Key, lock and related key and lock system
The key and lock system addresses the complexity and cost issues of prior art by using a longitudinally extending actuating element with blades and discontinuity elements for precise pin alignment, achieving high-security and efficient operation with a simplified design.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024180603
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-25
AI Technical Summary
Prior art master key systems suffer from high complexity, which reduces security and increases manufacturing costs, making them inefficient and expensive.
A key and lock system featuring a longitudinally extending actuating element with blades that interact with pins in a rotor, utilizing a cylindrical surface with an arc-shaped distal end and a flat proximal retaining surface with discontinuity elements, allowing for high-security operation with a simple, efficient, and economical design.
The system provides high security and efficient operation by ensuring precise alignment of pins and counter-pins for rotor rotation, enhancing security while reducing complexity and costs.
Smart Images
Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention refers to a key, a lock, and a related key and lock system, in particular a master key key and lock system, which allows in a simple, reliable, safe, efficient and economical way to create systems with master key.
[0002] It is known that a so-called master key system of keys and locks includes a group of locks distinct from each other, each operated in closing and opening by a respective key, in which a single key, called master key, is configured to operate in closing and opening all the system locks. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, master key systems are applied in hotels, for example for rooms on the same floor, in which there is a group of keys each configured to operate a respective lock, mounted on the entrance door of a corresponding room, and a master key configured to operate all the locks mounted on the entrance doors of the rooms on the floor, typically used by the domestic worker to access each of the rooms on the floor.
[0003] The hierarchical structure of the keys of a master key system can be extended to multiple levels, so a group of master keys can in turn have one or more superior master keys.
[0004] One type of prior art master key systems utilizes additional mechanical elements within the locks, which increase the level of complexity of the system and at the same time reduce its security.
[0005] A second type of prior art master key systems uses specific key profiles in which each key of the system has a different cross section from that of the other keys and can consequently only fit into a respective lock, while the master key of the system, known as a master key, has a cross section configured to enter and operate all locks in the system. This second type of prior art master key systems is very expensive as it requires keys and locks with peculiar processes.
[0006] A third type of prior art master key systems, applied in very complex facilities, such as universities and hospitals, consists of a combination of the first two types of prior art master key systems illustrated above.
[0007] Prior art master key systems are described in documents EP3219882A1 and CN108131054A. A generic example of a key-lock system is illustrated in document US4148201.
[0008] However, as mentioned, prior art master key systems suffer from some drawbacks, mainly due to the high complexity which reduces their security and increases their manufacturing costs.
[0009] The aim of the present invention, therefore, is to allow master key systems with high security to be created in a simple, reliable, efficient and economical way.
[0010] The specific object of the present invention is a key having a longitudinally extending actuating element provided with one or more blades which protrude longitudinally and orthogonally from the actuating element, wherein the actuating element describes a portion of cylindrical surface whose distal end is a an arc of a circle, whereby the actuating member defines an open channel, wherein the actuating member is configured to fit into a corresponding slot of a lock rotor and said one or more blades are each configured for interacting with pins housed in a respective longitudinal row of rotor chambers when the actuating member is inserted of said lock, wherein the actuating member has a flat proximal retaining surface, which is opposite the distal end and disposed internally to said open channel, wherein the flat proximal retaining surface is provided with at least a first discontinuity element, wherein when the actuating element is inserted into the corresponding slot of the rotor at the actuation position: the flat proximal stop surface comes into contact with a corresponding flat external stop surface of said lock, and / or said at least one first discontinuity element interacts with at least one corresponding second discontinuity element of the corresponding external stop surface of said lock.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, said at least one first discontinuity element may consist of a single first discontinuity element.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, said at least one first discontinuity element can be a longitudinal hole configured to receive a corresponding longitudinal protruding pin of the corresponding external stop surface of said lock.
[0013] According to an additional aspect of the invention, said at least one first discontinuity element can be a longitudinal protruding pin configured to fit into a corresponding longitudinal hole of the corresponding external stop surface of said lock.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, said one or more blades can consist of three blades spaced angularly apart from each other by 90° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the actuating element.
