The disclosure relates in general to locks, and more particularly, to a core lock that is configured to provide electronic locking and unlocking of a lock. While not limited thereto, such a lock is well suited for use in association with furniture and cabinets, including as a retrofit to existing furniture and cabinets. Of course, the lock is not limited to such use or to such a field of use, and the foregoing is solely for purposes of example.
Many cabinets, desks, and other storage applications utilize locks that include a shell mounted on the door or cabinet, and an insertable and removable lock core that plugs into the shell. The shell not only houses the core, but also attaches to a driver for accomplishing the locking and unlocking function when rotated. The lock core acts to lock the driver in place when there is no key inserted in the lock core due to lock core tumblers that protrude into the shell to restrict the lock core and driver from rotation.
When the correct key is inserted in the lock core, the protruding tumblers move with respect to the cuts in the key blade and no longer protrude into the shell and no longer restrict rotation of the lock core. As the lock core is turned by the user rotating the key, drive serves to drive a cam or locking bar to the unlocked position.
Such systems are ubiquitous, however, there are nevertheless drawbacks. For example, such systems typically have a vast number of different tumbler configurations, and corresponding keys associated with each such different tumbler configuration. As a result, a supplier must include a relatively large supply of spare locks, tumblers and keys to match those that are out in the field. Additionally, the removal and replacement of such locks (necessitated by the changing of the duty of a piece of furniture, dismissal of an employee, loss of a set of keys, etcetera) is very time consuming and labor intensive.
The disclosure is directed to a lock. The lock includes a housing assembly, an actuatable lock assembly and a latching assembly. The housing assembly defines a cavity. The actuatable lock assembly is associated with the housing. The actuatable lock assembly is positionable in at least a closed orientation and an open orientation.
The latching assembly further includes a latch, a cam and a motor. The latch is positioned within the cavity of the housing assembly. The latch is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the actuatable lock assembly is maintained in the closed orientation. In the unlocked position, the actuatable lock assembly is positionable into an open orientation. The latch has a cam profile. The cam is rotatably mounted within the cavity of the housing assembly. The cam has a first follower configured to intermittently coact with the cam profile of the latch, to, in turn, move the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position. The motor is coupled to the cam. Actuation of the motor causes rotation of the cam, and, in turn, movement of the latch between the locked and the unlocked position.
In some configurations, the actuatable lock assembly further includes a knob movable relative to the housing assembly. In some such configurations, the knob is positionable between an open orientation and a closed orientation through at least one of rotating about an axis, translating in an up and down or right and left configuration, and movement inward and outward. In some such configurations, the knob rotates about an axis spaced apart from the latch.
In some configurations, the actuatable lock assembly further includes a notch positioned therealong. The latch includes a portion selectively insertable into the notch when the latch is positioned in the locked position, thereby precluding movement of the actuatable lock assembly into the unlocked position.
In some configurations, the actuatable lock assembly further includes at least one ball and a biasing member, interfacing with the actuatable lock assembly. The at least one ball and biasing member facilitating alignment of the actuatable lock assembly relative to the housing assembly. In some such configurations, the ball is associated with the actuatable lock assembly. The spring biasing the ball against the actuatable lock assembly and interfacing with the housing.
In some configurations, the latch is one of slidably and rotatable movable relative to the housing between a locked and unlocked position.
In some configurations, the latch is slidably movable relative to the housing along an axis that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the cam.
In some configurations, rotation of the motor in a first direction directs the latch toward the unlocked position. Additionally, rotation of the motor in a second direction directs the latch toward the locked position.
In some configurations, the latch further includes a second cam profile disposed thereon. The cam further includes a second follower configured to engage the second cam profile.
In some such configurations, the cam profile and the second cam profile are each substantially parallel to each other so as to define a longitudinal channel therebetween. The cam further including a body having a first side and a second side. The first follower extends from the first side of the body. The second follower extends from the second side of the body. The first follower interfaces with the cam profile. The second follower interfaces with the second cam profile. The body of the cam is positioned at least partially within the longitudinal channel.
In some such configurations, the longitudinal channel defines an axis of slidable movement of the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position.
In some such configurations the cam profile includes a first slot, a second slot and a third slot. A first ridge is defined between the first slot and the second slot. A second ridge is defined between the second slot and the third slot.
In some configurations, a width of the second slot is at least as wide as the first follower. When the first follower engages the second slot, further rotation thereof slidably moves the latch.
In some such configurations, the second follower further includes a first ramp and a second ramp, with a peak positioned therebetween, and the peak of the second follower substantially corresponds to the second slot of the first cam profile.
