RU2781104C2 - Protective lock and key for its control - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: locking systems.

SUBSTANCE: protective system contains a cylinder lock and a key for control of the lock. The lock contains a lock case or a stator and a cylinder or rotor (4) mounted with the possibility of rotation in the lock case and having a passage for key insertion. In cylinder (4), first pin (16) is installed with the possibility of sliding in the first cavity facing the passage from the first side. Second pin (18) is installed in the second cavity facing the passage on the second side opposite to the first side. The key contains a case, on which ring (30) is mounted, movable relatively to its own axis relatively to the key case and made with the possibility of engagement at diametrically opposite points by first pin (16) and second pin (18) in the cylinder, when the key is inserted into the passage. Ring (30) has a cylindrical outer surface defining the first diameter, on which there is peripheral groove (32) defining with its bottom the second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The first pin and/or the second pin has/have a tip facing the passage and made with the possibility of engagement with the bottom of groove (32) of ring (30). Ring (30) defines a preset distance for the installation of first and second pins (16, 18). The preset distance corresponds to either the second diameter or the second diameter plus half the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, depending on where the molded tip is provided.

EFFECT: improvement of known systems with cylinder type locks is provided, in particular, from the point of view of security.

15 cl, 7 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a security lock and a key to operate it.

In particular, the lock described herein is a cylinder type lock that includes:

- lock case or stator; and

- a cylinder or rotor mounted for rotation in the lock body and having a passage for inserting a key, while in the cylinder:

the first pin is slidably mounted in the first cavity which faces the aforementioned passage on the first side; and

the second pin is installed in the second cavity, which faces the aforementioned passage on the second side opposite the first side.

The control key has a housing on which a ring is mounted, movable about its own axis with respect to the key housing and configured to be engaged at diametrically opposite points by the aforementioned first and second pins in the cylinder when the key is inserted into the aforementioned passage. The ring defines a predetermined distance, for example, to set the first and second pins in a relative position in which they allow free rotation of the cylinder inside the lock body.

A security system of the above type is known from European patent document EP 1019601 filed in the name of the present applicant.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the known systems of the above type, in particular from the point of view of safety.

The above problem is solved using the protective system according to paragraph 1 of the claims. Furthermore, the security lock according to Claim 9 and the control key according to Claim 11 are the subject of the present invention.

The following claims form an integral part of the technical concept presented herein.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented by way of non-limiting example only and in which:

- figure 1 illustrates a security lock and a key to operate the lock in accordance with the embodiment of the system described in this document, in a perspective view;

- figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the security lock of figure 1 with a key inserted therein;

- Fig. 3 is a plan view of the control key of the system of Fig. 1;

- figure 4 is a detail of the key from figure 3 in a section along the plane A-A shown in figure 3;

- figure 5 is a sectional view in the transverse plane of the security lock of figure 1 with a key inserted into it;

- Fig.6 illustrates the mode of operation of the key shown in Fig.3, inserted into a security lock in accordance with the prior art; and

- Fig.7 illustrates an attempt to use a control key in accordance with the prior art in the security lock of Fig.1.

In the following description, various specific details are illustrated in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. Embodiments may be provided without one or more specific details, or with other methods, components, or materials, and so on. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not illustrated or described in detail so as not to obscure various aspects of the embodiments.

References used herein are provided for convenience only and, therefore, do not define the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

As mentioned above, the security system described herein includes a cylinder lock and a key to operate it.

In the following, for purposes of describing the invention, reference is made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, which provides for a European-style cylinder. In any case, the principles to be outlined can equally be applied also to cylinder locks of some other type, as will become clear from what follows.

In figure 1, position 10 denotes a cylinder lock as a whole, installed in the door 3 of a residential building (only shown partially) and associated with a key 100 having a handle 102 and a plate body 104 with two opposite surfaces 105 and two longitudinal edges 107.

In various embodiments, as shown, the cylinder lock 10 comprises a housing 2 or stator, through which passes a cylindrical passage 2A, within which a rotor or cylinder 4 is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation I.