[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, the angle delimiting the an arc of a circle of the distal end of the actuating element can be greater than 270°, optionally greater than 300°.
[0016] A specific object of the present invention is also a lock comprising a rotor housed inside a stator, in which the rotor is provided with a slot defined by a core having two ends and fixed inside the rotor, in which the slot is configured to receive a key actuation member as precedingly described, wherein the rotor is provided with one or more rows of rotor chambers each of which rows of rotor chambers accommodate pins configured to interact with a respective blade of said one or multiple key blades, wherein at least one of the two ends of the core has a flat outer stop surface which is provided with at least a second discontinuity element, wherein when the actuating element is inserted into the corresponding slot of the rotor at the position drive: the flat external stop surface of said at least one of the two ends of the core comes into contact with the flat proximal stop surface of the key, and / or said at least one second discontinuity element interacts with at least one corresponding first discontinuity element of the flat proximal retaining surface of the key.
[0017] Said at least one second discontinuity element can be a longitudinal protruding pin configured to fit into a corresponding longitudinal hole of the corresponding flat proximal retaining surface of the key, or said at least one second discontinuity element can be a longitudinal hole configured to receive a corresponding longitudinal protruding pin of the corresponding flat proximal retaining surface of the key.
[0018] Also a specific object of the present invention is a key and lock system, comprising at least one lock as described above and at least one corresponding key as precedingly described, in which the stator of said at least one lock is provided with one or more rows of stator chambers each of which rows of stator chambers houses counter-pins pushed by respective springs and which in turn push the pins towards the rotor chambers, wherein the rotor of said at least one lock is configured to rotate inside the stator of said at least one lock when the pins and counterpins align in an opening configuration when the rotor slot of said at least one lock receives the operating element of said at least one corresponding key at the operating position.
[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the key and lock system may be a master key system.
[0020] The key and lock system according to the invention, advantageously applicable to armored doors, offers numerous advantages.
[0021] First of all, it allows for very high security, also considering that the lock's stator and rotor offer high performance in terms of security.
[0022] Furthermore, the system according to the invention uses a key equipped with encryption with very high resistance to break-in.
[0023] The present invention will now be described, by way of illustration, but not by way of limitation, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lock of a prior art key and lock system; Figure 2 shows a disassembled perspective view of the lock (Fig. 2a), an assembled perspective view of the lock (Fig. 2b), and a perspective view of the key operating element (Fig. 2c) of the key and lock system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the key operating element inserted into the lock of the key and lock system of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment (Fig. 4a) and a perspective view of a second embodiment (Fig. 4b) of the key according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment (Fig. 5a) and a perspective view of a second embodiment (Fig. 5b) of the lock according to the invention; And Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section view of the key operating element of Figure 4a inserted into the lock of Figure 5a (Fig. 6a) and a longitudinal section view of the key operating element of Figure 4b inserted into the lock of Figure 5b (Fig. 6b).
[0024] In the Figures identical reference numbers will be used for similar elements. Furthermore, the dimensions shown in the Figures are not essential characteristics of the invention.
[0025] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, one can observe a prior art key and lock system wherein the key has a so-called omega-shaped transverse profile. The lock comprises a rotor 10, which has a cylindrical shape, housed inside a stator 20, which has the shape of a hollow cylinder. The rotor 10 is provided with a slot 15, defined by a core or core 40 conventionally fixed inside the rotor 10 by means of a pin 45; the slot 15 is configured to receive a key 30. The rotation of the rotor 10 inside the stator 20 is conventionally prevented by a plurality of pins 22A, 22B and 22C of various lengths arranged radially and housed in respective chambers 14A and 14B, 14C arranged radially on the rotor 10, and possibly in respective chambers 24A, and 24B and 24C arranged radially on the stator 20, arranged along three longitudinal rows spaced angularly apart from each other by 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rotor 10 and the stator 20. The pins 22A, 22B and 22C are conventionally pushed towards the inside of the chambers 14A, 14B and 14C of the rotor 10 by respective counter pins 26A, 26B and 26C pushed in turn by respective springs 28A, 28B and 28C.
