Cylinder lock and associated key

Abstract

A cylinder lock (1) which comprises a stator (2) which is provided with a substantially cylindrical longitudinal cavity (3) for accommodating a rotor (4) with a longitudinal recess (5) for the insertion of a coded key (6). The rotor (4) and the stator (2) comprise a plurality of channels (7), which are substantially aligned and facing when the cylinder (1) is in the locked configuration, for accommodating respective pins (8), counterpins (9) and optional elastic means (7a) which are adapted to prevent the rotation of the rotor (4) in the stator (2) in the absence of the correct coded key (6) from the longitudinal recess (5). The lock (1) has conduits (10) unaligned with respect to and located opposite to the channels (7) at a respective longitudinal groove (11) of the stator (2) and which are configured to moveably accommodate respective pegs (12) which have a head (13) adapted to rest on the coded surface (14) of the key (6) and a toe (15) configured to be temporarily accommodated in the longitudinal groove (11) when a key (A, B, C) inserted in the recess (5) does not have the correct coding, thus preventing the rotation of the rotor (4) in the stator (2). The cylinder lock (1) comprises at least one active peg (16) constituted by a hollow half peg (16a) and a contoured half peg (16b) which is configured to be accommodated, with a predefined mechanical play, in the hollow half peg (16a) and at least one passive peg (17) of length substantially corresponding, minus a predefined play, to the sum of the axial length of the respective conduit (10) that accommodates it and of the depth of the corresponding coding pit (18a) on the respective coded surface (14) of the key (6) when the latter is completely inserted in the longitudinal recess (5). The key (6) comprises at least one longitudinal groove (19), which is at least partially aligned with the respective coded regions of the surface (14), and has a depth not lower than the protrusion, measured in a radial direction, of the passive peg (17) from the respective conduit (10), while a respective toe (17b) of the peg (17) is completely accommodated in the groove (11), minus a predefined radial play.

Description

[0001] CYLINDER LOCK AND ASSOCIATED KEY

[0002] The present invention relates to a lock, with particular reference to a cylinder lock, and an associated key.

[0003] Among cylinder locks, a particularly important category is locks of the “Euro profile” type which have a flat key.

[0004] This particular type of cylinder lock can ensure high standards of security in terms of the possibility of providing particularly complex forms of coding with a variability covering an extremely large number of possible combinations.

[0005] In order to further increase the level of security of these types of cylinder lock, the same Applicant has devised an innovative technical solution, protected by EP 1867818, which entails the adoption, in the rotor, of at least one additional passage, unaligned with respect to the channels that accommodate the pins, which is designed to accommodate a specific pin that, with the key inserted in the longitudinal cavity, will have its terminal front abutting against an edge of the key. By providing the key with suitably shaped regions on its edge, it is possible to use this specific pin to ensure an additional element of security coding, which considerably increases the security of the cylinder lock.

[0006] In fact, in addition to the characteristics of the shaped regions on the key (for example the depth or the shape of such regions) it is also necessary to identify the position where such shaped regions need to be placed, in relation to the longitudinal extension of the coded portion of the key.

[0007] This technical solution makes any attempt at forced entry an extremely complex affair, confirming the exceptional security of the cylinder lock and associated key disclosed in the prior art document.

[0008] With advances in forced entry techniques and with the spread of increasingly complex and high-performing tools for lockpicking, even a cylinder lock (and associated key) that complies with the teachings of EPl 867818 may be vulnerable (while still ensuring extremely high standards of security).

[0009] Any structural modification to such cylinder locks (and associated keys) would however mean that the new key would be incompatible with already-installed locks complying with the teachings of EPl 867818.

[0010] In many cases this situation cannot be allowed, since many applications adopt what are known as “master-keyed systems of cylinder locks and keys”: in such cases a building (or a group of buildings) will be fitted throughout with cylinder locks of a same type, and the associated codings will be made according to a logic that enables certain keys to open all the locks and other groups of keys to open only specific groups of locks.

[0011] In this manner, by assigning specific keys to operators or to the users of the rooms in the building, each key will be enabled to enter only some rooms (delimited by a door fitted with a respective cylinder lock), while other rooms will be inaccessible because the key available to that operator will not be correctly coded for the corresponding locks.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing a cylinder lock and key that offer higher standards of security against forced entry than those ensured by locks and keys complying with the teachings of the prior patent EP 1867818 of this same Applicant.

