  and rotatably mounted on the connecting portion  200 . The actuator  120  comprises a hole  512  and an integral second stage gear  514  formed by an internal gear. A second stage pinion  516  comprising a shaft coupling hole  518  is housed by the cylindrical bore  202  such that it partially protrudes from the circumferential slot  502  of the connecting portion  200 , and meshes with the second stage gear  514  of the actuator  120 . 
     A disc member  508  comprising a shaft bearing hole  510  is seated on each side of the second stage pinion  516  in the cylindrical bore  202 . The shaft coupling hole  518  of the second stage pinion  516  is concentric with the shaft bearing hole  510  of the disc member  508 . 
     A first stage pinion  520  comprising an axially projecting coupling shaft  522  is located beside each disc member  508 . The coupling shaft  522  of the first stage pinion  520  is rotatably mounted in the shaft bearing hole  510  of the disc member  508  and press-fitted in the shaft coupling hole  518  of the second stage pinion  516  so that the first stage pinions  520  and second stage pinion  516  are fixed. 
     A first stage gear  524  formed by an internal gear is rotatably mounted in each side of the cylindrical bore  202  of the connecting portion  200 . Each first stage gear  524  is meshed with a first stage pinion  520 . Rotation of a first stage gear  524  transmits rotation to the meshed first stage pinion  520 , thus rotating the second stage pinion  516  fixed to it. The second stage pinion  516  transmits rotation to the meshed second stage gear  514  to rotate the actuator  120 . The first stage gear  524 , first stage pinion  520 , second stage pinion  516  and second stage gear  514  thus form rotating means for rotating the actuator  120  about the connecting portion  200 . In this embodiment, the arrangement and number of gear teeth of the first stage gear  524 , first stage pinion  520 , second stage pinion  516  and second stage gear  514  are configured so that the first stage gear  524  and actuator  120  rotate equally and in the same direction. Other configurations may be used to achieve a same or different result. There may be additional or fewer gears or gear stages in an alternative modification. 
     A cylindrical hole  110  in the first housing side  104  seats a rotatable plug  112  having a keyway  114 , a circumferential groove  528  and a clutch disc seating  532  which comprises an axial slot  534 . A retaining ring  530  is seated on the circumferential groove  528  of the plug  112 . The retaining ring  530  restricts axial movement of the plug  112 . 
     A clutch disc  536  comprising a radially projecting tab  538 , a transmission slot  540  and a clutch spring seating  542  is seated in the clutch disc seating  532  of the plug  112 . The tab  538  of the clutch disc  536  is seated in the axial slot  534  of the clutch disc seating  532  so that the clutch disc  536  is rotationally (but not axially) coupled to the plug  112 . 
     A clutch spring  224  is seated in the clutch spring seating  542  of the clutch disc  536 , and bears against the end of the clutch spring seating  542  and the adjacent first stage gear  524 . 
     When a key is fully inserted in the keyway  114  of the plug  112 , it makes contact with the end of the clutch disc  536 , moving the clutch disc  536  axially towards the adjacent first stage gear  524  so that a transmission pin  526  of the first stage gear  524  can enter the transmission slot  540  of the clutch disc  536 . This rotationally couples the clutch disc  536  with the first stage gear  524 . Thus rotation of the plug  112  will rotate the actuator  120 . 
     The transmission pin  526  is slidable in the transmission slot  540  to allow rotational coupling of the clutch disc  536  and adjacent first stage gear  524 , although their axes are not collinear. In an alternative modification, other types of couplings such as an Oldham coupling may be used in place of the transmission pin  526  and transmission slot  540  to transmit rotation between non-collinear axes. 
     Withdrawing a key from the keyway  114 , pushes the clutch disc  536  away from the adjacent first stage gear  524  under the bias of the clutch spring  224 , disengaging the transmission pin  526  from the adjacent transmission slot  540 . The plug  112  and actuator  120  are then no longer rotationally connected. The transmission pin  526  and the transmission slot  540  provide clutch means for the actuator  120 . 
     A turnable control device in the form of a thumb turn  544 , designed to be turned by a thumb and finger of an operator, comprises an axially projected turn shaft  546  with a transmission slot  540  at its end. The turn shaft  546  of the thumb turn  544  is rotatably mounted in the cylindrical hole  110  of the second housing side  106 . A retaining ring  530  is seated on a circumferential groove  528  of the turn shaft  546 . 