[0026] The key 30 has a longitudinally extending actuating element 32 provided with three blades 35A, 35B and 35C which project longitudinally and orthogonally from the actuating element 32. The actuating element 32 describes a portion of cylindrical surface, whose distal end 37, configured to be inserted into the slot 15 of the rotor 10, has a transverse profile which is a an arc of a circle delimited by an angle greater than 270°, advantageously greater of 300°, on which the three blades 35A, 35B and 35C are spaced angularly apart from each other by 90°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drive element 32. The three blades 35A, 35B and 35C are configured to interact each conventionally with the pins 22A, 22B and 22C housed in a respective row of the chambers 14A, 14B and 14C of the rotor 10: in particular, by inserting the key 30 into the rotor 10, the blades 35A, 35B and 35C, provided with notches of variable depth, interact with the pins 22A, 22B and 22C in such a way that pins 22A, 22B and 22C and counter-pins 26A, 26B and 26C align in an opening configuration wherein the pins 22A, 22B and 22C are entirely housed inside the chambers 14A, 14B and 14C of the rotor 10, while the counter pins 26A, 26B and 26C are entirely housed inside the chambers 24A, 24B and 24C of the stator 20, thus allowing the rotation of the rotor 10 inside the stator 20. For this purpose, the lengths of the pins 22A, 22B and 22C correspond to the depths of the notches of the respective blades 35A, 35B and 35C; in this regard, the notches of the blades 35A, 35B and 35C constitute the encryption of the key 30.
[0027] The correct position for inserting the key 30 inside the rotor 10 in order to obtain the alignment of the pins 22A, 22B and 22C and counter-pins 26A, 26B and 26C is defined by the contact of an entirely planar proximal retaining surface 38 of the key 30, which is opposite to the distal end 37 and arranged internally to the open channel defined by the drive element 32, with a corresponding entirely planar external stop surface 48 of the core 40 fixed inside the rotor 10.
[0028] This is best shown in Figure 3, wherein the actuating element 32 of the key 30 is inserted into the slot 15 of the rotor 10 up to an actuation position wherein the proximal retaining surface 38 of the key 30 comes into contact with the corresponding external stop surface 48 of the core 40, blocking the further advancement of the drive element 32 in the slot 15 of the rotor 10.
[0029] To allow the rotation of the rotor 10 in the stator 20, it is necessary that the operating element 32 of the key 30 is inserted into the slot 15 of the rotor 10 up to the operating position so that the notches of the blades 35A, 35B and 35C of the key 30, of which in Figure 3 only the central blade 35B is shown, are aligned with the respective chambers 14A, 14B and 14C of the rotor 10 which house the pins 22A, 22B and 22C, of which in Figure 3 only the configured central pins 22B are shown to interact with the notches of the central blade 35B. In fact, any incorrect positioning of the element 32 for operating the key 30 in the slot 15 of the rotor 10 would result in a failure to correctly align the pins 22A, 22B and 22C and the counter-pins 26A, 26B and 26C which would consequently not assume the opening configuration, keeping the lock locked since the rotor 10 could not rotate inside the stator 20. Obviously, the key 30 must also have the coding corresponding to the pins 22A, 22B and 22C.
[0030] With reference to Figure 4a, it can be observed that a first embodiment of the key according to the invention, indicated with the reference number 300A, differs from the key 30 of Figures 1-3 in that the flat proximal retaining surface 380A of the key 300A is provided with a longitudinal hole 382 configured to receive a corresponding pin. In particular, the key 300A is configured to be inserted into a first embodiment of the lock according to the invention, shown in Figure 5a, which differs from the lock of Figures 1-3 in that the core 400A, fixed inside of the rotor 10, has a flat external stop surface 480AF provided with a protruding longitudinal pin 482F configured to be inserted into the longitudinal hole 382 of the flat proximal stop surface 380A of the key 300A.
