CYLINDER FOR ACTUATION MECHANISMS

Abstract

 Cylinder (1) for actuation mechanisms comprising a main body (2) having a cavity (3), a rotating body (4) rotatably housed in said cavity (3) and having an axis of rotation (100) along a longitudinal development direction of the cylinder (1), wherein the rotating body (4) has, on a respective outer surface (5) having a longitudinal development, a groove (6) having substantially annular development centred in the axis of rotation (100) and lying on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (100), wherein the cylinder (1) comprises a blocking element (7) fixed to the main body (2) and having an engagement portion (8) which slidably engages the groove (6) of the rotating body (4).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a cylinder for actuation mechanisms.

State of the art

[0002] There are known cylinders, typically of standardized dimensions, which are coupled to actuation mechanisms, typically frame locks or other mechanisms such as switches for the control of automatic devices (e.g. motors for opening/closing gates or doors).

[0003] The cylinders for actuation mechanisms typically comprise a main body (also called stator) on which there is rotatably fixed a cam (commonly named tongue) having a protruding portion adapted to operate the actuation mechanism to which the cylinder is applied. The cam is mechanically coupled to a rotating body (commonly known as plug) housed in the main body and typically having a longitudinal seat for the insertion of the key. Each of the main body and the rotating body comprises a plurality of holes designed to house suitable elements forming part of a blocking mechanism of the cylinder (i.e. respective pins, counter-pins, and, at least in mechanical actuated cylinders, springs). A coded key for mechanical actuated cylinders typically comprises a handle and an elongated body having a section compatible with the section of the longitudinal seat of the rotating body and a toothing composed of teeth and/or depressions of various heights, which determine the coding or combination.

[0004] With the holes of the main body aligned with those of the rotating body, the insertion of the key causes a movement of each pin according to the height of a relative tooth/depression on the key. If the key has the correct coding, each pin is placed with a respective end, which contacts a respective counter-pin, at the outer circumference of the rotating body, configuration which allows the rotation of the key and of the rotating body with respect to the main body, at which corresponds the rotation of the cam which in turn, when the cylinder is inserted in the actuation mechanism, determines the actuation of the latter (for example a translation of the bolt and/or of the latch of the lock by direct or indirect actuation by the protruding portion of the cam).

[0005] A fundamental aspect of the cylinders for actuation mechanisms is the relative safety degree, i.e. the ability to withstand to break-in and/or tampering and/or extraction attempts. In particular, it is desirable that the cylinders for actuation mechanisms are able to withstand extraction attempts of the rotating body from the main body, which would disable the blocking mechanism. For example, these extraction attempts provide the insertion of a self-threading screw in the rotating body parallelly to the longitudinal direction thereof and the subsequent forced extraction (in jargon called "draw") of the rotating body along the longitudinal direction itself (i.e. the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating body).

[0006] EP2730727 and EP2535487 describe known cylinders for actuation mechanisms.

Summary of the invention

[0007] The Applicant has found that the known cylinders for actuation mechanisms have some drawbacks and/or can be improved in some aspects.

[0008] First of all, the Applicant has noted that the known cylinders for actuation mechanisms do not have an adequate security against the extraction attempts of the rotating body from the main body.

[0009] Object of the present invention is therefore providing a cylinder for actuation mechanisms which has a high degree of resistance against extraction attempts of the rotating body from the main body.

[0010] Further object is that of avoiding at the same time an increase in costs and/or in construction and/or assembly and/or installation complexity of the cylinder.

[0011] According to the Applicant the problem of realizing one or more of said objects is solved by a cylinder for actuation mechanisms according to the attached claims and/or having the following features.

[0012] According to an aspect the invention relates to a cylinder for actuation mechanisms comprising a main body having a cavity, a rotating body rotatably housed in said cavity and having an axis of rotation along a longitudinal development direction of said cylinder.

[0013] Preferably said rotating body has, on a respective outer surface having a longitudinal development, a groove having a (substantially) annular development centred in said axis of rotation and lying on a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

[0014] Preferably said cylinder comprises a blocking element (rigidly and firmly) fixed to said main body and having an engagement portion which slidably engages said groove of said rotating body.