[0013] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a cylinder lock and key that are compatible with locks and keys already in use, which are made in accordance with the teachings of EP 1867818 of this same Applicant.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a cylinder lock and key through which it is possible to provide a “master-keyed system of cylinder locks and keys” that can also comprise locks and keys produced in accordance with the teachings of EPl 867818 of this same Applicant.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a cylinder lock and key that blocks even the insertion of any types of false key into the seat of the rotor of the cylinder lock.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cylinder lock and key which is of low cost, easily and practically implemented and safely applied.

[0017] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a cylinder lock and associated key of the type comprising a stator which is provided with a substantially cylindrical longitudinal cavity for accommodating a rotor with a longitudinal recess for the insertion of a coded key, said rotor and said stator comprising a plurality of channels, which are substantially aligned and facing when the cylinder is in the locked configuration, said channels accommodating respective pins, counterpins and optional elastic means which are adapted to prevent the rotation of the rotor in the stator in the absence of the correct coded key from said longitudinal recess, said lock having conduits unaligned with respect to and located opposite to said channels at a respective longitudinal groove of the stator and which are configured to moveably accommodate respective pegs which have a head adapted to be inserted in the respective receptacles of said key and a toe configured to be temporarily accommodated in said longitudinal groove when a key inserted in the recess does not have the correct coding, thus preventing the rotation of the rotor in the stator, characterized in that it comprises at least one active peg constituted by a hollow half peg and a contoured half peg which is configured to be accommodated, with a predefined mechanical play, in said hollow half peg and at least one passive peg of length substantially corresponding, minus a predefined play, to the sum of the axial length of the respective conduit that accommodates it and of the depth of the corresponding coding pit on the respective coded surface of said key when the latter is completely inserted in said longitudinal recess, and in that said key comprises at least one longitudinal groove, which is at least partially aligned with the respective coded regions of said surface, and has a depth of not less than the protrusion, measured in a radial direction, of said passive peg from the respective conduit, while a respective toe of said peg is completely accommodated in said groove, minus a predefined radial play.

[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the cylinder lock and of the associated key, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 is a partially cross-sectional schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a cylinder lock and of an associated related key according to the invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic perspective view, taken along a sagittal plane, of the embodiment of the invention of Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the cross-section of Figure 2;

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of an embodiment of the cylinder lock in the absence of the key, and in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0023] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 in the absence of the key, during an attempt to force rotation of the rotor;

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 with the associated key inserted, in a respective passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0025] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 with the associated key inserted, as the rotor is being rotated; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 with a key inserted in which the coding is too deep, in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0026] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 with a key inserted in which the coding is too deep, during an attempt to force rotation of the rotor;

[0027] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 with a key inserted in which the coding has an insufficient first depth, in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0028] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 with a key inserted in which the coding has an insufficient first depth, during an attempt to force rotation of the rotor;

[0029] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 with a key inserted in which the coding has an insufficient second depth, in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0030] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 4 with a key inserted in which the coding has an insufficient second depth, during an attempt to force rotation of the rotor;

[0031] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of a further embodiment of a cylinder lock according to the invention in the absence of the key, and in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0032] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 in the absence of the key, during an attempt to force rotation of the rotor;

[0033] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 with the associated key inserted, in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0034] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 with the associated key inserted, as the rotor is being rotated;

[0035] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 with a key inserted in which the coding is too deep, in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0036] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 with a key inserted in which the coding is too deep, during an attempt to force rotation of the rotor;

[0037] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 with a key inserted in which the coding has an insufficient first depth, in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0038] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 with a key inserted in which the coding has an insufficient first depth, during an attempt to force rotation of the rotor;

[0039] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 with a key inserted in which the coding has an insufficient second depth, in the passive configuration in which no turning moment is applied to it to try to impart a rotation on the rotor;

[0040] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional schematic front elevation view, taken along a front plane, of the cylinder lock of Figure 14 with a key inserted in which the coding has an insufficient second depth, during an attempt to force rotation of the rotor.

[0041] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a cylinder lock and the reference numeral 6 generally designates an associated key according to the invention.

