CH717877A2 - Cylinder and key for tumbler lock. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tumbler lock cylinder (10) defining a longitudinal direction X-X', comprising: a key path formed by a slot extending inside the cylinder (10) in the longitudinal direction X-X and capable of receiving a key (30), at least a first row of cavities (12a, 12b) opening into the key path (11) and comprising at least five pin cavities (12) aligned and extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X' and, at least one of the pins (13a) having a free end with four studs delimiting four studs (14) between which is formed a recessed zone (15) in the shape of a cross or else a free end tri-pins delimiting three pins between which is formed a recessed area in the shape of a Y. The invention also relates to the key (30) compatible with this cylinder and a lock comprising it.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of pin locks. More specifically, the invention relates to a new type of cylinders and keys, capable of forming a lock of a new type.

State of the art

In a lock, when the key is introduced into the lock of a door, the movable part of the cylinder actuates the bolt which in turn activates the striker. This action opens or closes the door.

When it comes to a pin lock, also called Yale lock or American lock, a series of pins (or pins) of different sizes are used to block the opening without the introduction of the corresponding key. More precisely, the mobile part of the cylinder (or rotor, commonly called barrel or cylinder - term used in this text) rotates inside the fixed part of the cylinder (or stator). The cylinder has a slot (the key path) intended to accommodate the key and at its end opposite to the entrance to the key path, there is a cam or a lever allowing the bolt of the lock to be actuated.

[0004] The cylinder is pierced with cavities perpendicular to the main direction of the key path and parallel to (and/or respectively perpendicular to) the orientation of the slot forming the key path. Inside these 5 or 6, or even more cavities, slide pins (or pistons or pins), which are positioned in correspondence and according to the height of the notches or indentations (areas in depression, in hollow) present (e) s on the key on the edge of the key (and/or respectively on the face of the key). Each of these cavities corresponds to another housing pierced in the stator, and which contains a counter-pin (or pin driver) pressed in the direction of the cylinder by helical springs housed at the bottom of the housings. The pins have different lengths and a point with a shape according to several possibilities. Each corresponding cross pin has the length adapted to the length of the pin. The different pin and counter pin pairs define the combination of the lock. When the key is introduced into the lock, the latter pushes back the pins which in turn press against the counter-pins.

[0005] If a footprint of the key is too short, the corresponding pin and counter-pin are not pushed back far enough and a portion of the counter-pin remains embedded in the cavity of the cylinder. On the contrary, if a key indentation is too long, a portion of the pin enters the corresponding housing of the stator, preventing the cylinder from rotating. It is necessary that all the imprints of the key align the pins at the limit of the stator and the cylinder so that the latter can turn. Thus, it is understood that it is when the imprint (or notch) of the key has the appropriate shape and length that the limit between the pin and its counter-pin is flush with the envelope of the cylinder and the rotation of this last relative to the stator is made possible.

[0006] The free end of the pins which cooperates with the indentations of the key has a shape with a generally rounded or tapered profile, and in all cases with a minimum angle of the order of 20° at the level the outer slope of its free end, so that the key sinks easily into the key path, and thus allows all the pins to be lifted as it advances in the key path.

[0007] In order to form a large number of combinations of key/cylinder pairs, while allowing several configurations of keys to operate with the same cylinder to meet the needs of several groups of users to open a shared lock (such as parties buildings), multiple possibilities were presented.

[0008] In particular, the number of pins, the length of the pins, the shape of the end of the pin (generally conical, frustoconical and sometimes stepped), the size of the end of the pin, the locations of pins possible both along the main direction of the keyway and also along the angular orientation of the pin (and its associated cavity in the cylinder). This orientation is perpendicular to the main direction of the key path and in general either parallel to the orientation of the slot forming the key path or perpendicular to the orientation of the slot forming the key path. These choices of pin geometry involve shapes and distributions of notches/indentations that are compatible on the key (on one and/or the other of the faces and possibly on the edge of the key).

[0009] For example, as in the document FR2669366A1 which describes keys that are difficult to reproduce and their associated barrel/cylinder, it is expected that the imprints in said keys are complex, namely in the form of a multifaceted tip and made at the level of an insert integrally mounted on the key.

[0010] Also, the document FR2485071A1 provides different possibilities of shape for the section and for the tip of the pins, and consequently for the shape of the notches/indentations (formed of recesses) corresponding to the key.

Brief summary of the invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to propose an alternative type of cylinder and its associated type of key making it possible to create a new range of locks opening other combinations than the locks currently available having known cylinders which open with the associated keys.