Figure 1 shows that the body 2 consists of two parts 2', 2'', which are identical to each other and symmetrical about the plane P of symmetry, orthogonal to the axis I of rotation. In particular, the half 2'' of the body 2 is provided with a cylinder which is the same as, and symmetrical with respect to, the cylinder 4 for engaging the key on the side of the door opposite that illustrated on which the cylinder 4 is provided.

As is known per se, the body 2 has a threaded hole 222 for engaging a screw for fastening the lock to the door.

In the following, reference is made to the cylinder 4 and to the part 2' of the body 2 containing it, but it is clear that what has been described is equally applicable also to the second half 2'' of the body 2 and to the cylinder contained therein.

As mentioned above, the present invention can also be applied to non-European style cylinder locks and therefore also to locks which include a single rotating cylinder accessible from only one side of the door.

In addition, the drawings do not show a conventional rotary door valve which is rotatably connected to the cylinder 4 and installed in the space 2C defined between the two stator parts 2', 2'' to control the opening and closing of the door.

The cylinder 4 is provided with a passage 8, which passes through the cylinder in the axial direction, for inserting the key 100.

In accordance with conventional technology, the cylinder 4 may be provided with a first series of blocking pins 6 arranged in series along the axis of rotation I and mounted with the possibility of sliding in the corresponding radial holes, which are made in the cylinder 4 and open into the passage 8. Also in accordance with the traditional technology, the blocking pins 6 interact with the corresponding counter-pins 12 mounted with the possibility of sliding radially in the housing 2 and returned by springs 14 to the blocking pins 6.

The locking pins 6 have ends designed to engage with a molded profile of the key 100, which in the illustrated example is defined by a plurality of cavities 103 formed on one or both sides 105 of the key 100.

By means of said molded profile, the key authorized to open the lock, after insertion into the passage 8, can cause the locking pins 6 to be axially displaced to the operating positions shown in FIG. rotation of cylinder 4 relative to body 2.

The aforementioned pins are by no means essential to the solution described herein, and in fact options without such pins can also be envisaged.

As mentioned at the outset, the lock described herein is also provided with two pins 16, 18 mounted in the cylinder 4 inside respective holes which are made on opposite sides of the passage 8 and open into the passage.

With regard to the pins 6, the pin 16 is slidable along its own axis and interacts with a corresponding lock pin 22, mounted radially in the housing 2 and returned by the spring 14' to the pin 16. The lock pin 22, pushed by the spring, enters the bore of the cylinder 4 , in which the pin 16 is located, thus preventing the rotation of the cylinder.

On the other hand, the pin 18 is installed in the corresponding hole, essentially without the possibility of movement along its own axis.

Pins 16 and 22 define a specific locking state that cannot be disabled by a simple groove made on the key, such as the aforementioned cavities 103.

In fact, pin 16 is not long enough after inserting a key provided with an appropriate groove that engages it to bring it flush with the interface between cylinder 4 and stator housing 2 to unlock the cylinder, as described above with respect to pins 6 and 12.

In this case, the key body must have a corresponding protrusion.

This part is defined by a cylindrical ring 30 which is attached to the key body 104 and which is movable about its own axis in a direction transverse to the longitudinal plane defined by the body 104.

During insertion, the ring 30 is free to move laterally with respect to the key in order to be centered in the passage 8 and not interfere with the key during its insertion.

As will be clear from the following description of how the ring 30 is mounted on the key, it is also free to rotate about its axis, which facilitates the insertion of the key into the passage 8.

On the other hand, as also clear from the following, the ring 30 can also be moved in the longitudinal direction of the key, again, so as not to interfere with the insertion of the key into the passage 8.

When the key is inserted, ring 30 engages pin 18 on one side and pin 16 on the opposite side.

The pin 18 is of such length as to act on the ring 30, on the contrary, pressing it against the pin 16 and allowing it to protrude from the key on the side of the aforementioned pin 16.

The ring 30 defines the distance between the pin 18 and the pin 16, which allows you to set the latter flush with the cylinder 4 and, accordingly, to install the pin 22 outside the cylinder in an unobstructed position (figure 5).

In particular, the ring 30 has a cylindrical outer surface which defines a first diameter, on which there is a peripheral groove 32, which defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter with its bottom.