     The transmission pin  526  of the first stage gear  524  that is adjacent to the turn shaft  546  is slidable in the transmission slot  540  of the turn shaft  546 . This rotationally couples the thumb turn  544  with the first stage gear  524 , thereby rotationally connecting the thumb turn  544  with the actuator  120 . In this embodiment, the rotating means is configured so that rotation of the plug  112  or turnable control device provides equal rotation of the actuator  120 . The rotating means is configured so that one revolution of the plug  112  or turnable control device will provide one revolution of the actuator  120 . The rotating means is also configured so that rotation of the plug  112  or turnable control device rotates the actuator  120  in the same direction. 
       FIGS. 6 a - f    illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6 a    illustrates an isometric projection of a lock  100 .  FIG. 6 b    illustrates a projection cutaway view of the lock  100 .  FIGS. 6 c  and 6 d    illustrate an exploded projection of the lock  100 .  FIG. 6 e    illustrates a front view of the lock  100 .  FIG. 6 f    illustrates a section therethrough on the line Il-Il of  FIG. 6   e.    
     The lock  100  comprises a multicomponent housing  102  with first and second housing sides  104  and  106  joined by a joining portion  108 . The first and second housing sides  104  and  106  comprise a cylindrical hole  110 , a mortice  600 , attachment holes  602  and fastening holes  604 . The joining portion  108  comprises a tenon  606  at each end, and attachment bores  608  through each tenon  606 . 
     The tenons  606  of the joining portion  108  insert into the mortices  600  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The attachment bores  608  of the tenon  606  may be aligned with the corresponding attachment holes  602  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . An attachment pin  610  that extends through the attachment holes  602  and corresponding attachment bores  608  may be used to secure the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to the joining portion  108 . There is a space  116  between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     A connecting portion  200  provides another connection between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The connecting portion  200  comprises first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  having a cylindrical bore  202  and fastening bores  616 . The first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  of the connecting portion  200  insert into the cylindrical hole  110  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  respectively. The first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  of the connecting portion  200  provide extending portions which extend into the cylindrical hole  110  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to facilitate attachment of the extending portion in the housing components. There may be an interference or other type of fit between the cylindrical holes  110  and the first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  in order to provide joining means to join the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to the connecting portion  200 . 
     The fastening bores  616  of the first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  may be aligned with the corresponding fastening holes  604  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . A fastening pin  618  that extends through the fastening holes  604  and corresponding fastening bores  616  may join the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to the connecting portion  200 . 
     The joining portion  108  and connecting portion  200  may be joined to the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  by other joining means such for example as crimping, screwing, riveting, a clip, a retaining ring, welding, brazing, soldering or an adhesive. 
     A plug  112  comprising a keyway  114  and a clutch keyway  122  is rotatably mounted in the cylindrical bore  202  of the first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614 . A retaining flange  652  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  restricts axial movement of the plugs  112 . 
     An actuator  120  in the form of a cam actuator is rotatably mounted on the connecting portion  200  and is seated in a space  116  between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The actuator  120  comprises a hole  512  and an integral second stage gear  514  in the form of a bevel gear. The connecting portion  200  comprises a pinion set seating cavity  622  formed by varying diameter bores. 
     An integrally formed pinion set  630  comprises a second stage pinion  516  in the form of a bevel gear, and a first stage pinion  520  in the form of a bevel gear joined by a coupling shaft  522 . A pivot hole  636  passes axially through the pinion set  630 . The pinion set  630  is seated in the pinion set seating cavity  622  of the connection portion  200 . 
     A pinion seating cover  626  comprising a pivot pin  628  is a press-fit at the opening of the pinion set seating cavity  622 . The pivot pin  628  is secured to the base of the pinion set seating cavity  622 . The pivot pin  628  passes through the pivot hole  636  of the pinion set  630  so that the pinion set  630  is rotatable about the pivot pin  628 . 
     A first stage gear  524  in the form of a bevel gear is housed within the connecting portion  200  and comprises an axially projecting transmission shaft  640 , a clutch keyway  122  and a clutch rod seating hole  642 . The transmission shaft  640  of the first stage gear  524  extends through and is rotatably mounted in a pivot bore  644  of the connecting portion  200 . 
     The first stage gear  524  is meshed with the first stage pinion  520  of the pinion set  630 , and the second stage gear  514  of the actuator  120  is meshed with the second stage pinion  516  of the pinion set  630 . Thereby rotation of the first stage gear  524  will rotate the actuator  120 . The first stage gear  524 , first stage pinion  520 , second stage pinion  516  and second stage gear  514  thus form rotating means for rotating the actuator  120 . The first stage gear  524 , first stage pinion  520 , second stage pinion  516  and second stage gear  514  are configured so that the first stage gear  524  and the actuator  120  rotate equally in the same direction. 
