Deadbolts are operated by a user (e.g., with a key on an outside of the door or a thumbturn on the inside of the door) to secure a door against unwanted intrusions. At least some known deadbolts are motorized, but it can often be difficult to replace the power source in these deadbolts. For example, batteries can be especially difficult to replace if the motorized deadbolts are positioned in a head or a sill of the door.
In an aspect, the technology relates to a modular electronic deadbolt including: a bolt module including: a first housing defining a first longitudinal axis; a motor disposed in the first housing; and a deadbolt configured to be linearly moveable in relation to the first housing along the first longitudinal axis by the motor; and a battery module configured to be operatively coupled to the bolt module, the battery module including: a second housing configured to receive a power source; and a face plate coupled to the second housing, wherein the faceplate defines a second longitudinal axis, wherein the face plate includes an extension that extends along the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the extension is configured to removably couple the bolt module to the battery module such that the first longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis.
In an example, an opening is defined within the extension, and when the bolt module is coupled to the battery module, at least a portion of the first housing extends through the opening. In another example, the second housing includes a spacer positioned adjacent the opening, and when the bolt module is coupled to the battery module, the spacer supports at least a portion of the first housing. In yet another example, the spacer includes a mounting surface having a curved portion. In still another example, the bolt module further includes a mounting plate, and when the bolt module is coupled to the battery module, the mounting plate aligns with the extension. In an example, the modular electronic deadbolt further includes a connector cable operatively coupling the bolt module and the battery module. In another example, the bolt module further includes a leadscrew coupled to the deadbolt, and the motor is configured to drive rotation of the leadscrew to linearly move the deadbolt along the first longitudinal axis. In yet another example, the battery module further includes a battery carrier defining a power source that is removably disposable within the second housing.
In another aspect, the technology relates to a modular electronic deadbolt including: a bolt module including a deadbolt linearly moveable along a first longitudinal axis; and a battery module including a faceplate extending along a second longitudinal axis, wherein the bolt module is configured to be operatively coupled to the battery module in a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein in the first configuration, the bolt module is coupled to a portion of the faceplate such that the first longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis, and in the second configuration, the bolt module is positioned remote from the battery module.
In an example, the bolt module includes a motor and a leadscrew, and the motor is configured to rotate the leadscrew about the first longitudinal axis to drive linear movement of the deadbolt. In another example, the battery module includes a housing coupled to the faceplate and the faceplate includes an extension that extends along the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the bolt module is coupled to the extension in the first configuration. In yet another example, an opening is defined at least partially within the extension, and at least a portion of the bolt module extends through the opening in the first condition. In still another example, the housing includes a spacer positioned adjacent to the opening, and the spacer supports at least a portion of the bolt module in the first condition. In an example, the spacer includes a curved surface that corresponds to the bolt module. In another example, the bolt module further includes a mounting plate, and the mounting plate aligns with the extension in the first condition. In yet another example, the modular electronic deadbolt further includes a connector cable operatively coupling the bolt module and the battery module in both the first condition and the second condition. In still another example, in the second configuration the first longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis.
In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of installing a modular electronic deadbolt onto a door, the method including: mounting a bolt module to a first location on the door, wherein the bolt module includes a deadbolt linearly moveable along a first longitudinal axis by a motor and a leadscrew; mounting a battery module to a second location on the door, wherein the battery module includes a faceplate defining a second longitudinal axis; and operatively connecting the bolt module to the battery module.
In an example, the first location is associated with a first edge of the door and the second location is associated with a second edge of the door that is different than the first edge, and wherein when mounting the bolt module and the battery module to the door, the method further includes positioning the first longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis and the bolt module remote from the battery module. In another example, before mounting the bolt module and the battery module to the door, the method includes coupling the bolt module to the battery module such that the first location is adjacent to the second location and both locations are associated with a same edge of the door, wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis.
There are shown in the drawings, examples which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
In the example, the door panel 104 is a pivoting door; however, the electronic deadbolt systems described herein can be utilized in entry doors, sliding doors, pivoting patio doors, and any other door as required or desired. In sliding patio doors, the electronic deadbolt systems 102 have linearly extending locking elements that may extend from the head 108 or the sill 110 of the sliding door. If utilized on the locking edge 112 of a sliding door, the electronic deadbolt system 102 would require a hook-shaped locking element that would hook about a keeper so as to prevent retraction of the door.
In the example, each electronic deadbolt system 102 is positioned to extend into a keeper 114. The keepers 114 may be standard keepers or electronic keepers as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/239,714, filed Aug. 17, 2016, entitled “Locking System Having an Electronic Keeper,” the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The system 100 also includes an electronic keeper 116 configured to receive a standard (e.g., manually-actuated) deadbolt 118, as typically available on an entry or patio door.
