WO2015019324A2 - A lock with the opening mechanism integrated in the cylinder - Google Patents

A lock with the opening mechanism integrated in the cylinder Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015019324A2
WO2015019324A2 PCT/IB2014/063793 IB2014063793W WO2015019324A2 WO 2015019324 A2 WO2015019324 A2 WO 2015019324A2 IB 2014063793 W IB2014063793 W IB 2014063793W WO 2015019324 A2 WO2015019324 A2 WO 2015019324A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
case
cylindrical
tooth
arc
padlock
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2014/063793
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2015019324A3 (en
Inventor
Pierpaolo DONIGAGLIA
Luca DE COSIMO
Original Assignee
Metalplus S.P.A
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Metalplus S.P.A filed Critical Metalplus S.P.A
Priority to EP14780594.9A priority Critical patent/EP3030732B1/en
Priority to CN201480055418.0A priority patent/CN105637160B/en
Publication of WO2015019324A2 publication Critical patent/WO2015019324A2/en
Publication of WO2015019324A3 publication Critical patent/WO2015019324A3/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B67/00—Padlocks; Details thereof
    • E05B67/06—Shackles; Arrangement of the shackle
    • E05B67/22—Padlocks with sliding shackles, with or without rotary or pivotal movement
    • E05B67/24—Padlocks with sliding shackles, with or without rotary or pivotal movement with built- in cylinder locks