     A transmission disc  646  comprising a clutch keyway  122  and a shaft connecting hole  648  is fixed to the first stage gear  524  by press-fitting the end of the transmission shaft  640  of the first stage gear  524  into the shaft connecting hole  648  of the transmission disc  646  so that they are rotationally and axially fixed. 
     The clutch keyway  122  of the plugs  112  seat a clutch element  222  which is rotationally (but not axially) fixed to the clutch keyway  122 . 
     When a key is inserted in the keyway  114  of the plug  112  mounted in the cylindrical bore  202  of the first minor cylinder  612 , the tip of its blade makes contact with the end of the clutch element  222  seated in the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112 , moving the clutch element  222  axially towards the transmission disc  646 . A portion of the clutch element  222  thus enters the opposing clutch keyway  122  of the transmission disc  646 , rotationally coupling the plug  112  with the first stage gear  524 . Thereby rotation of the plug  112  will rotate the actuator  120 . 
     A clutch rod  650  is slidably seated in the clutch rod seating hole  642  of the first stage gear  524  so that it can move axially and is located between the clutch elements  222 . When the clutch element  222  seated in the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112  mounted in the cylindrical bore  202  of the first minor cylinder  612  moves into the clutch keyway  122  of the transmission disc  646 , it may push the clutch rod  650  axially. This may move the clutch element  222  seated in the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112  mounted in the cylindrical bore  202  of the second minor cylinder  614  away from the clutch keyway  122  of the first stage gear  524 , thereby decoupling the plug  112  of the second minor cylinder  614  from the first stage gear  524 . 
     Inversely, if a key is fully inserted in the keyway  114  of the plug  112  mounted in the cylindrical bore  202  of the second minor cylinder  614 , the plug  112  will be rotationally coupled to the first stage gear  524  whilst the plug  112  mounted in the cylindrical bore  202  of the first minor cylinder  612  will be rotationally decoupled from the first stage gear  524 . The clutch element  222  and the clutch keyway  122  form clutch means for the actuator  120 . 
     In this embodiment, the rotating means is configured so that rotation of the plug  112  provides equal rotation of the actuator  120 . The rotating means is configured so that one revolution of the plug  112  will provide one revolution of the actuator  120 . The rotating means is also configured so that rotation of the plug  112  rotates the actuator  120  in the same direction. 
       FIGS. 6 a - f    illustrate the lock  100  where the clutch element  222  seated in the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112  mounted in the cylindrical bore  202  of the first minor cylinder  612  is partially seated the clutch keyway  122  of the transmission disc  646 . 
     To accommodate a pin tumbler lock mechanism, the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 , the connecting portion  200  and the plugs  112  comprise pin tumbler holes  654 . The pin tumbler holes  654  of the components may align axially. 
     Each aligned set of pin tumbler holes  654  may seat a pin stack  664  comprising locking components in the form of a key pin  658  and a driver pin  660 . A pin stack  664  may contain additional pins or other locking components. The illustrated lock  100  in  FIGS. 6 a - f    shows a single pin stack  664  seated in an aligned set of pin tumbler holes  654 . However preferably the lock  100  may comprise multiple pin stacks  664 . 
     A stack spring  662  placed adjacent to the driver pin  660  biases the pin stack  664  towards the plug  112 . A cap  656  is fixed in an end of the pin tumbler hole  654  of the second housing side  106  that seats the pin stack  664 . 
     The pin tumbler holes  654 , pin stack  664  and stack spring  662  provide a pin tumbler lock mechanism. At rest a portion of the driver pin  660  seats in the pin tumbler hole  654  of both the connecting portion  200  and plug  112 . Thereby the plug  112  is rotationally locked to the connecting portion  200 . 
     Insertion of a correct key in the keyway  114  moves the pin stack  664  so that the driver pin  660  does not lock the plug  112  relative to the connecting portion  200 . Insertion of an incorrect key may move the key pin  658  so that it partly seats in the pin tumbler hole  654  of both the connecting portion  200  and plug  112 , locking the plug  112  relative to the connecting portion  200 . The pin tumbler holes  654  of the connecting portion  200  provide a receiving portion for receiving a locking component. 