In some configurations, the housing assembly is attachable to one of the group consisting of doors, drawers, cabinets, pantries, desks, credenzas, cabinets and wardrobes. For example, the housing assembly may be directly attached to such structures or may be indirectly associated with such structures. Of course, the housing assembly is not limited to attachment to such structures.
In some configurations, upon actuation of the motor, from either the locked or the unlocked position, the cam rotates through an initial arcuate distance prior to imparting a force upon the cam follower to move the latch toward the other of the locked or unlocked position.
In some configurations, the lock further includes an electronic control assembly electrically coupled to the motor, configured to control the same, and an input device associated with the housing assembly. The input device allows a user to provide an authorizing signal to the electronic control assembly to direct the motor to initiate rotation thereof.
In some configurations, the lock further includes a latch position sensor associated with the electronic control assembly. The latch position sensor determines the position of the latch in at least one of the locked position and unlocked position.
The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.
It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to
Referring again to
As set forth above, it is contemplated that the lock of the present embodiment be suitable for use in association with furniture. Traditionally, the portion of the furniture that includes a lock has generally a dimension (either a length or a width, typically) that is only slightly larger than the lock body and necessary opening therefore. Generally, such a dimension is on the order of one inch or the like. Thus, it is preferred that the lock have a housing assembly that is one inch or less in width (or length when mounted in another direction) so as to be mountable on such a surface without a portion thereof overhanging the surface. As such, the lock of the present disclosure is sized so as to fit into most of the cabinets and furniture presently manufactured, without requiring any changes or redesign of the cabinet or furniture. Additionally, such a design allows for the retrofitting of existing cabinets and furniture. It will be understood that the lock is not limited to use in association with cabinets or furniture, and that such use is merely utilized for purposes of illustration. It is further contemplated, that to achieve the one inch dimension, the diameter of the cavity 32 is 0.93 inches, the diameter of the knob is 0.97 inches, with the thickness of the housing assembly being 0.39 inches and the thickness including the knob is 0.70 inches. Additionally, it is contemplated that the motor is 0.61 inches in length and 0.32 inches in width. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the battery have a diameter of 0.79 inches and a thickness of 0.13 inches.
The top 28 includes a recessed portion 31 which is configured to receive a keypad or other input device thereon. In one embodiment, the input device may comprise a number pad having a plurality of discrete numbers thereon. The number pad may include an outer perimeter and a thickness that is well suited for fitting into the recessed portion. In the embodiment shown, the recessed portion extends over much of the top 28 between the first side and the second side. The recessed portion may include an opening which provides for the passage of wiring or other electrical connectors that provides electrical communication between the input device and the rest of the electronic control assembly.
At or near the first end 20 of the housing assembly 12, the actuatable lock region 32 is positioned. The actuatable lock region 32 comprises an annular cavity having a base 50 and an upstand wall 52. The base 50 includes a central opening 37 and may include other structures and openings therearound. The central opening 37 is configured for the passage of the portions of the actuatable lock assembly 14 and to link structures thereof on either side of the base 50. For example, in the embodiment shown, four generally round chamfered openings (configured to receive fasteners) are disposed about the central opening in a generally uniformly spaced apart orientation. Additionally, four slot like openings are positioned in the space therebetween.
The upstanding wall 52 is a generally annular wall having a latch opening 54 extending therein providing communication between the cavity of the actuatable lock region with the main body cavity 34. In addition, wall surface variations or indentations may be presented to match with the four slot like openings that are defined in the base. These may comprise detents that cooperate with spring loaded balls or the like incorporated into the knob 70 (
In the embodiment shown, the upstanding wall extends from the base 50 to the top 28, and is generally perpendicular to the top 28 as well as the base 50 of the actuatable lock region 32. Additionally, the second end 22 of the housing assembly 12 may have a configuration that generally matches the upstand wall 52.
Referring now to
The battery opening 46 is positioned at the second end 22 of the housing assembly and provides ingress to the main body cavity 34. In the embodiment shown, the opening generally has a rectangular cross-sectional configuration that substantially matches the cross-sectional configuration of the main body opening. A flange may extend from the battery opening at the bottom 30 of the housing assembly. The flange includes a plurality of openings that are configured for the receipt of pins or fasteners and the like.
With reference to
The outer region 62 includes a body configuration that fits over the flange and substantially matches the shape of the housing assembly 12 at the first end 20 thereof. The outer region includes an opening which corresponds to one of the openings on the flange 48 so as to allow coupling of the two components with a fastener such as a screw or nut. The removable cap 38 may be positioned over the top of the outer region so as to cover the fastener. In this manner, one must first remove the removable cap to have access to the fastener for disconnecting of the battery housing 36 and, in turn, the battery, from the housing assembly 12, toward removal thereof.