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to the technical field relative to locks, in particular to padlocks.
  • the invention therefore, refers to an innovative padlock which is structurally simple, and thus practical to assemble, and above all it is realized in such a way that it can undergo a galvanic colouring process on its external surface, the whole reducing to the minimum the refuse of product and the risks of structural damage of the unhooking mechanism.
  • Padlocks for closing bags, cases, cabinets and the like have long been known.
  • the traditional blocking mechanism comprises a metal arc which is mobile with respect to the external case, to which it is bound, between an open position and a close position.
  • the tooth 4 is kept in blocking position with the arc through a constraint 6 that beats the return force of a spring 5, connected to the tooth 4, and both positioned in a specific transversal channel obtained in the external case 1.
  • the system can be unblocked by rotating with a key the cylinder 7 that conducts in rotation the constraint 6, freeing it from the tooth .
  • the tooth 4 translates in retracted position, thanks to its return spring 5, and frees the arc.
  • the cylinder 7 is impeded from rotating by a plurality of small cylinders inserted transversally in the case up to intercepting the cylinder itself.
  • the cylinder is provided with a lock and can therefore be rotated through a specific key which, when shaped in the correct way and inserted in the lock, pushes said small pistons inside their lodging transversal channels, freeing the cylinder itself.
  • German patent DE525897 is known and described.
  • the conformation of such a second component is such as to form an undercut that impedes it to rotate with respect to the case in which it is assembled.
  • transversal channels that intercept relative transversal channels obtained in the cylinder and in which the known small pistons and springs are inserted that impede the cylinder (d) from rotating with respect to said second component (e) when the wrong key is inserted, since such small pistons are found, in that case, between the cannel of the cylinder and the channel of the second component.
  • Such a system has, however, the inconvenient that it requires a fixing that binds the cylinder (d) to the second component (e) , impeding the reciprocal translation thereof but allowing the rotation of the cylinder.
  • This is obtained by means of a complex manufacturing that foresees the realization of a groove (s) in the cylinder and through a threaded hole that allows the insertion of a grub screw that unites the two components and that terminates with the end into said groove (s) .
  • the relative translation between cylinder and second component is impeded but on the other hand the relative rotation of the cylinder with respect to its lodging seat is not impeded since the end of the grub screw moves into the groove (s) when the cylinder is brought in rotation.
  • the padlock (100) comprises:
  • Such means (105, 106, 180) comprise a cam (150) of a pre-determined contour and assembled in a rotatable manner in the case (103), said cam being cooperating with a retaining device (106) lodged in the case (103) and provided with a " tooth (107) arranged in such a way that, through a rotation of the cam, the contour of the cam guides said tooth (107) to move between an extended position, in which it engages with the arc (102), and a retracted position, in which it disengages from the arc (102) .
  • a cylindrical device (105) is therefore foreseen assembled in a rotatable manner in a cylindrical seat (200) obtained in the body of the case (103) and that foresees said cam (150) integral to it.
  • the cylindrical device (105) further comprises a rotational binding device (180), mobile between a block position, in which it engages against the cylindrical seat (200) of the case in which it is inserted, impeding the rotation thereof with respect to the case (103), and an unblock position in which it disengages from the cylindrical seat (200) , leaving the cylindrical device (105) free to rotate.
  • the cylindrical device (105) comprises a ring cooperating with the cylindrical seat (200) in which it is inserted in such a way as to fix the cylindrical device inside the cylindrical seat (200) without impeding the rotation thereof .
  • the rotational binding device integrated in the cylindrical device eliminates the need for further transversal holes for the insertion of the classical small pistons, simplifying a lot the structural realization of the padlock and avoiding the realization of transversal holes at close tolerance in the external case.
  • the ring can be open (in the sense - .
  • the ring can also be obtained integrally from the manufacturing of the cylindrical device.
  • the ring can obviously be substituted with totally equivalent elastic retaining elements, capable of compressing themselves and returning in an elastic way in position exactly as in the case of the "Seeger" ring in harmonic steel that is generally used.
  • elastic retaining elements capable of compressing themselves and returning in an elastic way in position exactly as in the case of the "Seeger" ring in harmonic steel that is generally used.
  • an equivalent solution could foresee also small teeth rather than a continuous ring, or a band (totally equivalent to a ring) or even teeth that are extractable/retractable from the small cylinder through springs.
  • the case now lacks transversal holes since they are not necessary anymore, in particular those that intercept the lodging seats of the ends of the arc or of the cylindrical device.
  • the rotational binding device (180) comprises at least a tooth (182) extractable/retractable from/in the cylindrical device (105) in such a way as to engage/disengage with/from the cylindrical seat (200).
  • the cylindrical device (105) comprises a lock for the insertion of an opening key, the tooth (182) being cooperating with said lock in such a way as to move between its blocking/unblocking position against the seat (200) through the insertion of the key in the lock.
  • the rotational binding device (180) comprises:
  • a tooth (182) arranged slidingly in the channel
  • the tooth (182) foresees an incision (183) forming a chamfering (184) that causes said retreating of the tooth in the channel (180) following the insertion of an opening key.
  • the cylindrical device (105) comprises a torsion spring (160) arranged in such a way as to cause the counter-rotation of the cylindrical device following a rotation thereof to unblock the arc (102).
  • said torsion spring (160) is arranged at choice:
  • the retaining device (106) is arranged fixed in the case (103) above the cam (150).
  • the retaining device (106) comprises a sliding seat in which a spring (113) is lodged that pushes on the tooth (107) in such a way as to keep an end (107') of the tooth (107) in continuous scraping contact against the cam (150) .
  • the cam (150) is obtained through a wall (152) of a pre-determined contour and cooperating with an end (107') of the tooth (107) whose end is kept in contact against said wall (152).
  • the cylindrical seat (200, 200' ) is obtained for the insertion of the retaining device (106) and of the cylindrical device (105) and the two seats (220, 210) for the insertion of the two ends of the arc.
  • the end of the arc foresees a ring, cooperating with the seat (210) in which it is inserted, so as to slide of a pre-determined quantity and contextually resulting impeded from separating from the case.
  • the arc is applied by "snap" pressure in its sliding channel in the case 103.
  • padlock (100) comprising:
  • said means comprising a cylindrical device (105) cooperating with a retaining device (106) that acts on the arc and both inserted in a single channel (200) obtained in the case (103), the case foreseeing two further channels (220, 210) in which the two ends of the arc (102) are arranged;
  • the cylindrical device (105) further comprising a rotational binding device (180), mobile between a block position in which it engages against the cylindrical seat (200) of the case in which it is inserted, impeding the rotation thereof with respect to the case (103), and an unblock position in which it disengages from the cylindrical seat (200) , leaving the cylindrical device (105) free to rotate, and wherein a retaining system is foreseen that constrains the cylindrical device (105) inside the cylindrical seat (200) without impeding the rotation thereof and in the shape of a ring cooperating with the cylindrical seat (200) in which it is inserted.
  • the case (103) does not present transversal holes, in particular those for the retaining of the cylindrical device (105) and/or for the rotational block thereof.
  • the cylindrical device (105) can for example foresee a cam collaborating with the retaining device (106), as previously described, or, alternatively, a different retaining device can be foreseen, not necessarily operated by an underlying cam.
  • an end of the arc foresees a ring, cooperating with the seat (210) in which it is inserted in such a way as to slide of a predetermined quantity and contextually resulting impeded from separating from the case.
  • FIG. 1 show in section a padlock in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows, always in section, the arc cooperating with the tooth of the retaining system
  • Figure 3 is a further axonometric view of figure 2;
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are two axonometric views of the arc and of the cylinder operated through the key;
  • FIG. 7 is a further axonometric view of the arc- cylinder assembly
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of the cylinder
  • FIG. 10 is a further front view of the cylinder-arc assembly with relative section A-A to visualize the blocking device integrated in the cylinder itself and that impedes the rotation of the cylinder with respect to the external case when the wrong key is used;
  • padlock 100 is described in accordance with the invention.
  • the padlock comprises an arc 102, for example in a metal such as steel, iron or the like.
  • the arc has an arc shape or an inverted U shape and, preferably, has one of its ends of a segment greater with respect to the other opposed end.
  • the end that is not extracted from the case of the padlock is longer with respect to the opposite end, which is instead _
  • the arc is therefore bindable to the external case 103 in the close position.
  • the external case 103 lodges inside it the mechanisms that block the arc in close position as per figure 1 or unblock it, allowing to take it in open position.
  • the external case 103 can obviously be of any shape and material, for example steel, iron or the like.
  • the external case foresees a lodging in the shape of a seat or channel 200 in which the blocking device 105 is inserted, which comprises a cylinder 105, cooperating with an overlying retaining device 106.
  • figure 6 highlights for clarity purposes a section of the single external case in order to highlight said channel 200 of lodging of the cylinder 105.
  • a further channel 210 serves to lodge an end of the arc (the longest end)
  • a third channel 220 lodges the opposite end of the arc, that is the one that is generally shorter.
  • the channel 220 is connected to the channel 200 through a transversal segment 201 that lodges a tooth 107, belonging to the retaining device 106, arranged at the top of the cylinder 105, as clarified below.
  • always figure 6 shows a manufacturing of the cylindrical channel 200 in such a way as to form a widened groove 200' for the block of the cylinder 105 through the application of a metal retaining ring, called "Seeger” in technical jargon.
  • the channel 200 forms a dig 200' ' of a diameter inferior with respect to the channel 200 that, as clarified below, blocks rotationally the retaining device 106 with respect to the channel 200, forming an undercut.
  • a dig 200'' can have a quadrangular or triangular section and lodge a complementary end 106' of the retaining device 106, therefore binding it not to rotate.
  • the external case 103 is mono-block, that is realized in a single piece, wherein said channels (or seats) are obtained from the full piece with particular well known tools (drills for holing, reamers, etc.) .
  • the cylinder 105 coupled to the retaining device 106 integrate in itself all the devices that control the opening and the closing of the arc, apart from the rotational block of the cylinder 105 when the wrong key is inserted. In this way, there is no need for transversal holes on the case, as per the known art, allowing to operate a galvanization on the single case and arc before the assembly that results extremely precise.
  • the padlock foresees a retaining device 106 cooperating with the cylinder 105 inserted rotationally in the case.
  • the cylinder forms at its top a cam 150 which is cooperating with the overlying retaining device 106 in such a way that when the cam is conducted in rotation through a rotation of the cylinder 105, the profile of the cam guides a tooth 107, belonging to the retaining device, to move between a position in which it engages with the end of the arc, blocking it, and a position in which it frees the arc.
  • This cam-tooth system allows a simple and quick assembly in the case, without additional transversal holes, and above all it is a functional and reliable system. . - _
  • the same cylinder integrates in itself a rotational binding device 180 which foresees a tooth extractable from it and that therefore is extracted from the cylindrical body to engage directly against the wall of the channel 200 in which the cylindrical device is inserted.