Accordingly, at least one of pin 16 and pin 18, in the illustrated solution, fixed pin 18, is provided with a molded tip 18A facing passage 8 and configured to engage groove 32 to move into contact with its bottom.

In the illustrated embodiment, the aforementioned predetermined distance is represented by the distance between the bottom of the groove 32 on the side engaged by the pin 18 and the outer surface of the ring 30, on the side engaged by the pin 16.

In other words, the indicated distance corresponds to the diameter defined by the bottom of the groove 32 plus half the difference between the outer diameter of the ring 30 and the diameter defined by the bottom of the groove 32.

The predetermined distance considered is the same as when instead of the fixed pin 18, the pin 16 is provided with a molded tip, as described above.

In the case where both the pin 18 and the pin 16 are provided with such an end, the specified predetermined distance corresponds exactly to the diameter defined by the bottom of the groove 32.

With regard to how the ring 30 is mounted on the key, it is preferable that it be mounted on the roll pin 31 inside the through hole 112 provided on the key body 104.

The ring 30 has a diameter much larger than the diameter of the pin 31 and is movable inside the hole 112 perpendicular to the longitudinal plane defined by the housing 104.

Preferably, hole 112 has a width, measured transversely, substantially equal to the width of ring 30, with allowances necessary to allow free movement of the ring in a direction transverse to the key body.

Thus, the ring 30 is guided laterally, in the above movement, by the walls of the hole 112 and is substantially fixed in position with respect to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the key body.

Preferably, hole 112 is formed by an axial slot formed at the end of key body 104.

In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that the amount of movement in the aforementioned transverse and longitudinal directions that the ring 30 can undergo with respect to the key depends on the difference between the inner diameter of the ring and the outer diameter of the roll pin 31.

In various preferred embodiments, as shown, the ring 30 is located in the axial direction of the key parallel to and not coinciding with the direction in which the molded profile is located, defined by the cavities 103.

On the other hand, the pin 22 is located in the lock body 2 and is aligned with the counter pins 12.

The pin 16, which is in contact with the pin 22 at its end, is subsequently inserted into the cylinder 4, oriented so that its own axis is inclined with respect to the axis of the pin 22, so that its opposite end can reach the ring 30 in the passage 8.

The pin 18 is instead located in the cylinder 4 with its own axis parallel to the axis of the pin 22.

In various preferred embodiments, as shown, ring 30 is mounted along a plane of symmetry of the key body, perpendicular to the longitudinal plane defined by the latter.

Thus, the ring 30 can operate regardless of both opposite key orientations with respect to its own longitudinal axis.

In any event, it is clear that it is also possible to envision embodiments in which the key is provided with two rings 30, each designed to operate in a respective key orientation.

Compared to the prior art solution, the security system described herein provides greater protection against unauthorized duplication of the key and, in general, is able to more effectively resist possible tampering attempts.

In particular, it should be noted that the ring 30 with the corresponding groove 32 and the pins 16 and 18 determines a predetermined distance that cannot be found directly by inspection of the key, given that it also depends on the molded tip designed to engage with the groove 32, which may be provided on one or both pins 16 and 18.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the described means furthermore provide a new type of opening code, which is in addition to the codes already existing for the type of lock in question.

In fact, only an authorized key provided with a ring 30 and a corresponding groove 32 will be able to place the pin 16 in the predetermined operating position and therefore operate the lock.

Fig. 7 schematically shows how a control key according to the prior art, which is provided with a ring without a groove, cannot position the pin 16 properly flush with the cylinder 4, because in this case the distance defined by the ring between the pin 18 and the pin 16 greater than the predetermined distance mentioned above, so that the pin 16 is out of the cylinder, preventing it from rotating.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the authorized key described herein can also actuate a prior art lock whose locking pins do not have a molded tip designed to engage groove 32 of key ring 30, since in this case the outside diameter of ring 30 is a predetermined distance specifically provided for actuating a prior art lock.

Thus, it is an advantage for the manufacturer of the security system described herein to be able to provide a new key model for both the new lock described herein and the prior art lock.

