Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6354121
-
Patent Number
6,354,121
-
Date Filed
Friday, July 21, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, March 12, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Cuchlinski, Jr.; William A.
- Hernandez; Olga
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 070 277
- 070 2791
- 070 280
- 070 281
- 070 282
- 070 283
- 070 107
- 070 11029
- 070 134
- 070 472
- 292 164
- 292 144
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A mortise lockset incorporates an electrically actuated clutch within the lock case. The clutch selectively engages one latch operator to permit access through a door equipped with the lockset. The lockset further includes a key rotatable cam for retracting the latch. The lockset includes a lock bar that permits retraction of the latch by means external to the lockset. An extended throw deadbolt-like latch is held in a retracted position by an auxiliary latch and hook until released by retraction of the auxiliary latch. The latch incorporates a recessed roller in the projected end of the latch to facilitate latch deployment.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to locksets employed to secure doors and electro-mechanical assemblies that permit locksets to be electrically locked and unlocked. More particularly, the present invention relates generally to a mortise-type lockset that incorporates an internal selectively engageable electro-mechanical clutch assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Locksets that incorporate a lockable latch and/or dead bolt have long been incorporated into doors. Electronic security systems for controlling access through doors are also common. Electronic security systems typically control access through doors incorporating mechanical locksets by selectively engaging the rotatable operator (usually a lever or knob) on the unsecured or outside side of the door. This has been accomplished by means of an electromechanical clutch mounted between the operator and the lockset. A properly activated clutch mechanically couples the operator to the lockset and permits rotation of the operator to retract the latch and allow entry through the door.
An example of this type of clutch may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,863. Such separate, add on clutches work well and have the advantage of being compatible with existing locksets, allowing existing key-based security systems to be retrofitted with electronic security capabilities. For new installations where electronic security systems will be installed or are contemplated, however, the separate installation and mechanical coupling of discrete clutches and locksets have proven to be awkward and time consuming. Separate clutch and lockset assemblies require a volume of installation space not always available in a given application. Additionally, designers may be constrained by the need to provide space for the necessary components.
Locksets used to control access through frequently used doors typically incorporate a beveled latch and a spring for biasing the latch in the projected or latched position. Such self-latching locksets have the advantage of automatically latching the door when it is closed, and with certain lock mechanisms, automatically locking the door. The beveled, spring biased latches employed in self-latching locksets have the disadvantage of being susceptible to tampering that may result in unauthorized entry. In many installations, tools or other slim objects can be slipped between the door and the doorframe to engage the beveled edge of the latch and force the latch into a retracted position, thereby allowing the door to be opened.
Dead bolts have been employed to overcome some of these deficiencies. Dead bolts typically have a squared off end which is not susceptible to tampering. Dead bolts also typically have a longer throw and are not spring biased, therefore maintaining the dead bolt in an extended position until the lock mechanism is employed to retract it. A major deficiency of dead bolts is that they must typically be manually engaged. Manual engagement is inconvenient for a door that is frequently used.
There is a need in the art for a lockset which provides the strength and tamper resistance of a dead bolt with the convenience and dexterity of an electrically lockable self-latching lockset.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the mortise lockset with internal clutch includes a self-latching autobolt and an electrically actuated coupling that permits retraction of the autobolt by the operator on the unsecured side of the door. A key actuation mechanism allows the lockset to be operated as a conventional key-based security system or operated in conjunction with an electronic security system.
The autobolt or self-latching dead bolt is spring biased toward a projected or latched position. A retraction lever is engaged with the autobolt and is pivotable by a key operated retraction cam or rotational movement produced by operators (levers or knobs) located on the secured and unsecured side of the door. Pivoting of the retraction lever overcomes the spring bias, resulting in retraction of the autobolt. Operators on the secured and unsecured sides of the door are connected to inside and outside cams in the lockset, respectively, for rotation therewith. The inside cam, located adjacent the secured side (inside) of the door, is continuously coupled to the retraction lever, allowing rotation of the operator to pivot the retraction lever and retract the autobolt. The outside cam, located adjacent the unsecured side (outside) of the door, is selectively coupled with the retraction lever. The inside and outside cams are positioned on either side of the retraction lever at the retraction lever pivot point. The inside cam, outside cam and retraction lever share a common axis of rotation.
Entry from the unsecured side of the door may be obtained either by actuating the electro-mechanical coupling between the outside cam and the retraction lever, or using a key to rotate the retraction cam. The electrically actuated coupling (clutch assembly) incorporates a motor which, by moving an injector and an injector arm, exerts force on a locking piece, resulting in rotational engagement of the outside cam to the retraction lever.