  • the tooth is controlled in extraction/retraction through the insertion, of a key in the lock of the cylinder. A wrong key leaves the tooth in engage position against the channel 200, thus impeding the cylinder 105 from rotating with respect to the channel and therefore impeding the rotation of the cam 150.
  • the lack of rotation of the cam does not allow the movement of the tooth, which remains engaged against the arc.
  • the retaining device 106 cooperating with the cylinder 105, foresees a tooth 107 that engages in an incision 108 obtained at the short end of the arc.
  • the end of the arc having the incision, is inserted slidingly in the specific channel 220 obtained in the case until it finds and engages with said tooth 107, binding itself in block position.
  • the opposite end of the arc is bound, in turn, in the channel 210 of the external case 103 but in a fixed manner.
  • a sliding is allowed of a certain quantity of the long end inside the sliding channel 210, in particular for such a quantity as to allow the opposite end to be lifted and exit completely from the external case 103.
  • a compression spring 111 is inserted at the end of said channel 210 and is calibrated to exert a permanent push force F in a lifting direction of the arc with respect to the case where it is lodged.
  • the ring (called “seeger” ring) has such a thickness that on one side it is blocked in the groove, therefore not sliding with respect to the end where it is applied, and on the opposite side it goes in contrast against the abutment 211 of figure 1, therefore impeding the arc from being expelled from the channel through the push of the spring.
  • Said ring 130 is in a material such as harmonic steel which, among its features, keeps the original shape after being compressed to enter in the hole of the cylinder, apart from presenting a high mechanical resistance.
  • the cylinder 105 has an identical retaining system in its cylindrical seat 200.
  • a seeger ring is applied in a groove of the cylinder, as per figure 4, and that blocks the sliding of the cylinder 105 with respect to the seat 200 thanks to the cooperation with the widened groove 200' obtained in the seat 200.
  • the retaining device 106 for example in figure 2 and figure 3, foresees a cylindrical body 112 in which a spring 113 finds lodging, which is calibrated to exert a force Fi in the direction of extraction of the tooth 107 (see figure 2) .
  • the cylindrical body 112 forms an internal seat where the spring 113 finds lodging, which is fixed to an end of the seat and to the tooth 107 on the opposite end.
  • the cylindrical body 112 foresees a pivot 114 that emerges vertically from the inferior base of the cylindrical body itself and directs towards the underlying cylinder 105, as clarified below.
  • the pivot 114 is therefore integral to the cylindrical body 112.
  • the tooth 107 is sliding with respect to the seat in which it is inserted and, as shown in figure 3, such a seat is open on the side of the inferior base of said cylindrical body (that is on the part from where the pivot emerges 114) and gives access to the seat where the spring 113 lodges.
  • the tooth is conformed in such a way as to foresee an appendix 107' that directs vertically towards the underlying cylinder 105, exactly as the pivot 114.
  • the seat that lodges the spring and the tooth is, as said above, open from the bottom in such a way that such an appendix 107' can project towards the bottom, exactly as the pivot 114, and, above all, the incision of the seat cooperating with the appendix 107' form in fact a sliding . ... . .
  • the retaining device 106 described above is therefore cooperating with the underlying cylinder 105, as for example shown in figure 4, precisely through said appendix 107', in such a way that a rotation, in a direction of such a cylinder 105 controls a translation of retraction of the tooth 107 in its seat.
  • the spring 113 will tend to make the tooth 107 return in extracted position in correspondence of a counter-rotation of the cylinder 105.
  • figure 4 shows the cylinder 105 which can rotate, for example in anti-clockwise direction, thanks to the use of the specific key.
  • the cylinder 105 forms, at its end opposite to that of insertion of the key, a sort of cam 150 which is cooperating with the end 107' of the tooth 107 in such a way as to cause a translation towards a retraction position of the tooth 107 in the seat of the cylindrical body 112 when the cylinder rotates in anti-clockwise direction of figure 4.
  • figure 7 shows the conformation of the cam 150 obtained with a dig 151 obtained at the top of the cylinder 105 in which it is inserted, in continuous scraping contact, the end 107' of the tooth 107.
  • the end 107' is in continuous contact with the wall 152 delimiting such a dig and that guides the translation of the tooth.
  • the tooth is obliged to retract guided by the contact with the cam and therefore unbinding the arc.
  • the arc is lifted in open position, pushed by the underlying spring 111.
  • the continuous contact of the end 107' with the cam, in particular with the wall 152 that forms in fact the guide cam is obtained through the continuous push of the spring 113 towards the extracted position of the tooth.
  • a torsion spring 160 is placed under the cam and make the cylinder 105 return in initial position and therefore with the tooth again in extracted position with respect to its sliding seat. This is because the torsion spring makes the cylinder 105 rotate in the opposite direction with respect to the preceding opening rotation, therefore bringing the cam to rotate in the opposite direction.
  • the spring 113 pushes the tooth in extracted position and the tooth advances thanks to the variation of contour of the cam that rotates.
  • the tooth 107 forms a chamfering 107'' on its back so that, when the arc is pressed on the tooth, such a chamfering creates a force component that makes the tooth retract again inside the seat, beating the force of the spring 113. Once the chamfering 107'' is passed over, the spring 113 pushes the tooth against the. incision 108, binding the close position.
  • the cam is rotated in anti-clockwise . sense and the conformation of the wall of the cam is such as to create a force component acting on the tooth that obliges it to retract in its seat, beating the force of the spring. In that way, the tooth retracts into its channel, separating from the incision 108.
  • the spring 111 pushes the arc in lifted position.
  • the torsion spring 160 makes the cylinder rotate in initial position (that is the position of figure 7 but with the arc lifted and therefore not engaged with the tooth) .
  • the tooth 107 returns in extracted position because it is pushed by the spring 113, positioned at its back, and because the cam is - -
  • the torsion action of the torsion spring 160 is obtained precisely by inserting coaxially to the cylinder 105 said torsion spring and putting in contrast an end 161 of such a spring with the pivot 114 of figure 2 belonging to the overlying device- 106, which is fixed.
  • the retaining device 106 is assembled fixed with respect to the cylindrical seat 200 in which it is inserted (that is not rotatable) , while the underlying cylinder 105 is rotatable with respect to the seat where it is assembled.
  • a torsion spring integral to the cylinder 105 that rotates and is cooperating with the fixed pivot 114, is torsioned and is released on the basis of the rotation of the cylinder 105.
  • the rotation block of the retaining device 106 is obtained with the conformation of the dig 200'' (figure 6) cooperating with an appendix 106' placed at the head of the retaining device 106 and visible in figure 1.
  • a dig 200'' has a specific section, for example a square section, in which the appendix 106' is inserted, for example a square section as well, determining a rotation block because an undercut is created.
  • an end 161 of the torsion spring 160 applied integrally to the cylinder 105, and cooperating with the end 114 of the overlying retaining device 106 (which is fixed rotationally) allows to create a return system that following the rotation of the cylinder makes said cylinder 105 return in initial position.
  • figure 8bis, figure 9 and figure 9_Bis are explanatory of such a type of connection between pivot 114 and end 161 of the spring.
  • figure 9 shows that the cylinder foresees a superior part 105' , on which the cam is obtained, an inferior part 105'' and an intermediate part 105' ' ' of positioning of the torsion spring, all integral among them.
  • Figure 9_Bis shows these three parts and highlights that the intermediate part forms a seat 169 of lodging of the spring and the axis 170 around which it is applied .
  • the superior part 105' further presents a shaping 190 that in fact is a removed part to allow the pivot 114 to position close to the end of the torsion spring in the segment 105' ' ' in front of the seat 169.
  • Figure 9_Bis and figure 8 show also the two stops 191 that limit the rotation of the cylinder, taking the stop against the fixed pivot 114.
  • a rotation of the key as in figure 8_Bis unblocks the arc, allowing the rotation of the cylinder 105 and therefore taking the torsion spring, integral to the cylinder 105, in a torsion condition.
  • the opening rotation is precisely limited by the stop 191' that beats the pivot 114.
  • the cylinder thanks to the torsion spring, returns in the position of figure 8 with a rotation limited by the opposite stop 191' ' that obstruct against the pivot 114.
  • figure 10 shows the block that is operated, impeding the cylinder. 105 from rotating with respect to the external cases, when a wrong key is used.
  • the hole 180 is foreseen on the cylinder and is visible also in figure 9_Bis.
  • the hole is passing through the diameter of the cylinder (a not necessarily diametrical hole) and forms in the cylinder 105 a passing transversal channel into which a spring 181 and a tooth 182 are inserted.
  • the section A-A shows a section of the case 103 with the internal cylinder 105 and highlights the components present in the channel 180 of the cylinder, that is the spring 181 and the tooth 182.
  • the tooth foresees a transversal incision 183 with a chamfering 184.
  • the spring 181, placed at the back of the tooth 182 tends to push the tooth from the other side of the hole 180 and therefore against the internal wall of the case towards a specific receiving seat 185.
  • the key interpenetrates in the incision 183 and, thanks to said chamfering 184, a force is generated on the tooth 182 that pushes in retracted position the tooth against the force of the spring 181.
  • the tooth is retracted into the channel 180 and unbinds from the wall of the external case.
  • the chamfering is conformed with such an angle as to create such a force component that makes the tooth retract if the right key is inserted, which becomes a "push" component.
  • the tooth 182 unbinds from the seat 185 obtained in a point of the wall of the channel 200. In such a manner, the cylinder 105 is free to rotate with respect to the circular seat 200 where it is inserted.
  • More teeth can be inserted and/or the position thereof can be modified.
  • the starting point for example, can be the assembly of the two halves of the cylinder 105 as described above.
  • the "seeger" is applied to the cylinder 105.
  • the retaining device 106 can then be inserted in the channel 200 until the apex 106' is inserted in the seat 200' ' .
  • the cylinder 105 is then inserted until the seeger is engaged in the groove 200' , blocking the whole in position.
  • the tooth 107 is retracted in its seat and is free to be extracted when, once reached the correct position, finds in front of it the transversal .
  • the insertion of the spring 111 can be realized in the channel 210 together with the insertion of the arc that remains blocked in position thanks to its seeger cooperating with the abutment 211.
  • the torsion spring 160 is now positioned on the opposite side, that is wrapped around the cylinder 105 close to the area of the lock.
  • the spring has one of its ends fixed to the cylinder and an end fixed to a block 216 bound in the seat of lodging of the cylinder.
  • a rotation of the cylinder 105 takes the spring in a torsion condition in such a way as to make the cylinder return in the initial position once the key with which said cylinder is rotated is released.
  • a further variant (always remaining valid what has already been said) concerns the use of a double system that blocks the cylinder 105 in its rotation in case of use of a wrong key.
  • a solution can be anyway used independently of the positioning of the torsion spring in accordance with one or the other of the embodiments described.
  • such a rotational binding device is substantially equivalent to the preceding one described but in that case two teeth 282 are foreseen, placed one beside the other at a certain distance. In such a way, a combination is created that renders an opening by manumission more difficult.
  • the ends 285 of such two teeth are represented in retracted position in the sequence of figures 12 and 13 following the insertion of the right key that pushes the teeth to translate towards the bottom in the specific seat into the cylinder, thus freeing the rotation of the cylinder itself.
  • the right key pushes the two teeth in a lowered position in which the ends 285 are unbound from the lodging channel in the case.
  • the teeth 282 have a generally L-shaped form and the ends 285 are obtained at the top of the short side of the L.
  • the springs represented in figure 12, for example, are on one side in contact with the short side of the L to. push it towards the external part of the cylinder 105 and on the opposite side (not represented in the . section plane) are in contact with the cylinder.