Another object of the invention is to provide a type of cylinder and its associated type of key for which it is difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce said key with the machines and tools already available.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cylinder which avoids the accumulation of dust and other dirt at the level of the pin heads and which risks interfering with, or even blocking, the cooperation between the pins and the corresponding imprint of the key.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by means of a pin lock cylinder defining a longitudinal direction X-X', comprising: a key path formed by a slot extending inside the cylinder in the longitudinal direction X-X over a height extending in a first transverse direction Z-Z' orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X, and capable of receiving a key, at least a first row of cavities opening into the keyway, said first row of cavities comprising at least five pin cavities aligned in the longitudinal direction X-X', the cavities extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X , at least three of the pin cavities of said first row of cavities housing a pin, and at least one of the pins having a four-pin free end delimiting four pins or else a three-pin free end delimiting three pins, a recessed area cross-shaped or Y-shaped being formed between the nipples.

[0015] This four-pin pin and/or this three-pin pin is, like all the pins of this type of cylinder, able to slide in the pin cavity under the thrust of the coil spring or under the thrust generated by the entry into or exit from the key path of a key paired with said cylinder.

[0016] In some embodiments, said four pins of said four-pin free end or said three pins of said three-pin free end have the general shape of a truncated cone or else delimiting an envelope in the shape of a truncated cone . Thus, there is an inclined outer face conducive to guiding the sliding of the pin when advancing the key in the key path.

[0017] For example, said four-pin free end of the four-pin pins has a shape resulting from the intersection between a truncated cone of material and two trenches which cross each other orthogonally, these trenches or grooves possibly be generated by the passage of a circular cutter having a 60° angle point. In the same way, said three-pronged free end of the three-pronged pins has a shape resulting from the intersection between a truncated cone of material and three trenches spaced 120° apart which meet at a central intersection, these trenches or grooves that can be generated by the passage of a circular cutter having a 60° angle point

[0018] This solution has the particular advantage over the prior art of completing the range of possible pin shapes with one type of pin, therefore four-pin pins and/or three-pin pins, which have a shape difficult to reproduce, which increases the security of tumbler locks equipped with this cylinder.

[0019] Also, this solution is advantageous in that, due to the open shape of the recessed zone at the tip of the pins, namely two grooves forming between them a cross for the four-pin pins or else three grooves delimiting between them a capital Greek Y (i whose branches are placed two by two with an angular gap, any dirt that would come to lodge in this hollow can easily be evacuated out of this hollow.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cylinder has only one row of cavities (first row of cavities) opening into the key path, to accommodate a single row of pins. Depending on the location and orientation of this first row of cavities in the cylinder, the pins cooperate with indentations (recessed areas) arranged on the edge of the key, or on one or the other of the faces of the key. the flat key. This means respectively that this first row of cavities is oriented either parallel to the height of the key path (in a first transverse direction of the cylinder Z1-Z1'), or else orthogonal with respect to the height of the key path (in a second transverse direction of the cylinder Y1-Y1').

In another embodiment, the cylinder has two rows of cavities. Thus in this case, in addition to the first row of cavities, the cylinder also comprises a second row of cavities opening into the key path, to accommodate a second row of pins. Depending on the location and orientation in the cylinder of this first row of cavities and of this second row of cavities, the pins cooperate with indentations (recessed areas) arranged on two regions among the two faces of the flat key and the slice of the key. This means that the first row of cavities and the second row of cavities are oriented between them either in two directions orthogonal to each other or in two directions parallel to each other.

In another embodiment, the cylinder has three rows of cavities. Thus in this case, in addition to the first row of cavities, the cylinder further comprises a second row of cavities and a third row of cavities, said second row of pins and said third row of pins comprising at least five cavities of pins aligned along the longitudinal direction X-X', the pin cavities extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X, in which one of the first, the second and the third row of cavities has cavities directed parallel to the height of the slot (in the first transverse direction Z1-Z1' of the cylinder) and the two others among the first, the second and the third row of cavities have cavities directed parallel to the width of the slot (in the second transverse direction Y1 -Y1' of the cylinder).

It is understood that each row of cavities is associated with a row of pins, said pins of the row of pins being housed in said row of cavities. Note that each pin cavity accommodates either a single pin or no pin (unused cavity in the relevant cylinder pin combination). Each pin is intended to cooperate by shape cooperation with the corresponding imprint (recessed area or recess) of at least one key associated with said cylinder.

[0024] Preferably, each row of cavities accommodates at least three pins (thus three, four or five pins). In the presence of three rows of cavities, preferably at least one of the pins of said second row of cavities and/or of said third row of cavities has a four-pin free end delimiting four pins or else a three-pin free end delimiting three studs, a cross-shaped or Y-shaped recessed area being formed between the studs.