[0015] According to the Applicant the combination of the aforesaid features, in particular the presence of the annular groove and of the blocking element fixed to the main body and having an engagement portion which slidably engages the groove, achieves a cylinder for actuation mechanisms having a high resistance against extraction attempts ("draw") of the rotating body from the main body. In fact, on one hand, the rotation of the rotating body is allowed about the axis of rotation (since the engagement portion slides along the groove), on the other hand, in case of an extraction attempt of the rotating body along the longitudinal direction, the engagement portion interferes with the transversal surface of the groove directed in accordance with the extraction direction, opposing (thanks to the fact that the blocking element is fixed, rigidly and firmly, to the main body) to the translation of the rotating body with respect to the main body.

[0016] With the term "transversal", referred to geometric elements such as straight lines, planes, etc., it is meant that such geometric elements are (substantially) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction.

[0017] The present invention includes solutions wherein the groove is only delimited by a transversal surface concordant with the extraction direction (i.e. a surface which faces towards the end of the rotating body distal to the notch and which is therefore able to oppose to an extraction force of the rotating body), lacking the opposite surface facing towards the notch. For example, the groove can simply be made by a shoulder at which the section of the rotating body increases going towards the notch, thus realizing a surface having an annular and radial development facing the other side.

[0018] The present invention in one or more of the aforesaid aspects can have one or more of the following preferred features.

[0019] Preferably the cylinder comprises an elastic stop ring (e.g. Seeger), distinct from said blocking element, fitted on a stop groove (distinct from said groove) obtained on the outer surface of the rotating body (in extremal or intermediate position) and having (substantially) annular development centred in said axis of rotation and lying on the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, wherein said stop ring has a respective surface facing a respective surface of the main body to counteract an extraction force of the rotating body directed away from a notch of the main body. The blocking element of the present invention exert a draw-proof action which is added to the draw-proof action of the stop ring, without excessive complications to the cylinder structure and particularly effective since the blocking element is fixed to the main body and not to the rotating body.

[0020] Preferably said groove is (substantially) continuous along the whole annular development. In other terms the engagement portion can freely slides in the groove against a complete turn of the rotating body.

[0021] Preferably said groove is delimited by a surface having a substantially transversal and annular development and facing towards a first end of the rotating body distal to a notch of the main body. Preferably said surface is substantially continuous along the annular development (i.e. it can be continuous or it can have interruptions along the annular development which however have a smaller width than the width of the engagement portion). In this way the contrasting action to the extraction of the rotating body takes place for any angular position of the latter.

[0022] Preferably said blocking element has a main development direction. Preferably said blocking element comprises, more preferably consists of, a pin. Preferably said engagement portion is an end portion of said pin along said respective main development direction of the blocking element. In this way the blocking element is rational and simple.

[0023] Preferably said blocking element has a section perpendicular to the respective main development direction with circular shape. In this way the blocking element can be fixed to the main body by screwing and/or a specific alignment is not required.

[0024] Preferably said engagement portion has a perpendicular section smaller than a perpendicular section of a remaining portion of said blocking element. In this way the encumbrance of the groove is reduced.

[0025] Preferably said main body comprises a seat which houses said blocking element. Preferably said seat extends with continuity from an inner surface of said cavity to an outer surface of said main body. In this way it is possible to insert the blocking element from the outside of the main body to allow the engagement portion to occupy part of the cavity. Preferably said seat has a (main) development direction which forms an angle with said longitudinal direction greater than or equal to 45°, more preferably greater than or equal to 60°, and/or less than or equal to 100°, more preferably less than or equal to 90°, said angle being turned opposite to a notch of the main body and on the side of the blocking element. When this angle is less than 90°, a possible force exerted on the rotating body during a draw extraction attempt, and transmitted to the blocking element, is decomposed and, with the same force, the stress acting on the blocking element perpendicularly to the latter is smaller with respect to a position of the blocking element perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably said (main) development direction of the seat is incident to said axis of rotation. In one embodiment the main development direction of the seat is (substantially) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, more preferably radial with respect to said axis of rotation.