The configuration of the battery housing has a number of functions and advantages. In particular, the battery housing grips and holds the battery, aligns the battery as the battery is inserted into the lock enclosure and insures that the battery makes a proper and secure connection to the contacts of the electronic control assembly. The battery housing additionally helps secure the battery position into the enclosure as it is seated into the enclosure. The battery housing provides means for gripping and withdrawing the battery from the lock enclosure when the changing of the battery is necessary. Advantageously, with the battery housing shown, such a replacement can be achieved without the use of a tool (i.e., tweezers and the like). Furthermore, the battery housing allows for a surface for securing the battery into the lock enclosure with a fastener, and the cap provides a cover for the fastener.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The dependent skirt 82 extends annularly around the knob 70 below the outside surface 80. The dependent skirt 82 includes axial notch 84 which extends radially inward from the surface of the dependent skirt. The axial notch, as will be explained, is sized so as to receive the distal end of the latch of the latching assembly. The axial notch 84 is defined by two inwardly sloped surfaces, namely, first surface 83 and second surface 85, which meet at vertex 86. In the embodiment shown, the two sloped surfaces are angled relative to each other, defining an angle therebetween. While a number of variations are contemplated, at the dependent skirt, the axial notch defines an approximately 48° arc along the dependent skirt. The vertex 86, in the embodiment shown, comprises a line that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the knob 70 within the cavity of the housing assembly. The surfaces 83, 85 are generally convex surfaces that are configured to shape matingly engage with the distal end of the latch, so that when the knob is turned, the surfaces 83 and/or 85 urge the latch out of the axial notch.
Of course, other configurations are contemplated for the axial notch, which may be paired with a latch having a particular configuration for the distal end thereof. Additionally, it will be understood that even with a configuration like that which is shown in the preferred embodiment, the angle and the length of the axial notch can be varied to achieve a different imparting of force against the distal end of the latch. It will be understood that the knob can be, depending on the embodiment, rotated clockwise or counterclockwise differing degrees of rotation to complete the operation. For example, it may be desirable to have the knob turn 90° or 180° in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to achieve the desired operation, however other degrees of rotation are likewise contemplated. Additionally, it is contemplated that the knob includes a plurality of axial notches, such as, for example, two axial notches that are spaced apart (i.e., 90° from each other). In such an embodiment, the blocker can operate in either position of the knob. In one example, such as for a locker application, when the door is unlocked and the knob is moved to the open position, the latch can enter the second axial notch and then the blocker can be moved to a locked configuration. As such, the lock is essentially locked in the unlocked configuration. This provides locking ability in more than one configuration of the knob (and, the associated actuatable lock assembly). One example of such a knob 70 is shown in
The knob 70 may be coupled to the lock driver 72 (
The lock driver 72 is shown in greater detail in
The lock spacer 74 is positionable along the lock driver and couples to the furniture bushing 77 while allowing adjustment to compensate for slight variations in the depth of the furniture bushing. The lock spacer includes a tumbler flange which is configured to engage the furniture bushing to allow relative rotative movement while precluding axial movement of the lock relative to the furniture bushing. More particularly, the spacer flange serves to fit into the grooves in the bushing that will interlock into the flange and into the grooves in the housing. With such a configuration, in the event that someone applies a force to the external housing, the force will be transferred from the housing to the spacer and to the furniture bushing, but not to the lock driver, therefore maintaining the security of the lock. This is due to the free rotation of the spacer around the driver. Additionally, the spacer precludes radial movement.
Referring now to
With reference to
The first cam profile 120 includes first slot 150, second slot 152, and third slot 154. A first ridge 151 is defined between the first slot 150 and the second slot 152. A second ridge 153 is defined between the second slot 152 and the third slot 154. In the embodiment shown, the first slot 150 is formed on the outside of the first ridge 151, however, provides a single sided slot function. The second cam profile 122 includes first ramp 156, second ramp 158 and peak 159 positioned therebetween.
In the embodiment shown, the blocker comprises a metal member, such as zinc or the like. Of course, other materials are contemplated. It will be understood that the blocker is the component that precludes latch movement in the event that the knob is attempted to be rotated in the locked position so as to defeat the lock. As such, the latch engagement body 124 may comprise a solid member that provides the necessary strength to overcome the forces that may be exerted against the knob and, in turn, the latch.
