Patent Application
20200018091
This disclosure relates generally to a lockable device and, more particularly, to a locking module for use in a lockable device.
Lockboxes typically provide a secured storage area for a key or other access aid at a location close to a locked property accessible by the key. In this way, an authorized user can unlock the lockbox to gain access to the secured storage area and then use the key contained therein to unlock the locked property.
The lockbox is typically attached to a door handle or to another stationary object near the traditional lock. The lockbox typically requires the user to demonstrate that he is authorized to obtain access to the locked property before the secured storage area is unlocked to allow the user to obtain the key. In a mechanical lockbox, the user might be required to enter a correct lock combination to access the secured storage area. In an electronic lockbox, the user might be required to communicate a credential to lockbox (via a physical connection to the lockbox or via a wireless link to the lockbox) to access the secured storage area.
Some lockboxes are relatively easy to break into to access the contents within the secured storage area. For example, simply dropping the lockbox or using a magnet to operate the locking module therein makes conventional lockboxes susceptible to vandalism. There is therefore a need for a more robust lockbox.
According to one embodiment, a locking module for selectively coupling a first component and a second component of a lockable device includes a housing and a magnet arranged within said housing. A locking element is movable relative to said housing between an unlocked position and a locked position. An engagement member is rotatable about an axis to selectively decouple said locking element from said magnet to move said locking element between said unlocked position and said locked position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments in said locked position, said locking element is separated from said housing.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said engagement member includes at least one engagement plate positionable between said locking member and said housing.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second component includes a detent and when said locking element is in said unlocked position, said locking element is not arranged within said detent.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said locking element includes a magnetic component including a magnetic material.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said locking element includes base, said magnetic component being movable relative to said base.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said engagement member includes a contoured surface configured to cooperate with said locking element.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said contoured surface includes a logarithmic camming surface.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said magnet is a permanent magnet.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said magnet is formed from an alloy of neodymium.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a mechanism operably coupled to said engagement member.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments wherein said mechanism is a mechanical mechanism that operates the engagement member in response to a user input.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments wherein said mechanism is an electromechanical mechanism that operates the engagement member in response to a user input.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said mechanism moves said engagement member in a first direction and said engagement member is operable to apply a normal force to said locking element.
According to another embodiment, a method of operating a locking module of a lockable device includes operating a mechanism in response to a user input, rotating an engagement member operably coupled to said mechanism out of contact with a locking element of the locking module, and attracting said locking element with a magnetic field to move said locking element from a first position to a second position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said magnetic field acts on said locking element in both said first position and said second position.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a permanent magnet is arranged within a housing of the locking module to attract said locking element.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said mechanism is operable in response to a mechanical input.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said mechanism is operable in response to an electromechanical input.
The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The detailed description explains embodiments of the present disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
Referring now to
A locking module 40 (
With reference now to
A locking element 50 is positioned generally adjacent each end 46, 48 of the housing 42. The locking element 50 includes a base 51 and a magnetic component 52 movably connected to the base 51. A first portion 54 of the magnetic component 52 is positioned generally adjacent the housing 42 and a second portion 56, opposite the first portion 54, faces away from the housing 42. In an embodiment, the portion 54 of the magnetic component 52 directly adjacent the housing 42 has a generally rounded, for example spherical, contour. However, other non-planar configurations are also within the scope of the disclosure. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the two substantially identical locking elements 50 of the locking module 40 are operable to selectively engage opposing sides of the keybox 30. However, embodiments including only a single magnet 44 and corresponding locking element 50 are also contemplated herein.
The magnetic component 52 of the locking element 50 may be formed from or include any suitable magnetic material. In some embodiments, a suitable magnetic material includes a composite magnetic material, or alternatively, may include a non-magnetic material having a separate magnetic component or material attached to a portion thereof. In an embodiment, the magnetic component 52 is formed from a material having a high shear strength, such as about 10,000 lbs for example.
The magnetic component 52 of the locking element 50 is movable between a first “locked” position, illustrated in
The locking module 40 additionally includes an engagement member 60 movable relative to the body 22 and the housing 42 to selectively decouple the magnet 44 and the magnetic component 52 of the locking element 50. As previously described, this decoupling of the magnetic component 52 and the magnet 44 is intended to “lock” the locking module 40 and limit movement of the keybox 30. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the engagement member 60 is operably coupled to a mechanism, illustrated schematically at 62. The mechanism 62 is configured to rotate the engagement member 60 about an axis. The mechanism 62 for moving the engagement member 60 may be mechanically operated by a user, or alternatively, may include an electromechanical mechanism, such as a motor, solenoid, or a piezoelectric device for example, directly or indirectly coupled thereto. In such embodiments, the mechanism 62 may be operable in response to an electrical input, such as generated by a code entered via a key pad or upon detection of an identification device, such as an RFID tag for example, having acceptable credentials.
As shown, the engagement member 60 is located within a complementary groove 64 (see
In operation, a user provides an input to operate the mechanism 62 associated with the engagement member 60. In response to the input, the mechanism 62 rotates the engagement member 60 out of contact with the magnetic component 52 and the housing 42. The strength of the magnetic force of the magnet 44 attracts the magnetic component 52 of the locking element 50, thereby moving the magnetic component 52 from within the detent 58 formed in the keybox 30 to the unlocked position. In some embodiments, as shown, the magnetic force of the magnet 44 may cause the magnetic component 52 of the locking element 50 to move into contact with the magnet 44. In other embodiments, when the locking element 44 is in the unlocked position, the locking element 44 is in direct contact with the housing 42, but not the magnet 44.
To lock the locking module 40, the mechanism 62 is operated to rotate the engagement member 60, and more specifically the engagement plate 66, towards the housing 42 and magnetic component 52. As the engagement member 60 rotates, the contoured surface 68 of the engagement plate 64 acts like a wedge and applies a force to the magnetic component 52. The camming surface 68 moves the magnetic component 52 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of movement of the engagement plate 66, such that the portion 56 of the magnetic component 52 is received within the detent 58 formed in the keybox 30. In some embodiments, the mechanism 62 is not operable when the housing 42 of the locking module 40 and the keybox 30 are not aligned.
The locking module 40 illustrated and described herein has a simplified configuration, thereby reducing cost. Through use of a magnet 44, operation of the locking module 40 may be accomplished in any position with respect to gravity. Further, the high shear strength of the magnetic component 52 limits the ability to operate the locking module 40 through vandalism. Additionally, in the event that the magnetic component 52 is temporarily separated from the magnet 44, the strength of the magnet 44 will attract the magnetic component 52 such that the locking module 40 has a self-restoring property.
While the present disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate in spirit and/or scope. Additionally, while various embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2018/020256 | 2/28/2018 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62465453 | Mar 2017 | US |
