Lock cylinder and key therefor

Abstract

A lock cylinder (1) comprises a stator body (2) provided with a first stator cavity (8) extending transversally to a development axis (X) and leading into a receiving seat (3). A rotor body (4) is configured to rotate within the receiving seat (3) of the stator body (2) around said development axis (X) and has a first rotor cavity (6) extending transversally to the development axis (X) between a first end port (6a) and a second end port (6b), which in at least a first angular position of said rotor body (4) is aligned with the first stator cavity (8) of the stator body (2). A first pin (7) extends along a respective central axis (B) and is slidably inserted into the first rotor cavity (6) so as to translate, after insertion of an actuating key (C) into an insertion slot (5). The first pin (7) is divided into a first (10) and a second element (11) separated from each other and the rotor body (4) comprises at least a second rotor cavity (12), coplanar and angularly offset from the first rotor cavity (6) and having a cross-section adapted to receive the head (11a) of the second element (11) of the first pin (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock cylinder.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to the field of lock protection mechanisms, and more specifically to cylinders into which the key must be inserted in order to open the lock.

[0003] Generally, lock cylinders protrude from the locks and the insertion slot for the keys is generally exposed. In other words, the slot of the cylinder is potentially susceptible to tampering by means of specific devices insertable into the slot.

[0004] It is known to apply devices that are installed at the front (in a portion of the cylinder outside the door panel) to protect the cylinder (generally made of brass) so as to prevent the cylinder from being pierced by a drill, defining, as such, case-hardened and tempered anti-drill systems.

[0005] Nevertheless, these devices are expensive and complex to install.

[0006] In other words, there are currently no inexpensive devices in the state of the art that allow to prevent unauthorised access to the channel defined by the cylinder slot by means of tools aimed at tampering the cylinder itself and thus unlocking the lock.

[0007] A particularly well-known example of these tools is the so-called "topolino decoder", i.e. a small tool provided with a set of mechanical pins that, upon a specific action by an operator, tend to assume the position envisaged by the mapping of the cylinder, unlocking its rotation.

[0008] To overcome this problem, there are solutions that basically aim to complicate the geometry of the key and the number of pin units in the cylinder, making tampering more complex.

[0009] In addition, according to a recent trend, complex and expensive tools such as the topolino decoder are being replaced by cheaper systems, which use a combination of a key blank with a known profile and a sheet of plastically deformable material, typically aluminium, implementing a technique known as "break-in by impression", "impressioning" or "imprinting".

[0010] The aluminium foil, placed on the faces of the key blank inserted in the slot and subjected to continuous rotations and counter-rotations, tends to yield and deform under the action of the pins, assuming the shape of the correct key and causing the rotor body to rotate until the lock opens.

[0011] This procedure, besides being cheaper than the topolino decoder, uses a principle that bypasses the protection systems described above, making the lock vulnerable.

[0012] The technical task of the present invention is therefore to make available a lock cylinder capable of overcoming the drawbacks resulting from the prior art.

[0013] In particular, the object of the present invention is to make available a lock cylinder having a high degree of security.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is therefore to make available a lock cylinder that is capable of protecting the lock from being forced by means of the impressioning or imprinting technique.

[0015] The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a lock cylinder comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

[0016] The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0017] In particular, the specified technical task and the specified objects are essentially achieved by a lock cylinder comprising a stator body extending along a development axis between a first end and a second end. Preferably, the stator body is provided with a receiving seat extending along the development axis.

[0018] Preferably, the stator body comprises a first stator cavity extending transversally to said development axis and leading into said receiving seat. A rotor body is configured to rotate within the receiving seat of the stator body around said development axis.

[0019] The rotor body preferably has an insertion slot extending along an insertion axis parallel to said development axis to receive a cylinder actuating key.

[0020] Preferably, the rotor body has a first rotor cavity extending transversally to said development axis between a first end port, leading into said insertion slot, and a second end port, which in at least a first angular position of said rotor body is aligned with the first stator cavity of the stator body.