[0031] Figure 6a shows the actuating element 32 of the key 300A inserted into the slot 15 of the rotor 10 up to the position wherein the flat proximal stop surface 380A of the key 300A comes into contact with the corresponding flat external stop surface 480AF of the core 400A and the protruding longitudinal pin 482F of the flat external stop surface 480AF of the core 400A fits into the longitudinal hole 382 of the flat proximal stop surface 380A of the key 300A, blocking the further advancement of the actuating element 32 in the slot 15 of the rotor 10 and allowing the notches of the blades 35A, 35B and 35C of the key 300A to interact with the pins 22A, 22B and 22C thus obtaining the alignment of pins 22A, 22B and 22C and counter pins 26A, 26B and 26C, similarly to what is shown in Figure 3. Advantageously, the first embodiment of the lock according to the invention can be operated by the same key 300A in the same way from both sides, therefore, as shown in Figure 6a, also the other end of the core 400A has a flat external stop surface 480AR provided with a protruding longitudinal pin 482R configured to be inserted into the longitudinal hole 382 of the flat proximal stop surface 380A of the key 300A; obviously, the notches of the blades 35A, 35B and 35C are also shaped so as to interact correctly with the pins 22A, 22B and 22C even when the drive element 32 is inserted into the other side of the slot 15 of the rotor 10.
[0032] It must be kept in mind that other embodiments of the key and the lock according to the invention may differ from the first embodiment due to the fact that, in the operating position of the operating element 32 of the key 300A inside the slot 15 of the rotor 10, only the flat proximal stop surface 380A of the key 300A comes into contact with the corresponding flat external stop surface 480AF of the core 400A, while the protruding longitudinal pin 482F of the flat external stop surface 480AF of the core 400A does not insert completely into the longitudinal hole 382 of the flat proximal surface 380A retaining the key 300A, or only the protruding longitudinal pin 482F of the flat outer retaining surface 480AF of the core 400A fits completely into the longitudinal hole 382 of the flat proximal retaining surface 380A of the key 300A, while the flat proximal retaining surface 380A of the key 300A does not contact with the corresponding flat outer stop surface 480AF of core 400A, in any case blocking the further advancement of the drive element 32 in the slot 15 of the rotor 10 and allowing the notches of the blades 35A, 35B and 35C of the key 300A to interact with the pins 22A, 22B and 22C thus obtaining the alignment of pins 22A, 22B and 22C and counter pins 26A, 26B and 26C, similarly to what is shown in Figure 3.
[0033] With reference to Figure 4b, it can be observed that a second embodiment of the key according to the invention, indicated with the reference number 300B, differs from the key 30 of Figures 1-3 in that the flat proximal retaining surface 380B of the key 300B is provided with a protruding longitudinal pin 384 configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole. In particular, the key 300B is configured to be inserted into a second embodiment of the lock according to the invention, shown in Figure 5b, which differs from the lock of Figures 1-3 in that the core 400B, fixed inside of the rotor 10, has a flat external stop surface 480BF provided with a longitudinal hole 484F configured to receive the protruding longitudinal pin 384 of the flat proximal stop surface 380B of the key 300B.
[0034] Figure 6b shows the actuating element 32 of the key 300B inserted into the slot 15 of the rotor 10 up to the position wherein the flat proximal stop surface 380B of the key 300B comes into contact with the corresponding flat external stop surface 480BF of the core 400B and the protruding longitudinal pin 384 of the flat proximal stop surface 380B of the key 300B fits into the longitudinal hole 484F of the flat external stop surface 480BF of the core 400B, blocking the further advancement of the actuating element 32 in the slot 15 of the rotor 10 and allowing the notches of the blades 35A, 35B and 35C of the key 300B to interact with the pins 22A, 22B and 22C thus obtaining the alignment of pins 22A, 22B and 22C and counter pins 26A, 26B and 26C, similarly to what is shown in Figure 3. Advantageously, the second embodiment of the lock according to the invention can also be operated by the same key 300B in the same way from both sides, therefore, as shown in Figure 6b, also the other end of the core 400B has a flat external stop surface 480BR provided with a longitudinal hole 484R configured to receive the protruding longitudinal pin 384 of the flat proximal stop surface 380B of the key 300B; obviously, the notches of the blades 35A, 35B and 35C are also shaped so as to interact correctly with the pins 22A, 22B and 22C even when the drive element 32 is inserted into the other side of the slot 15 of the rotor 10.
