This invention relates to the field of electronic locks. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods of providing an electronically-controlled, manually-actuated deadbolt lock.
Electronic locks have gained increasing acceptance and widespread use in residential and commercial markets due to various benefits they provide. One such benefit to a user is a convenience of not needing to use a key to open a door. For example, an electronic lock may have a keypad or other means for enabling a user to provide an electronic code, that when authenticated, may cause an electronic motor to retract or extend a deadbolt.
Sometimes, due to age, temperature changes, and/or humidity, doors can experience a warp condition. When this happens, a door may not be able to shut properly and/or deadbolt may not properly align with an opening of a strike plate positioned in a jamb adjacent the door. Accordingly, an electronic deadbolt that uses an electronic motor to retract or extend the deadbolt may be unable to overcome the warped door condition, and the deadbolt may not be able to fully extend into the opening to place the door in a locked state. Additionally or alternatively, in an attempt to overcome the warped door condition to lock or unlock the deadbolt, additional force may be applied by the electronic motor, which may decrease battery life of the electronic lock.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to an electronically-controlled, manually-actuated deadbolt lock. The electronically-controlled, manually-actuated deadbolt lock includes an internal spring-actuated coupling mechanism that, when a user is authenticated (e.g., a correct passcode or other security token is entered into a keypad of the lock, a biometric input is received, a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal is received), is placed in an engaged position that allows the deadbolt latch to be moved into a locked or unlocked position responsive to a manual rotation of an external bezel. Because the deadbolt latch is manually driven, a warped door condition can be overcome without requiring additional electrical energy from a motor. Additionally, when the deadbolt latch is manually actuated, operation of the electronic motor may be decreased, which may increase battery life.
In a first aspect, an electronically-controlled, manually-actuated lock is provided, wherein the electronic lock comprises: a motor; an actuating spindle actuatable by the motor and positioned to rotate around a first axis in response to actuation of the motor, the actuating spindle comprising a driving pin that engages a transmission spring such that, upon rotation of the actuating spindle, a position of the transmission spring changes relative to the driving pin along the first axis between a neutral position and a biasing position; a bezel assembly positioned to rotate around a second axis and comprising a bezel rotatably coupled to a sleeve within which a bore is defined that is operatively engageable by a pin movable between an engaged position, in which the pin partially resides within and extends through the bore and is received in a recess defined in a coupling, and a disengaged position, in which the pin is disengaged from the coupling; a flange at least partially surrounding the bezel assembly, the pin, and an actuator spring, the flange being engageable by the transmission spring at least when the transmission spring is in the biasing position, the flange being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein: the flange remains in the first position when the transmission spring is in the neutral position; the flange is biased toward the second position when the transmission spring is in the biasing position; and biasing the flange toward the second position compresses the actuator spring, which pushes the pin toward the engaged position; a deadbolt latch assembly including: a latch bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a torque blade rotatably coupled to the coupling and drivably coupled to the latch bolt, wherein: when the pin is in the engaged position, manual rotation of the bezel around the second axis rotates the torque blade around the second axis and drives movement of the latch bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position or from the unlocked position to the locked position.
In another aspect, a method is provided for operating an electronically-controlled, manually-actuated lock, comprising in response to receiving a valid user credential input, actuating a motor via a control circuit to rotate an actuating spindle around a first axis, the actuating spindle comprising a driving pin that engages a transmission spring to move the transmission spring along the first axis from a neutral position to a biasing position, wherein: movement of the transmission spring to the biasing position biases a movable flange from a first position to a second position; biasing the flange to the second position compresses an actuator spring, which pushes a pin toward an engaged position, wherein: in the engaged position, the pin engages a bezel assembly and a coupling rotatably coupled to a torque blade that is further drivably coupled to a latch bolt; and in response to receiving a manual rotation of a bezel included in the bezel assembly around a second axis, rotating the torque blade around the second axis and driving the latch bolt to a locked position or an unlocked position.