The locking piece is movably secured for rotation with the retraction lever by a pin and is spring biased toward a locked position in which the locking piece is disengaged from the outside cam. A convex head on the pin is slidably engaged along an arcuate surface of the pivotable injector arm. The injector arm is disposed between the pinhead and an axially movable injector. A rounded corner of the injector slidably engages a ramp on the injector arm, whereby the injector arm can be moved toward the clutch assembly by the injector. A coil spring drive shaft connects the injector to the motor such that rotation of the drive shaft moves the injector along an axis.
Rotation of the drive shaft in a first direction moves the rounded corner of the injector along the ramp of the injector arm, pivoting the injector arm to overcome the spring bias on the locking piece and force the locking piece into an unlocked position. In an unlocked position, the locking piece is engaged with the outside cam. Rotation of the drive shaft in a second direction moves the rounded corner of the injector in the opposite direction along the ramp of the injector arm, allowing the injector arm to be moved away from the clutch assembly by the spring bias on the locking piece. A locked position is achieved when the locking piece is disengaged from the outside cam. When the locking piece is in the locked position, the outside cam rotates independently of the retraction lever and rotation of the operator located on the unsecured side of the door will not retract the latch.
An autobolt assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a roller captured within a squared-off projectable end of the bolt. The roller is positioned so that a portion of the roller protrudes from the outer end face of the bolt. A projectable bi-beveled auxiliary latch and associated pivotable hook restrain the bolt in a retracted position in which only the roller protrudes from the latch edge of the door. The auxiliary latch is spring biased toward a projected position in which the auxiliary latch acts to pivot the hook into engagement with a notch in the bolt, restraining the bolt in the retracted position. A closing door causes the auxiliary latch to be forced into a retracted position in which the auxiliary latch acts to pivot the hook away from engagement with the bolt, releasing the bolt from its retracted position.
Upon release, the spring biased bolt moves toward a projected position causing the roller in the end face of the bolt to contact the strike plate. The roller rotates freely, allowing the bolt to move over the strike plate until the bolt is aligned with the latch opening in the strike plate, at which time the bolt projects fully into a latched position in the latch opening. Retracting the bolt and opening the door allows the auxiliary latch to re-assume its projected position, causing the hook to restrain the bolt in a retracted position until the door closes, thereby bringing the auxiliary latch into contact with the strike plate once again.
In a further embodiment in accordance with the invention, the bolt is locked in the projected position, ensuring that only the retraction lever can retract the bolt. A pivoting lock bar is spring biased toward a position in which the lock bar engages the rear or inner end of the projected bolt to prevent the bolt from being moved to the retracted position. The lock bar has a cam surface, which cooperates with a protrusion on the retraction lever. Movement of the retraction lever to retract the bolt also moves the lock bar to a position where the lock bar does not interfere with retraction of the bolt. The lock bar prevents potential unauthorized entry by maintaining the latch bolt in the projected position despite the presence of a countering force applied by a tool or other object. The lock bar is inaccessible to a burglar and can be disengaged only by movement of the retraction lever.
A further alternative embodiment combines the electrically actuated clutch assembly with a more conventional self-latching mortise lockset.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lockset that incorporates an internal electrically actuated clutch mechanism.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lockset that is self-latching but includes the security advantages of a dead bolt.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lockset that may be incorporated into either a standard key-based access control system or an electronic access control system.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a side view illustrating the locked configuration of the clutch components in a mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a partial sectional view of the mortise lockset of
FIG. 1
, taken along line
2
—
2
thereof;
FIG. 3
is a partial sectional view of the mortise lockset of
FIG. 1
, taken along line
3
—
3
thereof;
FIG. 4
is a side view illustrating the unlocked configuration of the clutch components in a mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5
is a partial sectional view of the mortise lockset of
FIG. 4
, taken along line
5
—
5
thereof;
FIG. 6
is a partial sectional view of the mortise lockset of
FIG. 4
, taken along line
6
—
6
thereof;
FIG. 7
is a side view illustrating the key actuation configuration of the internal components of a mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8
is a side sectional view, partially broken away, illustrating the “open door” configuration of the autobolt assembly components in a mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 9
is a side sectional view, partially broken away, illustrating the “closing door” configuration of the autobolt assembly components in a mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 10
is a side sectional view, partially broken away, illustrating the “closed door” configuration of the autobolt assembly components in a mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 11
is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 12
is a side view of the mortise lockset with internal clutch of
FIG. 11
; and
FIG. 13
is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a doorframe including a strike compatible with either embodiment of the mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a first embodiment of the mortise lockset, in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the numeral
10
. The mortise lockset
10
is mountable in the mortise of a door and is adapted to engage the strike of a doorframe (see FIG.