In one example, once the deadbolt 118 is manually actuated into the locking position, the electronic keeper 116 detects a position of the deadbolt 118 therein. A signal may be sent to the remotely located electronic deadbolt systems 102, thus causing actuation thereof. At this point, the door 104 is now locked at multiple points. Unlocking of the manual deadbolt 118 is detected by the electronic keeper 116 (that is, the keeper 116 no longer detects the presence of the deadbolt 118 therein) and a signal is sent to the remote electronic deadbolt systems 102 causing retraction thereof, thus allowing the door 104 to be opened. Thus, the electronic deadbolts described herein may be utilized to create a robust multi-point locking system for a door and to improve the security thereof.
In another example, the system 100 may include a controller/monitoring system, which may be a remote panel 120, which may be used to extend or retract the electronic deadbolt systems 102, or which may be used for communication between the various electronic keepers 114 and deadbolts 102. Alternatively or additionally, an application on a remote computer or smartphone 122 may take the place of, or supplement, the remote panel 120. By utilizing a remote panel 120 and/or a smartphone 122, the electronic deadbolt systems 102 may be locked or unlocked remotely, thus providing multi-point locking ability without the requirement for manual actuation of the deadbolt 118. Additionally, any or all of the components (electronic deadbolt system 102, keeper 116, panel 120, and smartphone 122) may communicate either directly or indirectly with a home monitoring or security system 124. The communication between components may be wireless, as depicted, or may be via wired systems.
The modular electronic deadbolts described herein enable for a single deadbolt assembly to be used in multiple door locations. In one aspect, the modular electronic deadbolts include a separable bolt module and battery module. As such, the bolt module may be mounted with the battery module or remote from the battery module to accommodate different door mounting locations. For example, the bolt module and the battery module may both be mounted to the locking edge of the door, or the bolt module may be mounted to a different door edge than the battery module. This versatility enables the remote deadbolt systems to be configured in the field without any specialized tools. Additionally, the battery module mounting location on the door may be selected such that access to the power source is increased.
The bolt module 202 is also configured to be removably physically coupled to the battery module 204. In
As illustrated by
One or both of the extensions 216, 218 may be configured to removably receive a portion of the bolt module 202 and enable the bolt module 202 to be coupled to the battery module 204. In the example, the extension 216 includes an opening 222 (shown in
In the example, the bolt module 202 includes a bolt housing 224 defining a longitudinal axis 226 and a deadbolt 228 configured to be linearly moveable in relation to the bolt housing 224 along the longitudinal axis 226. The housing 224 includes a first end 230 and an opposite second end 232 extending along the longitudinal axis 226. The first end 230 may be configured to couple to the battery module 204 as described herein. Additionally, the deadbolt 228 is disposed at the first end 230 so that it may extend and retract along the longitudinal axis 226. The second end 232 may be configured to receive the connecting cable 206. In the first configuration, the bolt module 202 is coupled to the battery module 204 such that the longitudinal axis 212 of the face plate 210 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 226 of the bolt housing 224. Additionally, when the first end 230 of the bolt housing 224 is coupled to the extension 216, the deadbolt 228 is configured to extend and retract in relation to the face plate 210. In other examples, the bolt module 202 may include hook-shaped deadbolts that rotate out of the bolt housing 224 and enable sliding doors to be locked from the locking edge of the door.
Turning now to
In the example, when the bolt module 202 is disposed remote from the battery module 204, a mounting plate 234 may be coupled to the first end 230 of the bolt housing 224 to facilitate mounting the bolt module 202 to the door or door frame. The mounting plate 234 may include one or more apertures 236 to facilitate mounting the bolt module 202 to the door or door frame. The modular electronic deadbolt 200 allows the same bolt module 202 and battery module 204 to be used in multiple door and door frame locations without having to change out or switch any components. As such, the modules 202, 204 are versatile and can be configured to be used in a variety of applications and in any location of the door and/or door frames. In some examples, the connecting cable 206 may be shortened and/or lengthened depending on the location of the bolt module 202 in relation to the battery module 204. In other examples, the bolt module 202 and the battery module 204 may be wireless such that the two modules may be positioned anywhere on the door relative to one another, or the modules may be split between the door and the door frame. In further examples, a single battery module 204 may operably connect to more than one bolt module 202.