In another aspect, a locking assembly is provided for use on a door separating an exterior space from a secured space, comprising: an electronic actuating mechanism comprising a motor for actuating an engagement mechanism to drivably couple a bezel assembly to a latch assembly via a coupling mechanism, the engagement mechanism comprising: an actuating spindle including a driving pin, wherein: the actuating spindle is positioned to rotate around a first axis in response to actuation of the motor; and upon rotation of the actuating spindle, the driving pin is configured to engage a transmission spring and bias the transmission spring relative to the driving pin along the first axis between a neutral position and a biasing position; and a flange engageable by the transmission spring at least when the transmission spring is in the biasing position, the flange being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the flange is biased toward the second position when the transmission spring is in the biasing position; the coupling mechanism, comprising: an actuator spring engageable by the flange, wherein the actuator spring is decompressed when the flange is in the first position and compressed when the flange is biased toward the second position; a pin engageable by the actuator spring and movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position; wherein the pin is moved to the engaged position when the actuator spring is compressed; and a coupling drivably coupled to the latch assembly and within which a recess is defined and dimensioned to receive the pin; wherein the coupling receives the pin when the pin is in the engaged position; the bezel assembly, comprising: a bezel positioned to rotate around a second axis; and a sleeve rotatably coupled to the bezel and within which a bore is defined that is operatively engageable by the pin; wherein: when the pin is in the engaged position, the pin partially resides within and extends through the bore and is received in the recess defined in the coupling; and when the pin is in the disengaged position, the pin is disengaged from the coupling; and the latch assembly, comprising: a latch bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a latch spindle configured to drive movement of the latch bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position; and a torque blade rotatably coupled to the coupling and drivably coupled to the latch spindle, wherein: when the pin is in the engaged position, manual rotation of the bezel around the second axis rotates the torque blade around the second axis and causes the latch spindle to drive movement of the latch bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position or from the unlocked position to the locked position.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.
As briefly described above, the present disclosure relates generally to providing a manually-actuated, electronically-controlled deadbolt lock. According to an aspect, the electronic lock includes an externally-located rotatable bezel that is configured to selectively manually drive a deadbolt latch into a locked or unlocked position. Unlike existing electronic locks which include a transmission, clutch, and a preload device, the electronic lock as disclosed includes an internal spring-actuated coupling mechanism that, when a user is authenticated via an authentication method, is placed in an engaged position. When the spring-actuated coupling mechanism is in an engaged position, manual rotation of the external bezel may drive movement of the deadbolt latch into the locked or unlocked position. Embodiments herein describe an electronic lock that can overcome warped door conditions and extend battery life.
The term “lock” or “lockset” is broadly intended to include any type of lock, including but not limited to, deadbolts, knob locks, lever handle locks, mortise locks, and slide locks, whether mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical locks. The locking points may have various mounting configurations and/or locations, including but not limited to: mortised within the doorframe, mounted externally to the doorframe or support structure, and/or affixed directly to the door. Although this disclosure describes these features as implemented on an electronic deadbolt lock for purposes of example, these features are applicable to any type of lockset, including but not limited to, deadbolts, knobset locks, handleset locks, etc.
The interior assembly 210 generally houses internal components of the internal assembly 210 as explained below, and includes a mechanical actuating mechanism 130 embodied as a turn piece 132 that may be rotated by a user to manually operate the deadbolt latch assembly 160. The exterior assembly 212 generally includes an electronic actuating mechanism 110, an engagement mechanism 120, a coupling mechanism 150, a mechanical actuating mechanism 130 embodied as a bezel assembly 140 and a mechanical actuating mechanism 130 embodied as a lock cylinder 134.
The latch assembly 160, is best shown in
As is best shown in
The mechanical actuating mechanism 130 includes, in the embodiment shown, a bezel assembly 140 and a lock cylinder 134 that are configured to be located on the exterior side 208 of the door 202, and a mechanical turn piece 132 that is configured to be located on the interior side 206 of the door 202. As best shown in
The lock cylinder 134 is shown in
In example embodiments, the cylinder plug 134-2 may be a rekeyable cylinder plug, such as is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20200040605, entitled “Rekeyable Lock with Small Increments”, or U.S. Pat. No. 10,612,271, entitled “Rekeyable Lock Cylinder With Enhanced Torque Resistance”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
In some examples, the lock cylinder 134 may be used in combination with another authentication factor (e.g., a passcode, a biometric input, a wireless signal), or alternatively, may be used instead of entering another authentication factor. As shown in
The bezel assembly 140, which is best shown in
The bezel 142 and the sleeve 144 are rotatably coupled and are configured to be rotatable around the rotational axis 226. The body portion 144-1 of the sleeve 144 is configured to house the lock cylinder 134. As is best seen in
In the example shown, a circumferentially-located spring 145 is positioned around a circumference of the sleeve 144, and is compressible via a tab 144-6 of the sleeve. Accordingly, when the bezel 142 is rotated alongside the sleeve 144, the spring 145 is compressed. When the bezel is released, the spring returns the bezel 142 and sleeve 144 to a “home” or starting/default position.
