A cam, in the context of a cylindrical lock, refers to a component that is often part of the locking mechanism. Cylindrical locks are commonly used in doors and cabinets and are designed for relatively straightforward installation and operation. The cam is an integral part of the locking mechanism that interacts with the key, allowing the lock to be engaged or disengaged.
Here's how it works:
Key Insertion: When you insert the correct key into a cylindrical lock, the ridges and valleys of the key align with the corresponding pins or tumblers within the lock's cylinder.
Rotating the Cylinder: When you turn the key, the cylinder, which contains the pins or tumblers, also turns. This rotation is what you feel when you turn a key in a lock.
Cam Interaction: The cam is connected to the back of the cylinder. As the cylinder turns due to the key's action, the cam also turns. Depending on the design of the lock, the cam's movement can have different effects.
Locking and Unlocking: The movement of the cam can engage or disengage the locking mechanism. For instance, in a door lock, turning the key might cause the cam to push or pull on a latch, retracting it from the strike plate and allowing the door to be opened. Conversely, turning the key in the opposite direction could engage the latch and lock the door.
Cams can have various shapes and configurations to suit different types of locks and their specific requirements. They are crucial for translating the turning motion of the key into the desired action of locking or unlocking the device.