Landscapes

  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)
  • Braking Arrangements (AREA)
  • Fluid-Damping Devices (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Mechanical Pencils And Projecting And Retracting Systems Therefor, And Multi-System Writing Instruments (AREA)
  • Underground Structures, Protecting, Testing And Restoring Foundations (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention concerns a padlock (100) comprising : - A case (103); - An arc (102) assembled mobile with respect to the case (103) between an open position and a close position; - Means (105, 150, 106, 180) to block the arc (102) in said close position and unblock it, allowing it to turn to the open position. In accordance with the invention, said means (105, 106, 180) comprise a cylindrical device (105) assembled in a rotatable manner in the case (103) and forming a cam (150), said cam being cooperating with a retaining device (106) lodged in the case (103), and provided with a tooth (107), mobile, and configured in such a way that, through a rotation of the cam, said tooth (107) moves between an extended position, in which it engages with the arc (102), and a retracted position, in which it disengages from the arc (102), and vice-versa.

Description

TITLE
A LOCK WITH THE OPENING MECHANISM INTEGRATED IN THE
CYLINDER
Technical field
The present invention refers to the technical field relative to locks, in particular to padlocks.
The invention, therefore, refers to an innovative padlock which is structurally simple, and thus practical to assemble, and above all it is realized in such a way that it can undergo a galvanic colouring process on its external surface, the whole reducing to the minimum the refuse of product and the risks of structural damage of the unhooking mechanism.
Background art
Padlocks for closing bags, cases, cabinets and the like have long been known. The traditional blocking mechanism comprises a metal arc which is mobile with respect to the external case, to which it is bound, between an open position and a close position.
There exist in the known art various types of blocking mechanisms. One of these is for example described in patent US1154078 which describes a padlock formed by an arc 2 fixed to its external case 1. The arc, in the shape of an inverted U, has an end bound to the case and the second end also bound to the case but through a retaining system that can be controlled in a release position. In this way, a spring 3 tends to push the arc in a lifted position so that, when the retaining system is controlled in release position, the arc is lifted, freeing its end. The retaining system is constituted by a tooth 4 that engages in an incision obtained at the end of the arc. The tooth 4 is kept in blocking position with the arc through a constraint 6 that beats the return force of a spring 5, connected to the tooth 4, and both positioned in a specific transversal channel obtained in the external case 1. The system can be unblocked by rotating with a key the cylinder 7 that conducts in rotation the constraint 6, freeing it from the tooth . The tooth 4 translates in retracted position, thanks to its return spring 5, and frees the arc. The cylinder 7 is impeded from rotating by a plurality of small cylinders inserted transversally in the case up to intercepting the cylinder itself. The cylinder is provided with a lock and can therefore be rotated through a specific key which, when shaped in the correct way and inserted in the lock, pushes said small pistons inside their lodging transversal channels, freeing the cylinder itself.
This solution, as many other similar solutions in the known art, foresees as a whole an unhooking system of the arc that is constituted by components that are lodged in the external case 1 through transversal holes that from the external part of the case arrive to the internal part and cooperate with the traditional cylinder in which the key is inserted. For example, in the present case relative to American patent US1154078, there is, in addition to the hole for the insertion of the cylinder 7 and of the arc, a hole for the insertion of the tooth 4, of the spring 5 and of the constraint 6. Further holes are foreseen for the insertion of the small pistons 12 that intercept transversally the cylinder. Such holes have close tolerances and require the insertion of mechanical micro- components which have to be inserted with high precision. To sum up, there are close tolerances as regards assembly and complexity in the assembly itself.
Having said this, it results clear that, in the known art, a so-done padlock is structurally complex and, above all, is complex to assemble. Moreover, it is necessary to make various transversal holes, in addition to those for lodging the arc and the cylinder, to insert the components that unhook the arc and systems for fixing the cylinder and the arc. It is therefore necessary, many times, to realize an external case in more than one part.
In addition, in the case of padlocks destined to a production for fashion accessories, this type of traditional mechanisms have resulted absolutely inadequate to undergo the subsequent necessary manufacturing processes. In particular, in the case of padlocks of valuable manufacture, colour manufacturings are necessary that are obtained with galvanization processes so as to coat the padlock with precious materials, such as gold. It is clear that in this case the aesthetic result is fundamental and also that a minimum defect results in the discard of the product, with a consequent enormous economic loss considered the preciosity of the materials with which said padlocks are coated. Unfortunately, it has been shown that the coating process by means of galvanization of all the padlocks, of the known art has an really high discard percentage, even superior to the 50% of the worked product. This is due to the presence on the external case of several lodging holes for pins and small pistons that have close mechanical tolerance and that, as described in the example of US1154078, constitute as a whole a closing or unhooking system collaborating with the cylinder and/or the arc. For example, in US1154078 in the section of figure 1 are highlighted not only the transversal holes obtained on the case but also further holes that serve for the insertion of pins that block in position the cylinder and the arc, thus impeding that these elements can exit from the seat once assembled. In . „ . .
- 4 - that sense, it is impossible to galvanize the single elements in sight before the assembly, that is only the external case and the arc, since said holes would be obstructed at least in part, and also considering the close tolerances, this would render the subsequent assembly of the pins impossible. Alternatively, the common practice foresees the galvanization of the padlock only once it has been assembled and therefore with all the holes obstructed by the components destined to lodge. Nevertheless, also in this case, there will be minimum interpenetrations of the coating layer in the holes of the external case, risking the blocking of the internal gears at close tolerance or a deformity of the coating layer (for example cracks or depressions) that will cause the discard of the product. Moreover, in the case it is necessary to realize the case in more than one part, given the complexity of the internal components, it is still more probable that the result of an external galvanization brings to the discard of the product.
Other similar alternative constructive solutions are known which, though contributing in part to the solving of some of said technical problems, are anyway not exempt from further problems.
For example, the solution of German patent DE525897 is known and described.
It describes a padlock in which the case is realized in a single piece. In that sense, a galvanization would not be affected by the junction lines that there are when the case is realized in many parts that are compoundable among them. Nevertheless, the assembly of unhooking of the arc proposed in DE525897 is particularly complex since it foresees two components coupled one to the other and one inside the other, and cooperating between them (component (e) and component (d) ) . In particular, a cylinder (d) is foreseen that is inserted in a rotatable manner into a cylindrical seat obtained in a second component (e) , in turn inserted into a seat obtained in the case. The conformation of such a second component is such as to form an undercut that impedes it to rotate with respect to the case in which it is assembled. Inside it there are transversal channels that intercept relative transversal channels obtained in the cylinder and in which the known small pistons and springs are inserted that impede the cylinder (d) from rotating with respect to said second component (e) when the wrong key is inserted, since such small pistons are found, in that case, between the cannel of the cylinder and the channel of the second component.
Such a system has, however, the inconvenient that it requires a fixing that binds the cylinder (d) to the second component (e) , impeding the reciprocal translation thereof but allowing the rotation of the cylinder. This is obtained by means of a complex manufacturing that foresees the realization of a groove (s) in the cylinder and through a threaded hole that allows the insertion of a grub screw that unites the two components and that terminates with the end into said groove (s) . In such a way, the relative translation between cylinder and second component is impeded but on the other hand the relative rotation of the cylinder with respect to its lodging seat is not impeded since the end of the grub screw moves into the groove (s) when the cylinder is brought in rotation.
Obviously, such a system is complex since it foresees two different components assembled coaxially one inside the other and cooperating between them, the whole requiring the use of the classical small blocking pistons. Moreover, it is necessary to realize a lodging hole in the case that imitates the shape of the second component which, as said, presents an undercut. In that sense, such a hole is not of easy realization, not being circular. Last, the system that fixes such an assembly to the case is obtained with a transversal hole that from the outside of the case intercepts the second component in correspondence precisely of the hole where the grub screw is inserted that binds the second component and the cylinder between them. In that way, a single grub screw of the correct segment responds to all the retaining functions. Nevertheless, it is clear that such a solution with the transversal hole on the case impedes to galvanize the case before and/or after the assembly of all the components since it would be certainly obstructed, impeding the insertion or the disassembly of the grub screw.
Other solutions are known which however do not contribute in a significant manner to the simplification from the point of view of the realization of such padlocks so as to result easily assemblable and galvanizable.
For instance, the solution described in US220637 does not contribute to the solution of the technical problem since it describes a case in two halves (therefore not galvanizable) , adopting an unblocking assembly of the arc that is extremely similar to the one described in the document DE525897, at least as regards the presence of the small pistons.
In GB840994 an assembly for unblocking the arc is described that foresees a plurality of concentric rings stacked among them into the cylindrical seat of the case and with a conformation of the central hole that varies from ring to ring, creating a combination of insertion of the right key.
The use of a plurality of concentric rings results in a device that is difficult to realize, is poorly reliable and is complex to assemble. Moreover, a transversal hole is present for the assembly of the components that would impede the correct galvanization of the case.