The present invention also relates to a flat key capable of cooperating with a cylinder according to the invention. To this end, said key is of the type comprising indentations arranged in at least a first row of indentations comprising at least five indentations aligned in the main direction of the key, at least one indentation having a shape capable of receiving, by cooperation of shape, the tip of the pins of the four-pin free end of a four-pin pin) or the tip of the pins on the three-pin free end of a three-pin pin.

Also, the present invention relates to a tumbler lock comprising a cylinder as described in this text and able to operate with a key as described in this text. Such a lock further comprises a stator (or cylinder stator) in which the cylinder according to the invention is capable of rotating when a compatible key is inserted therein. In most cases, such a lock comprises two cylinders according to the invention, strictly identical in the composition (shape and location) of the pins, the two cylinders being arranged in the extension of one another in the stator, with the opening of the key ways at the end of the stator: this configuration allows the opening of the lock from one or the other of its sides.

Brief description of figures

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates in partially exploded perspective a lock with a cylinder and a key according to one embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a partially transparent projection view of a lock with two cylinders according to the invention and two keys according to the invention matched to the cylinder, according to the embodiment of Figure 1, Figures 3 and 4 are projection views, respectively along direction III and direction IV of Figure 2, partially in section for one of the two cylinders (the cylinder on the right in Figures 2 to 6), with a variant on the composition of the pins, Figures 5 and 6 are views similar to the views of Figures 3 and 4 with the key inserted into the right cylinder of Figure 2, seen in section, Figure 7 is a projected view from the side of a four-pin pin, with a portion in section, FIG. 8 is a projection view from direction VIII of FIG. 7 of the four-pin pin, i.e. from the tip of the four-pin pin, Figure 9 is a sectional view of the four-pin pin, along the direction IX-IX of Figure 8, FIGS. 10 and 11 are views of a four-prong pin manufacturing step by means of a circular cutter, respectively according to the side face of the cutter (direction X of FIG. 10) and from the edge of the cutter (direction XI of figure 10), FIGS. 12 to 14 represent a flat key according to the invention, and are respectively projected views from the side face of the key (direction XII in FIGS. 13 and 14), in section along direction XIII-XIII of FIG. 12 and projected from the edge in the direction XIV of Figure 12, Figure 15 is a projection view from the side of a tri-pin pin, with a portion in section, figure 16 is a projection view from the direction XVI of figure 15 of the three-pin pin, i.e. from the tip of the three-pin pin, Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the tri-pin pin, in the direction XVII-XVII of Figure 16, FIGS. 18 and 19 are views of a three-prong pin manufacturing step using a circular cutter, respectively along the side face of the cutter (direction XVIII in FIG. 19) and from the edge of the strawberry (direction XIX in figure 18).

Example(s) of embodiment of the invention

Referring to Figure 1 showing a portion of a lock 100 according to the invention with a cylinder 10 (rotor) according to one embodiment housed in a stator 20. The cylinder 10 and the rotor 20 extend along a longitudinal direction X-X'. The cylinder 10 comprises a key path 11 in the form of a slot capable of receiving a key 30, the key path 11 extending along the longitudinal direction X-X' with the height of the slot, forming the key path , which extends along a first transverse direction Z1-Z1' of the cylinder, which first transverse direction Z1-Z1' of the cylinder is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X. In Figure 1 and in Figures 5 and 6, the key 30 is fully inserted into the key path 11, placing the latter in the operational position allowing the cylinder 10 to be rotated in the stator 20, either to lock the lock 100, or to unlock lock 100.

The cylinder 10 shown in the figures comprises three rows of cavities 12a, 12b and 12c housing pins 13a, 13b. The cavities 12 are rectilinear, cylindrical in shape with a circular section, and directed radially in the rotor 10. In each row of cavities 12a, 12b and 12c, the cavities 12 are parallel to each other, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X' and aligned along the longitudinal direction X-X'. Between two rows of adjacent cavities, the cavities 12 are oriented in two mutually orthogonal directions (according to a variant not shown, there can be an acute angle, less than 90°, between the orientation of the cavities 12 of a row of cavities and the orientation of the cavities of another adjacent row of cavities). Thus, (see FIGS. 1 and 2) the first row of cavities 12a which houses pins 13a, 13b comprises five cavities parallel to each other and to a second transverse direction of the cylinder Y1-Y1' which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X- X'. The second row of cavities 12b which houses pins 13a, 13b comprises five cavities parallel to each other and to the first transverse direction of the cylinder Z1-Z1' which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X' and to the second transverse direction of the cylinder Y1- Y1'. The third row of cavities 12c which houses pins 13a, 13b comprises five cavities parallel to each other and to the second transverse direction of the cylinder Y1-Y1' which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X' and to the first transverse direction of the cylinder Z1- Z1' (see figure 2).