[0021] Preferably, the cylinder comprises a first pin extending along a respective central axis and slidably inserted into said first rotor cavity so as to translate along a respective first translation axis parallel to said central axis, following insertion of said actuating key into said insertion slot.

[0022] Preferably, the first pin is shaped so as to be entirely housed in the rotor body when a correct actuating key is inserted into the slot.

[0023] Preferably, the first pin is divided into a first and a second element separate from each other.

[0024] Advantageously, this makes it possible to manage differently the interaction between the first pin and the rotor body according to the different positions assumed along the first rotor cavity.

[0025] Preferably, the first element extends along the central axis of the first pin between a first end, shaped to couple with a profile of said actuating key, and a second end.

[0026] Preferably, the second element extends along said central axis between a head, which is located at the second end of the first element, and a base, wherein the head of the second element has a section transversal to said central axis which is smaller than the base.

[0027] Preferably, the rotor body comprises at least one second rotor cavity, coplanar and angularly offset from the first rotor cavity.

[0028] Preferably, the second rotor cavity has a cross-section adapted to receive the head of the second element of the first pin.

[0029] Advantageously, this makes it possible to prevent break-ins by impression (or by means of new "topolino" type decoder systems), since during the deformation of the aluminium foil, the first pin reaches an axial position wherein the first element is housed in the first rotor cavity and the second element is housed in the first stator cavity, allowing the rotation of the rotor body between the first angular position and the second angular position, wherein the rotor body stops due to the entry of the second element into the second rotor cavity.

[0030] Preferably, the second rotor cavity has a cross-section with a dimension adapted to receive the head but not the base of the second element of the first pin.

[0031] This advantageously guarantees the correct functioning of the cylinder in normal operations (opening with the correct key and locking with the wrong key).

[0032] Preferably, the cylinder is configured to assume at least three different configurations.

[0033] Preferably, in a first, blocking, configuration, the first element of the first pin is arranged astride of the first stator cavity and the first rotor cavity, preventing rotation of the rotor body in the stator body.

[0034] Preferably, in a second, opening, configuration, the first element and the second element are both housed in the first rotor cavity and allow complete rotation of the rotor body in the stator body.

[0035] Preferably, in a third, anti-effraction, configuration, the first element of the first pin is housed in the first rotor cavity and the second element of the first pin is housed in the first stator cavity, subjected to a thrust action towards the rotor body.

[0036] Preferably, the cylinder is configured to move from the first to the third configuration following a gradual translatory movement of the first pin from a locked position, astride of the first stator cavity and the first rotor cavity, to an apparent unlocked position, wherein the second end of the first element is flush with a radially outer end port of the first rotor cavity.

[0037] Preferably, the rotor body comprises two second rotor cavities, each located at a respective second angular position offset from the first angular position by an angle lower than or equal to 180°.

[0038] Preferably, the second element of the first pin has the shape of two overlapping and concentric cylinders, wherein a first cylinder with a smaller diameter defines the head of the second element and a second cylinder with a larger diameter defines the base of the second element.

[0039] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be made clearer by the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a lock cylinder according to what shown in the attached drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of a lock cylinder according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a detail of Figure 1, with some parts removed to highlight others; Figure 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section view of a lock cylinder according to the present invention; Figures 4 and 5 schematically show the cylinder of Figure 3 in a front view and in an opening configuration; Figures 6 and 7 schematically show the cylinder of Figure 3 in a front view and in an anti-effraction configuration; Figure 8 schematically shows the cylinder of Figure 3 in a front view and in a rest configuration; Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the cylinder of Figure 1 in a different configuration.

[0040] With reference to the attached figures, 1 globally denotes a lock cylinder, which, for ease of description, will be hereinafter referred to as cylinder 1.

[0041] The term cylinder 1 refers to the device that makes it possible to open and close a lock installed on a door to allow selective access to a room. Preferably, but not limited to, the present solution refers to a European-type cylinder 1 .

[0042] The cylinder 1 comprises a stator body 2 extending along a development axis "X" between a first end 2a and a second end 2b.

