Lock and associated key

Abstract

A lock (1) and an associated key (2) include a stator (3) and a rotor (4) rotatable within the stator, the rotor being provided with a longitudinal slot (5) with corresponding pins (6, 7) substantially opposite each other within the longitudinal slot. The slot (5) is adapted to insert the key (2), the key being provided with a support (8) for receiving a corresponding freely oriented lever (9), the lever being adapted to actuate the pins (6, 7). The freely oriented lever (9) of the key (2) includes a substantially flat free end (10) with a thickness less than the thickness of the key (2), the free end (10) having at least one protruding section (13) of a set profile at one of its side edges on at least one face. The longitudinal slot (5) of the rotor (4) includes a recess (14) at its end portion for temporarily receiving the protruding section (13) of the corresponding set profile of the key (2). The stator (2) and rotor (3) include radial holes (15, 16) that define channels facing the side surfaces of the longitudinal slots (5) in an aligned configuration: the channels accommodate resilient devices (17), corresponding reverse pins (18) and pins (19) adapted to be close to the side edge (20) of the key (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lock and a related key. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there exists a cylinder lock that can be actuated by a corresponding key. The characteristics of this cylinder lock are described in Italian Patent No. 1235586, dated September 6, 1989, and EP1728944, both filed in the name of the same applicant, with priority date June 1, 2005. These documents describe a cylinder lock whose encoding cannot be immediately deciphered from the outside to prevent tampering.

[0003] This result is achieved by having at least two pins in the rotor of the cylinder that are opposite each other relative to the slots for introducing the key, and these pins having a corresponding end that protrudes into the slot itself.

[0004] These pins are associated with corresponding counterpins, which can be elastically translated from a configuration fully housed in the stator to at least one configuration housed in both the stator and rotor, thereby rigidly connecting the two parts.

[0005] The key is equipped with a lever that is housed so that it can rotate within a corresponding support, and when the key is inserted into the slot, the lever actuates a pin, arranging the pin such that a reverse pin is in a configuration fully housed in the stator, thereby allowing the rotor to move after the key is turned.

[0006] The presence of a lever in the key (which is associated with at least two pins) ensures greater security of the lock, preventing forced opening actions that are typically defined as picking (mechanical tampering).

[0007] The increased security requirements of this type of lock have led to an increase in the number of pins housed in the rotor and stator, which can be engaged with key-compatible codes.

[0008] Unfortunately, the pivoting lever usually protrudes relative to the outline (contour) of the key.

[0009] For this reason, it should be noted that using a pivoting lever on the key means that the slot for the key needs to be widened, which exists on the lock's rotor at the lever.

[0010] Due to the small size of the rotor itself, the rotor space within it to provide slots for accommodating any coding pins is extremely limited.

[0011] The widening of the key receiving slot described above (which is necessary to allow the lever to pass through) further reduces the available space, thereby preventing the insertion of the auxiliary coding pin. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The objective of this invention is to address the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a highly secure lock and associated key that resists forced entry.

[0013] In this regard, the object of the present invention is to provide a lock and associated key that allow the use of a large number of coded pins.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock and associated key that allow the use of any surface of the key as the encoding surface.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock and related key that are low-cost, easy to implement and securely applied.

[0016] This objective, as will become clearer below, and these and other objectives are achieved by a type of lock and associated key comprising a stator, within which a rotor is rotatable, the rotor being provided with longitudinal slots in which corresponding pins are substantially opposite to each other, the slots being adapted to insert the key, the key being provided with a support for receiving a corresponding freely oriented lever adapted to actuate the pins, characterized in that:

[0017] - The freely oriented lever of the key includes a generally flat free end, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the key, and the free end has at least one contoured protruding band at one of the side edges of at least one of its faces.

[0018] - The longitudinal groove of the rotor includes a recess at its end portion of a protruding section for temporarily accommodating a corresponding set profile of the key;

[0019] - The stator and the rotor include radial holes that define channels facing the side surfaces of the longitudinal slots in an aligned configuration, the channels accommodating resilient devices, corresponding reverse pins, and pins adapted to be close to the side edges of the key.

[0020] Such an objective and purpose are also achieved by a type of cylindrical lock comprising a stator in which a rotor can rotate, the rotor being provided with longitudinal slots in which corresponding pins are substantially opposite to each other, the slots being adapted to insert a key, the key being provided with a support for receiving a corresponding freely oriented lever adapted to actuate the pins, characterized in that:

[0021] - The longitudinal groove of the rotor includes a recess at its end portion for temporarily accommodating a protruding section of a corresponding set profile of the freely oriented lever of the key, the protruding section of the set profile being defined on a corresponding generally flat free end, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the key.