     In an alternative modification the lock  100  may accommodate a different lock mechanism. The pin tumbler holes  654  may be replaced with other features such as a slot, groove, notch or depression, and the pin stack  664  may be replaced with other locking components such as a bar, ball, catch, wafer or disc. 
     In another embodiment the plug  112  may be replaced with a turnable control device which may be rotationally lockable to the connecting portion  200 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, there is a single pinion set  630  to transmit torque. An alternative modification may have a plurality of pinon sets  630  to share the load. Thereby, torque capability may be increased. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  extend the length of the cylindrical hole  110  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . However the first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  may be of a different length to the cylindrical hole  110 . 
     Increasing the length by which the first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  extend into the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  may increase resistance to bending forces because the force is distributed along a greater length. It may reduce the tendency of the walls of the cylindrical hole  110  and the first and second minor cylinders  612  and  614  to deform or fracture. 
       FIGS. 7 a - e    illustrate a sixth embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7 a    illustrates an isometric projection of a lock  100 .  FIGS. 7 b  and 7 c    illustrate an exploded projection of the lock  100 .  FIG. 7 d    illustrates a front view of the lock  100 .  FIG. 7 e    illustrates a section therethrough on the line of  FIG. 7   d.    
     The lock  100  comprises a housing  102  with a Swiss round profile which can be operated from one side. The lock  100  is commonly known as a Swiss round. The housing  102  comprises first and second housing sides  104  and  106  which are connected by an integral joining portion  108 . The first housing side  104  comprises a rounded square hole  722  having a longitudinal spline  700 . The second housing side  106  comprises a rounded square hole  722  having an axial groove  702 . 
     A connecting portion  200  having a rounded square form comprises first and second connecting portion sides  704  and  710 . The first connecting portion side  704  comprises a joining bore  706 , a longitudinal slot  708  and a circumferential slot  502 . The second connecting portion side  710  comprises a joining rim  712 , an axial spline  714 , a circumferential slot  502  and an integral pivot pin  628 . 
     The joining rim  712  fits inside the joining bore  706  to join the first and second connecting portion sides  704  and  710  which together form the connecting portion  200 . A strong join may be created between the first and second connecting portion sides  704  and  710  by an interference fit, welding, brazing, an adhesive, or other means. Alternatively a fastening means may be used such for example as a screw, pin, rivet or clip. 
     The connecting portion  200  has extending portions which extend into the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to facilitate attachment of the extending portions to the housing components. The connecting portion  200  fits into the rounded square hole  722  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The longitudinal spline  700  of the first housing side  104  fits into the longitudinal slot  708  of the first connecting portion side  704 , and the axial spline  714  of the second connecting portion side  710  fits into the axial groove  702  of the second housing side  106 . There may be an interference fit, or other fit between the connecting portion  200  and the rounded square hole  722 . 
     A plug  112  comprising a keyway  114  and an integral drive wheel  716  is rotatably mounted in the cylindrical bore  202  of the first connecting portion side  704 . A retaining flange  652  of the first housing side  104  prevents removal of the plug  112  from the front of the lock  100 . 
     An intermediate wheel  718  comprising a pivot hole  636  is rotatably seated on the pivot pin  628  of second connecting portion side  710 , and partially protrudes through the circumferential slot  502 . 
     An actuator  120  in the form of a cam actuator comprises a hole  512  and two cam lobes. The inner surface of the hole  512  forms a driven wheel  720 . The actuator  120  is positioned in a space  116  and is rotatably mounted on the connecting portion  200 . The intermediate wheel  718  is in contact with the drive wheel  716  of the plug  112  and the driven wheel  720  of the actuator  120 . The drive wheel  716  can transmit rotation to the intermediate wheel  718  by the friction between them. The intermediate wheel  718  can transmit rotation to the driven wheel  720  by the friction between them. Thus rotating the plug  112  will rotate the actuator  120 . The drive wheel  716 , intermediate wheel  718  and driven wheel  720  thus form rotating means for rotating the actuator  120 . 
     To accommodate a pin tumbler lock mechanism, the first housing side  104  and the plug  112  comprise pin tumbler holes  654 . The longitudinal slot  708  of the connecting portion  200  provides clearance for the pin tumbler holes  654 . 