[0035] It must be kept in mind that other embodiments of the key and the lock according to the invention may differ from the second embodiment due to the fact that, in the operating position of the operating element 32 of the key 300A inside the slot 15 of the rotor 10, only the flat proximal stop surface 380B of the key 300B comes into contact with the corresponding flat external stop surface 480BF of the core 400B, while the protruding longitudinal pin 384 of the flat proximal stop surface 380B of the key 300B does not insert completely into the hole longitudinal 484F of the flat outer stop surface 480BF of the core 400B, or only the protruding longitudinal pin 384 of the flat proximal retaining surface 380B of the key 300B fits completely into the longitudinal hole 484F of the flat external retaining surface 480BF of the core 400B, while the flat proximal retaining surface 380B of the key 300B does not come into contact with the corresponding flat outer stop surface 480BF of core 400B, in any case blocking the further advancement of the drive element 32 in the slot 15 of the rotor 10 and allowing the notches of the blades 35A, 35B and 35C of the key 300B to interact with the pins 22A, 22B and 22C thus obtaining the alignment of pins 22A, 22B and 22C and counter pins 26A, 26B and 26C, similarly to what is shown in Figure 3.
[0036] In other words, the first embodiment of the key according to the invention is a female version, wherein the flat proximal retaining surface 380A of the key 300A is provided with a longitudinal hole 382, while the second embodiment of the key according to the The invention is a male version, wherein the flat proximal retaining surface 380A of the key 300A is provided with a longitudinal protruding pin 384.
[0037] Similarly, the first embodiment of the lock according to the invention is a male version, wherein the flat external stop surface 480AF of the core 400A is provided with a longitudinal protruding pin 482F, while the second embodiment of the lock according to the invention is a female version, wherein the flat external stop surface 480AF of the core 400A is provided with a longitudinal hole 484F.
[0038] In other words, the flat proximal surface, 380A or 380B, holding the key, 300A or 300B, according to the invention is provided with a first discontinuity element, wherein this first discontinuity element is a longitudinal hole 382 or a pin longitudinal projection 384; in particular, the first discontinuity element can be entirely or partially surrounded by the flat proximal surface. The first discontinuity element, 382 or 384, of the flat proximal surface, 380A or 380B, holding the key, 300A or 300B, according to the invention is configured to interact, in particular to couple in a removable way, with a corresponding second discontinuity element discontinuity of the flat external stop surface, 480AF or 480BF, of the core 400A or 400B, fixed inside the rotor 10 of the lock according to the invention; this corresponding second discontinuity element can also be entirely or partially surrounded by the flat proximal stop surface, 480AF or 480BF, of the core, 400A or 400B. In particular, this second discontinuity element is a longitudinal protruding pin 482F when the first discontinuity element is a longitudinal hole 382, while it is a longitudinal hole 484F when the first discontinuity element is a longitudinal protruding pin 384.
[0039] The key and lock according to the invention allow the creation of a master key system, even at two levels.
[0040] In fact, the key 300B of Figure 4b is configured to operate only the lock of Figure 5b, not being able to operate the lock of Figure 5a or the lock of Figure 2b, wherein the external stop surface 48 of the core 40 is entirely planar, ie free of holes and protruding pins.
[0041] Otherwise, the key 300A of Figure 4a is configured to operate the lock of Figure 5a, the lock of Figure 5b , and also the lock of Figure 2b.
[0042] The key 30 of Figures 1 and 2c, wherein the proximal latch surface 38 is entirely planar, i.e. free of protruding holes and pins, is configured to operate the lock of Figure 5b and the lock of Figure 2b, but cannot operate the lock of Figure 5a.
[0043] In general, it must be kept in mind that other embodiments of the key and lock according to the invention may have the flat proximal retaining surface of the key which is provided with a plurality of first discontinuity elements, comprising longitudinal holes and / or pins longitudinal, each of which is configured to interact, in particularto couple in a removable way, with a respective corresponding second element of discontinuity of the flat external stop surface of the core, fixed inside the rotor 10 of the lock, so that also the surface external flat stop of the core is provided with a plurality of second discontinuity elements, therefore comprising longitudinal pins and / or longitudinal holes. The first discontinuity elements can be entirely or partially surrounded by the flat proximal surface; the second discontinuity elements can be entirely or partially surrounded by the flat external surface.