13
). Latch operators on the secured (inside) of a door and the unsecured (outside) of a door connect to the lockset
10
via cams
23
,
24
for operation of the lockset. The mortise lockset
10
is equipped with both key and electromechanical locking assemblies, allowing the mortise lockset
10
to be operated as a conventional keyed lockset or be incorporated into an electronic access control system.
The mortise lockset comprises a substantially rectangular lock case
100
that includes an integral backing plate
104
. The case
100
provides a mounting surface for the components as well as protective housing and a support for mounting the mortise lockset
10
in the mortise of a door. When the mortise lockset
10
is installed in the mortise of a door, the face plate
102
is flush with the latch edge of the door and disposed in opposing parallel relationship to the strike of the door frame when the door is closed (see FIG.
13
).
The Figures illustrate the mortise lockset
10
with the front plate
106
of the lock case
100
removed, so the internal components are easily viewed. With the exception of the bolt
12
and auxiliary bolt
40
, all the components of the mortise lockset, including the clutch mechanism, the key override, the lock bar and the electrical clutch actuation components are contained within the case
100
. The case
100
provides pivot points for some components, such as the lock bar
50
, the bolt hook
42
and the injector arm
88
.
Other components are mounted for rotation within the case, such as the key override cam
62
and the retraction lever
30
/inside cam
81
/outside cam
80
(clutch) assembly.
FIGS. 2 and 5
illustrate a sectional view through the clutch assembly and show the components mounted for rotation between the backing plate
104
and the front plate
106
. Other components, such as the auxiliary bolt
40
, are provided with tabs
51
that are configured to slide within slots
49
in the backing plate
104
and the front plate
106
. Still further components, such as the throw rod stop
26
are fixedly mounted between the backing plate
104
and the front plate
106
(best seen in FIG.
11
). When assembled, the mortise lockset may be installed in a rectangular mortise typical of any conventional mortise lockset.
The bolt
12
is preferably a generally rectangular member having a short beveled perimeter at the projected or outer end
14
. The outer end
14
further includes a recessed roller
16
. The bolt may be threaded to the throw rod
20
or secured by a setscrew
24
that is received in a recess of the rod. A spring
28
engages the inner end
15
of the bolt
12
and is secured at the opposing end against a stop
26
. The stop
26
is fixedly mounted between a front plate, not illustrated, and the backing plate
104
of the case
100
to provide support for the slidably received throw rod
20
. The spring
28
functions to bias the bolt
12
toward an extended or latched position as illustrated in
FIGS. 1
,
4
, and
10
.
Conventionally, the latch of a self-latching lockset typically has a beveled outer end. As a door closes, the beveled surface of the latch engages the strike of the door frame and is forced back into the lockset until the door reaches a position in which the latch can project into the latch opening in the strike. This has been the typical operation of a self-latching lockset and has dictated the need for a large beveled surface on the outer end of the latch.
A mortise lockset, in accordance with the present invention, achieves self-latching convenience without need for a large beveled surface on the latch or the typically short latch throw of prior art self-latching locksets. The outer end
14
of the bolt
12
has a short bevel extending less than ⅕ of the length of the projected length of the bolt.
For purposes of discussing movement of the protruding parts of the autobolt lockset, and their interaction with the strike of a doorframe, reference is now made to FIG.
13
.
FIG. 13
illustrates a portion of a doorframe
72
including a strike
75
. The strike typically incorporates an outer lip
74
that extends beyond the doorframe
72
and is curved or bent to form a camming surface which will engage protruding parts of the lockset as the door swings closed. The strike includes a latch opening
76
for receiving the latch and/or bolt.
The function of an autobolt in accordance with the present invention is best illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 8-10
in view of FIG.
13
.
FIG. 8
illustrates the position of the internal components of the mortise lockset
10
corresponding to a door that has been opened and is now swinging closed. The bolt is illustrated in a retracted position where only the outer tip
14
of the bolt and its recessed roller
16
project from the face plate
102
. A bi-beveled auxiliary latch
40
projects from the face plate
102
. The auxiliary latch pivots a hook
42
via a pin
46
that is slidably positioned in a curved slot
47
within the hook. The hook
42
is mounted to pivot on pivot point
44
. The auxiliary latch
40
is biased toward an extended position by spring
48
. When the door is opened, the faceplate
102
of the lockset
10
is moved away from the strike of the doorframe, allowing the auxiliary latch
40
to assume its projected position (as illustrated in FIG.
8
). The pin
46
carried by the auxiliary latch
40
acts within the curved slot
47
of the hook
42
to pivot the hook into engagement with a notch
18
on the side of the bolt
12
. The bolt
12
is thus held in a retracted position (see
FIGS. 8 and 9
) even after the latch operator is released.