     The pin tumbler holes  654  of the first housing side  104  and the plug  112  may seat a pin stack (not shown). The pin stacks may rotationally lock the plug  112  to the housing  102  when a correct key is not inserted in the keyway  114 . Inserting a correct key in the keyway  114  may move the pin stacks so that the plug  112  is not rotationally locked to the housing  102 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the connecting portion  200  and other components of the lock  100  may have other features such for example as holes, slots, grooves, notches or depressions to accommodate other types of lock mechanism. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, there is a single intermediate wheel  718  to transmit torque. An alternative modification may comprise a plurality of intermediate wheels  718  to share the load, whereby torque capability may be increased. 
     A locking component in the form of a side bar  726  is seated in a side bar seating  724  of the plug  112 . Normally the side bar  726  protrudes from the side bar seating  724  and extends into a locking groove  728  of the connecting portion  200 , thus rotationally locking the plug  112  relative to the connecting portion  200 . Without a correct key inserted in the keyway  114 , the side bar  726  is prevented from retracting into the side bar seating  724 . 
     When a correct key is inserted in the keyway  114 , the side bar  726  may retract into the side bar seating  724 , and withdraw out of the locking groove  728  to unlock the plug  112  relative to the connecting portion  200 . The side bar  726 , side bar seating  724  and locking groove  728  provide a side bar locking mechanism. The locking groove  728  of the connecting portion  200  provides a receiving portion for receiving a locking component. In an alternative modification, the receiving portion may be a slot, notch, depression or hole, and the side bar  726  may be replaced with other locking components such as a pin, ball, catch, wafer or disc. 
       FIGS. 8 a - d    illustrate a seventh embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 8 a    illustrates an isometric projection view of a lock  100 .  FIG. 8 b    illustrates an isometric projection cutaway view of the lock  100 .  FIGS. 8 c  and 8 d    illustrate an exploded projection of the lock  100 . 
     The lock  100  comprises a housing  102  with first and second housing sides  104  and  106 , first and second housing extensions  800  and  802 , and a joining portion  108 . The first and second housing extensions  800  and  802  and the joining portion  108  are integrally formed. 
     The first and second housing sides  104  and  106  comprise a tenon  606  and an attachment bore  608 . The first and second housing extensions  800  and  802  comprise a mortice  600  at their end and attachment holes  602 . 
     The tenons  606  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  insert into the mortices  600  of the first and second housing extensions  800  and  802  respectively. The attachment bore  608  aligns with the corresponding attachment holes  602 . An attachment pin  610  that extends through the attachment holes  602  and corresponding attachment bore  608  may be used to secure the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to the first and second housing extensions  800  and  802  respectively. Thereby the joining portion  108  provides a join between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     The first and second housing extensions  800  and  802  comprise a cylindrical hole  110 . A connecting portion  200  comprises a cylindrical bore  202 , an external flange  806  at one end and a circumferential groove  528  at the other. Portions of the connecting portion  200  are seated in the cylindrical hole  110  of the first and second housing extensions  800  and  802 . 
     The connecting portion  200  has extending portions which extend into the first and second housing extensions  800  and  802  to facilitate attachment of the extending portions to the housing components. 
     A retaining ring  530  is seated on the circumferential groove  528  of the connecting portion  200 . The external flange  806  interferes with the first housing extension  800  and the retaining ring  530  interferes with the second housing extension  802  to secure the connecting portion  200  and constrain its axial movement. The external flange  806  and retaining ring  530  provide joining means to join the connection portion  200  to housing components. The connecting portion  200  connects the first and second housing extensions  800  and  802 , whereby it connects the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     A space  116  between the first and second housing extensions  800  and  802  seats an actuator  120 . The first and second housing extensions  800  and  802  are positioned between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . Therefore the space  116  is positioned between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The connecting portion  200  extends completely across the space  116 . 
     The actuator  120  which comprises a hole  512  and an integral driven pulley  808  is rotatably mounted about the connecting portion  200 . A transmission cylinder  810  comprising a hexagonal hole  814  at each end and a drive pulley  812  is rotatably mounted in a cylindrical bore  202  of the connecting portion  200 . 
     A first intermediate pulley  816  comprises a coupling shaft  522  which extends through and is rotatably mounted in a shaft bearing hole  510  of the first housing extension  800 . A second intermediate pulley  818  comprising a shaft coupling hole  518  is fixed to the coupling shaft  522  of the first intermediate pulley  816  by press fitting the end of the coupling shaft  522  into the shaft coupling hole  518  so that they are rotationally coupled. 
