The present invention relates to locking devices, and in particular, to electrical mechanical locking devices.
Electromechanical locking devices are known and include electrically interfaced or controlled release mechanisms for operating a lock cylinder. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,398 discloses an electronic locking system comprising a lock cylinder with a rotatable plug located therein. An electronically activated release assembly is provided which selectively disengages a locking pin from the plug to allow turning of the key to rotate the plug relative to the cylinder. The lock cylinder and key each include an electronic memory device containing keying system codes. Upon insertion of the key the release mechanism disengages the locking pin from the plug to allow its rotation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,777 discloses another type of electromechanical cylinder lock having a blocking pin and an electromagnetic solenoid in the cylinder plug. The blocking pin extends into a recess in the cylinder shell, and is retracted upon actuation of the solenoid by a microprocessor in the key.
One benefit of including electronic control features in locks is that an electronic record can be kept of lock usage. Also, electronic control features in locks provides for the ability to have increased keying codes for operating the lock. For example, information can be stored in the lock and/or key such that the locking mechanism is activated in response to detecting and/or exchanging data. As the information stored in the components may be altered, it is possible to vary the keying codes without changing the system hardware. In contrast, changing the mechanical keying codes in a purely mechanical lock typically requires forming a new key with different bitting surfaces, a more involved process than reprogramming electronic components of an electromechanical lock.
Nitinol Wire (also known as ‘Muscle Wire’ or ‘Memory Wire’) is a thin strand of a special shape memory alloy composed primarily of Nickel (Ni) and Titanium (Ti). Nitinol Wire will shorten in length after receiving an electrical signal, or heated by other means. Nitinol wire returns to its original length the electrical signal is removed and/or cooled.
What is needed is an improved electrical mechanical locking device.
The present invention provides an electrical mechanical locking device. A lock has an outer shell with an indentation. An inner body is rotatably housed within the outer shell. A contact pin is connected to the inner body. A printed circuit board frame is rigidly connected to the inner body. A printed circuit board is attached to the printed circuit board frame. A driver arm support bracket is rigidly connected to the printed circuit board frame. A lock microprocessor is connected to the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the contact pin. The lock microprocessor is connected to a key identification code verification database. An electrical actuator is electrically connected to the lock microprocessor. A driver arm is pivotally connected to the driver arm support bracket. The electrical actuator is connected to the driver arm. A jam plate is connected to the driver arm. A jam plate return spring is connected to the jam plate and the printed circuit board frame. A locking pin is covered by the jam plate and inserted into the outer shell indentation when the electrical mechanical device is locked. When the electrical mechanical device is unlocked the locking pin is not covered by the jam plate and rises clear of the indentation. A powered key includes a key microprocessor. A battery power source is electrically connected to the key microprocessor. The key microprocessor has access to key database that includes a programmable key identification code for identifying the key. The key also includes a contact tip for insertion into the lock and for making electrical contact with the lock contact pin. In a preferred embodiment the electrical actuator is a nitinol wire.
In the locked position, locking pin 11 is inserted into indentation 25 (
To unlock lock 20 the user inserts key 30 into lock 20 as shown in
As key 30 is inserted into lock 20, contact tip 33 makes contact with contact pin 24. Contact pin 24 is surrounded and insulated by insulator 25 (
Power is transmitted to nitinol wire 23 from microprocessor 21 (
As shown in
Once jam plate 48 is no longer covering locking pin 11, the user is able to turn key 30. The turning of key 30 causes lower inner body 12 to also turn (
To place lock 20 in the locked position the user turns key 30 (
As the user turns key 30 from the unlocked position to the locked position, locking pin 11 moves from the position shown in
It should be noted that driver arm 29 rotates clockwise so that it moves jam plate 48 to the right and away from lock face 38 (
In a preferred embodiment tabs 12B engage with notches 2B to rigidly hold inner body 2 connected to lower inner body 12 (see also
It is also possible to utilize a flexible drive arm 29. This will prevent unwanted strain being applied to the wire. This will prevent breakage or stretching of nitinol wire 23 in the event jam plate 48 becomes stuck or jammed (see
In another preferred embodiment rather than nitinol wire 23, electrical actuator 103 may be utilized to move jam plate 48 (
It should be noted that the inner assembly of lock 20 is very compact with few moving parts, and is very modular. Also in a preferred embodiment, as an additional security feature no magnetic parts are used for the internal mechanisms of lock 20. Prior art locks are usually affected by magnets. Also it should be noted that there is no power source in lock 20, rather the power is supplied by the key as it is inserted. This is preferable because there are therefore no requirements to recharge or change a power source in lock 20.
Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should determine the scope of the invention.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20160281389 A1 | Sep 2016 | US |