With reference now to
FIGS. 9 and 13
, a closing door brings the latch edge of the door, including the face plate
102
of the lockset and its protruding parts (the auxiliary latch
40
and the outer end
14
of the bolt
12
), into an
20
opposing parallel relationship with the door frame
72
and the strike
75
. The bi-beveled tip of the auxiliary latch
40
encounters the strike
75
at location
78
. The curved outer lip
74
of the strike
75
interacts with the beveled surface of the auxiliary strike
40
to urge the auxiliary bolt into a retracted position as illustrated in FIG.
9
.
The recessed roller
16
in the outer end
14
of the bolt
12
also encounters the curved lip
74
of the strike
75
. Engagement of the roller
16
against the strike
75
at location
79
relieves some pressure from the hooked engagement between the latch
12
and the hook
42
. Inward movement of the auxiliary latch
40
causes pin
46
to move in slot
47
of the hook
42
, pivoting the hook away from its engagement with the notch
18
in the bolt
12
. As pictured in
FIG. 9
, the bolt
12
is now outwardly biased by spring
28
, disengaged from the hook
42
and engaged with the strike at area
79
. The slightly beveled configuration of the outer end
14
of the bolt
12
and the recessed roller
16
permit smooth sliding engagement between the lip
74
of the strike
75
and the bolt
12
. The bolt rolls across the strike
75
until it is aligned with the latch opening
76
where the bolt projects into the opening, providing a latched engagement between the door and the door frame.
FIG. 10
illustrates the positions of the auxiliary latch
40
, hook
42
and bolt
12
in a closed and latched door.
It should be noted that the shape and extended projection of the bolt
12
are very similar to those of a deadbolt. The squared shape and extended projection provide a strong connection between the door and the doorframe. The squared bolt resists tampering by not presenting a beveled surface that can be manipulated by a thin tool in the manner applied to a typical self-latching lockset.
The latch retraction and access control features of the mortise lockset
10
are best explained with reference to
FIGS. 1-7
. A retraction lever
30
is mechanically connected to the throw rod
20
so that pivotal movement of the retraction lever
30
in the direction of arrow A will overcome the bias of the spring
28
and retract the bolt
12
. The retraction lever is pivotable by a key operable retraction cam
62
or rotational movement produced by operators (levers or knobs) located on the secured and unsecured sides of the door. The mortise lockset
10
pictured in
FIGS. 1
,
4
, and
7
is viewed from the unsecured (outside) of the door. Operators on the secured (inside) and unsecured (outside) sides of the door are connected to an inside cam
81
and an outside cam
80
in the lockset, respectively, for providing rotational movement to the cams.
FIG. 2
illustrates a cross-sectional view through the backing plate
104
, the inside cam
81
, the pivot end of the retraction lever
30
, the outside cam
80
and the front plate
106
.
FIG. 2
also presents a cross-sectional view of the components of the selective mechanical coupling between the outside cam
80
and the retraction lever
30
. A z-shaped locking piece
82
is movably connected to the retraction lever by an engagement pin
83
. The locking piece
82
is captured between a convex head
84
of the engagement pin
83
and surfaces of the inside cam
81
and outside cam
80
. The engagement pin
84
is slidably captured in a guide
83
in the retraction lever
30
. This arrangement permits the locking piece
82
to move along an axis generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation shared by the inside cam
81
, outside cam
80
, and retraction lever
30
.
The inside cam
81
and the outside cam
80
are mirror images of each other. Each cam
80
,
81
is provided with a face
110
for engagement with the locking piece
82
and a lobe
112
. The coupling arrangement is configured so that the locking piece
82
is continually engaged with a face
110
of the inside cam
81
. This engagement transmits rotational force applied to the inside cam
81
to pivot retraction lever
30
, retract the bolt and open the door, thus allowing free egress from the area secured by the door.
In contrast, the outside cam
80
is selectively engaged by the locking piece
82
.
FIG. 2
illustrates the components of the coupling in a locked position. In a locked position, the locking pin
83
and locking piece
82
are permitted to move away from the common axis of rotation shared by the inside cam
81
, outside cam
80
and retraction lever
30
. Such movement disengages the locking piece from the face
110
of the outside cam
80
. When the mechanical coupling is in the locked position, the outside cam
80
rotates independently of the retraction lever
30
. Accordingly, rotational movement applied to the outside cam
80
by an operator on the unsecured side of the door will not retract the bolt and open the door.