[0022] - The stator and the rotor include radial holes that define channels facing the side surfaces of the longitudinal slots in an aligned configuration, the channels accommodating resilient devices, corresponding reverse pins, and pins adapted to be close to the side edges of the key.

[0023] Such an objective and purpose are also achieved by a type of key for a cylindrical lock, the key comprising a support for receiving a corresponding freely oriented lever adapted to actuate a pin of the corresponding lock, characterized in that the freely oriented lever of the key comprises a generally flat free end, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the key, the free end having at least one protruding section of a defined profile at one of the side edges of at least one of its faces. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the lock and associated key according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view of a key based on existing technology;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a key according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a cylinder and a corresponding key, viewed from above, based on existing technology;

[0028] Figure 4 It is based on the existing technology of cylinder and key edge Figure 3 Details of the cross-section intercepted by line IV-IV drawn in the middle;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a cylinder based on existing technology. Figure 3 Details;

[0030] Figure 6 The operation steps are based on the existing technology of cylinders and keys along the edge. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the line VI-VI drawn in the middle;

[0031] Figure 7 In another operational step, the cylinder and key are based on existing technology. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line VII-VII drawn in the middle;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder and corresponding key according to the present invention, viewed from above;

[0033] Figure 9 The cylinder and key according to the invention Figure 8 Details of the cross section intercepted by the line IX-IX drawn in the middle;

[0034] Figure 10 It is a cylinder according to the present invention Figure 8 Details;

[0035] Figure 11 The cylinder and key according to the invention are located along the edge of the operating steps. Figure 8 The cross-sectional view taken by the line XI-XI drawn in the middle;

[0036] Figure 12 In another operating step, the cylinder and key according to the invention are along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the line XII-XII drawn in the middle;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional side view of a key based on existing technology;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a front view of a key based on existing technology;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional side view of the key according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 16 This is a front view of the key according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic perspective view of the lock and associated key according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Please refer to the attached diagram for details. Reference numeral 1 generally indicates the lock, and reference numeral 2 generally indicates the associated key.

[0043] Lock 1 includes stator 3, and rotor 4 can rotate within stator 3. This rotor is provided with longitudinal slots 5, and corresponding pins 6 and 7 are generally opposite each other within the longitudinal slots 5.

[0044] The longitudinal slot 5 is adapted to receive the key 2 after it has been inserted into the front of the lock 1.

[0045] The key 2 is provided with a hand-grip 2a and a coded handle 2b designed to be inserted into the longitudinal slot 5 of the lock 1.

[0046] At the end of the coded handle 2a, the key 2 includes a support 8 for accommodating a corresponding freely oriented lever 9: the lever 9 pivots within the support 8 via a transverse peg 2c. The oriented lever 9 is designed to actuate pins 6 and 7 of the lock 1.

[0047] It should be noted that, according to the present invention, the freely oriented lever 9 of the key 2 suitably includes a generally flat free end 10, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the key 2.

[0048] from Figure 2 and Figure 15 It can be seen that this flat free end 10 can be defined between two flat surfaces 11 and 12, which define an acute angle; such flat surfaces 11 and 12 are defined by a straight generatrix parallel to the axis of the transverse bolt 2c, for pivoting in the support 8.

[0049] It should also be noted that the free end 10 will advantageously have at least one protruding section 13 with a defined profile at one of the side edges of at least one of its faces (i.e., one of the two flat surfaces 11 and 12).

[0050] According to the invention, the longitudinal groove 5 of the rotor 4 will advantageously include a recess 14 at its end portion, which is used to temporarily accommodate the protruding section 13 of the corresponding set profile of the key 2.

[0051] In addition, the stator 3 and rotor 4 will actually include radial holes 15 and 16, which define channels facing the side surfaces of the longitudinal slot 5 in an aligned configuration.

[0052] The channel (formed by aligned radial holes 15 and 16) will properly accommodate the resilient device 17, the corresponding reverse pin 18, and the pin 19 adapted to be close to the side edge 20 of the key 2.

[0053] Specifically, referring to embodiments that undoubtedly have practical and applied significance, the recess 14 of the protruding section 13, which is suitable for temporarily accommodating the corresponding set profile of the joystick 9, can advantageously have a total length less than the length of the joystick 9 and a depth less than the height of the protruding section 13.