[0026] Preferably said seat has a thread, more preferably is a threaded hole, and said blocking element comprises a respective thread counter-shaped to said thread of said seat, for example the blocking element is a screw. In this way the blocking element is (rigidly) fixed to said main body.

[0027] Preferably said cylinder comprises one or more additional blocking elements, each one fixed to said main body (for example angularly uniformly distributed with respect to the axis of rotation) and having an engagement portion which slidably engages said groove of said rotating body or possibly a respective additional groove of said rotating body having the same claimed features of said groove. In this way the draw-proof action is enhanced.

[0028] Preferably said blocking element and/or said one or more additional blocking elements is/are fixed to said main body by screwing, by mechanical joint or by gluing. Typically said cylinder comprises a cam rotatably fixed to the main body and (selectively) couplable to said rotating body to rotate about said axis of rotation. The cam typically serves to operate the latch and/or the bolt of the lock or an electric switch.

[0029] Typically said main body comprises a notch configured for housing a cam, said cavity being in communication with said notch. In this way the rotating body is couplable to the cam.

[0030] Typically said rotating body comprises a first end distal to said notch and a second end longitudinally opposite to the first end and proximal to said notch, wherein said second end supports at least partially said cam.

[0031] Typically said rotating body comprises a respective seat having a longitudinal development, preferably passing through the whole rotating body, shaped for the insertion of a key.

[0032] Preferably said cylinder comprises a further rotating body rotatably housed in said cavity on the opposite side of the notch with respect to said rotating body, and having a respective axis of rotation coinciding with said axis of rotation. Preferably said further rotating body has, along a respective outer surface having a longitudinal development, a further groove having a substantially annular development centred in said respective axis of rotation and lying on a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

[0033] Preferably said cylinder comprises a further blocking element fixed to said main body and having a respective engagement portion which slidably engages said further groove of said further rotating body.

[0034] Preferably said main body comprises a further seat which houses said further blocking element.

[0035] Preferably said further rotating body, said further groove of said further rotating body, said further blocking element and said further seat have one or more of the, more preferably all the, preferred features of said rotating body, said groove, said blocking element and said seat. Moreover, preferably also the further rotating body can be associated to respective one or more additional blocking elements completely similar to said additional blocking elements.

[0036] In one embodiment said main body is a single piece. Typically, also the rotating body (and possibly the further rotating body) is (respectively are) a single piece. The groove (and possibly the respective groove of the further rotating body) can be placed (in one preferred embodiment) on an end portion of the rotating body (respectively of the further rotating body) proximal to said notch or on an intermediate portion of the rotating body (further rotating body).

[0037] In one alternative embodiment said main body comprises a plurality of sub-elements arranged side by side along said longitudinal direction.

[0038] Preferably said sub-elements have a transversal section having a same contour.

[0039] Preferably said plurality of sub-elements comprises a first terminal element placed at a first longitudinal end of said cylinder and a second terminal element placed at a second longitudinal end of said cylinder opposite to the first end.

[0040] Preferably said plurality of sub-elements can further comprise one or more additional modules, each having a respective longitudinal length, interposed between said first and second terminal element. In this way, by varying the number and/or length of the additional modules, it is possible to obtain main bodies (and therefore cylinders) of different longitudinal lengths for adapting to different types and/or sizes of actuation mechanisms.

[0041] Preferably said longitudinal lengths of said additional modules belong to a discrete set of predetermined values. Preferably said discrete set of values comprises at least three values, more preferably three and no more than three values. The Applicant has in fact observed that this number of values for the longitudinal lengths of the additional modules, thanks to the possibility of combining the additional modules in various ways, is sufficient to cover a wide range of sizes of cylinder for actuation mechanisms.

[0042] Preferably said first, more preferably also said second, terminal element comprises/comprise a respective longitudinally passing terminal cavity and each of said possible one or more additional modules comprises a respective longitudinally passing additional cavity, said respective terminal cavities and said respective additional cavities being aligned to each other along said axis of rotation to form said cavity of the main body.