A coupling portion 144-2 of the sleeve 144 comprises a longitudinal opening 144-3, within which a portion of the coupling mechanism 150 is received, and a boss 144-4 that extends radially outward in a vertical direction from a side wall of the coupling portion 144-2 of the sleeve 144. The boss 144-4 comprises a longitudinal bore 144-5 that receives at least a portion of a coupling member (e.g., a pin 152 described below) in a radial direction relative to the rotational axis 226.
The torque blade 162 is configured to be selectively manually driven by a rotation of the bezel assembly 140. For example, when the lock 100 is in an engaged state, the bezel assembly 140 is drivably coupled to the torque blade 162 via the engagement mechanism 120 and the coupling mechanism 150, and a rotation of the manually-operable bezel 142 effects a rotation of the torque blade 162 to operate the latch bolt 166. A second end of the torque blade 162 is configured to extend through and be drivably received in an opening 156-5 defined in a coupling 156 (included in the coupling mechanism 150 described below) that corresponds to the shape of the cross-section shape of the torque blade 162. As will be described below, the coupling 156 can be selectively engaged with the bezel assembly 140, such that rotation of the bezel assembly 140 causes the coupling 156 to rotate, and thus drives rotation of the torque blade 162.
Alternatively, when the lock 100 is in an unengaged state, the bezel assembly 140 is drivably decoupled from the torque blade 162, and therefore the manually-operable bezel 142 is incapable of rotating the torque blade 162 to operate the latch bolt 166. In example embodiments, the manually-operable bezel 142 is free-spinning when rotated and decoupled from the torque blade 162; in alternative embodiments, the manually-operable bezel 142 may be freely rotatable within a particular range of rotation angles, or biased toward a predetermined position in which the coupling 156 is engageable by the bezel assembly 140 (e.g., a default position, such as the position seen in
Accordingly, the torque blade 162 can be manually rotated when the turn piece 132 located on the interior side 206 of the door 202 is manually turned, when a valid mechanical key 502 is inserted into and turned within the lock cylinder 134, or when the lock 100 is placed in an engaged state and the exterior bezel assembly 140 is manually rotated. According to an aspect, the engagement state (i.e., engaged state versus disengaged state) of the lock 100 is electronically controlled via the electronic actuating mechanism 110.
The electronic actuating mechanism 110 includes a credential input mechanism 112, a control circuit 114, and a motor 116. An example credential input mechanism 112 is shown in
In some examples and as shown, the credential input mechanism 112 can be embodied as a keypad comprising a plurality of buttons 228, which may be used to enter a predetermined passcode for electronically effecting an engaged state or otherwise controlling operation of the lock 100. The keypad can be any of a variety of different types of keypads (e.g., a numeric keypad, an alpha keypad, an alphanumeric keypad). The buttons 228 may have one or more characters displayed thereon. In some examples, the buttons 228 may be physical buttons that extend through an exterior faceplate, shown as deadbolt rose 230 (as illustrated). In other examples, the keypad may have a plurality of touch areas that use touch to function as buttons 228. For example, the keypad may use a capacitive touch circuit. In the example shown, there are eleven touch areas or buttons 228; however, one skilled in the art should appreciate that in other examples there could be additional or fewer buttons 228.
In some embodiments, the exterior assembly 212 includes a single-touch actuator 232 that can be used to place the lock 100 in an engaged state. For example, when a user selects the single-touch actuator 232, the actuating mechanism included in the exterior assembly 212 rotatably couples the bezel assembly 140 to the torque blade 162 to enable rotation of the bezel assembly 140 to drive rotation of the torque blade 162 to extend or retract the latch bolt 166. In some examples, the single-touch actuator 232 is a button 228. In some examples, the single-touch actuator 232 is a button 228 comprising a particular marking, such as a logo, an icon, one or more characters, etc.