[0042] The cylinder lock 1 comprises a stator 2 which is provided with a substantially cylindrical longitudinal cavity 3 for accommodating a rotor 4 with a longitudinal recess 5 for the insertion of a coded key 6.

[0043] The rotor 4 and the stator 2 comprise a plurality of channels 7, which are substantially aligned and facing when the cylinder 1 is in the locked configuration. The channels 7 are designed to accommodate respective pins 8, counterpins 9 and optional elastic means 7a, which work together to prevent the rotation of the rotor 4 in the stator 2 in the absence of the correct key 6 from the longitudinal recess 5.

[0044] The channels 7 are closed in a lower region by way of respective plugs 7b in conformity with the prior art.

[0045] The lock 1 according to the invention moreover has conduits 10 unaligned with respect to and located opposite to the channels 7 at a respective longitudinal groove 11 of the stator 2: such conduits 10 are configured to moveably accommodate respective pegs 12 which have a head

[0046] 13 adapted to be inserted in the respective receptacles of the coded surface

[0047] 14 of the key 6 and a toe 15 configured to be temporarily accommodated in the longitudinal groove 11 when the key inserted in the recess 5 does not have the correct coding (and, substantially, does not correspond to the associated key 6). In this manner, the pegs 12 (with their toe 15 interfering with the groove 11) prevent the rotation of the rotor 4 in the stator 2.

[0048] The cylinder lock 1 according to the invention advantageously comprises at least one active peg 16 constituted by a hollow half peg 16a and a contoured half peg 16b which is configured to be accommodated, with a predefined mechanical play, in the hollow half peg 16a.

[0049] Furthermore, the lock 1 according to the invention conveniently comprises at least one passive peg 17 of length substantially corresponding, minus a predefined play, to the sum of the axial length of the respective conduit 10 that accommodates it and of the depth of the corresponding coding pit 18a on the respective coded surface 14 of the key 6 when the latter is completely inserted in the longitudinal recess 5. It should be noted that the coding pit 18a, in some specific cases, could even have a nil depth, i.e. coinciding with the coded surface 14.

[0050] The key 6 according to the invention advantageously comprises at least one longitudinal groove 19, which is at least partially aligned with the respective coded regions of the surface 14 (i.e. the regions provided with coding pits 18), and has a depth, measured in a radial direction, lower than the protrusion, measured in a radial direction, of the passive peg 17 from the respective conduit 10, while a respective toe 17b of the peg 17 is completely accommodated in the groove 11, minus a predefined radial play.

[0051] This geometric shape implies that while inserting a “false” key (used, for example, to try to open the lock 1 for the purposes of forced entry), i.e. in which the depth of the groove 19 does not substantially correspond to the length of the peg 17 minus the sum of the length of the conduit 10 and of the depth, measured in a radial direction, of the longitudinal groove 11 of the stator 2, it cannot be completely inserted into the longitudinal recess 5 because the passive peg 17 will jam against the key with its head 17a protruding along the recess 5, having its toe 17b in abutment against the surface of the groove 11.

[0052] With reference to an embodiment of undoubted practical and applicative interest, the at least one longitudinal groove 19 can profitably comprise at least two regions of different depth: between these two regions, at least one first region will have a depth that substantially corresponds to the portion of the head 17a of the peg 17 that protrudes into the recess 5 when the toe of the peg 17 abuts against the surface of the longitudinal groove 19 of the stator 2.

[0053] Then, the second region of the longitudinal groove 19 can have a different depth, so behaving like an additional coding: in this case the lock 1 comprises a respective active peg 16 (therefore constituted by two paired half pegs 16a and 16b) of shape and dimensions conveniently complementary to those of such region, so as to allow the rotation of the rotor 4 only when the key 6 is inserted that is in possession of this specific region with the correct depth (as well as all the other geometric coding characteristics).

[0054] The second region of the longitudinal groove 19 can also have a different longitudinal extension, so behaving like an additional coding: if this second region is too long, the active peg 16 will abut against it and this will result in blocking the rotation of the rotor 4. The second region of the groove 14 can therefore be coded lengthwise (i.e. depending on its length it will be adapted to cooperate with a corresponding lock 1 which has the active peg 16 in a specific longitudinal position) and the active peg 16 could be positioned immediately after the end of the groove 19 (more precisely at the end of the respective second region).