[0043] The stator body 2 comprises a receiving seat 3 extending along the development axis "X".

[0044] A rotor body 4 is arranged within the receiving seat 3 of the stator body 2. The rotor body 4 is in use rotatable within the stator body 2.

[0045] Preferably, the rotor body 4 has a cylindrical shape to rotate around its own central axis parallel to the development axis "X" within the receiving seat 3 of the stator body 2.

[0046] The rotor body 4 has an insertion slot 5 extending along an insertion axis "A" for a key "C". In other words, the insertion slot 5 defines an inlet channel for the key "C".

[0047] The actuating key "C" comprises an insertable portion provided with two flat faces and two lateral side walls.

[0048] This slot 5 extends along the insertion axis "A" from an inlet section facing outside the cylinder 1 and accessible by means of said key "C", to an end section, which can be facing (i.e. open at) the opposite side of the cylinder or embedded therein.

[0049] The slot 5 is therefore an inlet channel of the rotor body 4 into which the key "C" is insertable, in use, to actuate the lock. In other words, the insertion axis "A" is shaped so as to receive the actuating key "C" of the cylinder 1.

[0050] The insertion axis "A" is parallel to the development axis "X" of the stator body 2.

[0051] The insertion axis "A" is also parallel to the central axis of the rotor body 4. In the attached figures, and as visible in Figure 1 in particular, the development axis "X" and the insertion axis "A" are coincident with each other.

[0052] In this regard, it should be noted that the term "actuating key" refers in this text to any key having a rough profile compatible with the geometry of the slot 5; among these, the "correct actuating key" is a key that, in addition to the compatible profile, has a mapping thereof corresponding to the geometry of the pin or pins arranged along the slot, and, upon insertion thereof, the rotor body 4 is free to rotate in the stator body 2.

[0053] The rotor body 4 also has a first rotor cavity 6 extending transversally to the development axis "X".

[0054] Preferably, the first rotor cavity 6 extends between a first end opening 6a, leading into said insertion slot 5, and a second end port 6b.

[0055] Note that the first rotor cavity 6 is to be considered a pass-through cavity, with the first end port 6a facing the slot 5 and the second end port 6b open on the radially outer surface of the rotor body 2.

[0056] Preferably, the first rotor cavity 6 extends substantially radially with respect to the development axis "X".

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, the first rotor cavity 6 has a substantially cylindrical shape, preferably with a first diameter "d1".

[0058] A first pin 7 extends along a respective central axis "B" between a first end portion 7a and a second end portion 7b.

[0059] The first pin 7 is slidably inserted into the first rotor cavity 6 so as to translate along a respective first translation axis parallel to said central axis "B".

[0060] Preferably, the first pin 7 is translatable into the first rotor cavity 6 following an insertion of said actuating key "C" into the insertion slot 5.

[0061] This translation along the translation axis occurs after insertion of the actuating key "C" into the insertion slot 4, i.e. as a result of contact between the surface of the key and the first pin 7, which it encounters during insertion.

[0062] In particular, the first pin 7 is slidable along the first translation axis between a maximum insertion position and a minimum insertion position. In the maximum insertion position, the first pin 7 is completely housed in the rotor body 4, with the first end portion 7a inserted into the slot 5 and a second end portion 7b placed along the first rotor cavity 6.

[0063] Preferably, the first pin 7 is shaped so as to be entirely housed in the rotor body when a correct actuating key "C" is inserted into the slot 5.

[0064] The correct insertion key "C", in fact, has a notch on one of its surfaces sized so as to receive the first end portion 7a of the first pin 7 placing it in an unlocking position, intermediate between the maximum insertion position and the minimum insertion position, wherein the second end portion 7b is positioned substantially flush with the second end port 6b of the first rotor cavity 6.

[0065] The stator body 2 comprises a first stator cavity 8 which extends transversally to the development axis "X" along its own central axis "D" and leading into the receiving seat 3.

[0066] Preferably, the first stator cavity 8 has a substantially radial extension with respect to the development axis "X" and is in (fluid) connection with the receiving seat 3 for the rotor body 4.