With reference to
It is contemplated that other cam profiles and other cam follower configurations may be utilized to achieve the intermittent interaction therebetween, to, translate the blocker along the blocker channel between a blocking position and a released position. It is further contemplated that the position of the two cam profiles can be swapped. Additionally, the blocker may have a alternate configurations for the first cam profile or the second cam profile. For example, additional slots may be presented, and corresponding ridges to increase the stroke of the blocker movement through additional rotation and interaction with the cam, if necessary.
Referring now to
The latch position sensor 174 is positioned in an orientation that is in a close relationship with position flange 115 (
It will further be understood that a position sensor can be configured to sense the position of the latch, which in turn, provides indirect feedback to detect at least two positions of the knob. Alternatively, a sensor can also detect one or more flags directly on the knob to detect at least two positions on the knob. The position sensor, it is contemplated may be of the optical type. To prolong the life of the battery, it is contemplated that the sensor intermittently detects the position and a change in position (i.e., a few milli-seconds every 1-2 second period). Of course, the sensor can be configured for a different intermittent interval, or may be configured for a continuous or generally continuous sensing.
In operation of the preferred embodiment, the lock is disposed in an operational environment, such as, for example, a desk. The housing assembly may be coupled to the furniture through any number of different means. It is contemplated that a double stick tape may be utilized on the cover 47 or fasteners may be extended through the furniture (or other structure in a different use) and into a corresponding bore of the housing assembly. In other embodiments, both double stick tape and threaded fasteners may be utilized. In addition, other means by which to couple the lock are contemplated. It will further be understood that the housing assembly can be mounted in any number of different orientations relative to the furniture bushing. For example, and as is shown in
Initially, with reference to
Additionally, in the locked configuration, the cam 106 is rotated such that the first follower 130 engages the first cam profile at the first slot 150. At the same time, the second follower engages the first ramp 156. Such a configuration is also shown at
To unlock the lock so that the locking flange 76 can be rotated, the user must direct the PC board to initiate an unlocking procedure. In one embodiment, a particular code or combination of keys is depressed in a particular combination to provide the necessary authorization to the electronic control assembly. In other embodiments, a wireless signal may be sent to the PC board via the input device 172. Regardless of the method of communicating the proper combination or code for initiating the unlocking procedure, once the procedure is initiated, the position of the latch is determined through sensor 174, and the motor is actuated.
When the motor is actuated in a first direction, the cam 106 rotates in a first direction disengaging the first follower 130 from the first slot 150 (
As the rotation of the cam 106 continues, eventually, the blocker continues to translate due to the interaction of the first follower 130 within the second slot 152 of the first cam profile. Eventually, the first follower 130 reaches a point, as does the blocker 104 wherein the first follower 130 no longer exerts a force on the blocker 104 to translate further (
The blocker is now in the unlocked orientation shown in
In such a configuration, and with reference to
Due to the biasing member 114, the distal end 112 of the latch 102 is directed toward the knob. In the unlocked condition, the distal end of the latch remains in contact with the dependent skirt 82 of the knob 70. At the same time, the blocker 104 is maintained by the cam 106 in the unlocked position to preclude interference with or impeding of the latch.
To relock the lock, the user turns the knob back so as to direct the lock flange 76 into the locked position. Eventually, the knob is returned to an orientation wherein the axial notch 84 of the knob aligns with the latch 102, and the distal end of the latch extends into the axial notch 84. In the embodiment shown, the position sensor 174 (
Next, the motor is activated again, by the electronic control 18, in the opposite direction from the direction of rotation during unlocking. The steps shown in
Similar to that which was explained above with respect to the unlocking procedure, during the locking procedure, the cam 106 rotates an arcuate distance without the first follower 130 imparting a force on the first cam profile of the blocker. As such, the cam can gather speed, and in turn, momentum, such that when the cam enters the second slot 152, the cam has sufficient force to impart onto the blocker to translate the blocker. Such an intermittent contact with the first cam profile, and intermittent application of a translational force allows for the use of a directly driven cam, and a motor smaller than would otherwise be required. Furthermore, the consumption of power from the battery is reduced for each cycle as compared to a rack and pinion with constant engagement and application of force therebetween.
Once in the first slot 150, the cam 106 is precluded from rotation as the blocker has reached the locked position (i.e., the end of travel of the blocker along the blocking channel). Thus, while rotation is precluded, the motor continues to impart a rotational force on the cam 106, thereby increasing the power draw. The electronic control 18 realizes the increased power draw by the motor as a signal that the blocker has returned to the locked position. In turn, the power to the motor ceases.