[0055] The possibility is not ruled out of providing an embodiment in which the groove 19 can be substantially flat (i.e. with no steps where the relative depth varies abruptly): in this embodiment it will still be possible for this groove 19 to be coded depthwise and / or lengthwise, not least for the purpose of preventing the full insertion of false keys into the recess 5.

[0056] It should be noted that between the hollow half peg 16a and the contoured half peg 16b elastic means 20 can positively be interposed which are configured to mutually space apart the half pegs 16a, 16b in the direction of their longitudinal axis. In the configuration of use of the key 6, a front of the hollow half peg 16a will abut against a respective coding pit 18 of the surface 14 of the key 6.

[0057] The coding pit 18 against which a front of the hollow half peg 16a will abut can also have a nil depth, coinciding with the surface of the face of the key 6, in a possible embodiment.

[0058] The presence of the elastic means 20 ensures that the two half pegs 16a, 16b occupy the maximum space available in the longitudinal direction, thus ensuring the locking of the rotor 4 with respect to the stator 2 when a key 6 with the correct coding (i.e. that has a pit 18 of the correct depth facing toward the active peg 16) is not inserted.

[0059] It should be noted that the concave half peg 16a can positively comprise a seat (meaning the cavity in which the corresponding contoured half peg 16b is at least partially accommodated) provided with at least two portions of different cross-section, separated by at least one respective surface acting as an abutment shoulder.

[0060] This surface acting as an abutment shoulder can constitute one of the supporting bases of the elastic means 20.

[0061] In this case, the contoured half peg 16b will comprise an initial first portion, facing and proximate to the bottom of the seat of the concave half peg 16a and having shape and dimensions complementary to those of a corresponding portion of such seat proximate to its bottom, an intermediate trough (meaning any narrowing of diameter) contiguous with the first portion, and at least one terminal head with shape and dimensions complementary to those of the portion of such seat provided with the inlet (i.e. open onto the groove 19 of the stator 2).

[0062] With particular reference to an embodiment of the lock 1 according to the invention that is of particular applicative interest, it should be noted that the rotor 4 can profitably comprise at least one second passage 21 unaligned with respect to the channels 7 and facing, in the locked configuration of the cylinder 1, onto a corresponding cavity 22 of the stator 2 (the adjective "second" that qualifies the passage 21 should be understood as meaning "supplementary", i.e. in addition to the further components that normally implement the coding of a traditional cylinder lock 1).

[0063] The passage 21 and the cavity 22 will be configured to accommodate at least one respective sliding dowel 23 with the head 24 resting against the back 25 of the key 6 (i.e. against at least one of the surfaces contiguous with and at right angles to the coded surface 14) when the key is inserted in the recess 5.

[0064] In turn the key 6 will be provided with at least one adapted shaped region 26 on the back 25 at the surfaces facing the at least one dowel 23 in order to accommodate the head 24 thereof, when said key is inserted in the recess 5. The dowel 23 will keep its base 23 inside the respective cavity 22 of the stator 2, thus blocking the rotation of the rotor 4 with respect to the stator 2 when a key 6 is inserted that lacks the corresponding shaped regions 26.

[0065] It should be noted that the at least one second passage 21 will be preferably at right angles to the channels 7.

[0066] In this manner the channels 7 will be facing toward a flat and coded surface 14 (these surfaces are mutually opposite), while the second passage 21 will be facing toward one of the portions of the back 25 of the key 6 (i.e. one of the edges at right angles to the coded surfaces 14).

[0067] It should be noted that a plurality of second passages 21 can be provided, distributed along the entire extension of the longitudinal recess 5 in which the coded region of the key 6 is accommodated.

[0068] The key 6 according to the invention will be advantageously symmetrical with respect to an inclined plane that passes through two mutually opposite corners of its coded portion and will have a substantially parallelepiped shape. In this manner the key 6 can be inserted in the longitudinal recess 5 in any manner, in so doing allowing the opening.