[0067] In at least one first angular position of the rotor body 4, the central axis "D" of the first stator cavity 8 is aligned with the central axis "B" of the first rotor cavity 6, i.e. preferably along the translation axis.

[0068] This allows the first pin 7 to slide along the two cavities 6, 8, positioning itself entirely in the first rotor cavity 6 or astride of the stator cavity 8 and the rotor cavity 6 depending on the presence and type of insertion key.

[0069] In the preferred embodiment, the first stator cavity 8 has a substantially cylindrical shape, preferably having a first diameter "D1" corresponding to that of the first rotor cavity 6.

[0070] This first stator cavity 8 could be located either in the upper (in use) half-part of the stator body 2 or in the lower (in use) half-part.

[0071] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the first stator cavity 6 is made in the lower half-part of the stator body 2.

[0072] Preferably, therefore, at least a first counter-pin 9 is slidably inserted within the first stator cavity 6.

[0073] The first counter-pin 9 extends along its own main axis aligned with the central axis "D" of the first stator cavity 8.

[0074] The first counter-pin 9 is preferably associated or associable with an elastic body 9a (preferably a return spring) whose pushing action allows the counter-pin 9 to be held in a predetermined position which, as will become clearer later in this description, will selectively allow or prevent the rotation of the rotor body 4 within the stator body 2.

[0075] Alternatively, in any case, the first stator cavity may be located in the upper half-part of the stator body 2 and may not require the counter-pin and / or spring, acting by gravity (preferably maintaining the alignment of the axis "D").

[0076] According to an aspect of the present invention, the first pin 7 is divided into a first 10 and a second element 11 separated from each other.

[0077] The first 10 and the second element 11 are arranged in sequence along the first rotor cavity 6, with the second element 11 placed radially outside with respect to the first element 10.

[0078] Preferably, at least in the maximum insertion position of the first pin 7, the second pin 11 is in contact with the first element 10 pushing on it.

[0079] Moreover, even when it is inside the first stator cavity 8, the second element 11 of the first pin 7 is always subject to a thrust action directed towards the rotor body 4.

[0080] This thrust can be generated by the counter-pin 9 (i.e. the elastic body 9a) or by the force of gravity depending on the design of the cylinder and / or the angular position of the rotor body 4.

[0081] Preferably, the rotor body 4 comprises at least a second rotor cavity 12, coplanar and angularly offset from the first rotor cavity 6, having a cross-section adapted to receive a head 11a of the second element 11 of the first pin 7.

[0082] The second rotor cavity 12, therefore, has a cross-section with a dimension (i.e. diameter or width) smaller than that of the counter-pin 9, but still greater than or equal to that of the head 11a.

[0083] In other words, preferably, the head 11a of the second element 11 and the second rotor cavity 12 have a section transversal to the central axis "B" smaller than the first diameter "d1"; more preferably, the head 11a of the second element 11 and the second rotor cavity 12 have a section transversal to the central axis "B" smaller than the first diameter "d1"

[0084] In at least a second angular position of the rotor body 4, the second rotor cavity 12 is aligned with the first stator cavity 8 along the central axis "D". This advantageously obviates the problem of imprinting as, during the step of imprinting the aluminium sheet "F", the first pin 7 reaches an axial position wherein the first 10 and the second element 11 are arranged in the first rotor cavity 6 and in the first stator cavity 8 respectively, allowing the rotation of the rotor body 4 only until the second angular position is reached, wherein the second element engages in the second rotor cavity 12 stopping the rotation.

[0085] The second element 11, therefore, depending on its location in the first rotor cavity 6 or in the first stator cavity 8, determines the possibility of a complete rotation of the rotor body 4 (thus opening the lock).

[0086] In greater detail, therefore, the first pin 7 is translatable along the first rotor cavity so as to assume at least three positions defining three different configurations of the cylinder 1.

[0087] In a first blocking configuration, the first element 10 of the first pin 7 is arranged astride of the first stator cavity 8 and the first rotor cavity 6, preventing the rotation of the rotor body 4 in the stator body 2.