[0054] It should be noted that when the key 2 is fully inserted into the longitudinal groove 5, the dimensional parameters of the recess 14 can be better identified relative to the specific part of the key 2.

[0055] In fact, when the key 2 is fully accommodated in the longitudinal groove 5, the recess 14 presents an initial front portion 21 near the pivot axis of the lever 9 and an end front portion 22 facing the key 2 on the surface arranged upstream of the support 8.

[0056] The central portion 23 of the recess 14 has a constant depth, while the two opposing end portions 24 and 25 are appropriately blended with the longitudinal groove 5 by means of curved surfaces.

[0057] This curved, fused surface allows the lever 9 to slide on a continuous surface without steps or sudden changes in size or shape, thus ensuring that the key 2 can be entered and withdrawn in the longitudinal slot 5 without undesirable blockages or jamming.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be noted that the radial holes 15 and 16 that define the channels suitable for accommodating the resilient device 17, the reverse pin 18, and the pin 19 have a diameter range close to the depth of the recess 14.

[0059] These dimensional parameters ensure that during the rotation of key 2, the reverse pin 18 will not behave as it does with conventional lock A and key B (as shown in the attached diagram). Figure 6 (As shown) it becomes blocked and gets stuck in the depression 14.

[0060] In addition, it should be noted that the radial bore 16 of the rotor 4 may suitably include at least two segments 26, 26a of different diameters.

[0061] Furthermore, pin 19 will advantageously have at least one first region 27 and at least one second region 28, the shape and size of the first region 27 being substantially complementary to the shape and size of segment 26, and the shape and size of the second region 28 being substantially complementary to the shape and size of segment 26a. If an attempt is made to forcibly open the lock using a key 2 with an incorrect code on its side edge 20, the presence of segments 26 and 26a of different diameters and regions 27 and 28 will cause pin 19 to jam, thereby preventing the lock 1 from opening.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be noted that pins 6 and 7 may suitably have front portions of setting profiles that are adapted to be encoded close to portions of corresponding complementary setting profiles present on at least a portion of the lever 9, portions of which are selected from a protruding segment 13 of at least one setting profile and a flat surface formed by one of flat surfaces 11 and 12 defining acute angles.

[0063] This coding of the flat surfaces 11 and 12 or the protruding sections 13 and the front of pins 6 and 7 will further enhance the security of lock 1 against forced opening.

[0064] It should also be noted that the side edge 20 of the coded handle 2b of the key 2 may suitably include a coded profile provided with at least one coded recess 29 for temporarily receiving the head 30 of the pin 19, which will advantageously have a shape and size complementary to the shape and size of the recess 29.

[0065] This coded connection between the head 30 and the corresponding recess 29 will also help improve the security of lock 1 and key 2 relative to the performance level that can be obtained according to lock A according to the prior art.

[0066] It should be noted that the lock 1 according to the invention is an innovative component due to its implementation structure, even unrelated to its pairing with the key 2.

[0067] Similarly, key 2 is a highly innovative component and is very versatile because it can also be used in regular lock A.

[0068] As can be seen from the attached diagram, key 2 advantageously has many parts similar to those of conventional key B: these characteristics make the new key 2 highly versatile, as it will also work on conventional lock A. This versatility is particularly useful in buildings using harmonic coding management where only a few locks need to be replaced: in such cases, only a small number of authorized personnel will need a master key 2 that can open all existing locks 1 and lock A.

[0069] By Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 (Prior art is shown in this section) and Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 By comparison, it can be seen that the notch (formed by milling) defining the recess 14 in lock 1 is much smaller than the notch required in lock A in the prior art, and this is due to the fact that the lever 9 of key 2 has a much smaller space occupation than the lever C of a conventional key.

[0070] Furthermore, compared to the lever C of a conventional key, the protruding section 13 is profiled to at least partially enter the groove for receiving the pin 6, thus minimizing the size of the recess 14.

[0071] By Figure 6 and Figure 7 (Prior art is shown in this section) and Figure 11 and Figure 12A comparison reveals that hole 15 (and therefore also the reverse pin 18) is wider than the portion of longitudinal groove 5 (spanned by recess 14): this prevents the reverse pin 18 from accidentally entering longitudinal groove 5 (into recess 14), as would happen in a conventional lock A (such as...). Figure 6 (As shown) are different.