[0044] It is also possible to define the master key system according to the invention as a system wherein the element 32 for operating the key, or a single key, is configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot 15 of a rotor 10 of a plurality of locks, and when the operating element 32 is inserted into the corresponding slot 15 of the rotor 10 of a lock of the plurality of locks, in the operating position: between the flat proximal stop surface and the first discontinuity element, only the flat proximal stop surface comes into contact with the corresponding flat external stop surface of a lock of a first group of locks of the plurality of locks, and between the flat proximal stop surface and the first discontinuity element, only the first discontinuity element interacts with the corresponding second discontinuity element of the corresponding external stop surface of a lock of a second group of locks of the plurality of locks, and the proximal flat stop surface (380A; 380B) of the stop comes into contact with the corresponding external flat surface (480AF; 480AR; 480BF; 480BR) of the stop of a lock of a third group of locks of the plurality of locks, and the first element ( 382; 384) of discontinuity interacts with the corresponding second discontinuity element (482F; 482R; 484F; 484R) of the corresponding external surface (480AF; 480AR; 480BF; 480BR) of the lock of the third group of locks.
[0045] It should also be borne in mind that further embodiments of the key and lock according to the invention may have a number of blades protruding from the actuating element 32, and a corresponding number of longitudinal rows of chambers arranged radially on the rotor 10 and of chambers arranged radially on the stator 20, which house pins, respective counter-pins and respective springs, different from three, for example one, two or more than three, always remaining within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0046] In the foregoing, the preferred embodiment has been described and variants of the present invention have been suggested, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and changes without thereby departing from the relevant scope of protection, as defined by the claims. attached.
Claims
1. Key (300A; 300B) having a longitudinally extending actuating element (32) provided with one or more blades (35A, 35B, 35C) extending longitudinally and orthogonally from the actuating element (32), wherein the actuating element (32) defines a portion of a cylindrical surface whose distal end (37) is a an arc of a circle, whereby the actuating element (32) defines an open channel, wherein the actuating element (32) is configured to inserted into a corresponding slot (15) of a rotor (10) of a lock and said one or more blades (35A, 35B, 35C) are each configured to interact with pins (22A, 22B, 22C) housed in a respective longitudinal row of chambers (14A, 14B, 14C) of the rotor (10) when the actuating element (32) is inserted of said lock, wherein the actuating element (32) has a flat proximal stop surface ( 380A; 380B), which is opposite to the distal end (37) and arranged inside said open channel, wherein the flat proximal surface (380A; 380B) of stop is provided with at least a first discontinuity element (382; 384), wherein when the actuating element (32) is inserted into the corresponding slit (15) of the rotor (10) at the actuation position: - the proximal flat stop surface (380A; 380B) of the lock comes into contact with a corresponding external flat surface (480AF; 480AR; 480BF; 480BR) of said lock, and / or - said at least one first discontinuity element (382; 384) interacts with at least a corresponding second discontinuity element (482F; 482R; 484F; 484R) of the corresponding external stop surface (480AF; 480AR; 480BF; 480BR) of said lock.
2. Key (300A; 300B) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first discontinuity element (382; 384) consists of a single first discontinuity element (382; 384).
3. Key (300A; 300B) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one first discontinuity element is a longitudinal hole (382) configured to receive a corresponding longitudinal protruding pin (482F; 482R) of the corresponding external stop surface (480AF ; 480AR; 480BF; 480BR) of said lock.
4. Key (300A; 300B) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first discontinuity element is a longitudinal protruding pin (384) configured to be inserted into a corresponding longitudinal hole (484F; 484R) of the corresponding external surface (480AF; 480AR; 480BF; 480BR) to stop said lock.
5. Key (300A; 300B) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more blades consist of three blades (35A, 35B, 35C) spaced angularly apart from each other by 90° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the element (32) of operation.
6. Key (300A; 300B) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the angle delimiting the arc of a circle of the distal end (37) of the driving element (32) is greater than 270°, optionally greater than 300°.