In alternative embodiments, one or more other types of user interface devices can be incorporated into the lock 100. For example, in example implementations, the exterior assembly 212 can include a biometric interface (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, retina scanner, or camera including facial recognition) by which biometric input can be used; an audio interface by which voice recognition can be used; or a wireless interface by which wireless signals can be used to actuate the engagement mechanism 120. According to another embodiment, a keypad may not present. In some examples, a user may use a Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi-®-enabled device that transmits signals that may allow the motor to actuate when the device is paired with the lock 100. In other examples, a user may use an RFID tag that allows the motor to actuate when the correct RFID tag is detected. In further embodiments, alternative methods of electronically communicating with the motor are contemplated. When a user inputs a valid passcode or other electronic credential via the credential input mechanism 112 that is recognized by the control circuit 114, the electrical motor 116 is energized to actuate the engagement mechanism 120 to couple or decouple the bezel assembly 140 to/from the latch assembly 160 via the coupling mechanism 150.
The control circuit 114 comprises electronic circuitry for the electronic lock 100. In some examples, the control circuit 114 is a printed control circuit configured to receive the credential input of the credential input mechanism 112. When the control circuit 114 receives the correct input, the control circuit 114 sends a signal to the motor 116. The control circuit 114 is configured to execute a plurality of software instructions (i.e., firmware) that, when executed by the control circuit 114, cause the electronic lock 100 to implement methods and otherwise operate and have functionality as described herein. The control circuit 114 may comprise a device commonly referred to as a processor, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), or other similar device, and may be embodied as a standalone unit or as a device shared with components of the electronic lock 100. The control circuit 114 may include memory communicatively interfaced to the processor, for storing the software instructions. Alternatively, the electronic lock 100 may further comprise a separate memory device for storing the software instructions that is electrically connected to the control circuit 114 for the bi-directional communication of the instructions, data, and signals therebetween.
In example embodiments, the engagement mechanism 120 and coupling mechanism 150 may include an engagement means, such as is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0040605, entitled “Locking Assembly with Spring Mechanism”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The engagement mechanism 120 includes an actuating spindle 122, a transmission spring 124, and a movable flange 126. As shown in
The coupling mechanism 150 includes a pin 152, an actuator spring 154, and a coupling 156. The flange 126 is movable between a first position and a second position. The flange 126 remains in the first position when the transmission spring 124 is in the neutral position (e.g., being biased upward by actuator spring 154 biasing against the pin 152), and the flange is biased toward the second position when the transmission spring 124 is in the biasing position, since the transmission spring 124 will generally be selected to have a compressive force that is greater than the resisting force of the actuator spring 154. Biasing the flange 126 toward the second position causes the coupling mechanism 150 to drivably couple the bezel assembly 140 to the latch assembly 160.
The pin 152, the actuator spring 154, and the coupling 156 are best shown in
The pin 152 is aligned with the longitudinal bore 144-5 defined in the boss 144-4 of the sleeve 144, and at least a portion of the shaft 152-2 of the pin 152 is axially slidably received in the longitudinal bore 144-5. The pin 152 is movable between an unengaged position and an engaged position. The pin 152 remains in the unengaged position when the transmission spring 124 and the flange 126 are in the neutral position, and the pin 152 is biased toward the engaged position when the transmission spring 124 and the flange 126 are in the biasing position. For example, when the transmission spring 124 and the flange 126 are in the neutral position, an inner circumferential portion 126-1 of the flange 126 rests atop the head 152-1 of the pin 152, and is not compressing the actuator spring 154. Accordingly, the actuator spring 154 is in a relaxed state, which maintains the pin 152 from being pushed downward and extending through the longitudinal bore 144-5 in the boss 144-4 included in the sleeve 144.
As best shown in
The first portion 156-2 of the cylindrical body 156-1 of the coupling 156 defines at least one recess 156-6 (shown in
As shown in
As best shown in
As shown, a collar 706 extends from the deadbolt rose 230. In the example shown, the collar 706 is formed integral with the deadbolt rose 230, but can be a separate component. The collar 706 defines an opening 704 through which the body portion 142-1 of the bezel 142 extends. The outer grip portion 142-3 of the bezel 142 has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the body portion 142-1 and is located external to the deadbolt rose 230. A locking tab 732 is configured to engage a first slot 726 formed in a sidewall of the collar 706, and a second slot 728 formed in the body portion 142-1 of the bezel 142, so as to connect the bezel assembly 140 to the deadbolt rose 230.