[0072] By providing a lock 1 and associated key 2 that offer high security against forced opening, the present invention advantageously solves the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0073] Appropriately, the lock 1 and associated key 2 according to the invention allow for the use of a large number of coded pins.

[0074] Advantageously, the lock 1 and associated key 2 according to the invention allow the use of any surface of the key 2 as the encoding surface.

[0075] In fact, the key 2 according to the invention is compatible with the lock A according to the prior art, and therefore it can be integrated into a building having a conventional lock A and a lock 1 according to the invention, as a master key 2.

[0076] In fact, lock 1 and the associated key 2 are easy and practical to implement, and are low in cost: these characteristics make these innovative lock 1 and key 2 secure in use.

[0077] Therefore, the present invention is contemplated to accommodate many modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, all details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiments, the various features shown in relation to specific examples may be interchanged with other different features present in other embodiments in reality.

[0079] In practice, the materials and dimensions used can be arbitrary, depending on the requirements and existing technology.

[0080] Where any technical feature mentioned in a claim is followed by a reference mark and / or numeral, those reference marks and / or numerals have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the comprehensibility of the claim, and therefore such reference marks and / or numerals have no limiting effect on the understanding of each element determined by example through such reference marks and / or numerals.

Claims

1. A lock of the type comprising a stator (3) inside which a rotor (4) can rotate, said rotor being provided with a longitudinal slot (5) inside which respective pins (6, 7) substantially opposite each other are present, said longitudinal slot (5) being suitable for the insertion of a key (2) provided with a seat (8) for housing a respective freely orientable lever (9) suitable for actuating said pins (6, 7), characterized in that: said freely orientable lever (9) of said key (2) comprises a substantially flat free end (10) delimited between two flat surfaces (11, 12), the thickness of said free end (10) being less than the thickness of said key (2), said free end (10) being provided with at least one profiled protruding segment (13) at one of the side edges of at least one of said two flat surfaces (11, 12); said longitudinal slot (5) of said rotor (4) comprises at its end portions a recess (14) for the temporary housing of a respective profiled protruding segment (13) of said key (2); said stator (3) and said rotor (4) comprise radial holes (15, 16) which delimit, in a mutually aligned configuration, a passage facing a lateral surface of said longitudinal slot (5), said passage housing elastic means (17), a respective counter pin (18) and a pin (19) suitable for abutting against a lateral edge (20) of said key (2).

2. A lock and associated key as defined in claim 1, characterized in that said recess (14), suitable for the temporary housing of a respective profiled protruding segment (13) of said lever (9), has a total length less than the length of said lever (9) and a depth less than the height of said protruding segment (13).

3. A lock and associated key as defined in claim 2, characterized in that said recess (14) has, when said key (2) is completely inserted into said longitudinal slot (5), an initial front portion (21) close to the pivot axis of said lever (9) and a terminal front portion (22) facing the surface of said key (2) arranged upstream of said seat (8).

4. A lock and associated key as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that, a central portion (23) of said recess (14) has a constant depth, while two end portions (24, 25) opposite each other are merged with said longitudinal slot (5) by curved surfaces.

5. The lock and associated key of claim 1 wherein, said radial holes (15, 16) which delimit said passage suitable for housing said elastic means (17), said counter pin (18) and said pin (19) have a diameter close to the depth of said recess (14).

6. The lock and associated key of claim 1 wherein, Said radial hole (16) of said rotor (4) comprises at least two segments (26, 26a) having different diameters, said pin (19) located in said passage has at least one first region (27) and at least one second region (28), said at least one first region (27) having a shape and dimensions substantially complementary to those of one of said two segments (26) having different diameters, said at least one second region (28) having a shape and dimensions substantially complementary to those of the other of said two segments (26a) having different diameters.

7. The lock and associated key of claim 1 wherein, Said pin (6, 7) located in said longitudinal slot (5) has a profiled front adapted to be coded in abutment against a corresponding complementary profiled portion present on at least one portion of said joystick (9), said complementary profiled portion being selected from among the at least one profiled protruding segment (13) and the flat surface constituted by one of said two flat surfaces (11, 12).

8. The lock and associated key of claim 1 wherein, Said side edge (20) of said key (2) comprises an encoded profile provided with at least one encoded recess (29) for temporary accommodation of a head (30) of said pin (19) located in said passage, said head (30) having a shape and dimensions complementary to those of said recess (29).

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