[0088] For example, in this first configuration, the first pin 7 may be in the minimum insertion position.

[0089] In a second opening configuration, the first pin 7 (i.e. the first element 10 and the second element 11) is entirely housed in the first rotor cavity 6, with the second end portion 7b substantially flush with the second end port 6b, allowing the complete rotation of the rotor body 4 into the stator body 2.

[0090] This second configuration corresponds to the unlocking position of the first pin 7, illustrated as an example in Figures 4-5.

[0091] In a third, anti-effraction configuration, the first element 10 of the first pin 7 is entirely housed in the first rotor cavity 6 and the second element 11 of the first pin 7 is entirely housed in the first stator cavity 8, still allowing for a rotation of the rotor body 4.

[0092] In other words, the cylinder 1 is configured to switch from the first to the third configuration upon a gradual translational movement of the first pin 7 from a position wherein the first element 10 is astride of the first stator cavity 8 and the first rotor cavity 6 to a position wherein the second end 10b of the first element 10 is flush with the first rotor cavity 6, in particular with its second end port 6b.

[0093] This third configuration is shown for exemplary purposes in Figures 6-7.

[0094] In this third configuration, the second element 11 of the first pin 7 is subjected to a thrust action towards the rotor body 4 which, upon reaching the second angular position thereof, engages with the head 11a in the second rotor cavity 12, stopping the rotation of the rotor body 4.

[0095] Advantageously, this ensures that when the third configuration, which is intermediate between the first and second, is reached, the thrust of the pin on the deformable sheet "F" is interrupted, allowing the rotation of the rotor body 4 between the first and second angular position, until it finally locks.

[0096] When the second angular position with the cylinder in the third configuration is reached, the system enters a locked condition with the second element 11 of the first pin 7 housed in the second rotor cavity 12, preferably without the possibility of extraction.

[0097] The locked condition is therefore preferably irreversible.

[0098] Therefore, in the third cylinder configuration, the first pin 7 assumes an apparent unlocked position.

[0099] It should be noted that the cylinder 1 is preferably (but not necessarily) configured to also assume a fourth, rest configuration, wherein the first pin 7 is in the maximum insertion position and the first counter-pin 9 is placed between the first stator cavity 8 and the first rotor cavity 6, preventing the rotation of the rotor body 4.

[0100] This configuration, corresponding to the maximum insertion position of the first pin 7, is assumed in the absence of actuating keys "C" within the slot 5.

[0101] Structurally, the first element 10 preferably extends along the central axis "B" between a first end 10a, shaped to couple with a profile of the correct actuating key "C", and a second end 10b.

[0102] The first end 10a of the first element 10 corresponds to the first end portion 7a of the first pin 7.

[0103] The second element 11 extends along the central axis "B" between a head 11a and a base 11b.

[0104] At least in the maximum insertion position of the first pin 7, the head 11a of the second element 11 is located at (or in contact with) the second end 10b of the first element 10.

[0105] As described above, preferably the head 11a of the second element 11 has a section transversal to said central axis "B" smaller than the base 11b.

[0106] In other words, given a transversal plane, preferably orthogonal, to the central axis "B", the size of the head 11a evaluated in that plane is smaller than that of the base 11b.

[0107] Furthermore, preferably, the head 11a has a section transversal to said central axis "B" which is also smaller than the first counter-pin 9, so as to prevent the first counter-pin 9 from engaging in the second rotor cavity 12 in the second configuration of the cylinder 1.

[0108] The term "size" is understood in the present text to mean the area subtended, in said plane transversal to the central axis "B", by the peripheral edges (i.e. distal from the central axis "B") of the head 11a and base 11b.

[0109] In particular, this term refers to the area of maximum width of these portions, which, especially in the case of the base, may also have areas (distal from the head) with a smaller width.

[0110] Advantageously, the presence of a second element 11 with a head 11a that is smaller than the base 11b avoids the interaction between any other component of the first pin 7 - first counter-pin 9 assembly to fit into the second rotor cavity 12.