A first clip 734 is shown. The first clip 734 aids in retaining the lock cylinder 134 within the bezel assembly 140. Optionally, the cylinder plug 134-2 can be replaceable by removal of the first clip 734, replacement of the cylinder plug 134-2, and re-insertion of the first clip 734 through slot 730. The lock cylinder 134 and the bezel assembly 140 are rotatably coupled as described above. A second clip 736 is also shown. As best shown in
As best shown in
With reference to
With reference to
At DECISION OPERATION 1806, a determination may be made as to whether the received credential is valid. For example, the control circuit 114 is coupled in electrical communication with the credential input mechanism 112, and is configured with control logic to discriminate between a valid input credential and an invalid input credential input/provided by a user, a user computing device, an RFID chip, an electronic key fob, etc., via the credential input mechanism 112. When a determination is made that an invalid input credential is received, the motor 116 does not actuate and the electronic lock 100 remains in an unengaged state at OPERATION 1808, where the bezel assembly 140 is drivably decoupled from the torque blade 162, and the manually-operable bezel 142 is incapable of rotating the torque blade 162 to operate the latch bolt 166. When a determination is made that a valid input credential is received, the method 1800 proceeds to OPERATION 1810.
At OPERATION 1810, the control circuit 114 provides a signal to the motor 116, which actuates the motor 116 to rotate the actuating spindle 122. As described above, rotation of the actuating spindle 122 causes the transmission spring 124 to move downward along the actuating spindle 122 away from the motor 116 and toward the movable flange 126 to the biasing position. At OPERATION 1812, the transmission spring 124 engages and biases the flange 126 downward, which compresses the actuator spring 154, and at OPERATION 1814, the pin 152 is pushed downward by the actuator spring 154 to the engaged position. In the engaged position, the pin 152 resides within the sleeve 144 and the coupling 156, and the lock 100 is in an engaged state. Accordingly, the bezel 142, which is rotatably coupled with the sleeve 144, is drivably coupled to the latch assembly 160, which allows for manual rotation of the bezel 142 to retract or extend the latch bolt 166.
At DECISION OPERATION 1816, if the bezel 142 is not rotated within a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 15 seconds, or other period of time), at OPERATION 1818, the motor 116 may automatically rotate the actuating spindle 122 in an opposite direction, which causes the transmission spring 124 to move upward to the neutral position, which disengages the pin 152 from the coupling 156 and places the lock 100 in a disengaged state. If the bezel 142 is rotated within the predetermined period of time, at OPERATION 1820, rotation of the bezel 142 rotates the torque blade 162, which drives the latch spindle 164 to extend or retract the latch bolt 166 into an unlocked or locked position. Advantageously, battery life can be extended due to the bolt action being manually driven by a user, rather than electrically driven by the battery. Additionally, the manually-driven bolt action may provide ample force to retract and/or extend the latch bolt 166 through a misaligned strike plate 220, such as may be the case when a warped door condition is experienced. Accordingly, the warped door condition may be overcome, and without requiring battery power to electrically drive the latch bolt 166.
At DECISION OPERATION 1822, a determination may be made as to whether the single-touch actuator 232 is selected by a user. If the single-touch actuator 232 is selected by a user, at DECISION OPERATION 1824, a determination may be made as to whether the latch bolt 166 is in an unlocked position based on a position of the switch 1606. For example, the switch 1606 in the unlocked position provides a signal to the control circuit 114 that the latch bolt 166 is not thrown and is in the unlocked position, which allows the single-touch actuator 232 to be electronically actuatable. When a determination is made that the latch bolt 166 is in an unlocked position, the method 1800 returns to OPERATION 1810, where the motor 116 is actuated to cause the engagement mechanism 120 to drivably couple the bezel assembly 140 to the latch assembly 160 for enabling rotation of the bezel 142 to extend the latch bolt 166 to a locked position. If the single-touch actuator 232 is not selected by a user, the method 1800 ends at OPERATION 1898.
The exterior assembly 212 is shown to include various exterior circuitry 1906 including the credential input mechanism 112 and an optional exterior antenna 1902 usable for communication with a remote device. In addition, the exterior circuitry 1906 can include one or more sensors 1904, such as a camera, proximity sensor, or other mechanism by which conditions exterior to the door 202 can be sensed. In response to such sensed conditions, notifications may be sent by the electronic lock 100 to a server or a user's mobile device including information associated with a sensed event (e.g., time and description of the sensed event, or remote feed of sensor data obtained via the sensor).