In the embodiment shown in the figures (apart from the variant of Figures 3 and 4), the first row of cavities 12a and the third row of cavities 12c comprises a single four-pin pin 13a and four conical pins 13b; and the second row of cavities 12b which corresponds to the edge of the key, comprises five conical pins 13b. More generally, according to the invention, at least one four-pin pin 13a or at least one three-pin pin 13a' is provided per row of cavities. In certain embodiments not shown, each row of cavities 12a, 12b and 12c houses a maximum of two pins having a four-pin free end delimiting four pins 14 or a tri-pin free end delimiting three pins 14, a recessed area 15 cross-shaped or Y-shaped being formed between the nipples. In certain embodiments, including that shown in the figures, two of the three rows of cavities 12a, 12b and 12c house a maximum of two pins having a four-pin free end delimiting four pins 14 or a tri-pin free end delimiting three pins 14, a cross-shaped or Y-shaped recessed area 15 being formed between the studs

Also, according to some embodiments, at least three pins are provided per row of cavities. Thus, at least one four-pin pin 13a (or one three-pin pin 13a') is provided in the first row of cavities 12a. Also, according to an embodiment not shown, in the presence of a second row of cavities 12b, at least three of the pin cavities 12 of this second row of cavities 12b house a pin, at least one of the pins being a quadri- stud 13a (or a tri-stud pin 13a'), namely that this pin 13a has a four-stud free end (tri-stud) delimiting four (three) studs between which is formed a recessed area in the shape of a cross ( Y-shaped). Furthermore, in the presence of a third row of cavities 12c, at least three of the pin cavities of said third row of cavities 12c house a pin, at least one of the pins being a four-pin pin 13a (or a three-pin pin). stud 13a'), namely that this pin has a free end of four studs (tri-studs) delimiting four (three) studs between which is formed a recessed area in the shape of a cross (Y-shaped).

[0032] In certain embodiments such as those illustrated in the figures, the cylinder comprises only four-pin pins 13a, three-pin pins 13a' and taper pins 13b, namely no other shape or type of pins in the cavities 12. In this case, the cylinder 10 comprises pins belonging only to the following list: four-pin pins 13a whose free end delimits four pins 14 between which is formed a hollow zone 15 in the shape of a cross , tri-pin pins 13a', the free end of which delimits three pins 14 between which is formed a hollow zone 15 in the shape of a Y and conical pins 13b, the free end of which is in the shape of a truncated cone.

In one embodiment corresponding in particular to the figures, all the cavities 12 are filled with pins 13a, 13b. In another embodiment, not shown, one or more of the rows of cavities has an empty cavity, or even two empty cavities, therefore without pins.

In one embodiment corresponding in particular to the figures, the cylinder 10 comprises a conical pin 13b or several conical pins 13b whose free end is in the form of a truncated cone. Preferably, the angle α between the frustoconical face and the axis of the conical pin 13b is at least 20° to facilitate and guarantee the movement of this conical pin 13b during the introduction of the key 30 into the key path. 11. Therefore the angle δ at the apex of the truncated cone of the free end of the conical pins 13b is equal to or greater than 40° (maximum 80°).

Preferably, in the cavities 12 of the cylinder 10, said taper pins 13b are distributed between a maximum of four taper pin lengths. This corresponds to a maximum of four depths of tapered hollow indentations 33b on the key 30. Thus, in the embodiments of the cylinders 10 with conical pin(s) 13b, either the cylinder comprises in the row or rows ( s) of cavity(ies) 12a, 12b, 12c a single length (again designated by depth) of conical pin 13b, either the cylinder comprises two lengths of conical pins 13b, or the cylinder comprises three lengths of conical pin corresponding in particular to the mode embodiment of the figures with regard to the second row of cavities 12b (see FIG. 6), either the cylinder comprises four conical pin lengths corresponding in particular to the embodiment of the figures with regard to the first row of cavities 12a and the third row of cavities 12c (see Figure 6).

