Cylinder lock and key therefor

Abstract

A cylindrical lock (1) and its key (2) are disclosed. The lock (1) includes a stator (3) and a rotor (4) rotatable within the stator (3). The rotor (4) is provided with a longitudinal channel (5), and corresponding kingpins (6, 7) are arranged substantially opposite to each other within the longitudinal channel (5). The channel (5) is adapted to insert a key (2), which is provided with a receiving seat (8) for receiving a corresponding rod (9) that is freely orientable and adapted to actuate the kingpins (6, 7). At least one of the kingpins (6) consists of a bushing (10) and a profiled flat-head member (11), the profile of which has at least one segment (12a, 12b) whose shape and size are complementary to the shape and size of the cavity (13) of the bushing (10). An axially acting elastic device (14) is inserted between the bushing (10) and the flat-head member (11) to space the bushing (10) and the flat-head member (11) accordingly apart without any external force applied toward the flat-head member (11) to the bushing (10). The stator (3) includes a groove (15) whose shape and size are complementary to the shape and size of the front end of the master pin (6) in the radial direction to temporarily accommodate the front end; the groove (15) is aligned with a hole (16) in the rotor (4), in which the bushing (10) and the flat-head member (11) are arranged. At least one elastic element (17) is inserted between the stator (3) and at least one additional master pin (7) to force the at least one additional master pin (7) to be located within a longitudinal channel (5). After the key (2) is inserted into the longitudinal channel (5), the end of the master pin (7) and the head (18) of the bushing (10) abut against the rod (9), resulting in the rod (9) being partially tilted relative to the key (2) in the configuration where the master pin (6) moves freely within the hole (16), while the front of the master pin (6) does not protrude into the groove (15) of the stator (3).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to cylinder locks and their keys.

[0002] Currently, there exist cylindrical locks that can be operated with a corresponding key, the characteristics of which are described in IT1235586 dated September 6, 1989, and EP1728944 with a priority date of June 1, 2005, both in the name of the same applicant. These documents describe a cylindrical lock whose code cannot be directly deciphered from the outside to prevent tampering.

[0003] This result is achieved by arranging at least two primary pins such that they are opposite each other in the rotor of the cylinder relative to the channel through which the key is inserted, the primary pins having corresponding ends protruding into the channel.

[0004] These master pins are associated with corresponding complementary pins, which can be flexibly moved from a configuration fully housed within the stator to at least one configuration where they are housed simultaneously in both the stator and rotor, thus forming an integral connection between the two components.

[0005] The key has a lever that is housed so that it can rotate within a corresponding housing, and when the key is inserted into the channel, the lever actuates the kingpins, arranging them such that the complementary pins are in a configuration fully housed within the stator, thereby allowing the rotor to selectively move in response to the rotation of the key.

[0006] The lever present in the key (which is associated with at least two master pins) ensures greater security against intrusion, commonly known as picking (mechanical tampering).

[0007] To prevent malicious individuals from opening the cylinder lock using appropriate tampering tools suitable for faithfully reproducing the directional bar at the master pin, and using conventional types of mechanical tampering tools and methods, the possibility of encoding the bar portion (where the opposing pins of the lock abut) is introduced (by means of the contents of EP1728944).

[0008] However, it is necessary to improve security against intrusion because the locks described so far still pose a risk of being tampered with under any circumstances (although this risk is extremely small).

[0009] The objective of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by proposing a cylindrical lock and its key, which has a higher level of security against intrusion than known technical solutions.

[0010] Within the scope of this objective, the object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical lock and its key that are compatible with known types of locks and their keys.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical lock consisting of a finite number of parts that can be assembled into an assembly configuration in a substantially simple manner.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical lock and its key that are low-cost, relatively easy to provide in practice, and secure in application.

[0013] These and other objectives, as will become clearer below, are achieved by a cylindrical lock of this type and its key, comprising a stator, within which a rotor is rotatable, the rotor being provided with longitudinal channels in which corresponding kingpins are arranged substantially opposite to each other, the channels being adapted for inserting a key provided with a receptacle for receiving a corresponding rod, the rod being freely orientable and adapted to actuate the kingpins, characterized in that:

[0014] At least one of the main pins consists of a bushing and a contoured grub, the contour of which has at least one segment whose shape and size are complementary to the shape and size of the inner cavity of the bushing.

[0015] An axially acting elastic device is inserted between the bushing and the flat end piece to allow the bushing and the flat end piece to be spaced apart from each other in the absence of an external force applied toward the flat end piece to the bushing.