[0043] Preferably said first, more preferably also said second, terminal element comprises/comprise a respective rotating terminal body rotatably housed in said respective terminal cavity and each of said possible one or more additional modules comprises a respective additional rotating body rotatably housed in said respective additional cavity. Preferably each additional rotating body has a longitudinal length substantially equal to a longitudinal length of the respective additional module.

[0044] Preferably said rotating body comprises, more preferably consists of, said respective terminal rotating body of said first terminal element and a respective additional rotating body for each additional module possibly interposed between said first terminal element and said notch, said respective terminal rotating body and said additional rotating bodies being mechanically coupled to each other for integrally rotating about said axis of rotation.

[0045] Preferably each sub-element of said plurality of sub-elements comprises a respective longitudinal opening, said respective longitudinal openings being longitudinally aligned.

[0046] Preferably said main body comprises a longitudinal rod inserted into said respective longitudinal openings of the sub-elements. Preferably said longitudinal rod comprises a first and a second portion longitudinally opposite to each other, said first and second portion respectively engaging said respective longitudinal opening of the first and second terminal element. Preferably said first and second portion of the longitudinal rod also pass through (preferably in a free-way, i.e. without joint given for example by threads or shapings) said respective longitudinal openings of possible additional modules interposed between said notch and respectively said first and second terminal element. In this way it is possible to align the sub-elements along the rod by inserting them on the latter and fixing them together.

[0047] Preferably said respective longitudinal openings of the possible additional modules are longitudinally through and said respective longitudinal openings of the first and second terminal elements are blind and mutually facing. In this way the additional modules can be inserted on the rod and the first and second terminal elements perform the function of stroke-ends.

[0048] Preferably said first terminal element comprises at least partially said seat.

[0049] Preferably said thread of the seat is obtained in said first terminal element in proximity to said cavity. Preferably said thread of said blocking element is obtained in a portion of the blocking element adjacent to said engagement portion. In this way it is possible to fix the blocking element to the first terminal element.

[0050] Preferably said second terminal element comprises at least partially said further seat. Preferably said longitudinal rod comprises a first through opening at a first longitudinal end thereof, said first through opening being preferably aligned to, and forming part of, said seat. Preferably said longitudinal rod comprises a second through opening at a second longitudinal end thereof, said second through opening preferably being aligned to, and forming part of, said further seat. Preferably said blocking element passes through said first through opening of the longitudinal rod to fix said longitudinal rod to the first terminal element. Preferably said further blocking element passes through said second through opening of the longitudinal rod to fix said longitudinal rod to the second terminal element. In this way the blocking element (and the further blocking element) engaging the seat (and the further seat) also engages (engage) the first (and the second) through opening of the longitudinal rod, fixing the corresponding terminal element and the rod itself to each other, also fixing in position the possibly present additional modules. The blocking element performs the double function of fixing the assembly of the sub-elements and the function of draw-proof, without therefore introducing excessive complications.

[0051] Preferably said first (and possibly said second) through opening of said longitudinal rod comprises (comprise) a respective interfering surface.

[0052] Preferably said blocking element (and possibly said further blocking element) comprises (comprise) a head placed opposite to said engagement portion (respectively to said respective engagement portion) with respect to said main development direction and having an abutment surface in contact with said interfering surface. In this way the blocking element (and possibly the further blocking element), which is (are) coupled to the main body by the threading, fixes (fix) the first (and the second) terminal element to the longitudinal rod keeping them in mutual thrust.

Brief description of the drawings

[0053] The characteristics and the advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by the following detailed description of some embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example of the present invention, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cylinder for actuation mechanisms according to the present invention;

figure 2 shows a perspective view of a longitudinal section of the cylinder of figure 1; figure 3 shows an exploded view of the cylinder of figure 1;

figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cylinder for actuation mechanisms according to the present invention;

figure 5 shows a perspective view of a longitudinal section of the cylinder of figure 4; figure 6 shows an exploded view of the cylinder of figure 4.

Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention

[0054] The present invention includes any type of cylinder for actuation mechanisms, for example whole cylinder (i.e. formed by two half-cylinders, wherein the key can be inserted from the two sides into two respective rotating bodies, as shown below in two different embodiments) or half cylinder (not shown, wherein the key is insertable in a rotating body present only on one side), classic (wherein the presence of the key at one side prevents the actuation from the other side, as exemplarily shown) or disengaging (not shown, wherein it is possible to actuate the cylinder with a key at one side even in presence of a key inserted in the other side), purely mechanical (as in the examples shown) or with (only or also) automatic actuation (for example equipped with an electric motor for the unlock), and of any shape, such as for example the European cylinder shape exemplarily shown below, or, not shown, oval, round, etc.

[0055] Exemplarily in the figures the reference number 1 indicates a cylinder for actuating mechanisms comprising a main body 2 having a cavity 3.

[0056] The cylinder comprises, at a first half-cylinder, a rotating body 4 rotatably housed in the cavity 3 and having an axis of rotation 100 along a longitudinal development direction of said cylinder 1.

[0057] Exemplarily the rotating body 4 comprises a respective seat 14 having a longitudinal development passing through the whole rotating body and shaped for the insertion of a coded key (not shown). The blocking mechanism of the cylinder will not be described and/or illustrated since it is of a known type.

[0058] Exemplarily the rotating body 4 has, on a respective outer surface 5 having a longitudinal development, a groove 6 having an annular development centred in the axis of rotation 100 and lying on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 100.

[0059] Exemplarily the cylinder 1 comprises a blocking element 7 rigidly fixed (without degrees of freedom) to the main body 2 and having an engagement portion 8 which slidably engages the groove 6 of the rotating body 4 (figures 2 and 5).

[0060] Exemplarily the cylinder 1 comprises a cam 11 rotatably fixed to the main body 2 and couplable, typically selectively, to the rotating body 4 for integrally rotating about the axis of rotation 100 with the rotating body. The cam serves to actuate the mechanism, not shown, to which the cylinder (e.g. the latch and/or the bolt of a lock) is applied, for example as known.

[0061] Exemplarily the main body 2 comprises a notch 15 configured for housing the cam 11, the cavity 3 being in communication with the notch 15.

[0062] Exemplarily the rotating body 4 comprises a first end 12 distal to the notch 15 and a second end 13 longitudinally opposite to the first end 12 and proximal to the notch 15, wherein the second end 13 at least partially supports the cam 11.

[0063] Exemplarily the groove 6 is substantially continuous along the whole annular development and it is delimited by a surface 45 having a substantially transversal and annular development and facing towards the first end 12 of the rotating body 4 distal to the notch 15 of the main body 2. Exemplarily the surface 45 is substantially continuous along the annular development. For example the surface 45 has an interruption (cut visible in fig. 3 corresponding to the longitudinal seat obtained in the rotating body for the insertion of a key) along the annular development of width smaller than the width of the engagement portion 8 such as not to allow the exit of the engagement portion 8 from the groove 6 along the longitudinal direction.

[0064] Exemplarily the blocking element 7 is formed by a pin having a respective main development direction 102 and the engagement portion 8 is an end portion of the pin along the respective main development direction 102.

[0065] Exemplarily the main body 2 comprises a seat 10 shaped for housing the blocking element 7 and which extends continuously from an inner surface of the cavity 3 to an outer surface of the main body 2 (figures 2 and 5). In the embodiments shown in the figures the seat 10 has a main development direction which coincides with the main development direction 102 of the blocking element 7 and which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (an angle 46 included between the main development direction 102 and the longitudinal direction is straight) and radial with respect to the axis of rotation 100.

[0066] Exemplarily the seat 10 is a threaded hole, wherein the thread, not shown, is in proximity of the cavity 3, and the blocking element 7 is a screw with a variable circular section, wherein the thread (not shown) is counter-shaped to the thread of the seat (10) and adjacent to the engagement portion 8.