The first extension 216 of the face plate 210 includes the opening 222 sized and shaped to receive the bolt module 202 when the modular electronic deadbolt is disposed in the first configuration shown in
At the second end 232 of the bolt housing 224, an end cap 258 is included to enclose the bolt components within the housing 224. Within the bolt housing 224, the bolt module 202 includes a motor 260 that is configured to rotatably drive a motor shaft (not shown). The motor 260 may be an off-the-shelf unit that includes an integral gear set 262 supported by a chassis 264. In other examples, any other drive system may be used that enables the bolt module to function as described herein. The drive shaft of the motor 260 is coupled to a leadscrew 266 such that upon operation of the motor 260 the leadscrew 266 may rotate along the longitudinal axis 226 of the bolt module 202. Between the leadscrew 266 and the gear set 262, the bolt module 202 may also include an O-ring 268 and/or a gasket 270 to secure the motor 260 within the bolt housing 224. The leadscrew 266 is engaged with a nut 272 that connects the leadscrew 266 to the deadbolt 228, such that rotation of the leadscrew 266 translates into linear movement of the nut 272 and thereby the deadbolt 228. In the example, the deadbolt 228 engages with one or more fixed guides 274 that extend along the longitudinal axis 226 adjacent to the leadscrew 266. For example, the deadbolt 228 has one or more projections that are received at least partially within a corresponding channel of the guide 274. The guides 274 prevent rotation of the nut 272 so that the leadscrew 266 can extend and retract the deadbolt 228 from the bolt housing 224.
The motor 260 is coupled to a circuit board 276 adjacent to the end cap 258. The end cap 258 may be secured to the bolt housing 224 by an O-ring 278. The circuit board 276 includes a connector interface 280 such that the connecting cable may be received within the bolt module 202 and be coupled to the circuit board 276. The circuit board 276 may include any component that is configured to provide control and operation, including any wireless components to enable wireless operation, of the bolt module 202 as described herein.
The bolt module 202 is arranged and configured in a manner that reduces overall space, eases installation (even by untrained purchasers), for example, through use of a standard size drill bit, and limits end-user access to the internal components. To reduce space, the elongate elements of the bolt module 202 are configured so as to have parallel axes (e.g., rotational axes). For example, the deadbolt 228, the leadscrew 266, the motor 260, and the circuit board 276 are all axially aligned along the longitudinal axis 226. By axially arranging these elongate elements, the circumference of the bolt housing 224 may be reduced, which eases installation because a standard size drill bit may be used to bore out the installation cavity. Further, by positioning the motor 260 and the circuit board 276 behind the deadbolt 228, access to the drive and control components are more difficult to access when mounted on a door or door frame.
The battery module 304 includes a battery housing 306 and a face plate 308 that extends along a longitudinal axis 310. A removable cover 312 enables access into the battery housing 306 from the face plate 308. In some examples, the cover 312 may include an aperture 314 that enables a fastener (not shown) to be secured into a bottom wall 316 of the battery housing 306. The face plate 308 includes a first extension 318 and a second extension 320, each extending along the longitudinal axis 310 and away from the battery housing 306. Each extension 318, 320 may also define an aperture 322 that is configured to receive a fastener and secure the battery module 304 to the door or door frame. One or both of the extensions 318, 320 may be configured to removably receive a portion of the bolt module 302 to couple the bolt module 302 to the battery module 304. In the example, the extension 318 includes an opening 324 in which at least a portion of the bolt module 302 extends through for the bolt module 302 to be coupled to the battery module 304 in the first configuration.
In this example, the battery housing 306 includes a spacer 326 that is positioned adjacent to the opening 324 and is configured to support the bolt module 302. The spacer 326 enables at least a portion of the bolt module 302 to be supported while in the first configuration. That is, the spacer 326 includes a top mounting surface 328 that abuts the bolt module 302 when the modular electronic deadbolt 300 is in the first configuration. The spacer 326 may be integral with the battery housing 306 and disposed above a circuit board 330 and opposite of a battery carrier 332. In other examples, the spacer 326 may be a removable component that is selectively coupled to the battery housing 306 for the first configuration. A connector interface 334 of the circuit board 330 may be disposed on a back wall 336 of the battery housing 306 and enable the battery housing 304 to be coupled in communication to the bolt module 302 (e.g., via a connector cable). The circuit board 330 is also configured to be in remote communication with an electronic keeper so as to receive a signal and extend/retract the bolt module 302 as described above.