In this position, the blocker 104 is in a position that precludes slidable movement of the latch sufficient to move the latch out of the axial notch 84 to allow rotation of the knob 70. Any rotation of the knob by the user will translate to translative movement of the latch into contact with the blocker which will stop the movement of the latch while the distal end remains in the axial notch 84.
It will be understood that the electronic control 18 may be programmed in any number of different manners. In addition to the operation above, other operation configurations are contemplated. For example, in a setting such as a locker room, it is desirable for each user of a locker to be able to input his or her own code for each use. As such, while the mechanical locking and unlocking steps are the same as disclosed above, the blocker movement is initiated by differing conditions.
More particularly, initially, the locker may be closed and the lock flange may be in the locked configuration. However, the blocker may be in the unlocked position, thereby allowing the rotation of the knob 70. Once the knob 70 is rotated and the lock flange 76 is in the unlocked position, the latch is driven out of the axial notch and the position sensor 174 senses that the latch has been moved out of the axial notch. At such time, the operation may direct the user to input a new unlocking key sequence on the keypad of the input device. This input sets the code for the operation of the lock through the next cycle. Once the code is input, the electronic control is programmed to execute the locking procedure the next time that the knob is rotated into a locked position and the latch is biased into the axial notch 84. More specifically, the motor is activated and through the cam 106, the blocker is translated into the locked position.
To re-unlock the lock, the user must provide the authorization through an unlock code (or another code to over-ride the communication to the electronic control). Once the code is provided, the motor is activated in the other direction, translating the blocker to the unlocked position. At the same time, the electronic control is ready for another cycle. That is, the electronic control is ready to receive a new code from the user through the input device. As such, a new code is applied each time the lock cycles between the locked and unlocked configuration.
It may, from time to time, be necessary to service the lock. To service the lock the knob is first removed from the housing assembly. As explained above, a set screw or multiple set screws, maintain the engagement of the knob 70 and the lock driver 72. The set screw is accessible through the opening on the second end of the housing, but only when the knob 70 is in a particular rotative position to line up the set screw with the opening. It will be understood that, to preclude access to the set screw, except when the blocker is in the unlocked position, the opening and the set screw are not in alignment when the knob is in the locked condition.
As can be seen in the figures, the lock is configured to extend through a bushing (also referred to as a shell) held by a cabinet or enclosure (not shown). The actuatable lock assembly is configured can be connected and disconnected from the bushing. Advantageously, a portion of the actuatable lock assembly is within the cabinet or enclosure with a portion of the actuatable lock assembly outside of the cabinet or enclosure, when coupled to the bushing. The latching assembly as discussed above is positioned within a housing assembly. The housing assembly extends along the outside of the cabinet or enclosure.
The actuatable lock assembly includes a longitudinal axis that generally corresponds to the axis of rotation thereof (although not required). The housing assembly likewise includes a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the actuatable lock assembly is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing assembly.
In the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
The opposite is shown in
It will be understood that variations to the structure of the latching assembly are contemplated. For example, and with reference to
In the locked configuration, the latch is biased so that the distal end is rotated about the axis of rotation into the downwardly opening notch. The blocker extends over the proximal end of the latch precluding rotation about the axis of rotation, thereby maintaining the latch in the downwardly opening notch. When the blocker is moved to an unlocked position, the blocker is spaced apart from the latch, and the latch is free to be rotated about the axis of rotation. Thus, when the knob is rotated, the shape of the downwardly opening notch imparts a downward force upon the latch driving the latch out of the notch and allowing free rotation of the knob. The opposite sequence is performed to again return the blocker to the locked position.
With the embodiment of
To return the device to the locked orientation, the cam 106 is rotated in the opposite direction relative to the blocker until the second stop is reached. When the second stop is reached, the continued rotation of the cam by the motor rotates the blocker, returning the blocker into a position that interfaces with the proximal end of the latch. As such, the blocker precludes slidable movement, which, in turn, precludes rotation of the knob that interfaces with the distal end of the latch.
In yet another embodiment, shown in
The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/719,218 filed May 21, 2015, entitled “Lock,” which is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/038016 filed May 14, 2014, entitled “Lock” the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/823,685, filed May 15, 2013, entitled “Hybrid-Electronic Core Lock”, the entire specification of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
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8495898 | Gokcebay | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8555685 | Frolov | Oct 2013 | B2 |
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Number | Date | Country |
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200204006 | Nov 2000 | KR |
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20190119949 A1 | Apr 2019 | US |
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61823685 | May 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14719218 | May 2015 | US |
Child | 16220392 | US | |
Parent | PCT/US2014/038016 | May 2014 | US |
Child | 14719218 | US |