[0067] The engagement portion can have any shape, for example circular (as shown), or square, spherical cap, etc.

[0068] Exemplarily the cylinder 1 comprises, at a second half-cylinder, a further rotating body 16 rotatably housed in the cavity 3 on opposite side of the cam 11 with respect to the rotating body 4, and having a respective axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of rotation 100 of the rotating body 4. Exemplarily the further rotating body 16 has, along a respective outer surface 17 having a longitudinal development, a further groove 18 similar to the groove 6, i.e. having an annular development centred in the respective axis of rotation and lying on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 100.

[0069] Exemplarily the cylinder 1 comprises a further blocking element 19 fixed to the main body 2 and equal to the blocking element 7, i.e. having a respective engagement portion 20 which slidably engages the further groove 18 of the further rotating body 16. Exemplarily the main body 2 comprises a further seat 21 shaped for housing the further blocking element 19, exactly equal to the seat 10.

[0070] The illustrated examples show, for each half-cylinder, a single blocking element and a single seat, the latter obtained in the elongated portion of the main body. However, the present invention includes, for each half-cylinder, any number of blocking elements and respective seats, with any positioning of the respective development direction, for example, not shown, at the cylindrical portion of the main body (i.e. at the rotating body).

[0071] In one embodiment, not shown, the blocking element is a pin inserted in a respective seat of the main body tangentially to the groove of the rotating body, for example perpendicularly to the direction 102 shown in the figures.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in figures 1, 2 and 3, the main body 2 is a single piece and also the rotating body 4 and the further rotating body 16 are respectively a single piece, symmetrically equal to each other. Exemplarily the groove 6 of the rotating body 4 and the further groove 18 of the further rotating body 16 are respectively placed on a respective end portion proximal to the cam 11.

[0073] In the alternative embodiment shown in figures 4, 5 and 6, the cylinder is of the modular type, i.e. it can be variously assembled by means of modules for varying the overall longitudinal length of the cylinder.

[0074] The main body 2 comprises a plurality of sub-elements 22 arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction and having a transversal section having the same contour.

[0075] As exemplarily shown, the plurality of sub-elements 22 comprises a first terminal element 23 placed at a first longitudinal end 24 of the cylinder 1 and a second terminal element 25 placed at a second longitudinal end 26 of the cylinder opposite to the first end 24. Exemplarily the first terminal element 23 partially comprises the seat 10 and the second terminal element 25 partially comprises the further seat 21.

[0076] In the example shown in the figures, the plurality of sub-elements 22 further comprises four additional modules 27, each having a respective longitudinal length, interposed between the first 23 and the second terminal element 25, and distributed at the two sides of the cam 11. Exemplarily the longitudinal lengths of the additional modules 27 belong to a discrete set of predetermined values, comprising three and not more than three values, exemplarily equal to 5mm, 10mm and 20mm. In the figures it is shown by way of example a main body having two additional modules of 5mm at opposite sides of the cam 11, one of 10mm and one of 20mm.

[0077] Exemplarily the first 23 and the second terminal element 25 comprise a respective longitudinally passing terminal cavity 28 and each of the additional modules 27 comprises a respective longitudinally passing additional cavity 29; the respective terminal cavities 28 and the respective additional cavities 29 are aligned with each other along the axis of rotation 100 to form the cavity 3 of the main body 2.

[0078] Exemplarily the first 23 and the second terminal element 25 comprise a respective terminal rotating body 30 rotatably housed in the respective terminal cavity 28 and each of the additional modules 27 comprises a respective additional rotating body 31 rotatably housed in the respective additional cavity 29 and having a substantially longitudinal length equal to a longitudinal length of the respective additional module 27.

[0079] Exemplarily the rotating body 4 is constituted by the terminal rotating body 30 of the first terminal element 23 and by the three respective additional rotating bodies 31 of the additional modules 27 interposed between the first terminal element 23 and the cam 11, the respective terminal rotating body 30 and the additional rotating bodies 31 being mechanically coupled to each other for integrally rotating about the axis of rotation 100.