[0016] The stator includes a groove whose shape and size are complementary to the shape and size of the front end of the kingpin in the radial direction to temporarily accommodate the front end. The groove is aligned with a bore in the rotor, in which the bushing and the flat end piece are disposed.

[0017] At least one elastic element is inserted between the stator and the at least one additional master pin to force the at least one additional master pin to be located within the longitudinal channel;

[0018] After the key is inserted into the longitudinal channel, the end of the master pin and the head of the bushing abut against the rod, resulting in the rod being partially tilted relative to the key in a configuration where the master pin can freely translate within the hole of the rotor, while the front of the master pin does not protrude into the groove of the stator.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the cylindrical lock and its key, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a cylindrical lock according to the present invention, in which a key is inserted;

[0021] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The plane AA cuts out Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical lock and its key;

[0022] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The plane AA cuts out Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical lock and its key during the first opening step;

[0023] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The plane AA cuts out Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical lock and its key during the second opening step;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a cylindrical lock according to the present invention, in which a perforated counterfeit key is inserted;

[0025] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical lock according to the invention, taken from the plane BB outlined in the middle, showing a forged key with a perforation inserted into the cylindrical lock;

[0026] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a cylindrical lock according to the invention, taken from plane BB, in which a forged key with a perforation is inserted and the lock is in a locked configuration as a result of a forced opening attempt;

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of the details;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a cylindrical lock according to the present invention, with a solid false key inserted into the cylindrical lock;

[0029] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical lock according to the invention, taken from the plane CC, with a solid counterfeit key inserted into the cylindrical lock;

[0030] Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical lock according to the invention, taken from the plane CC, in which a solid counterfeit key is inserted and the cylinder lock is in a locked configuration as a result of a forced opening attempt;

[0031] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the first cylindrical lock according to the invention with a coded masterpin and a corresponding first key according to the invention with a coded rod, taken along a transverse plane passing through the axis of the masterpin;

[0032] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view of the second cylindrical lock according to the invention with a coded masterpin and a corresponding second key according to the invention with a coded rod, taken along a transverse plane passing through the axis of the masterpin;

[0033] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the third cylindrical lock according to the invention with a coded masterpin and a corresponding third key according to the invention with a coded rod, taken along a transverse plane passing through the axis of the masterpin;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a cylinder lock, according to the invention, a key with an incorrect bar code is inserted into the cylinder lock;

[0035] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical lock according to the invention, taken from plane DD, showing a key with an incorrect bar code being inserted into the cylindrical lock;

[0036] Figure 17 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical lock according to the invention, taken from the plane DD, showing the cylinder lock in a locked configuration as a result of a forced opening attempt, with a key having an incorrect lever code inserted.

[0037] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A magnified view of the details.

[0038] With particular reference to the attached diagram, reference number 1 generally indicates a cylindrical lock, and reference number 2 indicates its key.

[0039] The cylindrical lock 1 includes a stator 3 and a rotor 4 that can rotate within the stator 3. The rotor 4 is provided with a longitudinal channel 5, and the corresponding main pins 6 and 7 are basically opposite to each other within the longitudinal channel 5.

[0040] Both main pins 6 and 7 can slide laterally relative to channel 5 between corresponding configurations with different interferences with said channel 5 (even until the interference is eliminated).

[0041] Channel 5 is adapted to receive key 2 (inserted from the outside), key 2 being provided with a housing 8 for accommodating a corresponding freely oriented rod 9.

[0042] Lever 9 is designed for the proper alignment of master pins 6 and 7, as these pins are actuated by lever 9 (when key 2 is correctly inserted into channel 5, these pins abut against lever 9), and these pins are arranged in a specific coded configuration via lever 9.

[0043] With particular reference to a more innovative aspect of the invention, it is specifically noted that at least one of the main pins 6 can suitably be composed of a bushing 10 and a profiled flat-head member 11, the profile of which has at least one segment 12a, 12b, the shape and size of which are complementary to the shape and size of the cavity 13 of the bushing 10. Due to the presence of the segments 12a, 12b (the area they form has a larger diameter than the flat-head member 11), the flat-head member 11 and the bushing 10 can be arranged in a cylindrical pairing, wherein the flat-head member 11 can slide freely within the cavity 13 along a direction defined by a common axis of symmetry.

[0044] To ensure optimal mechanical performance of the lock 1 according to the invention, it is particularly noted that an axially acting elastic device 14 can be advantageously inserted between the bushing 10 and the flat head 11 to space them apart without any external force applied to the bushing 10 toward the flat head 11.