[0111] Preferably, the sum of the lengths of the first 10 and second element 11 of the first pin 7, measured along the central axis "B" of the first rotor cavity 6, corresponds to the sum of a length of the first rotor cavity 6 and a depth of the profile of the correct actuating key "C" at said first rotor cavity 6.

[0112] Preferably, the rotor body 4 comprises two second rotor cavities 12, each located in a respective second angular position offset from the first angular position by an angle lower than or equal to 180°.

[0113] Advantageously, this prevents complete rotation of the rotor body 4 even in the third configuration of the cylinder 1.

[0114] In the embodiment shown, the second rotor cavities 12 are arranged one at approximately 180° and the other at approximately 135° from the first rotor cavity 6.

[0115] The angular arrangement of the second rotor cavity(ies), however, could be different and more than two second rotor cavities may also be provided. In the preferred embodiment, the second element 11 of the first pin 7 has the shape of two overlapping and preferably concentric cylinders.

[0116] Preferably, the second element 11 of the first pin 7 comprises a first cylinder 13 and a second cylinder 14.

[0117] The first cylinder 13, with a smaller diameter, defines the head 11a. The first cylinder 13, therefore, has a second diameter "d2" smaller than the first diameter "d1".

[0118] The second cylinder 14, with a larger diameter, defines the base 11b of the second element 11.

[0119] The second cylinder 14, therefore, has a diameter substantially corresponding (with a due tolerance to allow it to slide) to the first diameter "d1".

[0120] Preferably, the second cylinder 14 has a diameter corresponding to that of the second end 10b of the first element 10 of the first pin 7.

[0121] Preferably, the second cylinder 14 has a diameter corresponding to that of the first counter-pin 9.

[0122] In more advanced embodiments, the cylinder comprises a plurality of further pins 15, 17 and a plurality of corresponding counter-pins 16 distributed along the development axis "X".

[0123] The pins and counter-pins have varying lengths (i.e. extension along their respective central axes) to allow rotation of the rotor body 4 in the stator body 2 only if the correct actuating key "C" is present in the slot 5.

[0124] Possibly, in certain embodiments, the cylinder may comprise two different sets of further pins, one provided with second pins 15 each associated with a corresponding second counter-pin 16 and the other provided with third pins 17 operating by gravity.

[0125] In this configuration, preferably each second pin is aligned along the same operating axis with a third pin.

[0126] Both the second and third pins are translatable, as are the first pins 7, along the respective cavities between a plurality of locked positions, wherein they interfere with the rotation of the rotor body 4, and an unlocked position, wherein they are positioned within their respective cavities so that neither the pin nor the counter-pin, if any, is positioned astride of the stator body 2 and rotor body 4, not hindering the rotation of the latter.

[0127] It should also be noted that the cylinder 1 could comprise a plurality of first pins 7, possibly arranged in sequence along the development axis "X" and each associated with a respective first rotor cavity and first stator cavity.

[0128] The operating principle of the cylinder according to the present invention is reported hereinafter.

[0129] During normal lock opening operations, the correct actuating key "C" is inserted into the slot 5 of the rotor body 4, which is provided with a mapping such as to position, during the insertion thereof, all the pins and further pins in the unlocked position.

[0130] Specifically, with reference to the first pin 7, the correct actuating key "C" proceeds to move it from the maximum insertion position to the unlocked position, with the first 10 and the second element 11 both located in the first rotor cavity 6.

[0131] By contrast, when a key blank coated with an aluminium sheet "F" is inserted into the slot 5 in a break-in attempt by impression, all the pins and further pins are brought into a maximum extraction position, being the sheet "F" initially flush with the first end port 6a of the first rotor cavity 6 (and the cavities into which the further pins are inserted).

[0132] At this point, the rotating and counter-rotating action to which the key blank is subjected leads both the first pin 7 and the further pins 15 to force the sheet "F" progressively deforming it at the profile notches until an unblocked position is reached.