In Figures 5 and 6, we see the key 30 whose footprints 33a and 33b, located on the two flat faces 32 and on the edge 31 of the key 30, cooperate with the free end of the pins 13a and 13b distributed in the cylinder 10 according to the embodiment shown, namely: the first row of cavities 12a of the cylinder 10, corresponding to the cavities 33a and 33b of the flat faces 32 of the key 30, comprises a four-pin pin 13a at the bottom of the cylinder then four conical pins 13b; these four conical pins are distributed between four different lengths from a great length, a shorter length, a short one and an even shorter conical pin 13b and coming to rest directly on the flat face of the key 30 with a superficial imprint 33b, this whereby we are in the presence of four different lengths of conical pins 13b, the second row of cavities 12b, corresponding to the indentations 33b of the edge 31 of the key 30, comprises five aligned conical pins 13b distributed between three different lengths including two conical pins 13b of the same length between them and corresponding to a deep indentation 33b, two other conical pins 13b of the same length between them but shorter and corresponding to a shallower indentation 33b, and an even shorter conical pin 13b and coming to rest directly on the edge of the key 30 with a superficial indentation 33b, whereby we are in the presence of three different lengths of taper pins 13b. and the third row of cavities 12c of the cylinder 10, corresponding to the cavities 33a and 33b of the flat faces 32 of the key 30, comprises a four-pin pin 13a at the entrance to the cylinder then four conical pins 13b distributed in the same way as the distribution mentioned above for the first row of cavities 12a.

In Figures 3 and 4, there is a representation of a variant of a cylinder 10 according to the invention, without the key, with three rows of cavities 12a, 12b and 12c similar to those represented on the Figures 5 and 6, except for the third row of cavities 12c of the cylinder 10, corresponding to the indentations 33a and 33 of the flat faces 32 of the key 30, and which in this case comprises a tri-pin pin 13a' at the entrance of the cylinder then four conical pins 13b.

Reference is made to Figures 7 to 9 showing one embodiment of the four-pin pins 13a. These four-prong pins 13b have a four-prong free end delimiting four pins 14 (or points) between which is formed a recessed area in the shape of a cross 15 when looking at the free end of the four-prong pin from the front. 13a. This means that the cruciform recessed area 15 forms a clearance at the free end of the four-pin pin 13a. This space in the shape of a cross forms two grooves which intersect, located between and delimiting the pins 14, which makes it possible to easily evacuate any particle, dust, or greasy element and thus thus avoid clogging the point of the pin and prevent proper operation with the corresponding recess 33a of the key 30. For this purpose, the angle ε (epsilon) between the bottom of the recessed zone 15/groove and the axis of the pin is preferably less than 90° (acute angle).

As for the conical pins 13b, the four-pin pins are generally point-shaped, with an outer face whose envelope is a truncated cone. The angle α formed between the outer face of the truncated cone and the axis of the four-pin pin (see figures 7 and 9) is 20° or more (maximum 40°), which corresponds to an angle at the apex γ, of the free end of the four-pin pins 13a, equal to 2 α, therefore equal to or greater than 40° (maximum 80°).

[0040] The studs 14 are therefore delimited by the envelope in the form of a truncated cone with regard to their external face. As can be seen in Figures 7 and 9, the internal face of the pins 14, which faces the cruciform recessed area 15 is delimited by three facets.

For example, this cross-shaped recessed area 15 results from a material cut in a taper pin. In Figures 10 and 11 is shown a cutting step by means of a circular cutter 50 whose blade 51 formed on the edge has an angle β. it is this angle β that will be found as the re-entrant angle of the two grooves crossing at 90° forming the cruciform recessed zone 15, and which result from the passage of this cutter over the frustoconical tip of the pin in two passes at 90° apart, with centering between the mid-plane of the cutter and the axis at the center of the pin.

In this way, we obtain four pins 14 of said four-pin free end which are of identical shape and of identical size. These four studs 14 are separated by the cross-shaped space 15 formed by the two grooves which intersect orthogonally.

In general, the four pins 14 of said four-pin free end of the four-pin pins 13a have a section whose size decreases from their base to their free end.

Preferably, in the cavities 12 of the cylinder 10, said four-pin pins 13a are distributed between a maximum of two groups of different lengths. This corresponds to a maximum of two hollow indentation depths 33a on key 30 capable of cooperating by shape cooperation with the four pins 14 of the free end of one of the four-pin pins 13a. Thus, in the embodiments of the cylinders 10 with four-pin pin(s) 13a, either the cylinder comprises in the row(s) of cavity(ies) 12a, 12b, 12c a single length (again designated by depth) of four-pin pin 13a, or the cylinder comprises two lengths of four-pin pin 13a corresponding in particular to the embodiment of the figures.

Reference is made to Figures 15 to 17 showing one embodiment of the tri-pintle pins 13a'. These tri-prong pins 13a' have a three-prong free end delimiting three pins 14 (or points) between which is formed a recessed zone 15 in the shape of a Y (capital letter Greek i) when the free end is viewed from the front. of the tri-pin pin 13a'. This means that the recessed area 15 forms a clearance at the free end of the four-pin pin 13a'. This Y-shaped space forms three grooves which meet at the tip, located between and delimiting the nipples 14, which makes it possible to easily evacuate any particle, dust, or greasy element and thus avoid clogging the tip of the pin and prevent proper operation with the corresponding imprint 33a of the key 30. For this purpose, preferably the angle ε (epsilon) between the bottom of the recessed zone 15/groove and the axis of the pin is lower at 90° (acute angle).