The exterior antenna 1902 is capable of being used in conjunction with an interior antenna 1908, such that, for example, a processing unit 1910 can determine where a mobile device is located, wherein only a mobile device that is paired with the electronic lock 100 and determined to be located on the exterior of the door 202 is able to actuate the motor 116 to place the lock 100 in an engaged state. As can be appreciated, this can prevent unauthorized users from being located exterior to the door 202 of the electronic lock 100 and taking advantage of an authorized mobile device that may be located on the interior of the door 202, even though that authorized mobile device is not being used to actuate the motor 116. However, such a feature is not required, but can add additional security. In alternative arrangements, the motor 116 may be actuatable from either the credential input mechanism 112 or from an application installed on a user's mobile device. In such arrangements, the exterior antenna 1902 and/or interior antenna 1908 may be excluded.
The exterior assembly 212 may further include the processing unit 1910 and the motor 116. As shown, the processing unit 1910 includes at least one processor 1912 communicatively connected to a security chip 1914, a memory 1916, various wireless communication interfaces (e.g., including a Wi-Fi® interface 1918 and/or a Bluetooth® interface 1920, and a battery 1922). The processing unit 1910 is capable of controlling the engagement state of the electronic lock 100 (e.g., by actuating the motor 116 to actuate and drivably couple the bezel assembly 140 to the latch assembly 160.
In some examples, the processor 1912 can process signals received from a variety of devices to determine whether the motor 116 should be actuated. Such processing can be based on a set of preprogramed instructions (i.e., firmware) stored in the memory 1916. In certain embodiments, the processing unit 1910 can include a plurality of processors 1912, including one or more general purpose or specific purpose instruction processors. In some examples, the processing unit 1910 is configured to capture a credential input event from a user and store the credential input event in the memory 1916. In other examples, the processor 1912 receives a signal from the exterior antenna 1902, the interior antenna 1908, or a motion sensor 1924 (e.g., a vibration sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, motion/position sensor, or combination thereof) and can validate received signals in order to actuate the motor 116 to control the engagement state of the electronic lock 100. In still other examples, the processor 1912 receives signals from the Bluetooth® interface 1920 to determine whether to actuate the motor 116.
In some embodiments, the processing unit 1910 includes a security chip 1914 that is communicatively interconnected with one or more instances of the processor 1912. The security chip 1914 can, for example, generate and store cryptographic information usable to generate a certificate usable to validate the electronic lock 100 with a remote system, such as a server or a mobile. In certain embodiments, the security chip 1914 includes a one-time write function in which a portion of memory of the security chip 1914 can be written only once, and then locked. Such memory can be used, for example, to store cryptographic information derived from characteristics of the electronic lock 100. Accordingly, once written, such cryptographic information can be used in a certificate generation process which ensures that, if any of the characteristics reflected in the cryptographic information are changed, the certificate that is generated by the security chip 1914 would become invalid, and thereby render the electronic lock 100 unable to perform various functions, such as communicate with a server or mobile device, or operate at all, in some cases.
The memory 1916 can include any of a variety of memory devices, such as using various types of computer-readable or computer storage media. A computer storage medium or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain or store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. By way of example, computer storage media may include dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or variants thereof, solid state memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM, and other types of devices and/or articles of manufacture that store data. Computer storage media generally includes at least one or more tangible media or devices. Computer storage media can, in some examples, include embodiments including entirely non-transitory components.
As noted above, the processing unit 1910 can include one or more wireless interfaces, such as the Wi-Fi® interface 1918 and/or the Bluetooth® interface 1920. Other RF circuits can be included as well. In the example shown, the Wi-Fi® interface 1918 and/or the Bluetooth® interface 1920 are capable of communication using at least one wireless communication protocol. In some examples, the processing unit 1910 can communicate with a remote device via the Wi-Fi® interface 1918, or a local device via the Bluetooth® interface 1920. In some examples, the processing unit 1910 can communicate with a mobile device and a server via the Wi-Fi® interface 1918, and can communicate with a mobile device when the mobile device is in proximity to the electronic lock 100 via the Bluetooth® interface 1920. In some embodiments, the processing unit 1910 is configured to communicate with a mobile device via the Bluetooth® interface 1920, and communications between the mobile device and the electronic lock 100 when the mobile device is out of range of Bluetooth® can be relayed via a server using the Wi-Fi® interface 1918.