7. Lock comprising a rotor (10) housed inside a stator (20), wherein the rotor (10) is provided with a slit (15) defined by a core (400A; 400B) having two ends and secured within the rotor (10), wherein the slit (15) is configured to receive a key actuating element (32) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotor ( 10) is provided with one or more rows of rotor chambers (14A, 14B, 14C), each of which rows of rotor chambers (14A, 14B, 14C) houses pins (22A, 22B, 22C) configured to interact with a respective blade (35A, 35B, 35C) of said one or more blades (35A, 35B, 35C) of the key (300A; 300B), wherein at least one of the two ends of the core (400A; 400B) has a flat external surface ( 480AF; 480AR; 480BR) which is provided with at least a second discontinuity element (482F; 484F; 484R), wherein the actuating element (32) is rotor (10) to the actuation position: - the flat external stop surface (480AF; 480AR; 480BF; 480BR) of said at least one of the two ends of the core (400A; 400B) comes into contact with the flat proximal stop surface (380A; 380B) of the key (300A; 300B), and / or - said at least one second discontinuity element (482F; 482R; 484F; 484R) interacts with at least one corresponding first discontinuity element (382; 384) of the flat proximal stop surface (380A; 380B) of the key (300A; 300B), wherein said at least one second discontinuity element is a longitudinal protruding pin (482F; 482R) configured to be inserted into a corresponding longitudinal hole (382) of the corresponding flat proximal stop surface (380A; 380B) of the key (300A; 300B) or wherein said at least one second discontinuity element is a longitudinal hole (484F; 484R) configured to receive a corresponding longitudinal protruding pin (384) of the corresponding flat proximal stop surface (380A; 380B) of the key (300A; 300B).
8. Key and lock system, comprising at least one lock at least one corresponding key (300A; 300B) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said lock comprises a rotor (10) housed inside a stator (20), wherein the rotor (10) is provided with a slit (15) defined by a core (400A; 400B) having two ends and secured within the rotor (10), wherein the slit (15) is configured to receive the key actuating element (32), wherein the rotor ( 10) is provided with one or more rows of rotor chambers (14A, 14B, 14C), each of which rows of rotor chambers (14A, 14B, 14C) houses pins (22A, 22B, 22C) configured to interact with a respective blade (35A, 35B, 35C) of said one or more blades (35A, 35B, 35C) of the key (300A; 300B), wherein at least one of the two ends of the core (400A; 400B) has a flat external surface ( 480AF; 480AR; 480BR) which is provided with at least a second discontinuity element (482F; 484F; 484R), wherein the actuating element (32) is rotor (10) to the actuation position: - the flat external stop surface (480AF; 480AR; 480BF; 480BR) of said at least one of the two ends of the core (400A; 400B) comes into contact with the flat proximal stop surface (380A; 380B) of the key (300A; 300B), and / or - said at least one second discontinuity element (482F; 482R; 484F; 484R) interacts with at least one corresponding first discontinuity element (382; 384) of the flat proximal stop surface (380A; 380B) of the key (300A; 300B), wherein the stator (20) of said at least one lock is provided with one or more rows of stator chambers (14A, 14B, 14C), each row of stator chambers (24A, 24B, 24C) housing counter-pins (26A, 26B, 26C) pushed by respective springs (28A, 28B, 28C) and which in turn push the pins (22A, 22B, 22C) towards the rotor chambers (14A, 14B, 14C), wherein the rotor (10) of said at least one lock is configured to rotate inside the stator (20) of said at least one lock when the pins (22A, 22B, 22C) and the counter-pins (26A, 26B, 26C) align in an opening configuration when the slit (15) of the rotor (10 ) of said at least one lock receives the actuating element (32) of said at least one corresponding key (300A; 300B) at the actuation position.
9. Key and lock system according to claim 8, comprising at least one lock according to claim 7 and at least one corresponding key (300A; 300B) according to claim 3, and at least one lock according to claim 7 and at least one corresponding key (300A; 300B) according to claim 4, whereby the key and lock system is a master key system.
Citation Information
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