It should be understood that the locking piece
82
is configured so that 180° rotation of the locking piece about the engagement pin
83
reverses the secured and unsecured sides of the door. With reference to
FIG. 2
, a 180° rotation of the locking piece will reconfigure the clutch mechanism for continuous engagement between the locking piece
82
and the outside cam
80
while permitting selective engagement between the inside cam
81
and the locking piece
82
. The inside cam is now configured to control egress while the outside cam permits unregulated entry. In this manner, the mortise lockset may be easily configured to suit the particular application.
The mechanical coupling just described is preferably electrically actuated via a motor
90
that rotates a drive shaft
96
, producing linear movement in an injector
92
. A pivotable injector arm
88
is engaged between the convex head
84
of the engagement pin
83
and a rounded corner
93
of the injector
92
. The injector arm
88
is a passive member and is pivoted by forces exerted on it by the head
84
of the injector pin
83
and the rounded corner
93
of the injector
92
. The locking piece
82
and engagement pin
83
are biased toward a locked position by spring
86
. The injector
92
is coupled to the coil drive shaft
96
by a drive pin
94
.
Interaction between the motor
90
, coil drive shaft
96
, injector
92
and drive pin
94
are best explained with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 6
. Drive pin
94
is carried by the injector
92
and engaged between coils of the drive shaft
96
. Rotational movement of the drive shaft
96
produces lateral movement of the injector
92
. Lateral movement of the injector
92
away from the mechanical coupling (
FIG. 1
, arrow C) permits the spring biased locking piece
82
and engagement pin
83
to pivot the injector arm
88
away from the coupling (
FIG. 1
, arrow B).
FIGS. 1-3
illustrate the relative positions of the coupling and coupling drive components in the mortise lockset
10
corresponding to a locked condition. When locked, injector
92
and injector arm
88
are positioned to permit the locking piece
82
and engagement pin
83
to move away from the axis of the coupling to a position where the locking piece
82
is no longer engaged with the outside cam
80
(see
FIG. 2
)
FIGS. 4-6
illustrate the relative positions of the coupling and coupling drive components in the mortise lockset
10
corresponding to an unlocked condition. To achieve an unlocked condition, the motor
90
rotates drive shaft
96
so that drive pin
94
is drawn toward the coupling (
FIG. 4
, arrow D). Movement of the drive pin
94
and associated injector
92
cause the rounded corner
93
of the injector to engage the ramp
87
on the injector arm
88
, pivoting the injector arm toward the coupling (
FIG. 4
, arrow E). Pivoting of the injector arm
88
overcomes the spring bias on the locking piece
82
and engagement pin
83
, moving the locking piece into engagement with the outside cam
80
(see FIG.
5
). When spring
86
is compressed, the locking piece is moved into engagement with both the inside and outside cams
81
,
80
.
When the locking piece is so engaged, rotational movement applied to an operator on the unsecured side of the door is transmitted by the outside cam
80
to the retraction lever
30
via the locking piece
82
and engagement pin
83
. A downward force on a lever operator on the outside of the door will pivot retraction lever
30
away from the face plate
102
of the mortise lockset
10
acting on the throw rod
20
to retract the bolt
12
.
The injector arm
88
is provided with an arcuate engagement surface
89
configured to maintain the compressed condition of spring
86
and the engaged position of the locking piece
82
throughout the pivotal movement of the retraction lever. The retraction lever is equipped with a return bias spring
32
that returns the retraction lever and associated coupling components to their pre-actuation positions as illustrated in FIG.
4
.
The coil spring drive shaft
96
has the capability to store energy applied to the injector
92
by the motor
90
. Under certain circumstances, the locking piece may be obstructed from achieving the unlocked position illustrated in FIG.
4
. If, for example, the outside operator is held down, the outside cam is rotated counter-clockwise into a position which blocks movement of the locking piece toward the unlocked position. As a result of the blockage, energy applied by the motor
90
to move the injector
92
, injector arm
88
, engagement pin
83
and locking piece
82
will not result in movement of these components. However, the motor
90
will rotate the coil spring drive shaft
96
whether the injector moves or not. The drive shaft
96
is compressed beyond the drive pin
94
and stretched between the drive pin and the motor
90
by energy applied to the injector
92
by the motor. When the latch operator is released, the outside cam returns to its normal position, freeing the locking piece
82
, engagement pin
83
, injector arm
88
and injector
92
to achieve their unlocked positions. The energy stored in the stretched and compressed portions of the drive shaft
96
is now able to move the components to their unlocked positions.
The mortise lockset
10
incorporates a further security feature comprising a lock bar
50
. The lock bar
50
is biased by spring
52
toward a lock position in which the free end
56
of the lock bar is positioned to block retraction of the projected bolt
12
. The lock bar
50
is moved from the lock position by a guide pin
31
on the retraction lever
30
. Pivoting the retraction lever
30
to retract the bolt
12
engages the guide pin
31
on the retraction lever with a cam surface
54
on the lock bar
50
. Movement of the retraction lever
30
causes a corresponding pivot of the lock bar
50
away from its locked position. The lock bar, being internal to the mortise lockset
10
, is inaccessible to a potential burglar. Effectively, the lock bar
50
may be moved from the locked position only by a corresponding movement of the retraction lever
30
.