     A belt  820  couples the drive pulley  812  and first intermediate pulley  816 . Another belt  820  couples the second intermediate pulley  818  to the driven pulley  808 . The belts  820  provide coupling means. Rotating the transmission cylinder  810  and thereby the drive pulley  812 , transmits rotary motion to the first intermediate pulley  816  via the belt  820  which couples them. The coupling shaft  522  transmits rotation to the second intermediate pulley  818 , which transmits rotary motion to the driven pulley  808  via the belt  820  which couples them. 
     The drive pulley  812 , first intermediate pulley  816 , second intermediate pulley  818 , driven pulley  808  and the two illustrated belts  820  thus form rotating means for rotating the actuator  120  about the connecting portion  200 . 
     The drive pulley  812 , first intermediate pulley  816 , second intermediate pulley  818 , driven pulley  808  and the belts  820  may comprise teeth to aid power transmission and eliminate slippage between the pulleys and belts  820 . 
     A turnable control device in the form of a knob  822  shaped to facilitate gripping and turning by an operator, comprises an axially projecting turn shaft  546  and a hexagonal shaft  824 . A knob  822  is mounted on each side of the lock  100 . The turn shafts  546  of the knobs  822  are rotatably mounted in the cylindrical holes  110  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The turnable control device may be rotated by an operator of the lock  100  to provide power to operate the lock  100 . 
     The hexagonal shaft  824  of each knob  822  is a press-fit into the adjacent hexagonal hole  814  of the transmission cylinder  810  to fix the knobs  822  to the transmission cylinder  810 . Thus rotating either knob  822  rotates the actuator  120 . The diameters of the drive pulley  812 , first intermediate pulley  816 , second intermediate pulley  818  and driven pulley  808  of the rotating means are configured so that rotation of the turnable control device provides equal rotation of the actuator  120 . The rotating means is configured so that one revolution of the turnable control device will provide one revolution of the actuator  120 . The rotating means is also configured so that rotation of the turnable control device rotates the actuator  120  in the same direction. 
     Such a lock  100  may comprise electronic authentication means to authenticate an operator. After authentication, a lock mechanism may move a locking component to permit the knob  822  to be turned by the operator. The electronic authentication means may for example be a key, fob, card, remote, wireless device, security token, keypad to enter code or biometrics. In another embodiment the knob  822  may be replaced with a plug. 
     In the embodiments of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6 a - f , 7 a - e  and 8 a - d   , there is shown how the connecting portion  200  may include an extending portion, and in which the extending portion extends into housing components for facilitating attachment of the extending portion to the housing components. 
       FIGS. 9 a - c    illustrate an eighth embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 9 a    illustrates an isometric projection of a lock  100 .  FIGS. 9 b  and 9 c    illustrate an exploded isometric projection of the lock  100 . 
     The lock  100  comprises a housing  102  with first and second housing sides  104  and  106 , a first housing extension  800 , a joining portion  108 , and a connecting portion  200 . The first housing extension  800 , joining portion  108 , connecting portion  200  and second housing side  106  are integrally formed. 
     A tenon  606  of the first housing extension  800  inserts into a mortice  600  of the first housing side  104 . An interference fit, adhesive, welding, a fastener or other means may be used to join the first housing side  104  to the first housing extension  800 . Thereby the joining portion  108  and connecting portion  200  provide a joint between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     A weakening formation  900  provided by a slit in the first housing side  104  is designed to rupture when the first housing side  104  is subjected to loads, thereby shortening the length of the first housing side  104  and making it more difficult to grasp with a tool to apply further loads. 
     An actuator  120  in the form of a worm actuator comprises first and second actuator sides  210  and  212  which are joined together by press-fitting a join spline  902  of the first actuator side  210  into the corresponding join groove  904  of the second actuator side  212 . The first and second actuator sides  210  and  212  may be joined by other means. The first and second actuator sides  210  and  212  comprise a magnetic gear track  906 . 
     The magnetic gear track  906  of the first and second actuator sides  210  and  212  together form a continuous circular track. The actuator  120  is rotatably mounted on the connecting portion  200 . 
     The second housing side  106  comprises a motor seating hole  910  which seats a motor  912  comprising a motor shaft  914 . A magnetic gear  908  is fixed to the motor shaft  914  so that the motor  912  can rotate the magnetic gear  908 . 
     The magnetic gear  908  can transmit torque to the magnetic gear track  906  of the actuator  120  so that rotation of the magnetic gear  908  transmits rotation to the magnetic gear track  906 , thereby rotating the actuator  120 . The magnetic gear  908  and magnetic gear track  906  form rotating means for rotating the actuator  120 . 