In example aspects, various wireless protocols can be used. For example, the electronic lock 100 can utilize one or more wireless protocols including, but not limited to, the IEEE 802.11 standard (Wi-Fi®), the IEEE 802.15.4 standard (Zigbee® and Z-Wave®), the IEEE 802.15.1 standard (Bluetooth®), a cellular network, a wireless local area network, near-field communication protocol, and/or other network protocols. In some examples, the electronic lock 100 can wirelessly communicate with networked and/or distributed computing systems, such as may be present in a cloud-computing environment.
According to an embodiment, the processor 1912 may receive a signal at the Bluetooth® interface 1920 via a wireless communication protocol (e.g., BLE) from a mobile device for communication of an intent to actuate the motor 116 to control the engagement state of the electronic lock 100. In some examples, the processor 1912 may initiate communication with a server via the Wi-Fi® interface 1918 (or another wireless interface) for purposes of validating an attempted actuation of the motor 116 to control the engagement state of the electronic lock 100, or receiving an actuation command to actuate the motor 116 to control the engagement state of the electronic lock 100. Additionally, various other settings can be viewed and/or modified via the Wi-Fi® interface 1918 from a server; as such, a user of a mobile device may access an account associated with the electronic lock 100 to view and modify settings of that lock, which are then propagated from the server to the electronic lock 100. In alternative embodiments, other types of wireless interfaces can be used; generally, the wireless interface used for communication with a mobile device can operate using a different wireless protocol than a wireless interface used for communication with a server.
The exterior assembly 212 also includes the motor 116 that is capable of actuating the engagement mechanism 120. In use, the motor 116 receives an actuation command from the processing unit 1910, which causes the motor 116 to actuate the engagement mechanism 120 to place the lock 100 in an engaged state. In some examples, the motor 116 actuates the engagement mechanism to an opposing state. In some examples, the motor 116 receives a specified engage command responsive to a selection of the single-touch actuator 232, where the motor 116 only actuates the engagement mechanism 120 if the latch bolt 166 is in the unlocked position. For example, if the door 202 is locked and the processing unit 1910 receives an indication of a selection of the single-touch actuator 232, then no action is taken. If the latch bolt 166 is in the unlocked position and the processing unit 1910 receives an indication of a selection of the single-touch actuator 232, then the motor 116 actuates the engagement mechanism 120 to place the lock 100 in an engaged state such that manual rotation of the bezel 142 extends the latch bolt 166 in the locked position.
The interior assembly 210 may include one or more batteries 1922 to power the electronic lock 100. In one example, the batteries 1922 may be a standard single-use (disposable) battery. Alternatively, the batteries 1922 may be rechargeable. In still further embodiments, the batteries 1922 are optional, replaced by an alternative power source (e.g., an AC power connection).
In alternative embodiments, the processing unit 1910 may be located within the interior assembly 210. In such an arrangement the processing unit 1910 may receive signals from the exterior circuitry 1906, and may actuate the motor 116 via an electrical connection between the interior assembly 210 and the exterior assembly 212 through the bore 214 in the door 202.
In still further example embodiments, the electronic lock 100 can include an integrated motion sensor 1924. Using such a motion sensor 1924 (e.g., an accelerometer, gyroscope, or other position or motion sensor) and wireless capabilities of a mobile device or an electronic device (i.e., fob) with these capabilities embedded inside can assist in determining additional types of events (e.g., a door opening or door closing event, a lock actuation or lock position event, or a knock event based on vibration of the door). In some cases, motion events can cause the electronic lock 100 to perform certain processing, e.g., to communicatively connect to or transmit data to a mobile device in proximity to the electronic lock 100. In alternative embodiments, other lock engagement sequences may not require use of a motion sensor 1924. For example, if a mobile device is in valid range of the electronic lock 100 when using a particular wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), then a connection may be established with the electronic lock 100. Other arrangements are possible as well, using other connection sequences and/or communication protocols.
Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention as claimed in any way. The embodiments, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed invention. The claimed invention should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed invention.
This application is a PCT International Patent Application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/125,722, filed Dec. 15, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2021/061692 | 12/3/2021 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
63125722 | Dec 2020 | US |