The novel configuration and features of the mortise lockset
10
, including the squared bolt
12
, the extended projection of the bolt, the autobolt system and lock bar
50
effectively combine the security features of a deadbolt with the convenience of a self-latching lockset.
The mortise lockset
10
, in accordance with the present invention, may also be operated as a conventional keyed access control system. The mortise lockset
10
is equipped with a key cylinder
60
and a retraction cam
62
. A properly cut key inserted in key cylinder
60
permits rotation of the retraction cam
62
. Rotation of the retraction cam
62
brings cam lobe
63
into engagement with the end of the retraction lever
30
. Movement of the retraction lever
30
induced by interaction with the retraction cam
62
is the same pivoting movement produced by the latch operators via the electromechanical coupling previously described.
It must be understood that the mortise lockset in accordance with the present invention incorporates features making it compatible with both keyed and electronic access control systems. The key cylinder
60
and retraction cam
62
may provide the primary access control or may be used as a key override feature. Incorporating electrically actuated access control features into a mortise lockset that is also equipped for key operation simplifies installation of an access control system by permitting key access control until a suitable electronic system may be installed. Further, the separately installed clutch mechanisms known in the prior art are no longer needed.
The electric power necessary to operate the motor
90
may be provided by a battery pack (not illustrated) or from a power supply. A battery powered mortise lockset may also be remotely actuated by radio, infra red or some similar signal. The signals necessary to actuate the motor
90
may also be transmitted by conductors (not illustrated) positioned within the door. While these arrangements are not illustrated, it is well known in the art to provide remote actuation of electrically operable assemblies. Any human operated or automated access control system may be used to actuate the clutch mechanism.
It should also be understood that the key and electrically actuated access control features of the mortise lockset
10
illustrated in
FIGS. 1-10
are fully compatible with any form of mortise lockset, including an alternative embodiment
10
a
illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 1
2
.
FIG. 11
is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
10
a
of a mortise lockset incorporating the electrically actuated internal clutch, key access control capability and lock bar features in accordance with the present invention. The alternative embodiment
10
a
also incorporates a more conventional self-latching configuration. A latch
13
with a large angled arcuate surface is spring biased toward an extended, latched position (spring not shown). The latch
13
is positioned to engage the strike of a doorframe. The force of the closing door moves the latch
13
into a retracted position until the latch is aligned with a latch opening in the strike. Once aligned with the strike opening, the latch
13
projects to a latched position. Because the latch operator on the unsecured side of the door is selectively engaged with the retraction lever
30
, the latched door is automatically locked.
The alternative embodiment
10
a
is equipped with a modified form of the lock bar security feature. The free end
56
of the lock bar
50
is coupled to an alternative auxiliary bolt
41
by a pin
58
. The lock bar is biased toward a lock position in which the lock bar blocks retraction of the latch
13
. The lock bar
50
must be moved from the lock position to permit the door to be opened and again to permit the door to close and latch. The lock bar control surface
54
and retraction lever mounted guide pin
31
cooperate to move the lock bar from the lock position when the door is being opened. As in the mortise lockset
10
, pivoting of the retraction lever
30
moves the lock bar
50
and also retracts the latch
13
.
In the illustrated embodiment
10
a,
the lock bar
50
must be restrained from achieving a lock position so that the latch will be permitted to retract upon encountering the strike as the door closes. With reference to
FIGS. 11
,
12
and
13
, when the door is open and the latch
13
and auxiliary latch
41
are in their projected positions a control surface
59
on the auxiliary latch
41
acts on guide pin
58
to restrain the lock bar from achieving the lock position. The closing door engages the latch
13
and bi-beveled auxiliary latch
41
against the strike
75
of the doorframe
72
at areas
79
and
78
a
respectively, urging both the latch and auxiliary latch into a retracted position. In a retracted position, the control surface
59
of the auxiliary latch
41
permits the lock bar to pivot to the lock position. Thus, the self-latching latch
13
of the alternative embodiment
10
a
incorporates tamper resistant features typical of a dead bolt.