[0080] Exemplarily each sub-element 22 comprises a respective longitudinal opening 32. Advantageously, the longitudinal openings 32 are all longitudinally aligned between each other. Exemplarily the respective longitudinal openings 32 of the additional modules 27 are longitudinally through and the respective longitudinal openings 32 of the first 23 and of the second terminal element 25 are blind and mutually facing.

[0081] Exemplarily the main body 2 comprises a longitudinal rod 33 inserted in the respective longitudinal openings 32 of the sub-elements 22 and which comprises a first 34 and a second portion 35 longitudinally opposite, the first 34 and the second portion 35 respectively engaging the respective longitudinal opening 32 of the first 23 and of the second terminal element 25. Exemplarily the first 34 and second portion 35 of the longitudinal rod 33 further engage the respective longitudinal openings 32 of the additional modules 27 interposed between the cam 11 and respectively the first 23 and second terminal element 25. The first 34 and the second portion 35 of the rod 33 are separated from each other by a further portion 36 of the rod 33 having larger transversal section and placed at the notch 15.

[0082] Exemplarily the longitudinal rod 33 comprises a first through opening 37 at a first longitudinal end thereof, the first through opening 37 being aligned with and forming part of the seat 10. Exemplarily, the longitudinal rod 33 comprises a second through opening 38 at a second longitudinal end thereof, the second through opening 38 being aligned with, and forming part of, the further seat 21. Exemplarily the blocking element 7 passes through the first through opening 37 of the longitudinal rod 33 and the further blocking element 19 passes through the second through opening 38 of the longitudinal rod 33.

[0083] Exemplarily the first 37 and the second through opening 38 of the longitudinal rod 33 comprise a respective interfering surface 39 (visible in figure 5).

[0084] Exemplarily the blocking element 7 and the further blocking element 19 comprise a head 40 placed opposite to the respective engagement portion 8 and 20 with respect to the main development direction 102 and having an abutment surface in contact with the interfering surface 39, to constitute an end-stroke for the respective blocking element when pulled by means of the thread.

[0085] The cylinder 1 further comprises, housed at least partially inside the cavity 3, two butterfly bodies 43 (held together by an inner cylinder) for selectively coupling the rotating bodies to the cam and contact elements 42 for transmitting a thrust force from the key to the butterfly bodies. Furthermore, the cylinder 1 comprises for each half-cylinder a respective elastic stop ring 44, metallic and open, e.g. of the "Seeger" type, which engages a stop groove obtained on the respective second end 13 of the rotating body 4 and of the further rotating body 16. The aforesaid elements and their functionalities are not herein described since commonly known.

Claims

1. Cylinder (1) for actuation mechanisms comprising a main body (2) having a cavity (3), a rotating body (4) rotatably housed in said cavity (3) and having an axis of rotation (100) along a longitudinal development direction of said cylinder (1), wherein said rotating body (4) has, on a respective outer surface (5) having a longitudinal development, a groove (6) having a substantially annular development centred in said axis of rotation (100) and lying on a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation (100), wherein said cylinder (1) comprises a blocking element (7) fixed to said main body (2) and having an engagement portion (8) which slidably engages said groove (6) of said rotating body (4).

2. Cylinder (1) according to claim 1, wherein said groove (6) is continuous along said whole annular development and wherein said groove (6) is delimited by a surface (45) having a substantially transversal and annular development and facing towards a first end (12) of the rotating body (4) distal to a notch (15) of the main body (2), said surface (45) being substantially continuous along the annular development.

3. Cylinder (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said blocking element (7) has a main development direction (102), wherein said blocking element (7) comprises, preferably consists of, a pin, wherein said engagement portion (8) is an end portion of said pin along said respective main development direction (102) of the blocking element (7).