In US1683985 the classical cylinder is used which however is blocked in rotation not through the use of small pistons but in a much simpler way, that is through the extraction of teeth that are anchored against the circular wall of the seat of the case in which it is inserted, when the right key is used. Nevertheless, in this case the entire blocking assembly used is bound in the case through a cap applied superiorly to the case and fixed in position with a pin that from the outside of the case enters transversally inside it, therefore creating also in this case transversal holes in the case that impede to obtain acceptable results if a galvanization of the case is carried out.
Disclosure of invention
It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide an innovative padlock that solves at least in part said technical inconveniences.
In ' articular , the need is felt to provide a padlock that results structurally simple and functional, also as regards the assembly thereof, and that above all can undergo a superficial galvanization process, reducing to the minimum the discard connected with malfunction of the internal mechanics caused . by interpenetration of the coating material and/or to surface imperfections of the coating itself.
It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a padlock whose system of unhooking of the arc, in particular the cylinder, is structurally simple and efficient, allowing an insertion thereof in the case without the need to realize transversal holes from the outside at close tolerance that bind such a system in the case and/or that contribute to its rotational blocking/unblocking .
These and other aims are therefore reached through the present padlock, as per claim 1.
The padlock (100) comprises:
A case (103) realized in a single piece;
An arc (102) assembled in a mobile way with respect to the case (103) between an open position and a close position;
Means (105, 150, 106, 180) to block the arc (102) in said close position and unblock it, allowing it to turn to the open position;
Such means (105, 106, 180) comprise a cam (150) of a pre-determined contour and assembled in a rotatable manner in the case (103), said cam being cooperating with a retaining device (106) lodged in the case (103) and provided with a " tooth (107) arranged in such a way that, through a rotation of the cam, the contour of the cam guides said tooth (107) to move between an extended position, in which it engages with the arc (102), and a retracted position, in which it disengages from the arc (102) .
In accordance with the invention, a cylindrical device (105) is therefore foreseen assembled in a rotatable manner in a cylindrical seat (200) obtained in the body of the case (103) and that foresees said cam (150) integral to it. The cylindrical device (105) further comprises a rotational binding device (180), mobile between a block position, in which it engages against the cylindrical seat (200) of the case in which it is inserted, impeding the rotation thereof with respect to the case (103), and an unblock position in which it disengages from the cylindrical seat (200) , leaving the cylindrical device (105) free to rotate. Moreover, the cylindrical device (105) comprises a ring cooperating with the cylindrical seat (200) in which it is inserted in such a way as to fix the cylindrical device inside the cylindrical seat (200) without impeding the rotation thereof .
Such a solution therefore reaches the pre-established scopes since a system for opening a padlock thus conformed does not include external pins or external holes on the case, allowing to realize superficial coating manufacturings by means of galvanization that are extremely precise.
The use of a cam collaborating with the retaining device allows an insertion of the two components without the need for operating additional transversal holes in the case.
The rotational binding device integrated in the cylindrical device eliminates the need for further transversal holes for the insertion of the classical small pistons, simplifying a lot the structural realization of the padlock and avoiding the realization of transversal holes at close tolerance in the external case.
In the same way, the use of the ring cooperating with the insertion seat of the cylinder substitutes in a perfect way the classical fixing pin, thus eliminating further transversal holes that would serve for the retaining of the cylindrical device. Also the assembly is much simpler since the cylinder is inserted by "snap" pressure into its sliding channel 200 in the case.
Obviously, such a constructive solution allows to realize the case from the solid body in a single piece, the whole further contributing to an optimization of the galvanization process.
It is clear that the ring can be open (in the sense - .
-10- that it can present an incision, for example) or continuous and can be pre-fixed in a specific groove of the cylindrical device. The ring can also be obtained integrally from the manufacturing of the cylindrical device.
The ring can obviously be substituted with totally equivalent elastic retaining elements, capable of compressing themselves and returning in an elastic way in position exactly as in the case of the "Seeger" ring in harmonic steel that is generally used. For example, an equivalent solution could foresee also small teeth rather than a continuous ring, or a band (totally equivalent to a ring) or even teeth that are extractable/retractable from the small cylinder through springs.
Advantageously, the case now lacks transversal holes since they are not necessary anymore, in particular those that intercept the lodging seats of the ends of the arc or of the cylindrical device.
Advantageously, the rotational binding device (180) comprises at least a tooth (182) extractable/retractable from/in the cylindrical device (105) in such a way as to engage/disengage with/from the cylindrical seat (200).
Advantageously, the cylindrical device (105) comprises a lock for the insertion of an opening key, the tooth (182) being cooperating with said lock in such a way as to move between its blocking/unblocking position against the seat (200) through the insertion of the key in the lock.
In particular, advantageously, the rotational binding device (180) comprises:
A channel (180) passing through the cylindrical device (105) ;
A tooth (182) arranged slidingly in the channel;
A spring (181) that pushes the tooth (182) towards -lithe opposite part of the channel (180) against the cylindrical seat (200) ;
And wherein the tooth is conformed in such a way as to retreat in the hole (180), disengaging from the cylindrical seat (200) against which it is pushed by the spring, following the insertion of an opening key in the cylindrical device (105).
Advantageously, the tooth (182) foresees an incision (183) forming a chamfering (184) that causes said retreating of the tooth in the channel (180) following the insertion of an opening key.
Moreover, advantageously, the cylindrical device (105) comprises a torsion spring (160) arranged in such a way as to cause the counter-rotation of the cylindrical device following a rotation thereof to unblock the arc (102).
Advantageously, said torsion spring (160) is arranged at choice:
With one of its ends in contact with an end (114) of the retaining device (106) and with the other end fixed in a point of the cylindrical device (105);
With one of its ends fixed to the wall of the cylindrical seat in which the cylindrical device is inserted and with the other end fixed in a point of the cylindrical device (105).
Advantageously, the retaining device (106) is arranged fixed in the case (103) above the cam (150).
Advantageously, the retaining device (106) comprises a sliding seat in which a spring (113) is lodged that pushes on the tooth (107) in such a way as to keep an end (107') of the tooth (107) in continuous scraping contact against the cam (150) .
Advantageously, the cam (150) is obtained through a wall (152) of a pre-determined contour and cooperating with an end (107') of the tooth (107) whose end is kept in contact against said wall (152).
Advantageously, in the case (103), the cylindrical seat (200, 200' ) is obtained for the insertion of the retaining device (106) and of the cylindrical device (105) and the two seats (220, 210) for the insertion of the two ends of the arc.
Advantageously, the end of the arc foresees a ring, cooperating with the seat (210) in which it is inserted, so as to slide of a pre-determined quantity and contextually resulting impeded from separating from the case.
Thanks to the ring, the arc is applied by "snap" pressure in its sliding channel in the case 103.
Having said that, it is also here described a padlock (100) comprising:
A case (103) realized in a single piece;
An arc (102) assembled in a mobile way with respect to the case (103) between an open position and a close position;
Means (105, 150, 106, 180.) to block the arc
(102) in said close position and unblock it, allowing it to turn to the open position, said means comprising a cylindrical device (105) cooperating with a retaining device (106) that acts on the arc and both inserted in a single channel (200) obtained in the case (103), the case foreseeing two further channels (220, 210) in which the two ends of the arc (102) are arranged;
- The cylindrical device (105) further comprising a rotational binding device (180), mobile between a block position in which it engages against the cylindrical seat (200) of the case in which it is inserted, impeding the rotation thereof with respect to the case (103), and an unblock position in which it disengages from the cylindrical seat (200) , leaving the cylindrical device (105) free to rotate, and wherein a retaining system is foreseen that constrains the cylindrical device (105) inside the cylindrical seat (200) without impeding the rotation thereof and in the shape of a ring cooperating with the cylindrical seat (200) in which it is inserted.
In that way, as in the solution previously described, the case (103) does not present transversal holes, in particular those for the retaining of the cylindrical device (105) and/or for the rotational block thereof.
The cylindrical device (105) can for example foresee a cam collaborating with the retaining device (106), as previously described, or, alternatively, a different retaining device can be foreseen, not necessarily operated by an underlying cam.
Advantageously, further, also an end of the arc foresees a ring, cooperating with the seat (210) in which it is inserted in such a way as to slide of a predetermined quantity and contextually resulting impeded from separating from the case.
It is also here described a method for operating a coating of a padlock (100) as described above, through an operation of superficial galvanization and comprises the operation of galvanization of the single case (103) and of the single arc (102), separated, and the subsequent assembly of the cylindrical device (105), of the retaining device (106) and of the arc (102) in the case (103).
Brief description of drawings
Further features and advantages of the present padlock, according to the invention, will result clearer with the description that follows of some embodiments, made to illustrate but not to limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:
- Figure 1 show in section a padlock in accordance with the present invention; - Figure 2 shows, always in section, the arc cooperating with the tooth of the retaining system;
- Figure 3 is a further axonometric view of figure 2;
- Figures 4 and 5 are two axonometric views of the arc and of the cylinder operated through the key;
- Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of the external case;
- Figure 7 is a further axonometric view of the arc- cylinder assembly;
- Figure 8 and 8_bis is always an axonometric view of the arc-cylinder assembly respectively in the close position of the arc and in the rotated position to unblock the arc and representing a half of the cylinder sectioned along its longitudinal segment;
- Figure 9 is a front view of the cylinder;
- Figure 9_Bis shows very clearly the two halves that can be coupled between them and constituting the cylinder 105;
- Figure 10 is a further front view of the cylinder-arc assembly with relative section A-A to visualize the blocking device integrated in the cylinder itself and that impedes the rotation of the cylinder with respect to the external case when the wrong key is used;
- Figures from 11 to 17 introduce a further variant of realization of the invention.
Description of some preferred embodiments