The mortise lockset
10
a
illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 12
may be used to explain some features consistent with the present invention not found in the mortise lockset
10
of
FIGS. 1-10
. For example, the mortise lockset
10
a
of
FIGS. 11 and 12
is illustrated from the secured or inside of the door. From this side, the cam facing the viewer is the inside cam
80
. The inside cam
80
is continuously coupled to the retraction lever
30
by the engagement of cam lobe
112
with a projection
111
from the retraction lever
30
. Rotational motion applied to the inside cam
80
is directly transmitted to pivot the retraction lever
30
which moves the lock bar from the locked position and retracts the latch
13
. In the mortise lockset
10
, a Z-shaped locking piece is positioned to engage the inside cam
81
continuously and selectively engage the outside cam
80
.
In contrast, the mortise lockset
10
a
provides the projection
111
to continuously engage the inside cam
81
. The locking piece
82
′ is L-shaped, a protruding part of the L selectively engageable with the outside cam
81
.
FIGS. 11 and 12
illustrate the coupling components of the mortise lockset
10
a
in a locked condition. The injector
92
, injector arm
88
, engagement pin
83
, and locking piece
82
′ are positioned so that the extension of the locking piece is not engaged with the outside cam
81
. When the coupling components are so positioned the operator and outside cam
81
are in a free wheel state relative to the retraction lever
30
and rotational motion applied to the operator on the unsecured side of the door will not unlock the door.
In all other respects, the mortise lockset
10
a
functions in the same manner as the mortise lockset
10
. It should be noted that the mortise lockset
10
a
incorporates the same key actuation and electrically actuated coupling as described in the mortise lockset
10
. It should also be noted that the mortise lockset
10
a
incorporates the lock bar feature, adding security to the convenience of a self-latching lockset.
While preferred embodiments of the foregoing invention have been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
- 1. A lockset for mounting in a mortise of a door having a secured side and an unsecured side, said lockset comprising:a lock case; a latch movably mounted relative to said case and having a retracted position and a projected position, said latch being biased toward the projected position; latch retraction means for moving said latch from said projected position to said retracted position, said retraction means comprising a lever pivotable about a first axis; first coupling means for translating rotational motion applied at a secured side of a door to operate said retraction means; second coupling means for selectively translating rotational motion applied at an unsecured side of the door to operate said retraction means; clutch means for selectively engaging said second coupling means and said retraction means, said clutch means comprising: engagement means carried by said retraction means in fixed rotational relationship therewith for selectively engaging said second coupling means, said engagement means biased toward a non-engaged position; injector means for urging said engagement means into engagement with said second coupling means; and drive means for driving said injector means between a first position in which said injector means allows said engagement means to remain in said non-engaged position and a second position in which said injector means urges said engagement means into engagement with said second coupling means, wherein said latch, latch retraction means, first and second coupling means and clutch means are contained within said lock case and engagement of said engagement means with said second coupling means permits rotational motion applied at said unsecured side of said door to operate said retraction means.
- 2. The lockset of claim 1, said lockset further comprising:cam means for acting on said latch retraction means, said cam means rotatable in response to a key means, wherein rotation of said cam means moves said latch from said projected position to said retracted position.
- 3. The lockset of claim 1, wherein said latch comprises an outer end and an inner end, said lockset further comprising:lock bar means for preventing retraction of said latch, said lock bar means movable between a lock position in which said lock bar means obstructingly engages the inner end of said latch thereby preventing retraction of said latch and an unlock position in which said lock bar means does not prevent retraction of said latch.
- 4. The lockset of claim 3, wherein said lock bar means is interactive with said latch retraction means so that retraction of said latch by said latch retraction means also moves said lock bar means from said lock position to said unlock position.
- 5. The lockset of claim 4, said lockset further comprising:auxiliary latch means for restraining said lock bar means, said auxiliary latch means movable between a first position in which said auxiliary latch means projects from said lock case and restrains said lock bar means in said unlock position and a retracted position in which said auxiliary latch permits said lock bar means to achieve said lock position.
- 6. The lockset of claim 1, wherein said latch means includes an inner end and an outer end, said outer end including at least one roller means mounted within a recess in said outer end for rotation therein.
- 7. The lockset of claim 1, said lockset comprising:auxiliary latch means for restraining said latch, said auxiliary latch means including an auxiliary latch mounted within said lock case and movable between a projected position where said auxiliary latch projects from said lock case and a retracted position where said auxiliary latch does not project from said lock case, and hook means for engaging said latch, wherein engagement of said hook means with said latch restrains said latch in said retracted position and said auxiliary latch is interactive with said hook means whereby movement of said auxiliary latch from said projected position to said retracted position moves said hook means out of engagement with said latch, thereby permitting said latch to achieve said projected position.
- 8. The lockset of claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises:an electric motor having a rotating shaft; and a coil drive shaft connected to said rotating shaft and engaged with said injector means so that rotation of said drive shaft in a first direction urges said injector means from said first position to said second position and rotation of said drive shaft in a second direction urges said injector from said second position to said first position.