[0045] The stator 3 further includes a groove 15, the shape and size of which are complementary to the shape and size of the front end of the kingpin 6 in the radial direction, to temporarily accommodate the front end. The groove 15 is advantageously aligned with the bore 16 of the rotor 4, in which a bushing 10 and a flat-head member 11 are arranged.

[0046] At least one elastic element 17 is effectively inserted between the stator 3 and at least one additional master pin 7 so as to force at least one additional master pin 7 into the longitudinal channel 5.

[0047] When the key 2 is not inserted into the channel 5, the elastic device 14 and the elastic element 17 apply such elastic action that they force the ends of the master pins 6 and 7 to protrude into the longitudinal channel 5.

[0048] After the key 2 is inserted into the longitudinal channel 5, the end of the master pin 7 and the head 18 of the bushing 10 abut against the rod 9. As a result, in the configuration where the master pin 6 moves freely within the hole 16 of the rotor 4, the rod 9 is partially tilted relative to the key 2, and the front part of the master pin 6 (formed by the end face of the flat-head piece 11 opposite to the bushing 10) does not protrude into the groove 15 of the stator 3.

[0049] Within the scope of embodiments of unquestionable interest in practice and application, it is specifically illustrated that the bore 16 of the rotor 4, designed to receive the kingpin 6, may suitably comprise continuous portions of different diameters. In particular, at least one first portion 19 may be provided having a width greater than the maximum diameter of the bushing 10; at least one second portion 20 having a shape and size substantially complementary to the shape and size of the region of the bushing 10 having the maximum diameter; and at least one third portion 21 having a shape and size substantially complementary to the shape and size of the head 18 of the bushing 10, so as to form a cylindrical mating with it.

[0050] The flat-head member 11 may effectively include a head section 12b having a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the inner cavity 13 of the bushing 10 (as previously shown); at least one intermediate recess 22 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inner cavity 13 of the bushing 10; at least one intermediate section 12a having a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the inner cavity 13 of the bushing 10 (also previously shown); and at least one end portion 23 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inner cavity 13 of the bushing 10.

[0051] A region with a smaller diameter can be formed between segment 12a and segment 12b.

[0052] In this context, it is also specifically noted that the bushing 10 may usefully include a generally frustum-shaped end annular portion 24, the diameter of which is complementary to the diameter of at least one second portion 20 of the hole 16; a central cylindrical portion 25 having a smaller diameter; and an end head 18, which is further provided with a cylindrical portion 26 and a tapered end tongue 27.

[0053] The smaller diameter region formed between sections 12a and 12b of the flat-head part 11 and the smaller diameter central cylindrical portion 25 of the bushing 10 have the function of helping to jam the master pin 6 (a component of the master pin 6) when attempting to penetrate the lock 1.

[0054] In fact, as in Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As can be seen, the reduction in diameter allows the flat-head part 11 to tilt relative to the bushing 10, and allows the bushing 10 to tilt relative to the hole 16. If rotation is applied from the outside without using the appropriate key 2 according to the invention, this defines a configuration for locking the rotation.

[0055] Furthermore, specifically, the elastic device 14 is usefully inserted between the bottom of the cavity 13 of the bushing 10 and at least one intermediate section 12a, the at least one intermediate section 12a having a diameter substantially similar to that of the inner cavity 13, so as to form an abutment shoulder for the elastic device 14.

[0056] Furthermore, the groove 15 of the stator 3 is defined between two intersecting inclined planes 28 and 29, which intersect at the bottom of the groove 15 and with the surface of the stator 3's conduit 30 designed to rotatably accommodate the rotor 4. This practical arrangement ensures the correct and proper operation of the lock 1 according to the invention. From a construction standpoint, the groove 15 can be provided by milling (or typically by chip forming) the inner surface of the conduit 30 of the stator 3: the milling can be limited only to the area aligned with the hole 16 of the rotor 4 in the assembled configuration, or more likely, extending from the end face of the stator 3 to said area.

[0057] Specifically, in certain embodiments that allow for optimal security against intrusion, the rod 9 may advantageously have a variable thickness, or even a locally variable and discontinuously variable thickness, depending on the geometry and arrangement of the ends of the master pins 6 and 7 that are substantially aligned with and abut against the rod 9.

[0058] The specific shape of the lever 9 appropriately defines a specific structure for resting the ends of the master pin 6 and the master pin 7 on the surface of the lever 9: in fact, the ends of the master pins 6 and 7 can be suitably shaped to engage with corresponding complementary shaped areas provided on the lever 9, so that the overall arrangement of the lock 1 and its key 2 is allowed to be in an open configuration only when each shaped area properly abuts against the corresponding complementary shaped area.