With reference to figure 1 a padlock 100 is described in accordance with the invention.
The padlock comprises an arc 102, for example in a metal such as steel, iron or the like. The arc has an arc shape or an inverted U shape and, preferably, has one of its ends of a segment greater with respect to the other opposed end. In particular, as clarified below, the end that is not extracted from the case of the padlock is longer with respect to the opposite end, which is instead _
-15- cooperating with a retaining system 106, which serves to block the arc in a close position.
As highlighted in figure 1, the arc is therefore bindable to the external case 103 in the close position. In particular, the external case 103, as described in detail below, lodges inside it the mechanisms that block the arc in close position as per figure 1 or unblock it, allowing to take it in open position.
The external case 103 can obviously be of any shape and material, for example steel, iron or the like.
The external case foresees a lodging in the shape of a seat or channel 200 in which the blocking device 105 is inserted, which comprises a cylinder 105, cooperating with an overlying retaining device 106.
To that purpose, figure 6 highlights for clarity purposes a section of the single external case in order to highlight said channel 200 of lodging of the cylinder 105. A further channel 210 serves to lodge an end of the arc (the longest end) , while a third channel 220 lodges the opposite end of the arc, that is the one that is generally shorter. The channel 220 is connected to the channel 200 through a transversal segment 201 that lodges a tooth 107, belonging to the retaining device 106, arranged at the top of the cylinder 105, as clarified below. Always figure 6 shows a manufacturing of the cylindrical channel 200 in such a way as to form a widened groove 200' for the block of the cylinder 105 through the application of a metal retaining ring, called "Seeger" in technical jargon. On the opposite side the channel 200 forms a dig 200' ' of a diameter inferior with respect to the channel 200 that, as clarified below, blocks rotationally the retaining device 106 with respect to the channel 200, forming an undercut. For example, such a dig 200'' can have a quadrangular or triangular section and lodge a complementary end 106' of the retaining device 106, therefore binding it not to rotate.
The external case 103 is mono-block, that is realized in a single piece, wherein said channels (or seats) are obtained from the full piece with particular well known tools (drills for holing, reamers, etc.) .
In this way, as clarified below, the absence of junctions in the case 103 allows to make a very precise galvanization of the external case 103 and without the risk of cracks or discontinuities.
Moreover, as always clarified below, the cylinder 105 coupled to the retaining device 106 integrate in itself all the devices that control the opening and the closing of the arc, apart from the rotational block of the cylinder 105 when the wrong key is inserted. In this way, there is no need for transversal holes on the case, as per the known art, allowing to operate a galvanization on the single case and arc before the assembly that results extremely precise.
In accordance with the invention, the padlock, as clarified below, foresees a retaining device 106 cooperating with the cylinder 105 inserted rotationally in the case. The cylinder forms at its top a cam 150 which is cooperating with the overlying retaining device 106 in such a way that when the cam is conducted in rotation through a rotation of the cylinder 105, the profile of the cam guides a tooth 107, belonging to the retaining device, to move between a position in which it engages with the end of the arc, blocking it, and a position in which it frees the arc.
This cam-tooth system allows a simple and quick assembly in the case, without additional transversal holes, and above all it is a functional and reliable system. . - _
-17-
In addition, the same cylinder integrates in itself a rotational binding device 180 which foresees a tooth extractable from it and that therefore is extracted from the cylindrical body to engage directly against the wall of the channel 200 in which the cylindrical device is inserted. The tooth is controlled in extraction/retraction through the insertion, of a key in the lock of the cylinder. A wrong key leaves the tooth in engage position against the channel 200, thus impeding the cylinder 105 from rotating with respect to the channel and therefore impeding the rotation of the cam 150. The lack of rotation of the cam does not allow the movement of the tooth, which remains engaged against the arc.
This solution, however, allows to use a completely "full" case 103 and this allows precisely to proceed first with the galvanization of the single case and arc and then with the subsequent assembly of the components, continuing to have a perfectly functioning device.
In detail, therefore, going, back to figure 1, the retaining device 106, cooperating with the cylinder 105, foresees a tooth 107 that engages in an incision 108 obtained at the short end of the arc. In that sense, the end of the arc, having the incision, is inserted slidingly in the specific channel 220 obtained in the case until it finds and engages with said tooth 107, binding itself in block position. The opposite end of the arc is bound, in turn, in the channel 210 of the external case 103 but in a fixed manner. In particular, a sliding is allowed of a certain quantity of the long end inside the sliding channel 210, in particular for such a quantity as to allow the opposite end to be lifted and exit completely from the external case 103. The long end is therefore blocked in its stroke by a stop (130, 211) that does not allow the total exit of this long end from its sliding channel 210. A compression spring 111 is inserted at the end of said channel 210 and is calibrated to exert a permanent push force F in a lifting direction of the arc with respect to the case where it is lodged. When the tooth 107 disengages from the incision 108, the action of the spring 111, which results compressed, lifts the arc, taking it to slide in its opening position, that is with the end having the incision 108 in extracted position with respect to its sliding channel 220 and with the long end that reaches its stop in the channel 220.
As shown in figure 6 and in figure 1, such a stop is obtained with a widened intermediate segment, that is the segment 210' which restricts again in its final portion. In this way, a superior and inferior abutment 211 (visible in figure 1) is created, which impedes the long end to exit from the channel 210 and limits the sliding stroke in both directions. To that aim, the abutment is cooperating with a retaining ring 130 which is applied on a groove 131 obtained on said end (see also figure 2) . The ring (called "seeger" ring) has such a thickness that on one side it is blocked in the groove, therefore not sliding with respect to the end where it is applied, and on the opposite side it goes in contrast against the abutment 211 of figure 1, therefore impeding the arc from being expelled from the channel through the push of the spring.
Said ring 130 is in a material such as harmonic steel which, among its features, keeps the original shape after being compressed to enter in the hole of the cylinder, apart from presenting a high mechanical resistance.
In this way, a simple and functional retaining system is obtained.
In the same way, as it can be seen in figures 4 and 6, the cylinder 105 has an identical retaining system in its cylindrical seat 200. In particular, as said above, a seeger ring is applied in a groove of the cylinder, as per figure 4, and that blocks the sliding of the cylinder 105 with respect to the seat 200 thanks to the cooperation with the widened groove 200' obtained in the seat 200.
Going into further detail concerning the invention, we pass onto a structural description of the retaining device 106.
The retaining device 106, as shown for example in figure 2 and figure 3, foresees a cylindrical body 112 in which a spring 113 finds lodging, which is calibrated to exert a force Fi in the direction of extraction of the tooth 107 (see figure 2) . As shown very clearly in figure 3, the cylindrical body 112 forms an internal seat where the spring 113 finds lodging, which is fixed to an end of the seat and to the tooth 107 on the opposite end. The cylindrical body 112 foresees a pivot 114 that emerges vertically from the inferior base of the cylindrical body itself and directs towards the underlying cylinder 105, as clarified below. The pivot 114 is therefore integral to the cylindrical body 112.
The tooth 107 is sliding with respect to the seat in which it is inserted and, as shown in figure 3, such a seat is open on the side of the inferior base of said cylindrical body (that is on the part from where the pivot emerges 114) and gives access to the seat where the spring 113 lodges. The tooth is conformed in such a way as to foresee an appendix 107' that directs vertically towards the underlying cylinder 105, exactly as the pivot 114. The seat that lodges the spring and the tooth is, as said above, open from the bottom in such a way that such an appendix 107' can project towards the bottom, exactly as the pivot 114, and, above all, the incision of the seat cooperating with the appendix 107' form in fact a sliding . ... . .
-20- guide for the tooth.
The retaining device 106 described above is therefore cooperating with the underlying cylinder 105, as for example shown in figure 4, precisely through said appendix 107', in such a way that a rotation, in a direction of such a cylinder 105 controls a translation of retraction of the tooth 107 in its seat. The spring 113 will tend to make the tooth 107 return in extracted position in correspondence of a counter-rotation of the cylinder 105.
More in particular, figure 4 shows the cylinder 105 which can rotate, for example in anti-clockwise direction, thanks to the use of the specific key. As shown in figure 5, the cylinder 105 forms, at its end opposite to that of insertion of the key, a sort of cam 150 which is cooperating with the end 107' of the tooth 107 in such a way as to cause a translation towards a retraction position of the tooth 107 in the seat of the cylindrical body 112 when the cylinder rotates in anti-clockwise direction of figure 4.
More in detail, figure 7 shows the conformation of the cam 150 obtained with a dig 151 obtained at the top of the cylinder 105 in which it is inserted, in continuous scraping contact, the end 107' of the tooth 107. In particular, the end 107' is in continuous contact with the wall 152 delimiting such a dig and that guides the translation of the tooth. In this way, when the cylinder 105 is conducted in rotation with respect to its cylindrical seat 200 in which it is inserted (as for instance highlighted in figure 5) , the tooth is obliged to retract guided by the contact with the cam and therefore unbinding the arc. The arc is lifted in open position, pushed by the underlying spring 111. The continuous contact of the end 107' with the cam, in particular with the wall 152 that forms in fact the guide cam, is obtained through the continuous push of the spring 113 towards the extracted position of the tooth.
A torsion spring 160 is placed under the cam and make the cylinder 105 return in initial position and therefore with the tooth again in extracted position with respect to its sliding seat. This is because the torsion spring makes the cylinder 105 rotate in the opposite direction with respect to the preceding opening rotation, therefore bringing the cam to rotate in the opposite direction. Contextually, the spring 113 pushes the tooth in extracted position and the tooth advances thanks to the variation of contour of the cam that rotates. The tooth 107 forms a chamfering 107'' on its back so that, when the arc is pressed on the tooth, such a chamfering creates a force component that makes the tooth retract again inside the seat, beating the force of the spring 113. Once the chamfering 107'' is passed over, the spring 113 pushes the tooth against the. incision 108, binding the close position.