[0069] As previously mentioned, it should be noted that the groove 19 present on the key 6 will profitably have a length, measured in the longitudinal direction of the key 6 starting from the terminal front of the key 6, corresponding to the position of the passive peg 17 in the cylinder lock 1 (more precisely along the longitudinal recess 5). In other words the groove 19 will have a length corresponding to a length (along the longitudinal direction of the key 6) that substantially corresponds to the portion that, once the key 6 is inserted in the recess 5, is upstream of the active peg 16.

[0070] The at least one active peg 16, constituted by a hollow half peg 16a and a contoured half peg 16b, is arranged along the longitudinal recess 5 for the insertion of the coded key 6, further outward, therefore more proximate to the outwardly-directed face 27 of the rotor 4, with respect to the passive peg 17.

[0071] Upon insertion of the key 6 into the recess 5, it will be possible to perform a rotation of the rotor 4 with respect to the stator 2 by imparting a mechanical turning moment on the key 6, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 for a first embodiment and in Figures 16 and 17 for a second embodiment.

[0072] If a key A which has a pit 18 aligned with the active peg 16 with a depth greater than the coded one (and provided in the corresponding key 6) is inserted into the recess 5, it will be impossible to perform a rotation of the rotor 4 with respect to the stator 2 because the half peg 16b will become unaligned with respect to the half peg 16a (so impeding the retraction of the half peg 16b into the cavity of the half peg 16a by friction or, preferably, via the interference of a ridge of the peg 16b in a trough of the peg 16a), as shown in Figure 9 for a first embodiment and in Figure 19 for a second embodiment.

[0073] If a key B which has a pit 18 aligned with the active peg 16 with a depth shallower than the coded one (and provided in the corresponding key 6) is inserted into the recess 5, it will be impossible to perform a rotation of the rotor 4 with respect to the stator 2 because the half peg 16a will protrude into the longitudinal groove 11 of the stator 2, as shown in Figure 11 for a first embodiment and in Figure 21 for a second embodiment.

[0074] If a key C which has a pit 18 aligned with the active peg 16 with a depth shallower (even if differently from the previous case) than the coded one (and provided in the corresponding key 6) is inserted into the recess 5, it will be impossible to perform a rotation of the rotor 4 with respect to the stator 2 because the half peg 16b will protrude into the longitudinal groove 11 of the stator 2, as shown in Figure 13 for a first embodiment and in Figure 23 for a second embodiment.

[0075] Advantageously the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, by providing a cylinder lock 1 and an associated key 6 that offer higher standards of security against forced entry than those ensured by locks and keys complying with the teachings of EP 1867818 of this same Applicant.

[0076] Conveniently the cylinder lock 1 and the key 6 according to the invention are compatible with locks and keys already in use, which are made in accordance with the teachings of EPl 867818 of this same Applicant.

[0077] Advantageously, with the cylinder lock 1 and the key 6 according to the invention it is possible to provide a “master-keyed system of cylinder locks and keys” that can also comprise locks and keys produced in accordance with the teachings of EPl 867818 of this same Applicant.

[0078] Profitably the cylinder lock 1 and the key 6 according to the invention block even the insertion of any types of false key into the seat of the rotor 4 of the cylinder lock 1.

[0079] Positively the cylinder lock 1 and the key 6 according to the invention are easily and practically implemented and are of low cost: such characteristics make the lock 1 and the key 6 according to the invention innovations that are certain to be safe in use. The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements. In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0080] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and to the state of the art.