[0059] In this case, the bushing 10 of the master pin 6 may have a specific shape at its head 18 in order to allow proper engagement with the shaped area (encoded) provided on the rod 9.

[0060] In particular, it is possible (as can be seen, as only as a non-restrictive example) to... Figures 12 to 18 The one shown employs a specific bushing with different heads 18a, 18b and 18c, each head being specifically shaped to engage with the shaped area (encoded) of the corresponding lever 9 of the key 2 associated with a specific lock 1.

[0061] Furthermore, it is specifically noted that the main pin 7 can advantageously slide within a profiled channel 31 present in the rotor 4 and the stator 3 (i.e., the channel 31 extends radially from the stator 3 into the rotor 4 until the channel 31 leads into the longitudinal channel 5).

[0062] Channel 31 includes an outer rotor portion 32 and an outer stator portion 33; the two portions 32 and 33 have a diameter suitable for slidably accommodating a base plate 34 for the master pin 7.

[0063] The channel 31 also includes an inner portion 35 (belonging to the rotor 4 and formed between the portion 32 and the longitudinal channel 5), which has a smaller diameter and is adapted to slidably accommodate the elongated shank 36 of the master pin 7.

[0064] At least one elastic element 17 can be properly inserted between the bottom of the channel 31 and the substrate 34.

[0065] The elastic device 14 and the elastic element 17 may be composed of a helical spring, the shape, size and elastic constant of which depend on the specific mechanical properties that one attempts to assign to the lock 1.

[0066] From a functional standpoint, specifically, the substrate 34 actually constitutes a counterweight for the main pin 7.

[0067] Finally, it should be specifically noted that the rod 9 may have a generally flat shape and may pivot within the housing 8, the housing 8 being complementary to the profile of the rod 9 at its peripheral edge.

[0068] The opposite edges of lever 9 are edges that swing freely between extreme configurations that protrude from the outline of key 2.

[0069] The operation of this invention is as follows. When the key 2 is correctly and fully inserted into the longitudinal channel 5 of the lock 1, the master pins 6 and 7 can be properly arranged, thereby disconnecting the rotor 4 from the stator 3 and allowing it to be opened (as per the appendix). Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 (As shown).

[0070] Conversely, if a key X that does not correspond to the present invention is inserted into channel 5 (especially if a receiving seat 8 is provided but a rod 9 is not provided), attempting to rotate the rotor 4 relative to the stator 3 will lock the flat-head part 11 in the bushing 10 (according to the method of...). Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 (as shown in the example), thus preventing the rotation from completing.

[0071] Similarly, if one attempts to start the rotation of the rotor 4 using a key X that does not correspond to the present invention (especially one without a housing 8, i.e., a solid one), the flat-headed piece 11 will lock into the bushing 10 (according to the method described in the appendix). Figure 9 Appendix Figure 10 and attached Figure 11 (as shown in the example), thus preventing the rotation from being completed.

[0072] Advantageously, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems and provides a cylindrical lock 1 and its key 2, which has a higher security standard against intrusion than that ensured by known technical solutions.

[0073] Appropriately, the cylindrical lock 1 and its key 2 are compatible with known types of locks and associated keys belonging to the same product category.

[0074] Positively, the cylinder lock 1 is composed of a finite number of parts that can be assembled into an assembly configuration in a substantially simple manner.

[0075] Effectively, the cylindrical lock 1 and its key 2 are provided relatively simply in practice, and the cost is substantially moderate: these features make the lock 1 and key 2 according to the invention an innovative and guaranteed application.

[0076] Therefore, it is conceivable that there are many modifications and variations to the invention, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all details may also be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0077] In the examples of the embodiments shown, the individual features given with respect to specific examples can actually be interchanged with other different features present in other examples of the embodiments.

[0078] In practice, the materials and dimensions used can be arbitrary, depending on the requirements and the current state of technology.

[0079] Where any technical feature mentioned in a claim is followed by a reference numeral, such reference numerals are included for the sole purpose of increasing the comprehensibility of the claim, and therefore such reference numerals have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element represented by such reference numerals by way of example.