4. Cylinder (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said main body (2) comprises a seat (10) which houses said blocking element (7), wherein said seat (10) has a thread and said blocking element (7) comprises a respective thread counter-shaped to said thread of the seat (10), wherein said seat (10) extends with continuity from an inner surface of said cavity (3) to an outer surface of said main body (2), wherein said seat (10) has a main development direction (102) which forms an angle (46) with said longitudinal direction greater than or equal to 45°, and/or less than or equal to 100°, said angle (46) being turned opposite to a notch (15) of the main body (2) and on the side of the blocking element (7), and wherein the main development direction (102) is incident, and substantially perpendicular, to said axis of rotation (100).

5. Cylinder (1) according to any one of the previous claims, comprising one or more additional blocking elements, each one fixed to said main body (2) and having an engagement portion which slidably engages said groove (6) of said rotating body (4) or possibly a respective additional groove of said rotating body having the same claimed features of said groove (6).

6. Cylinder (1) according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a further rotating body (16) rotatably housed in said cavity (3) on the opposite side of a notch (15) with respect to said rotating body (4), and having a respective axis of rotation coinciding with said axis of rotation (100), wherein said further rotating body (16) has, along a respective outer surface (17) having a longitudinal development, a further groove (18) having a substantially annular development centred in said respective axis of rotation and lying on a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation (100), wherein said cylinder (1) comprises a further blocking element (19) fixed to said main body (2) and having a respective engagement portion (20) which slidably engages said further groove (18) of said further rotating body (16), wherein said main body (2) comprises a further seat (21) which houses said further blocking element (19).

7. Cylinder (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said main body (2) is a single piece, wherein said rotating body (4) is a single piece, and wherein said groove (6) is placed on an end portion of the rotating body (4) proximal to a notch (15).

8. Cylinder (1) according to any one of claims from 1 to 6, wherein said main body (2) comprises a plurality of sub-elements (22) arranged side by side along said longitudinal direction, wherein said plurality of sub-elements (22) comprises a first terminal element (23) placed at a first longitudinal end (24) of said cylinder and a second terminal element (25) placed at a second longitudinal end (26) of said cylinder opposite to the first end (24), wherein each sub-element (22) of said plurality of sub-elements (22) comprises a respective longitudinal opening (32), said respective longitudinal openings (32) being longitudinally aligned, wherein said main body (2) comprises a longitudinal rod (33) inserted into said respective longitudinal openings (32) of the sub-elements (22), wherein said longitudinal rod (33) comprises a first (34) and a second portion (35) longitudinally opposite to each other, said first (34) and second portion (35) respectively engaging said respective longitudinal opening (32) of the first (23) and second terminal element (25), wherein said longitudinal rod (33) comprises a first through opening (37) at a first longitudinal end thereof and wherein said blocking element (7) passes through said first through opening (37) of the longitudinal rod (33).

9. Cylinder (1) according to claims 4, 6 and 8, wherein said first terminal element (23) comprises at least partially said seat (10), wherein said second terminal element (25) comprises at least partially said further seat (21), wherein said first through opening (37) of the longitudinal rod (33) is aligned with, and forms part of, said seat (10), wherein said longitudinal rod (33) comprises a second through opening (38) at a second longitudinal end thereof, said second through opening (38) being aligned to, and forming part of, said further seat (21), wherein said further blocking element (19) passes through said second through opening (38) of the longitudinal rod (33), wherein said first (37) and said second through opening (38) of said longitudinal rod (33) comprise a respective interfering surface (39), wherein said blocking element (7) and said further blocking element (19) comprise a head (40) placed opposite to said respective engagement portion (8, 20) with respect to said respective main development direction (102) and having an abutment surface in contact with said interfering surface.

10. Cylinder (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said plurality of sub-elements (22) further comprises one or more additional modules (27), each having a respective longitudinal length, interposed between said first (23) and second terminal element (25), wherein said longitudinal lengths of said additional modules (27) belong to a discrete set of predetermined values and wherein said discrete set of values comprises at least three values, wherein said respective longitudinal openings (32) of said additional modules (27) are longitudinally through openings and wherein said first (34) and second portion (35) of the longitudinal rod (33) also pass through said respective longitudinal openings (32) of the additional modules (27) interposed between a notch (15) and respectively said first (23) and second terminal element (25).

Drawing