[0133] With reference to the first pin 7, the first unlocked position reached is the "apparent unlocked" position corresponding to the third configuration of the cylinder.

[0134] Once this position is reached, friction with the walls of the first rotor cavity 6 together with the minimal rotation to which the rotor body 4 is subjected prevents further deformation of the sheet "F".

[0135] Therefore, when the unlocked position is reached by all the further pins 15, with the first pin 7 in the apparent unlocked position, the rotor body 4, subjected to a torsion by the key blank, begins to rotate moving from its first angular position.

[0136] When the second angular position is reached, however, the rotation is stopped by the action of the second element 11 of the first pin 7, which, pushing on the rotor body 4, engages in the second rotor cavity 12, locking the cylinder 1, preferably irreversibly.

[0137] Preferably, furthermore, the cylinder comprises a second stator cavity and a third rotor cavity 19.

[0138] The second stator cavity is preferably oriented orthogonally to said first stator cavity 8 and leads into the receiving seat 3.

[0139] The third rotor cavity 19 extends transversally to the development axis "X" between a first end port, leading into the insertion slot 5, and a second end port, which at least in the first angular position of the rotor body 4 is aligned with the second stator cavity of the stator body 2.

[0140] In this embodiment, a fourth pin 18 is slidably inserted into the third rotor cavity 19 so as to translate along a respective translation axis parallel to said central axis, after an insertion of said actuating key "C" into the insertion slot 5.

[0141] The fourth pin 18, therefore, preferably extends along a respective central axis "E" orthogonal to the central axis "D" of the first stator cavity 8.

[0142] Preferably, the fourth pin 18 is shaped so as to be entirely housed into the rotor body 4 when a correct actuating key is inserted in the slot 5.

[0143] In this embodiment, at least one of the lateral side walls comprises a localised notch 20 sized to accommodate a free end of the fourth pin 18. The localised notch 20 may be located in an inner or outer end portion of the insertable portion, or in a medial area of the side wall, depending on the embodiment.

[0144] The invention achieves its intended purposes and obtains important advantages.

[0145] In fact, the provision of a first segmented and section-differentiated pin makes it possible to obviate the problem of break-ins by impressioning, or by means of new "topolino" type decoder systems, significantly increasing the cylinder security.

Claims

1. Lock cylinder (1) comprising: - a stator body (2) extending along a development axis (X) between a first end (2a) and a second end (2b) and provided with: - a receiving seat (3) extending along the development axis (X); - a first stator cavity (8) extending transversally to said development axis (X) and leading into said receiving seat (3); - a rotor body (4) configured to rotate within the receiving seat (3) of the stator body (2) around said development axis (X) and having: - an insertion slot (5) extending along an insertion axis (A) parallel to said development axis (X) to receive an actuating key (C) of the cylinder (1); - a first rotor cavity (6) extending transversally to said development axis (X) between a first end port (6a), leading into said insertion slot (5), and a second end port (6b), which, in at least a first angular position of said rotor body (4), is aligned with the first stator cavity (8) of the stator body (2); - a first pin (7) extending along a respective central axis (B) slidably inserted into said first rotor cavity (6) so as to translate, along a respective first translation axis parallel to said central axis (B), after insertion of said actuating key (C) into said insertion slot (5); said first pin (7) being shaped so as to be entirely housed in the rotor body (4) when a correct actuating key is inserted in the slot (5); characterised in that: - said first pin (7) is divided into a first (10) and a second element (11) separated from each other, wherein: - the first element (10) extends along the central axis (B) of the first pin (7) between a first end (10a), shaped to couple with a profile of said actuating key (C), and a second end (10b); - the second element (11) extends along said central axis (B) between a head (11b), which is located at the second end (10b) of the first element (10), and a base (11b), wherein the head (11a) of the second element (11) has a section transversal to said central axis (B) which is smaller than the base (11b); and whose rotor body (4) comprises at least a second rotor cavity (12), coplanar and angularly offset from the first rotor cavity (6), having a cross-section adapted to receive the head (11a) of the second element (11) of the first pin (7).