Claims

1. A combination of a cylindrical lock and its key, the combination of the cylindrical lock and its key being of the type wherein the cylindrical lock comprises a stator (3), a rotor (4) rotatable within the stator (3), the rotor (4) being provided with a longitudinal channel (5), corresponding kingpins (6, 7) being arranged substantially opposite to each other within the longitudinal channel (5), the longitudinal channel (5) being adapted to insert a key (2), the key (2) being provided with a receiving seat (8) for receiving a corresponding rod (9), the rod (9) being freely oriented and adapted to actuate the kingpins (6, 7), characterized in that, At least one of the main pins (6) consists of a bushing (10) and a profiled flat-head member (11), the profile of which has at least one segment (12a, 12b) and the shape and size of the at least one segment (12a, 12b) are complementary to the shape and size of the inner cavity (13) of the bushing (10). An axially acting elastic device (14) is inserted between the bushing (10) and the flat-head member (11) to allow the bushing (10) and the flat-head member (11) to be spaced apart from each other respectively without any external force applied toward the flat-head member (11) to the bushing (10). The stator (3) includes a groove (15) whose shape and size are complementary to the shape and size of the front end of the main pin (6) in the radial direction to temporarily accommodate the front end. The groove (15) is aligned with the hole (16) of the rotor (4), and the bushing (10) and the flat end piece (11) are arranged in the hole (16). At least one elastic element (17) is inserted between the stator (3) and at least one additional master pin (7) to force the at least one additional master pin (7) to be located within the longitudinal channel (5); After the key (2) is inserted into the longitudinal channel (5), the end of the master pin (7) and the head (18) of the bushing (10) abut against the rod (9), resulting in the rod (9) being partially tilted relative to the key (2) in a configuration in which the master pin (6) moves freely within the hole (16) of the rotor (4), while the front of the master pin (6) does not protrude into the groove (15) of the stator (3).

2. The combination of the cylindrical lock and its key according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hole (16) of the rotor (4) that receives the master pin (6) comprises continuous portions of different diameters: at least one first portion (19) having a width greater than the maximum diameter of the bushing (10); at least one second portion (20) having a shape and size substantially complementary to the shape and size of the maximum diameter region of the bushing (10); and at least one third portion (21) having a shape and size substantially complementary to the shape and size of the head (18) of the bushing (10) to define a cylindrical mating together with the head (18).

3. The combination of the cylindrical lock and its key according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flat-head part (11) includes a head section (12b) having a diameter substantially similar to that of the inner cavity (13) of the bushing (10); at least one intermediate recess (22) having a diameter smaller than that of the inner cavity (13) of the bushing (10); at least one intermediate section (12a) having a diameter substantially similar to that of the inner cavity (13) of the bushing (10); and at least one end portion (23) having a diameter smaller than that of the inner cavity (13) of the bushing (10).

4. The combination of the cylindrical lock and its key according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bushing (10) includes an end annular portion (24) that is substantially frustum shaped, the diameter of which is complementary to the diameter of at least one second portion (20) of the hole (16); a central cylindrical extension region (25) having a smaller diameter; and an end head (18) that is further provided with a cylindrical portion (26) and a tapered end tongue (27).

5. The combination of the cylindrical lock and its key according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic device (14) is inserted between the bottom of the inner cavity (13) of the bushing (10) and the at least one intermediate section (12a), the at least one intermediate section (12a) having a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the inner cavity (13) of the bushing (10), the at least one intermediate section (12a) forming an abutment shoulder for the elastic device (14).

6. The combination of the cylindrical lock and its key according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove (15) of the stator is defined between two intersecting inclined planes (28, 29) that intersect each other at the bottom of the groove (15) and intersect with the surface of the conduit (30) of the stator (3) designed to rotatably accommodate the rotor (4).

7. The cylindrical lock and its key combination according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The rod (9) has a variable thickness according to a basic coding shape, which is even locally variable and discontinuously variable. The basic coding shape depends on the geometry and arrangement of the ends of the master pins (6, 7) that are substantially aligned with and abut against the rod (9), thereby defining a specific resting configuration of the ends of the master pins (6, 7) on the surface of the rod (9).

8. The cylindrical lock and its key combination according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The master pin (7) is slidable within a contoured channel (31) of the rotor (4) and the stator (3), the contoured channel (31) comprising: an outer rotor extension region (32) and an outer stator extension region (33), the outer rotor extension region (32) and the outer stator extension region (33) having diameters adapted to slidably accommodate a substrate (34) of the master pin (7); and an inner extension region (35) having a smaller diameter and adapted to slidably accommodate an elongated shank (36) of the master pin (7), wherein at least one elastic element (17) is inserted between the bottom of the contoured channel (31) and the substrate (34).

9. The combination of the cylindrical lock and its key according to claim 8, characterized in that, The substrate (34) forms a counter-complementary pin for the main pin (7).

10. The cylindrical lock and its key combination according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 9, characterized in that, The rod (9) has a generally flat shape and pivots within a housing (8) which is complementary to the profile of the rod (9) at its peripheral edge, and the opposing edges of the rod (9) swing freely between extreme configurations that protrude from the profile of the key (2).

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