Of course, without limiting the principle of the invention, the details of construction and embodiments may vary, even significantly, from that illustrated herein solely as a non-limiting example, without departing from the scope of the invention in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims (53)

1. A security system containing a cylinder lock (10) and a key (100) for controlling said lock, while said lock (10) contains: - the lock case or stator (2) and - a cylinder or rotor (4) mounted for rotation in the body (2) of the lock and having a passage (8) for inserting said key (100), while in the specified cylinder (4) the first pin (16) is slidably mounted in the first cavity facing said passage (8) from the first side; the second pin (18) is installed in the second cavity facing the specified passage (8) on the second side opposite to the specified first side, and the specified second pin (18) is located in the second cavity without the possibility of movement along its own axis; the third pin (22) is installed with the possibility of sliding in the stator cavity and is designed to interact with the specified first pin (16) in the neutral position of the cylinder, in which the specified first cavity of the cylinder (4) is aligned with the specified cavity in the body (2) of the lock, and the specified the third pin (22) is configured to be driven by the elastic element to the specified cylinder (4); wherein said key has a body (104), on which a ring (30) is mounted, movable relative to its own axis relative to the key body and configured to engage at diametrically opposite points by said first pin (16) and said second pin (18) in the specified cylinder when the specified key is inserted into the specified passage (8), moreover, the specified second pin (18) has such a length to act on the ring (30), on the contrary, pressing it against the first pin (16) and ensuring the protrusion of the ring (30) from the key on the side of the first pin (16); while said ring (30) defines a predetermined distance for setting said first and second pins (16, 18) to a relative position in which the first pin is flush with the cylinder (4), and the third pin (22) is mounted outside the cylinder in an unobstructed position, thereby ensuring the possibility of free rotation of the cylinder (4) inside the said body (2) of the lock, while this system differs in that: said ring (30) has a cylindrical outer surface defining a first diameter, on which there is a peripheral groove (32) defining a second diameter smaller than said first diameter with its bottom, and wherein said first pin and/or said second pin has/has a molded tip facing said passage (8) and configured to engage said groove (32) of said ring (30), moving into contact with the bottom of said groove (32 ), wherein said predetermined distance corresponds to either said second diameter or said second diameter plus half the difference between said first diameter and said second diameter, depending on where said molded tip is provided. 2. System according to claim 1, wherein said groove (32) is provided in an intermediate position on said cylindrical surface of said ring (30). 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said groove (32) extends around the entire circumference of said ring (30). 4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body (104) of said key defines a main longitudinal plane, said ring (30) being movable in a direction transverse to said main plane. 5. The system according to claim 4, in which the specified ring (30) is installed on a cylindrical pin (31) in a through hole (112) made in the specified housing (104) of the specified key, and the specified ring (30) has an inner diameter greater than the diameter the specified pin (31) with the possibility of translational movement in a plane transverse to the specified pin (31). 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said hole (112) is defined by an axial slot made at the tip of said body (104) of said key. 7. The system according to claim 4, in which the specified hole (112) has walls on opposite sides of the specified ring (30), which are located at a distance from each other, essentially corresponding to the width of the specified ring (30), with the possibility of its lateral direction during forward movement. 8. Security lock, containing: - the lock case or stator (2) and - a cylinder or rotor (4) mounted for rotation in the body (2) of the lock and having a passage (8) for inserting the specified key (100), while in the specified cylinder (4) the first pin (16) is slidably mounted in the first cavity that opens onto said passage (8) on the first side; the second pin (18) is installed in the second cavity facing the specified passage (8) on the second side opposite to the specified first side, and the specified second pin (18) is located in the second cavity without the possibility of movement along its own axis; the third pin (22) is installed with the possibility of sliding in the stator cavity and is designed to interact with the specified first pin (16) in the neutral position of the cylinder, in which the specified first cavity of the cylinder (4) is aligned with the specified cavity in the body (2) of the lock, and the specified the third pin (22) is configured to be driven by the elastic element to the specified cylinder (4); wherein said lock is preliminarily configured to be controlled by means of a control key (100), which has a housing (104) on which a ring (30) is mounted, movable relative to its own axis relative to the key housing and configured to engage at