In particular, as shown in figure 5, the cam is rotated in anti-clockwise . sense and the conformation of the wall of the cam is such as to create a force component acting on the tooth that obliges it to retract in its seat, beating the force of the spring. In that way, the tooth retracts into its channel, separating from the incision 108. In this phase, the spring 111 pushes the arc in lifted position. Once the key is released, the torsion spring 160 makes the cylinder rotate in initial position (that is the position of figure 7 but with the arc lifted and therefore not engaged with the tooth) . During the rotation towards the initial position the tooth 107 returns in extracted position because it is pushed by the spring 113, positioned at its back, and because the cam is - -
-22- rotated in an initial position that allows it to be extracted.
When it is necessary to close the padlock it is enough to exert a pressure on the arc that engages with the tooth 107 thanks to the chamfering 107'', as described above .
Naturally, the directions of clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of the cylinder to determine openings/closings are not meant as limitative since, by applying the concepts described, the same mechanism could be realized that blocks/unblocks with a rotation opposed to the one described.
The torsion action of the torsion spring 160 is obtained precisely by inserting coaxially to the cylinder 105 said torsion spring and putting in contrast an end 161 of such a spring with the pivot 114 of figure 2 belonging to the overlying device- 106, which is fixed.
In particular, as shown for example in figure 1, the retaining device 106 is assembled fixed with respect to the cylindrical seat 200 in which it is inserted (that is not rotatable) , while the underlying cylinder 105 is rotatable with respect to the seat where it is assembled. In this way, a torsion spring, integral to the cylinder 105 that rotates and is cooperating with the fixed pivot 114, is torsioned and is released on the basis of the rotation of the cylinder 105.
As initially described, the rotation block of the retaining device 106, with respect to the seat 200 where it is inserted, is obtained with the conformation of the dig 200'' (figure 6) cooperating with an appendix 106' placed at the head of the retaining device 106 and visible in figure 1. Such a dig 200'' has a specific section, for example a square section, in which the appendix 106' is inserted, for example a square section as well, determining a rotation block because an undercut is created.
In this way, an end 161 of the torsion spring 160 applied integrally to the cylinder 105, and cooperating with the end 114 of the overlying retaining device 106 (which is fixed rotationally) , allows to create a return system that following the rotation of the cylinder makes said cylinder 105 return in initial position.
To that purpose figure 8, figure 8bis, figure 9 and figure 9_Bis are explanatory of such a type of connection between pivot 114 and end 161 of the spring.
For example, figure 9 shows that the cylinder foresees a superior part 105' , on which the cam is obtained, an inferior part 105'' and an intermediate part 105' ' ' of positioning of the torsion spring, all integral among them. Figure 9_Bis shows these three parts and highlights that the intermediate part forms a seat 169 of lodging of the spring and the axis 170 around which it is applied .
As shown very clearly in figure 9_Bis, the cylinder
105 is obtained in two halves that can be coupled one to the other through pins highlighted in figure 8 (figure 8 highlights two of them) and fixable with bi-component resins, glue, interference. The two halves are not symmetrical between them and in particular one half, the lowest one, foresees the axis 170 to apply to it the spring, while the other half forms the seat 169 of the spring and the overlying part 105' . As shown in the section plane of figure 8 and 9_Bis, the superior part 105' further presents a shaping 190 that in fact is a removed part to allow the pivot 114 to position close to the end of the torsion spring in the segment 105' ' ' in front of the seat 169.
The realization in two halves that are not symmetrical allows easily to obtain the final shape of the cylinder 105 as described.
The assembly of the cylinder 105 is therefore very simple. Starting from figure 9_Bis the torsion spring is inserted on the pivot 170 and the two halves are coupled.
Figure 9_Bis and figure 8 show also the two stops 191 that limit the rotation of the cylinder, taking the stop against the fixed pivot 114. In particular, starting from the configuration of blocking of the arc of figure 8, a rotation of the key as in figure 8_Bis unblocks the arc, allowing the rotation of the cylinder 105 and therefore taking the torsion spring, integral to the cylinder 105, in a torsion condition. The opening rotation is precisely limited by the stop 191' that beats the pivot 114. When the key is released, the cylinder, thanks to the torsion spring, returns in the position of figure 8 with a rotation limited by the opposite stop 191' ' that obstruct against the pivot 114.
Going on with the structural description of the invention, figure 10 shows the block that is operated, impeding the cylinder. 105 from rotating with respect to the external cases, when a wrong key is used.
To that aim, the hole 180 is foreseen on the cylinder and is visible also in figure 9_Bis. The hole is passing through the diameter of the cylinder (a not necessarily diametrical hole) and forms in the cylinder 105 a passing transversal channel into which a spring 181 and a tooth 182 are inserted.
The section A-A shows a section of the case 103 with the internal cylinder 105 and highlights the components present in the channel 180 of the cylinder, that is the spring 181 and the tooth 182. The tooth foresees a transversal incision 183 with a chamfering 184. The spring 181, placed at the back of the tooth 182, tends to push the tooth from the other side of the hole 180 and therefore against the internal wall of the case towards a specific receiving seat 185. When the right key is inserted, the key interpenetrates in the incision 183 and, thanks to said chamfering 184, a force is generated on the tooth 182 that pushes in retracted position the tooth against the force of the spring 181. In this way, the tooth is retracted into the channel 180 and unbinds from the wall of the external case. This is because the chamfering is conformed with such an angle as to create such a force component that makes the tooth retract if the right key is inserted, which becomes a "push" component. In particular, the tooth 182 unbinds from the seat 185 obtained in a point of the wall of the channel 200. In such a manner, the cylinder 105 is free to rotate with respect to the circular seat 200 where it is inserted.
From the part of insertion of the spring 181 it is obviously foreseen a closing pin that keeps the spring in position .
More teeth can be inserted and/or the position thereof can be modified.
The assembly of the padlock described, therefore, foresees the following phases:
The starting point, for example, can be the assembly of the two halves of the cylinder 105 as described above. Subsequently, the "seeger" is applied to the cylinder 105. With reference to figure 6 the retaining device 106 can then be inserted in the channel 200 until the apex 106' is inserted in the seat 200' ' . The cylinder 105 is then inserted until the seeger is engaged in the groove 200' , blocking the whole in position. During the insertion of the device 106, naturally, the tooth 107 is retracted in its seat and is free to be extracted when, once reached the correct position, finds in front of it the transversal .
-26- seat 201. Then the insertion of the spring 111 can be realized in the channel 210 together with the insertion of the arc that remains blocked in position thanks to its seeger cooperating with the abutment 211.
Having described the invention from the structural point of view in a complete way, we pass onto the advantages thereof.
As it is clear from figure 6, there exist only three main vertical channels obtained in the external case which is in a single piece. The systems that allow the opening/closing of the arc, and therefore the consequent rotation of the cylinder 105 in case of use of a right key, are integrated entirely in the cylinder 105 and retaining device 106 and do not foresee integrative systems applied through transversal holes that completely go through the external case and present close tolerances.
All this implies that now it is possible to galvanize the main single external components, that is arc and external case, avoiding to make a galvanization of the entire padlock assembled. This is because there is no risk anymore, as in the known art, of having to fill and take out of tolerance transversal holes of the case of small sizes and cooperating with the cylinder or create cracks in the junctions of many parts of the case. In fact, the external case is now lacking transversal holes and pins and the components described so far, and positioned in the channels 200, 210 and 220, is naturally inserted with much wider tolerances and even with clearance given that we talk about the mobile arc and the rotatable cylinder.
In that sense, it is therefore possible to galvanize the single external case and the arc, with a significant saving of coating material, and assemble the whole, anyway being certain of a correct mechanical functioning of the system and with an optimal surface finishing. A further variant of the invention is described with reference to figures from 11 to 17.
Having said that, in that case the torsion spring 160 is now positioned on the opposite side, that is wrapped around the cylinder 105 close to the area of the lock. The spring has one of its ends fixed to the cylinder and an end fixed to a block 216 bound in the seat of lodging of the cylinder.
Exactly as in the preceding case, a rotation of the cylinder 105 takes the spring in a torsion condition in such a way as to make the cylinder return in the initial position once the key with which said cylinder is rotated is released.
The advantage of such a solution is that the assembly results much simpler. In the first case it was necessary to insert in the channel of the case the entire cylinder 105 assembled with the retaining device and the pre-loaded spring. The pre-loaded- spring tends to make the entire assembly rotate and therefore it was not easy to insert the whole, making in such a way that the undercut 106' at the head of the retaining device went to be inserted into the pre-placed seat.
In this variant, it is possible to assemble the whole without the spring, to then arrange the spring and the ring only at the end.
A further variant (always remaining valid what has already been said) concerns the use of a double system that blocks the cylinder 105 in its rotation in case of use of a wrong key. Naturally, such a solution can be anyway used independently of the positioning of the torsion spring in accordance with one or the other of the embodiments described.
In particular, such a rotational binding device is substantially equivalent to the preceding one described but in that case two teeth 282 are foreseen, placed one beside the other at a certain distance. In such a way, a combination is created that renders an opening by manumission more difficult.
The ends 285 of such two teeth are represented in retracted position in the sequence of figures 12 and 13 following the insertion of the right key that pushes the teeth to translate towards the bottom in the specific seat into the cylinder, thus freeing the rotation of the cylinder itself. The right key pushes the two teeth in a lowered position in which the ends 285 are unbound from the lodging channel in the case.
A wrong key leaves such ends in blocking position. Once the key has been extracted, the springs make the ends of the teeth return engaged with the cylindrical wall .
The teeth 282 have a generally L-shaped form and the ends 285 are obtained at the top of the short side of the L. The springs represented in figure 12, for example, are on one side in contact with the short side of the L to. push it towards the external part of the cylinder 105 and on the opposite side (not represented in the . section plane) are in contact with the cylinder.