As for the conical pins 13b and the four-pin pins 13a, the three-pin pins 13a′ are generally point-shaped, with an outer face whose envelope is a truncated cone. The angle α formed between the outer face of the truncated cone and the axis of the tri-pin pin 13a' (see FIGS. 15 and 17) is 20° or more (maximum 40°), which corresponds to an angle at the top γ, of the free end of the tri-pin pins 13a', equal to 2 α, therefore equal to or greater than 40° (maximum 80°).

[0047] The studs 14 are therefore delimited by the envelope in the form of a truncated cone with regard to their external face. As can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 17, the internal face of studs 14, which faces towards recessed zone 15, is delimited by a facet.

For example, this recessed area 15 in the shape of a Y results from cutting material in a taper pin. In Figures 18 and 19 is shown a cutting step by means of a circular cutter 50 whose blade 51 formed on the edge has an angle β. it is this angle β that will be found as the re-entrant angle of the three grooves meeting with a difference of 60° between them and forming the recessed zone 15, and which result from the passage of this cutter over a half width of the frustoconical point of the pin in three passes at 60° to each other, with centering between the midplane of the cutter and the axis at the center of the pin.

In this way, we obtain three pins 14 of said free end tri-pins which are of identical shape and identical size. These three studs 14 are separated by the Y-shaped space 15 formed by the three grooves.

[0050] In general, the three pins 14 of said tri-pin free end of the tri-pin pins 13a' have a section whose size decreases from their base to their free end.

Preferably, in the cavities 12 of the cylinder 10, said tri-prong pins 13a' are distributed between a maximum of two groups of different lengths. This corresponds to a maximum of two hollow indentation depths 33a on key 30 capable of cooperating by shape cooperation with the three pins 14 of the free end of one of the three-pin pins 13a'. Thus, in the embodiments of the cylinders 10 with tri-pin pin(s) 13a', either the cylinder comprises in the row(s) of cavity(ies) 12a, 12b, 12c a single length ( also referred to as depth) of tri-pin pin 13a', or the cylinder has two lengths of tri-pin pin 13a'.

As in the case of the variant of Figures 3 and 4 with a single four-pin pin 13a in the first row 12a of cavities and a single tri-pin pin 13a 'in the third row 12c of cavities, the cylinder 10 may comprise both a four-pin pin 13a (this could be several four-pin pins 13a) and a three-pin pin 13a' (this could be several three-pin pins 13a').

In some embodiments comprising three rows of cavities, including that shown in the figures (see Figures 2, 4 and 6), one of the row of cavities among the first row of cavities 12a, the second row of cavities 12b and the third row of cavities 12c have pin cavities 12 whose position, along the key path 11 (therefore along the longitudinal direction X-X' of the cylinder 10), is offset with respect to the position of the cavities pins of the other two rows of cavities. Thus, this means that in the longitudinal direction X-X', a first group of cavities (therefore of pins) of two among the three rows of cavities 12a, 12b and 12c are distributed at the same locations along the longitudinal direction X-X' of the cylinder, while the cavities 12 (therefore the pins 13a, 13b) of the other row of cavities among the three rows of cavities 12a, 12b and 12c form a second group and are offset along the longitudinal direction X-X' of the cylinder with regard to their location. For example, this offset corresponds to half the regular interval along the longitudinal direction X-X' of the cylinder separating two adjacent cavities 12 from each other in each row of cavities. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second row of cavities 12b and the third row of cavities 12c have pin cavities 12 whose position, along the key path 11 (or along the longitudinal direction X-X' of the cylinder 10), is the same while the cavities 12 of the first row of cavities 12a are offset along the longitudinal direction X-X' of the cylinder 10. In the embodiment shown in the figures, this axial offset is half of the interval separating two adjacent cavities (pins) on the same row of cavities (pins).

Also, in cases not shown of cylinder 10 comprising only two rows of cavities, the first row of cavities 12a and the second row of cavities 12b have pin cavities 12 whose position, along the key path 11 , is offset from the position of the pin cavities of the other row of cavities. Thus, this means that in the longitudinal direction X-X', the cavities (therefore the pins) of the first row of cavities 12a are distributed with offset of the locations along the longitudinal direction X-X' of the cylinder with respect to the second row of pins 12b. For example, this offset corresponds to half the regular interval separating two adjacent cavities from each other in each row of cavities.