     Such a lock  100  may comprise electronic authentication means to authenticate an authorised operator, and upon successful authentication activate the motor  912  to rotate the actuator  120 . The power to operate the lock  100  is provided by the motor  912 . 
     In an alternative modification, the join between the first housing side  104  and first housing extension  800  may release to allow the first housing side  104  to separate from the first housing extension  800  when the first housing side  104  is subjected to predetermined loads. This makes it difficult to grasp the remaining portion of the housing  102  with a tool to apply further loads. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b   .  FIG. 10 a    illustrates an isometric projection of a lock  100 .  FIG. 10 b    illustrates an exploded isometric projection of the lock  100 . 
     The lock  100  has a housing  102  which comprises top and bottom housing sections  1000  and  1002 . The top housing section  1000  is integrally formed with first and second housing side sections  1004  and  1006 , which are joined by a connecting portion  200 . The first and second housing side sections  1004  and  1006  of the top housing section  1000  comprise a dovetail spline  1008 . The top housing section  1000  also comprises a cylindrical hole  110  which extends through the first housing side section  1004  and the connecting portion  200 . 
     The bottom housing section  1002  is integrally formed with first and second housing side sections  1004  and  1006 , which are joined by a joining portion  108 . The first and second housing side sections  1004  and  1006  of the bottom housing section  1002  comprise a socket groove  1010 . 
     The dovetail spline  1008  of the top housing section  1000  fits into the socket groove  1010  of the bottom housing section  1002 , and interlocks to join the top and bottom housing sections  1000  and  1002  together. 
     The first housing side sections  1004  of the top and bottom housing sections  1000  and  1002  together form the first housing side  104 . The second housing side sections  1006  of the top and bottom housing sections  1000  and  1002  together form the second housing side  106 . Thus the connecting portion  200  connects the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     A plug  112  comprising a keyway  114  and a magnetic material  220  is rotatably seated in the cylindrical hole  110  of the top housing section  1000 . An actuator  120  made of a magnetisable material and which is preferably diametrically magnetised is rotatably mounted on the connecting portion  200 . 
     The actuator  120  and the magnetic material  220  of the plug  112  are rotationally coupled due to magnetic attraction. Thus rotating the plug  112  rotates the actuator  120 . 
       FIGS. 11 a - c    illustrate a tenth and preferred embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 11 a    illustrates an exploded isometric projection of the lock  100 .  FIG. 11 b    illustrates a front view of the lock  100 .  FIG. 11 c    illustrates a section therethrough on the line IV-IV of  FIG. 11   b.    
     The lock  100  comprises a housing  102  having a substantially uniform keyway-shaped profile commonly known as a Euro cylinder. The housing  102  of the lock  100  is formed by a cylindrical portion, from the outer surface of which an extension portion integrally radially extends. The housing  102  comprises first and second housing sides  104  and  106  that are connected by an integral joining portion  108 . The first and second housing sides  104  and  106  each comprises a cylindrical hole  110 . The cylindrical holes  110  are coaxial. The first and second housing sides  104  and  106  each comprises a fastening hole  604 . 
     A cylindrical connecting portion  200  extends completely across a space  116  between the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The connecting portion  200  has extending portions which extend into the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to facilitate attachment of the extending portions to the housing  102 . The connecting portion  200  seats in the cylindrical hole  110  of the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     The connecting portion  200  comprises a cylindrical bore  202 , a circumferential slot  502  and a pair of fastening bores  616 . The axes of the connecting portion  200  and cylindrical bore  202  are offset. 
     A fastening pin  618  that extends through the fastening holes  604  and corresponding aligned fastening bores  616  joins the first and second housing sides  104  and  106  to the connecting portion  200 . The connecting portion  200  is fixed with respect to the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . The fastening pin  618  provides joining means to join the connecting portion  200  to the first and second housing sides  104  and  106 . 
     An actuator  120  in the form of a cam actuator is positioned in the space  116  and rotatably mounted on the connecting portion  200 . The actuator  120  comprises a hole  512  and an integral second stage gear  514  formed by an internal gear. A second stage pinion  516  comprising a shaft coupling hole  518  is housed by the cylindrical bore  202  such that it partially protrudes from the circumferential slot  502  of the connecting portion  200 , and meshes with the second stage gear  514  of the actuator  120 . 
     A disc member  508  comprising an offset shaft bearing hole  510  is seated on each side of the second stage pinion  516  in the cylindrical bore  202 . The disc member  508  is a press fit in the cylindrical bore  202 . The disc member  508  may be fastened to the connecting portion  200  by other means, for example by a pin, rivet, screw, clip or retaining ring. Other means may be employed such as an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering. 