Claims

1. A padlock (100) comprising:
- A case (103) realized in a single piece;
- An arc (102) assembled mobile with respect to the case (103) between an open position and a close position;
- Means (105, 150, 106, 180) to block the arc (102) in said close position and unblock it, allowing it to turn to the open position;
- Wherein said means (105, 106, 180) comprise a cam (150) of a pre-determined contour and assembled in a rotatable manner in the case (103), said cam being cooperating with a retaining device (106) lodged in the case (103) and provided with a tooth (107) arranged in such a way that, through a rotation of the cam, the contour of the cam guides said tooth (107) to move between an extended position, in which it engages with the arc (102), and a retracted position, in which it disengages from the arc (102);
- Characterized in that said means (105, 106, 180) further comprise a cylindrical device. (105) assembled in a rotatable manner in a cylindrical seat (200) obtained in the body of the case (103) and that foresees said cam (150) integral to it, the cylindrical device (105) further comprising a rotational binding device (180) that is mobile between a block position, in which it engages against the cylindrical seat (200) of the case in which it is inserted, impeding the rotation of the cylindrical device with respect to the case (103), and an unblock position in which it disengages from the cylindrical seat (200), leaving the cylindrical device (105) free to rotate, and wherein the cylindrical device (105) comprises a ring cooperating with the cylindrical seat (200) in which it is inserted in such a way as to fix the cylindrical device inside the cylindrical, seat (200) without impeding the rotation thereof.
2. A padlock (100), as per claim 1, wherein the case does not have transversal holes.
3. A padlock (100), as per claim 1, wherein the rotational binding device (180) comprises at least a tooth (182) that is extractable/retractable from/in the cylindrical device (105) in such a way as to engage/disengage with/from the cylindrical seat (200) .
4. A padlock (100), as per claim 3, wherein the cylindrical device (105) comprises a lock for the insertion of an opening key, the tooth (182) being cooperating with said lock in such a way as to move through the insertion of the key in the lock.
5. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational binding device (180) comprises :
- A channel (180) passing through the cylindrical device (105) ;
- At least a tooth (182) arranged slidingly in the channel ;
- A spring (181) that pushes the tooth (182) towards the opposite part of the channel (180) against the cylindrical seat (200) ;
- And wherein the tooth is conformed in such a way as to retreat in the hole (180), disengaging from the cylindrical seat (200) against which it is pushed by the spring, following the insertion of an opening key in the cylindrical device (105).
6. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the tooth (182) foresees an incision (183) forming a chamfering (184) that causes said retreating of the tooth in the channel (180) following the insertion of an opening key.
7. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical device (105) comprises a torsion spring (160) arranged in such a way as to cause its counter-rotation following a rotation to unblock the arc (102) .
8. A padlock (100), as per claim 7, wherein said torsion spring (160) is arranged at choice:
With one of its ends in contact with an end (114) of the retaining device (106) and with the other end fixed in a point of the cylindrical device (105);
With one of its ends fixed to the wall of the cylindrical seat in which the cylindrical device is inserted and with the other end fixed in a point of the cylindrical device (105).
9. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical device (105) is realized in two halves that can be coupled one to the other.
10. A padlock (100), as per claim 9, wherein said two halves are not symmetrical between them.
11. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining device (106) is arranged fixed in the case (10.3) above the cam (150) .
12. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining device (106) comprises a sliding seat in which a spring (113) is lodged that pushes on the tooth (107) in such a way as to keep an end (10V) of the tooth (107) in continuous scraping contact against the cam (150) .
13. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the cam (150) is obtained through a wall (152) of a pre-determined contour and cooperating with an end (107') of the tooth (107) whose end is kept in contact against said wall (152) .
14. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, in the case (103), the cylindrical seat (200, 200' ) is obtained for the insertion of the retaining device (106) and of the cylindrical device (105) and the two seats (220, 210) for the insertion of the two ends of the arc.
15. A padlock (100), as per one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the end of the arc foresees a ring, cooperating with the seat (210) in which it is inserted so as to slide of a pre-determined quantity and contextually resulting impeded from separating from the case.
16. A method for operating a coating of a padlock (100), in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims, through an operation of superficial galvanization and comprising the operation of galvanization of the single case (103) and of the single arc (102) separated and subsequent assembly of the cylindrical device (105), of the retaining device (106) and of the arc (102) in the case (103).
PCT/IB2014/063793 2013-08-08 2014-08-08 A lock with the opening mechanism integrated in the cylinder WO2015019324A2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14780594.9A EP3030732B1 (en) 2013-08-08 2014-08-08 A lock with the opening mechanism integrated in the cylinder
CN201480055418.0A CN105637160B (en) 2013-08-08 2014-08-08 Lock with the opener being integrated in lock cylinder

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000193A ITFI20130193A1 (en) 2013-08-08 2013-08-08 A LOCK WITH THE OPENING MECHANISM INTEGRATED IN THE CYLINDER
ITFI2013A000193 2013-08-08

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015019324A2 true WO2015019324A2 (en) 2015-02-12
WO2015019324A3 WO2015019324A3 (en) 2015-05-28

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2014/063793 WO2015019324A2 (en) 2013-08-08 2014-08-08 A lock with the opening mechanism integrated in the cylinder

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3030732B1 (en)
CN (1) CN105637160B (en)
IT (1) ITFI20130193A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2015019324A2 (en)

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US1683985A (en) 1923-01-02 1928-09-11 Rosa S Muzzio Padlock
DE525897C (en) 1932-03-11 Heinrich Biemer Padlock with locking of the rotating sliding handle
GB840994A (en) 1958-05-06 1960-07-13 B & G Lock & Tool Company Ltd Improvements in or relating to lock and key mechanism

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DE348458C (en) * 1920-08-18 1922-02-08 Michael Feuermann Padlock
US1986302A (en) * 1930-12-05 1935-01-01 American Hardware Corp Padlock
US2141748A (en) * 1936-10-05 1938-12-27 Chicago Lock Co Padlock
DE727132C (en) * 1941-01-19 1942-10-28 Carl Winzerling Kom Ges Lock cylinder
GB550596A (en) * 1941-08-30 1943-01-15 Yale & Towne Mfg Co Improvements in and relating to padlock cylinder retainers
US2527086A (en) * 1946-10-15 1950-10-24 Gunnar E Swanson Lock
FR2125691A5 (en) * 1971-02-17 1972-09-29 Neiman Exploitation Brevets
DE3421754A1 (en) * 1984-06-12 1985-12-12 Aug. Bremicker Söhne KG, 5802 Wetter Cylinder lock
US5186029A (en) * 1991-09-27 1993-02-16 Fort Lock Corporation Padlock
CN2532201Y (en) * 2001-01-21 2003-01-22 华粤五金有限公司 Padlock capable of replacing lock hook
US7481085B2 (en) * 2006-03-16 2009-01-27 Master Lock Company Llc Padlock
DE602007005622D1 (en) * 2007-05-22 2010-05-12 Cheng-Ju Yang Cylinder lock with tumbler and key
DE102009023561A1 (en) * 2009-06-02 2010-12-09 ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG padlock

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US220637A (en) 1879-10-14 Improvement in padlocks
DE525897C (en) 1932-03-11 Heinrich Biemer Padlock with locking of the rotating sliding handle
US1154078A (en) 1915-03-08 1915-09-21 James Ross Upton Lock.
US1683985A (en) 1923-01-02 1928-09-11 Rosa S Muzzio Padlock
GB840994A (en) 1958-05-06 1960-07-13 B & G Lock & Tool Company Ltd Improvements in or relating to lock and key mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3030732A2 (en) 2016-06-15
ITFI20130193A1 (en) 2015-02-09
CN105637160A (en) 2016-06-01
CN105637160B (en) 2018-01-09
WO2015019324A3 (en) 2015-05-28
EP3030732B1 (en) 2019-05-08

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