Usually, as seen in Figures 2 to 6, the rotor 20 comprises, in correspondence of each pin 13a, 13a 'or 13b, against a pin 23 housed in a housing 22 directed radially. These counter-pins 23 are pressed in the direction of the cylinder 10 by helical springs 24 housed at the bottom of the housings 22.

In a first operational position of the lock 100, namely when the key 30, which is compatible with the combination of the pins 13a, 13a' and 13b, is introduced completely into the keyway 11, as in FIGS. , 2, 5 and 6, the limit between the pin and its counter-pin is flush with the envelope of the cylinder 10. In this first operational position, the first transverse direction of the cylinder Z1-Z1' is parallel to the first transverse direction of the stator Z2-Z2', and the second transverse direction of the cylinder Y1-Y1' is parallel to the second transverse direction of the stator Y2-Y2' (see figure 1). In this first operational position between the cylinder 10 and the stator, the lock 100 is generally open (unlocked). It is therefore possible, in this first operational position between the cylinder 10 and the stator, to rotate the rotor 10 in the stator 20 so as, thanks to this rotation, through 90° in a first direction of rotation to close the lock to place it in a second operational position (locked).

With regard to the key 30, so that it is compatible with the cylinder model 10 of the invention defining a multitude of combinations, this key 30 comprises one, two or three pairs of rows 30, 30b, 30c at least five indentations 33a, 33b aligned in the main direction of the key 30 (three pairs of rows 30, 30b, 30c of five indentations in the embodiment of the figures). Each row of recesses of the key 30 is formed of recesses aligned in the longitudinal direction of the key, with intervals between two adjacent recesses identical to the interval between two adjacent pins of the corresponding row of the cylinder (i.e. between two recesses of adjacent cylinder). Each pair of rows of key impressions 30 corresponds to one of the rows of cavities (of pins) of the cylinder so that whatever the direction of introduction of the key 30 into the key path 11, each impression of the key has the appropriate shape and length so that the limit between the corresponding pin (which faces it) and its counter-pin is flush with the envelope of the cylinder 10, and this in order to allow the rotation of the cylinder 10 with respect to the stator 20.

To this end, in the case of the embodiment of the figures, the pair of second rows of indentations 30b is formed of two series of identical indentations 33a/33b, one on each edge 31 of the key. The pair of first rows of indentations 30a is formed by two series of identical indentations 33a/33b, one on each face 32 of the flat key 30 and on the same side of the face forming a half face (the two half faces of each face extending along the longitudinal direction of the key 30 for one-half the width of the face) when looking at the key from the face. The pair of third rows of indentations 30c are formed by two sets of identical indentations 33a/33b, one on each face 32 of the flat key 30 and on the same half face when looking at the key from the face. Thus, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, over half a key width, there is one of the second row of indentations 30b (on the edge 31), as well as, back to back, one of the first rows of indentations 30a and one of the third rows of indentations 30c.

These indentations 33a or 33b, being constituted: *for the indentations 33a of a hollow shape compatible with the free end of the four-pin pins 13a and three-pin pins 13a', either in the case of embodiment of the figures, a hollow comprising an outer annular portion capable of receiving the four free ends of the studs 14 of each four-pintle pin 13a (or the free ends of the three studs 14 of each three-pintle pin 13a') and a central portion slightly in depression relative to the face of the key, shallower than the annular portion, and this according to one or two different depths (two depths in the embodiment of the figures); alternatively (embodiment not shown), an impression 33c is taken like that used in FIG. 12 on the basis of the key 30, corresponding to a negative pattern of the four free ends of the pins 14 of each four-pin pin 13a ( or the three free ends of the three studs 14 of each tri-stud pin 13a'), formed of four (three) small hollows arranged in a circle like the four cardinal points *for the indentations 33b of a hollow shape compatible with the end free of the conical pins 13b, or for example according to a recess in the shape of a truncated cone with an angle at the center δ and of identical size to the truncated cone forming the free end of the conical pins 13b, and this according to one, two or three different depths (three depths in the embodiment of the figures), with a re-entrant angle at the center of the recess 33b corresponding to the angle δ at the apex of the truncated cone of the free end of the taper pins 13b is equal to or greater than 40° (maximum 80°).