[0081] Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and / or signs, those reference numerals and / or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and / or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and / or signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cylinder lock (1) and associated key (6) of the type comprising a stator (2) which is provided with a substantially cylindrical longitudinal cavity (3) for accommodating a rotor (4) with a longitudinal recess (5) for the insertion of a coded key (6), said rotor (4) and said stator (2) comprising a plurality of channels (7), which are substantially aligned and facing when the cylinder (1) is in the locked configuration, said channels (7) accommodating respective pins (8), counterpins (9) and optional elastic means (7 a) which are adapted to prevent the rotation of the rotor (4) in the stator (2) in the absence of the correct coded key (6) from said longitudinal recess (5), said lock (1) having conduits (10) unaligned with respect to and located opposite to said channels (7) at a respective longitudinal groove (11) of the stator (2) and which are configured to moveably accommodate respective pegs (12) which have a head (13) adapted to be inserted in the respective receptacles of the coded surface (14) of said key (6) and a toe (15) configured to be temporarily accommodated in said longitudinal groove (11) when a key (A, B, C) inserted in the recess (5) does not have the correct coding, thus preventing the rotation of the rotor (4) in the stator (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one active peg (16) constituted by a hollow half peg (16a) and a contoured half peg (16b) which is configured to be accommodated, with a predefined mechanical play, in said hollow half peg (16a) and at least one passive peg (17) of length substantially corresponding, minus a predefined play, to the sum of the axial length of the respective conduit (10) that accommodates it and of the depth of the corresponding coding pit (18a) on the respective coded surface (14) of said key (6) when the latter is completely inserted in said longitudinal recess (5), and in that said key (6) comprises at least one longitudinal groove (19), which is at least partially aligned with the respective coded regions of said surface (14), and has a depth of not less than the protrusion, measuredin a radial direction, of said passive peg (17) from the respective conduit (10), while a respective toe (17b) of said peg (17) is completely accommodated in said groove (11), minus a predefined radial play.

2. The cylinder lock and associated key according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one longitudinal groove (19) comprises at least two regions of different depth, at least one first region having a depth that substantially corresponds to the depth, measured in a radial direction, of said longitudinal groove (11) of said stator (2), said regions of different depth constituting an additional geometric coding characteristic of said key (6).

3. The cylinder lock and associated key according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said groove (19) of said key (6) is continuous and has a length, measured in the longitudinal direction of the key (6), that corresponds at least to the position of said passive peg (17) in said cylinder lock (1), said length of said groove (19) constituting an additional geometric coding characteristic of said key (6).

4. The cylinder lock and associated key according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that elastic means (17) are interposed between said hollow half peg (16a) and said contoured half peg (16b), which are configured to space said half pegs (16a, 16b) apart from each other in the direction of their longitudinal axis, in the configuration of use of said key (6) a front of said hollow half peg (16a) abutting against a respective coding pit (18) of said key (6).

5. The cylinder lock and associated key according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said concave half peg (16a) comprises a seat provided with at least two portions with different crosssections, separated by at least one respective surface acting as an abutment shoulder.

6. The cylinder lock and associated key according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said contoured half peg (16b) comprises aninitial first portion, facing and proximate to the bottom of the seat of said concave half peg (16a) and having shape and dimensions complementary to those of a corresponding portion of said seat proximate to said bottom, an intermediate trough contiguous with said first portion, and at least one terminal head with shape and dimensions complementary to those of the portion of said seat provided with the inlet.

7. The cylinder lock and associated key according to claim 1, characterized in that said rotor (4) comprises at least one second passage (21) unaligned with respect to said channels (7) and facing, in the locked configuration of the cylinder (1), onto a corresponding cavity (22) of the stator (2), said passage (21) and said cavity (22) both hosting at least one respective sliding dowel (23), with the head (24) resting against the back (25) of the key (6) when the latter is inserted in the recess (5), said key (6) being provided with adapted shaped regions (26) on the back (25) at the surfaces facing said dowels (23) when it is inserted in the recess (5), said dowel (23) having its base (23b) inside the respective cavity (22), thus blocking the rotation of the rotor (4) with respect to the stator (2) when a key is inserted that lacks the corresponding shaped regions (15).

8. The cylinder lock and associated key according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one second passage (21) is at right angles to said channels (7), said channels (7) facing toward one of the flat and mutually opposite surfaces (14) of the key (6), and said second passage (21) facing toward one of the portions of the back (25) of said key (6).

9. The cylinder lock and associated key according to one or more of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said second passages (21) are a plurality, distributed along the entire depth of the recess (5) of the rotor (4) at the area in which the coded surface (14) of said key (6) is accommodated, with the respective axes at right angles to said coded surface (14).

10. The cylinder lock and associated key according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said key (6) is symmetrical withrespect to an inclined plane that passes through two mutually opposite comers of its coded portion, having a substantially parallelepiped shape.

11. The cylinder lock and associated key according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one active peg (16), constituted by a hollow half peg (16a) and a contoured half peg (16b), is arranged along said longitudinal recess (5) for the insertion of a coded key (6), further outward, therefore more proximate to the outwardly-directed face (27) of said rotor (4), with respect to said passive peg (17).

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