2. Cylinder according to claim 1, wherein the second rotor cavity (12) has a cross-section with a dimension adapted to receive the head (11a) but not the base (11b) of the second element (11) of the first pin (7).

3. Cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, configured to assume at least three different configurations: - a first blocking configuration, wherein the first element (10) of the first pin (7) is arranged astride of the first stator cavity (8) and the first rotor cavity (6), preventing rotation of the rotor body (4) in the stator body (2); - a second opening configuration, wherein the first element (10) and the second element (11) are both housed in the first rotor cavity (6) and allow complete rotation of the rotor body (4) in the stator body (2); - a third anti-effraction configuration, wherein the first element (10) of the first pin (7) is housed in the first rotor cavity (6) and the second element (11) of the first pin (7) is housed in the first stator cavity (8), subjected to a thrust action towards the rotor body (4).

4. Cylinder according to claim 3, configured to switch from the first to the third configuration upon a gradual translatory movement of the first pin (7) from a locked position, astride of the first stator cavity (8) and the first rotor cavity (7), to an apparent unlocked position, wherein the second end (10b) of the first element (10) is flush with a radially outer end port (6b) of the first rotor cavity (6).

5. Cylinder according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, when the cylinder is in the third configuration, a rotation of the rotor body (4) is allowed between the first angular position and a second angular position, wherein the second rotor cavity (12) is aligned with the first stator cavity (8) and receives the head (11a) of the second element (11) of the first pin (7), stopping the rotation.

6. Cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sum of the lengths of the first (10) and second element (11) of the first pin (7), measured along the central axis (B) of the first pin (7), corresponds to the sum, measured along the same central axis (B), of a length of the first rotor cavity (6) and a depth of the profile of said actuating key (C).

7. Cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the second element (11) of the first pin (7) is within the first stator cavity (8), it is always subject to a thrust action directed towards the rotor body (4).

8. Cylinder according to claim 7, wherein said thrust action is exerted by an elastic body (9a) or by the force of gravity.

9. Cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first counter-pin (9) sliding in said first stator cavity (8) and associated, at least in said first angular position of the rotor body, with said first pin (7).

10. Cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an elastic body (9a) operationally active on said counter-pin (9) to push it along said first rotor cavity (8) in the direction of the rotor body (4).

11. Cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotor body (4) comprises two second rotor cavities (12), each located at a respective second angular position offset from the first angular position by an angle lower than or equal to 180°.

12. Cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second element (11) of the first pin (7) has the shape of two overlapping and concentric cylinders, wherein a first cylinder (13) of smaller diameter defines the head (11a) of the second element (11) and a second cylinder (14) of larger diameter defines the base (11b) of the second element (11).

13. Cylinder according to claim 12, wherein said second cylinder (14) has a diameter corresponding to that of the second end (10b) of the first element (10) of the first pin (10) and / or that of the first counter-pin (9).

14. Cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of further pins (15) and a plurality of corresponding counter-pins (16) distributed along the development axis (X) and having variable lengths to allow the rotation of the rotor body (4) only in the presence, in the slot (5), of the correct actuating key (C).

15. Cylinder according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: - a second stator cavity oriented orthogonally to said first stator cavity and leading into said receiving seat (3); - a third rotor cavity (19) developing transversally to said development axis (X) between a first end port, leading into said insertion slot (5), and a second end port, which in at least said first angular position of said rotor body (4) is aligned with the second stator cavity of the stator body (2); - a fourth pin (18) developing along a respective central axis (E) and slidably inserted into said third rotor cavity (19) so as to translate, along a respective translation axis parallel to said central axis (E), after insertion of said actuating key (C) into said insertion slot (5); said fourth pin (18) being shaped so as to be entirely housed in the rotor body (4) when a correct actuating key is inserted in the slot (5).

16. Key for cylinder locks of the type comprising a cylinder (1) according to claim 15, wherein said key (C) comprises an insertable portion provided with two flat faces and two lateral side walls, wherein at least one of said lateral side walls comprises a localised notch (20) sized to accommodate a free end of said fourth pin (18).

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