- 9. The lockset of claim 8, wherein said drive shaft comprises a spring, and should said injector means be temporarily immovable during rotation of said drive shaft, said spring stores energy which is applied to move said injector means.
- 10. A lockset comprising:a lock case; a latch movably mounted to said case, said latch having a projected position and a retracted position, said latch being biased toward the projected position; a latch retraction lever pivotable about a first axis from a first position to a second position, said lever being engaged with said latch such that movement of said lever from said first position to said second position causes a corresponding movement of said latch from said projected position to said retracted position; a first coupler rotatable about said first axis, said first coupler engaged with said lever such that rotation of said coupler causes a corresponding movement of said lever from said first position to said second position; a second coupler rotatable about said first axis; an engagement pin guide carried by said lever in fixed rotational relationship therewith; an engagement pin supported by said guide for rotation therewith about said first axis, said pin movable in a direction generally orthogonal to said first axis between an engaged position in which said pin rotationally couples said second coupler to said lever and a non-engaged position in which said coupler and said lever move independently, said pin being biased toward the non-engaged position; an injector arm pivotably movable about a second axis, said arm including a surface engagable with said pin, said arm movable between a locked position in which said surface permits said pin to remain in said non-engaged position and an unlocked position in which said surface urges said pin into said engaged position; an injector retained in said case and engageable with said arm, said injector movable between an inject position in which said injector urges said arm to said unlocked position and a non-inject position which permits said arm to remain in the non-inject position; and a drive assembly comprising a drive motor and a drive shaft rotatably driven by said motor and engageable with said injector such that rotation of said shaft in a first direction urges said injector from said non-inject position to said inject position and rotation of said shaft in a second direction urges said block from said inject position to said non-inject position, wherein said motor is remotely activatable and actuation of said motor causes rotation of said shaft in said first direction which urges said block to said inject position to urge said arm to said unlocked position, urging said pin into said engaged position which couples said lever to said second coupler, allowing rotation of said second coupler to move said lever to said second position to thereby move said latch to the retracted position.
- 11. The lockset of claim 10, wherein said retraction lever comprises an opposed free end opposite said first axis, said lockset further comprising:a key cylinder mounted to said lock case, said key cylinder rotatable in response to a key; a retraction cam secured to said key cylinder for rotation therewith, said retraction cam including a lobe positioned to engage the free end of said retraction lever, wherein rotation of said key cylinder and retraction cam pivots said retraction lever from said first position to said second position.
- 12. The lockset of claim 10, wherein said latch comprises an outer end and an inner end, said lockset further comprising:a lock bar biased toward a lock position and pivotable between said lock position in which said lock bar obstructingly engages the inner end of said latch thereby preventing retraction of said latch and an unlock position in which said lock bar does not obstructingly engage the inner end of said latch and said latch may be retracted.
- 13. The lockset of claim 12, wherein said lock bar includes a cam surface and said retraction lever includes a guide pin, said guide pin slidably engaged with said cam surface and pivoting of said retraction lever from said first position to said second position pivots said lock bar from said lock position to said unlock position.
- 14. The lockset of claim 13, wherein said lock bar includes a pin adjacent said free end and said lockset comprises an auxiliary latch movable between a projected position and a retracted position, said auxiliary latch biased toward said projected position and including a guide surface slidably engaged with said pin, said guide surface configured to restrain said lock bar from achieving said lock position when said auxiliary latch is in said projected position and to permit said lock bar to achieve said lock position when said auxiliary latch is in said retracted position.
- 15. The lockset of claim 10, wherein said latch comprises a generally rectangular member having an inner end and an outer end, said outer end including at least one recessed roller rotatably mounted in said outer end.
- 16. The lockset of claim 10, wherein said latch has a projected length extending from said lock case to said outer end and said outer end includes a beveled perimeter, said bevel extending from said outer end toward said lock case no more than one fifth of the projected length of said latch.
- 17. The lockset of claim 10, said lockset comprising:an auxiliary latch slidably mounted within said lock case and movable between a projected position where said auxiliary latch projects from said lock case and a retracted position where said auxiliary latch does not project from said lock case, said auxiliary latch biased toward said projected position; and a hook pivotably mounted within said lock case and engaged with said auxiliary latch so that retraction of said latch pivots said hook from a first position in which said hook engages a notch in said latch, thereby restraining said latch in said retracted position to a second position in which said hook releases said latch thereby permitting said latch to extend to said projected position.
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Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
5044184 |
Herbers et al. |
Sep 1991 |
A |
5377513 |
Miyamoto et al. |
Jan 1995 |
A |
6145353 |
Doucet |
Nov 2000 |
A |