diametrically opposite points to the indicated the first pin (16) and the specified second pin (18) in the specified cylinder, when the specified key is inserted into the specified passage (8), moreover, the specified second pin (18) has such a length to act on the ring (30), on the contrary, pressing it against the first pin (16) and ensuring the protrusion of the ring (30) from the key on the side of the first pin (16); while said ring (30) defines a predetermined distance for setting said first and second pins (16, 18) to a relative position in which the first pin is flush with the cylinder (4), and the third pin (22) is mounted outside the cylinder in an unobstructed position, thereby ensuring the possibility of free rotation of the cylinder (4) inside the said body (2) of the lock, wherein said ring (30) has a cylindrical outer surface that defines the first diameter, on which there is a peripheral groove (32), which defines the second diameter with its bottom, which is smaller than the specified first diameter, wherein said lock is characterized in that said first pin and/or said second pin has/has a molded tip facing said passage (8) and configured to engage said groove (32) of said ring (30), moving into contact with the bottom of the specified groove (32), wherein said predetermined distance corresponds to either said second diameter or said second diameter plus half the difference between said first diameter and said second diameter, depending on where said molded tip is provided. 9. Key for operating the cylinder lock, and said lock contains: - the lock case or stator (2) and - a cylinder or rotor (4) mounted for rotation in the body (2) of the lock and having a passage (8) for inserting said key (100), while in the specified cylinder (4): the first pin (16) is slidably mounted in the first cavity that opens onto said passage (8) on the first side; and the second pin (18) is installed in the second cavity facing the specified passage (8) on the second side opposite to the specified first side, and the specified second pin (18) is located in the second cavity without the possibility of movement along its own axis; the third pin (22) is installed with the possibility of sliding in the stator cavity and is designed to interact with the specified first pin (16) in the neutral position of the cylinder, in which the specified first cavity of the cylinder (4) is aligned with the specified cavity in the body (2) of the lock, and the specified the third pin (22) is configured to be driven by the elastic element to the specified cylinder (4); wherein said key has a body (104), on which a ring (30) is mounted, which is movable relative to its own axis relative to the key body and is configured to engage at diametrically opposite points by said first pin (16) and said second pin (18 ) in said cylinder when said key is inserted into said passage (8), moreover, the specified second pin (18) has such a length to act on the ring (30), on the contrary, pressing it against the first pin (16) and ensuring the protrusion of the ring (30) from the key on the side of the first pin (16); while said ring (30) defines a predetermined distance for setting said first and second pins (16, 18) to a relative position in which the first pin is flush with the cylinder (4), and the third pin (22) is mounted outside the cylinder in an unobstructed position, thereby ensuring the possibility of free rotation of the cylinder (4) inside the said body (2) of the lock, wherein said key is characterized in that said ring (30) has a cylindrical outer surface that defines a first diameter, on which there is a peripheral groove (32) that defines with its bottom a second diameter smaller than said first diameter, and wherein in said lock said first pin and/or said second pin have a molded tip facing said passage (8) and configured to engage said groove (32) of said ring (30), moving into contact with the bottom of said groove ( 32), wherein said predetermined distance corresponds to either said second diameter or said second diameter plus half the difference between said first diameter and said second diameter, depending on where said molded tip is provided. 10. Key according to claim 9, wherein said groove (32) is provided in an intermediate position on said surface of said ring (30). 11. A key according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said groove (32) extends around the entire circumference of the ring (30). 12. The key according to any one of paragraphs. 9-11, in which the specified body of the specified key (104) defines the main longitudinal plane, and while the specified ring is made movable during translational movement in the direction transverse to the specified main plane. 13. The key according to claim 12, in which the specified ring (30) is installed on a cylindrical pin (31) in a through hole (112) made in the specified housing (104) of the specified key, and the specified ring (30) has an inner diameter greater than the diameter the specified pin to ensure its mobility during translational movement in a plane transverse to the specified pin (31). 14. Key according to claim 13, in which said hole (112) is defined by an axial slot made at the tip of said body of said key. 15. The key according to claim 12, in which the specified hole (112) has walls on opposite sides of the specified ring (30), which are located at a distance from each other, essentially corresponding to the width of the specified ring (30), with the possibility of its lateral direction during translation.

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