     An integrally formed first stage pinion set  1100  comprises a pair of first stage pinions  520  joined by a coupling shaft  522  and a clutch rod seating hole  642 . The first stage pinion set  1100  extends through the shaft bearing holes  510  of the disc members  508  and the shaft coupling hole  518  of the second stage pinion  516 . 
     The coupling shaft  522  is a press fit in the shaft coupling hole  518  of the second stage pinion  516  so that the first stage pinions  520  and second stage pinion  516  are fixed. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft coupling hole  518  and coupling shaft  522  may comprise at least one spline and/or groove which mesh to increase reliable torque transfer between them. The coupling shaft  522  is rotatably mounted in the shaft bearing holes  510  of the disc members  508 . 
     A first stage gear  524  formed by an internal gear and comprising a clutch keyway  122  is rotatably mounted in each side of the cylindrical bore  202  of the connecting portion  200 . Each first stage gear  524  is meshed with a first stage pinion  520 . Rotation of a first stage gear  524  transmits rotation to the meshed first stage pinion  520 , thus rotating the second stage pinion  516  fixed to it. The second stage pinion  516  transmits rotation to the meshed second stage gear  514  to rotate the actuator  120 . The first stage gear  524 , first stage pinion  520 , second stage pinion  516  and second stage gear  514  thus form rotating means for rotating the actuator  120  about the connecting portion  200 . In this embodiment, the arrangement and number of gear teeth of the first stage gear  524 , first stage pinion  520 , second stage pinion  516  and second stage gear  514  are configured so that the first stage gear  524  and actuator  120  rotate equally and in the same direction. 
     The cylindrical bore  202  seats a rotatable plug  112  on each side. Each plug  112  comprises a keyway  114 , a clutch keyway  122  and a circumferential groove  528 . 
     The fastening pins  618  protrude into the cylindrical bore  202  and engage with the circumferential grooves  528  of the plugs  112  to restrict their axial movement. 
     The clutch keyways  122  of the plugs  112  seat a clutch element  222  which is rotationally (but not axially) fixed to the clutch keyway  122 . 
     When a key is inserted in the keyway  114  of a plug  112 , the tip of its blade makes contact with the end of the clutch element  222  seated in the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112 , moving the clutch element  222  axially towards the first stage gear  524  beside it. A portion of the clutch element  222  thus enters the opposing clutch keyway  122  of the first stage gear  524 , rotationally coupling the plug  112  with the first stage gear  524 . Thereby rotation of the plug  112  will rotate the actuator  120 . The clutch element  222  and the clutch keyway  122  form clutch means for the actuator  120 . 
     A clutch rod  650  is slidably seated in the clutch rod seating hole  642  of the first stage pinion set  1100  so that it is axially moveable and is positioned between the clutch elements  222 . When a clutch element  222  moves into the clutch keyway  122  of a first stage gear  524 , it may push the clutch rod  650  axially. This may move the clutch element  222  seated in the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112  on the opposing side away from the clutch keyway  122  of the first stage gear  524  beside it, thereby decoupling the plug  112  and first stage gear  524  of the opposing side. 
       FIGS. 11 a - c    illustrate the lock  100  where the clutch element  222  seated in the clutch keyway  122  of the plug  112  of the first housing side  104  is partially seated in the clutch keyway  122  of the first stage gear  524 . 
     The clutch rod  650  provides clutch transfer means. In the first and fourth embodiments, clutch transfer means is provided by a clutch spring  224 . 
     In this embodiment and other embodiments of the present invention, at least one component of the clutch means and/or clutch transfer means is at least partially housed within at least one component of the rotating means to rotate the actuator  120 . This may provide a more compact arrangement. 
     In this embodiment the axes of the cylindrical portion of the housing  102  and plug  112  are offset. The rotational axes of the plug  112  and actuator  120  are offset. The rotational axes of the plug  112  and first stage gear  524  are colinear. Thereby the coupling between the plug  112  and first stage gear  524  is not required to transmit rotation between non-collinear axes, unlike the arrangement disclosed in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     In alternative embodiment the keyway  114  may not be comprised by the plug  112 . If a disc detainer lock mechanism is employed, the plug  112  may house a set of discs. Each disc may comprise a key hole. The key holes may collectively form a keyway  114  to receive a key. In another alternative embodiment the plug  112  may be replaced with a turnable control device. 
     It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.