The bolt module 302 includes a bolt housing 338 defining a longitudinal axis 340, a deadbolt 342, and a mounting plate 344. When the bolt module 302 is in the first configuration, the mounting plate 344 aligns with the first extension 318. More specifically, the mounting plate 344 may be at least partially recessed within the face plate 308 so that it is flush with the cover 312. The mounting plate 344 includes one or more apertures 346 that facilitate securing the bolt module 302 to the battery module 304 in the first configuration and to mount the bolt module 302 to a door or door frame when in the second configuration (shown in
Within the bolt housing 338, the bolt module 302 includes a motor 348 that is configured to rotatably drive a leadscrew 350. The leadscrew 350 extends along the longitudinal axis 340 and is threadably engaged with the deadbolt 342 via a nut 352. The deadbolt 342 includes an interior channel 354 such that when the deadbolt 342 is retracted within the bolt housing 338 (
In this example, the face plate 308 is larger to accommodate the mounting plate 344 of the bolt module 302, when the bolt module 302 is mounted orthogonally with the battery module 304 and illustrated in
When the bolt module 302 is remote from the battery module 304, a cover plate 362 may couple to the face plate 308 and within the recess formed for the mounting plate 344 such that a front 364 of the battery module 304 (e.g., the face plate 308, the cover 312, and the cover plate 362) form a substantially flat surface. The cover plate 362 may include an aperture 366 that can align with the aperture 322 of the first extension 318 so that the cover plate 362 can be coupled to the face plate 308 and both can be mounted on a door or a door frame. A portion of the cover plate 362 may also extend at least partially through the opening 324 (shown in
The battery module 404 includes a battery housing 408 and a face plate 410. A removable cover 412 enables access into the battery housing 408 from the face plate 410. In some examples, the cover 412 may be secured to the battery module 404 by a fastener 414 that extends into the battery housing 408. The face plate 410 includes a first extension 416 and a second extension 418, each including an aperture 420 that is configured to receive a fastener and secure the battery module 404 to the door or door frame. One or both of the extensions 416, 418 may be configured to removably receive a portion of the bolt module 402 to couple the bolt module 402 to the battery module 404. In the example, the extension 416 includes an opening 422 (shown in
The bolt module 402 includes a bolt housing 428, a deadbolt 430, and a mounting plate 432. In the example, the deadbolt 430 is illustrated in its retracted position and disposed within the bolt housing 428. When the bolt module 402 is in the first configuration, the mounting plate 432 aligns with the first extension 416. The mounting plate 432 includes one or more apertures 434 that facilitate securing the bolt module 402 to the battery module 404 in the first configuration and to mount the bolt module 402 to a door or door frame when in the second configuration. When the bolt module 402 is remote from the battery module 404 (e.g. the second configuration), a cover plate 436 may couple to the face plate 410 at the first extension 416. The cover plate 436 may include one or more apertures 438. One aperture 438 of the cover plate 436 can align with the aperture 420 of the first extension 416 so that the cover plate 436 can be coupled to the face plate 410 and both can be mounted on a door or a door frame. The other aperture 438 of the cover plate 436 may be used so that a fastener (not shown) may be received within the spacer 424 of the battery housing 408.
The connecting cable 406 may include two electrical wires 440 (e.g., positive and negative) that extend from the bolt housing 428 and are wrapped in a protective sheathing 442. At the free end of the wires 440, a connector plug 444 is included so that the connecting cable 406 can be plugged into the battery module 404. In other examples, the wire 400 may include plugs at either end such that a length L (shown in
The first extension 416 may be at least partially recessed with respect to the other portions of the face plate 410 so that the mounting plate 432 or cover plate 436 (shown in
The bolt module 402 includes a substantially cylindrical bolt housing 428 that is configured to house a motor assembly 465, a leadscrew 466, a nut 468, a guide 470, and the deadbolt 430. The motor assembly 465 may include a mount 474 that supports the assembly within the bolt housing 428. A motor 476 drives rotation of a shaft (not shown) which is coupled to the leadscrew 466. In the example, the motor 476 is coupled directly to the battery module 404 via the wires 440 of the connecting cable 406 such that operation control is provided. In other examples, a circuit board (not shown) may be included within the bolt module 402 that provides control to the motor 476 and is coupled to the wires 440 of the connecting cable 406. The guide 470 surrounds at least a portion of the leadscrew 466 and engages with the deadbolt 430 to transfer rotational movement of the leadscrew 466 to linear movement of the deadbolt 430. The free end of the deadbolt 430 may include a taper 478.
In some examples, the first location of the bolt module may be associated with a first edge of the door and the second location of the battery module may be associated with a second edge of the door that is different than the first edge. As such, when mounting the bolt module and the battery module to the door, the method 500 further includes positioning the first longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis and the bolt module remote from the battery module (operation 508). In another example, before mounting the bolt module and the battery module to the door, the method 500 includes coupling the bolt module to the battery module such that the first location of the bolt module is adjacent to the second location of the battery module and both locations are associated with a same edge of the door (operation 510). As such, the first longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis.
The materials utilized in the manufacture of the lock described herein may be those typically utilized for lock manufacture, e.g., zinc, steel, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, etc. Molded plastics, such as PVC, polyethylene, etc., may be utilized for the various components. Material selection for most of the components may be based on the proposed use of the locking system. Appropriate materials may be selected for mounting systems used on particularly heavy panels, as well as on hinges subject to certain environmental conditions (e.g., moisture, corrosive atmospheres, etc.).
Any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. It is to be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
While there have been described herein what are to be considered exemplary and preferred examples of the present technology, other modifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the following claims, and all equivalents.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/486,659, filed on Apr. 18, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62486659 | Apr 2017 | US |