Reference signs used in the figures

[0060] α Angle between the outer face of the truncated cone and the axis of the pin β Inward angle of the cruciform recessed zone 15 and of the key recesses 33a γ Angle of the truncated cone of the four-prong pins δ Angle of the truncated cone of conical pins and re-entrant angle of key recesses 33b for conical pin ε Angle between pin axis and bottom of recessed area X-X' longitudinal direction X-X' Z1-Z1' first transverse direction of cylinder Y1 -Y1' Second transverse direction of cylinder Z2-Z2' First transverse direction of stator Y2-Y2' Second transverse direction of stator 10 Cylinder (rotor) 11 Key path 12 Cavity 12a First row of cavities 12b Second row of cavities 12c Third row of cavities 13a Four-pin pin 13a' Three-pin pin 13b Conical pin 14 Pin 15 Cross-shaped recessed area 20 Stator 22 Housing 23 Counter pin 24 Helical spring 30 Key 30a First row of recesses 30b Second 3rd row of recesses 30c Third row of recesses 31 Edge 32 Flat face 33a Recess for four-point or three-point pin 33b Recess for taper pin 33c Alternate recess for four-point pin 50 Circular cutter 51 Blade 100 Lock

Claims (15)

1. Cylinder (10) of pin lock defining a longitudinal direction X-X', comprising: – a key path (11) formed of a slot extending inside the cylinder (10) in the longitudinal direction X-X over a height extending in a first transverse direction Z1-Z1' orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X, and able to receive a key (30), - at least a first row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) opening into the keyway (11), said first row of cavities (12a) comprising at least five pin cavities (12) aligned in the longitudinal direction X- X', the cavities (12) extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X', at least three of the pin cavities (12) of said first row of cavities (12a) housing a pin (13a, 13b), and at least one of the pins (13a; 13a') having a four-pin free end delimiting four pins (14) or else a three-pin free end delimiting three pins (14), a hollow zone (15) in the shape of a cross or in the shape of a Y being formed between the pins (14). 2. Cylinder (10) according to claim 1, wherein said four studs (14) or said three studs of said free end are of identical shape. 3. Cylinder (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said four pins (14) of said four-pin free end or said three pins (14) of said three-pin free end have a section whose size decreases from their base to their free end. 4. Cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said four pins (14) of said four-pin free end or said three pins (14) of said tri-pin free end have a general shape of a truncated cone. 5. Cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second row of cavities (12b) and a third row of cavities (12c), said second row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) and said third row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) comprising at least five pin cavities (12) aligned in the longitudinal direction X-X', the pin cavities (12) extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X-X, wherein one of the first, second and third row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) has cavities directed parallel to the height of the slot and the other two of the first, second and third row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) have cavities directed parallel to the width of the slot. 6. Cylinder (10) according to claim 5, wherein at least three of the pin cavities (12) of said second row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) and of said third row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c ) accommodate a pin, and wherein wherein at least one of the pin cavities (12) of said second row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) or of said third row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) at least one of the pins having a four-pin free end delimiting four pins (14) or else a three-pin free end delimiting three pins (14), a hollow zone (15) in the shape of a cross or in the shape of a Y being formed between the nipples (14). 7. Cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) houses a maximum of two pins having a four-pin free end delimiting four pins (14) or a three-pin free end delimiting three pins (14), a recessed zone (15) in the shape of a cross or in the shape of a Y being formed between the pins (14). 8. Cylinder (10) according to claim 5 or 6, in which one of the rows of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) among the first, the second and the third row of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c) has pin cavities (12) whose position along the slot is offset with respect to the position of the pin cavities (12) of the other rows of cavities (12a, 12b, 12c). 9. Cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises a conical pin (13b) or several conical pins (13b) whose free end is in the form of a truncated cone. 10. Cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which comprises pins belonging only to the following list: four-pin pins (13a) whose free end defines four pins (14) between which is formed a cross-shaped recessed area (15), tri-pin pins (13a') whose free end delimits three studs (14) between which is formed a Y-shaped recessed area (15) and tapered pins (13b ) whose free end is in the shape of a truncated cone. 11. Cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said four-pin pins (13a) are distributed between a maximum of two groups of different lengths. 12. Cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said tri-pin pins (13a') are distributed between a maximum of two groups of different lengths. 13. Cylinder (10) according to claim 9, wherein said taper pins (13b) are distributed among a maximum of four taper pin lengths. 14. Flat key (30) adapted to cooperate with a cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, of the type comprising indentations (33a, 33b) arranged in at least a first row of indentations (30a) comprising at least five indentations (33a, 33b) aligned along the main direction of the key (30), at least one indentation (33a) having a shape capable of receiving, by shape cooperation, the tip of the studs (14) of the four-pin free end of a four-pin pin (13a) or the tip of the pins (14) of the three-pin free end of a three-pin pin (13a'). 15. Tumbler lock (100) comprising a cylinder (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and adapted to operate with a key (30) according to claim 14.