DK181041B1 - HOUSING FOR A LOCKING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing for a lock system configured to be mounted to a closure over a lock cylinder or lock spindle that is configured for actuating a closure latch or bolt, the housing comprising a structure defining: a locking receptacle adapted to receive a key or the lock spindle therein wherein the locking receptacle at least partially defines a receptacle volume, and a plurality of power receptacles each at least partially defining a power receptacle volume adapted to receive a respective removable power source; the plurality of power receptacles comprising a primary power receptacle and an auxiliary power receptable, each respectively defining a primary power receptacle volume and an auxiliary power receptacle volume and wherein the primary power receptacle volume does not overlap with the locking receptacle volume and the auxiliary power receptacle volume at least partially overlaps with the locking receptacle volume.

Description

DK 181041 B1 1 Field This invention relates to a housing for a lock system.

More particularly, the invention relates to a housing to be mounted over a lock cylinder or lock spindle that is configured for actuating a latch or bolt.

The invention also relates to a lock system for actuating a lock cylinder or lock spindle, comprising a housing.

Background of the invention An increasing number of smart devices are being released to allow people to interact with their homes, work places any other suitable environments via their phones and/or voice controls.

Smart locks are a type of smart device that allow a user to control a lock remotely, particularly a closure lock wherein a closure comprises any movable plate configured to close over an opening (e.g. a door, window, safe or chest). Lock systems or retrofittable lock operating devices, such as smart locks, may generally be designed to be coupled to one of a wide variety of different lock types that exist around the world.

For example, some locks may be actuated by a spindle, the rotation of which may define a solid of revolution with a relatively small circumference.

Conversely, other locks may be actuated by a key, the rotation of which may define a solid of revolution with a relatively large circumference.

It is to be understood that a solid of revolution defined by the rotation of an object, such as a lock spindle or key, is representative of the volume occupied by that object as it rotates through 360° about an axis.

Known lock systems are limited to specific types of lock, for example known smart locks are limited to specific types of spindle-actuated locks and are not applicable to key-actuated locks, or vice versa.

Market potential and consumer confidence that the consumer is purchasing a correct product may be increased by providing a lock system that can be coupled to either a lock spindle or a lock cylinder.

US 2020/0149319 Al discloses a lock system comprising a housing with a housing interior, a rotational shaft in operative connection with the housing and a motor operative to rotate the shaft.

The lock system further comprises a curved battery cell in operative electrical connection with the motor.

In cross section, the battery cell includes at least two points wherein a line segment joining these two points passes through the motor. 40 Summary

DK 181041 B1 2 According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a housing for a lock system, the housing configured to be mounted to a closure over a lock cylinder or lock spindle that is configured for actuating a closure latch or bolt, the housing comprising a structure defining: a locking receptacle adapted to receive a key or the lock spindle therein wherein the locking receptacle at least partially defines a receptacle volume, and a plurality of power receptacles each at least partially defining a power receptacle volume adapted to receive a respective removable power source wherein the removable power source is retained by the power receptacle; the plurality of power receptacles comprising a primary power receptacle and an auxiliary power receptable, wherein the primary power receptacle at least partially defines a primary power receptacle volume and the auxiliary power receptacle at least partially defines an auxiliary power receptacle volume and wherein the primary power receptacle is positioned relative to the locking receptacle such that the primary power receptacle volume does not overlap with the locking receptacle volume; characterised in that the auxiliary power receptacle is positioned relative to the locking receptacle such that the auxiliary power receptacle volume at least partially overlaps with the locking receptacle volume. A lock cylinder may be any lock cylinder forming part of a closure which is adapted to receive a key and provide rotatable and mechanical coupling of the key to a latch or bolt also forming part of the closure. Alternatively, a tailpiece may be affixed to the lock cylinder for actuating the lock cylinder. While a key may be discussed generally here, it will be appreciated that any reference to a key may equally refer to a tailpiece herein, as both are configured to actuate the lock cylinder. A lock spindle may be any lock spindle forming part of a closure wherein the lock spindle is rotatably and mechanically coupled to a latch or bolt also forming part of the closure.

Rotation of the key in the lock cylinder or rotation of the lock spindle may cause actuation of the latch or bolt, for example by causing the latch to rotate or causing the bolt to move linearly. The latch/bolt may be removably engageable with a latch/bolt receptacle forming part of the opening which the closure is configured to close, wherein engagement of the latch/bolt with the latch/bolt receptacle may lock the closure closed against the opening. By means of the invention, a housing for a lock system is provided that comprises a locking receptacle volume at least partially defined by a locking receptacle where the 40 locking receptacle is defined by the structure of the housing. The structure of the housing may partially define the locking receptacle volume by way of the walls of the

DK 181041 B1 3 locking receptacle which provide a natural upper-limit on the size of the key which can be received within the locking receptacle The locking receptacle volume may be defined as a space within the housing that is configured to fit a solid of revolution of a key or a spindle within it. However, the full volume of the locking receptacle volume may not be needed when the housing is mounted over a lock spindle, because the spindle has a significantly smaller solid of revolution than a key does. It will be appreciated that, herein, where a key is discussed which can be received within the locking receptacle volume, a key is referred to which is designed and configured to be received in the lock cylinder for actuating that lock cylinder.

The housing is configured to either be mounted over a lock cylinder such that a key received by the lock cylinder may be received by the locking receptacle volume or be mounted over a lock spindle such that the lock spindle is received by the locking receptacle volume. Further to housing a key or lock spindle, the housing may generally house at least one removable power source. The housing further comprises a plurality of power receptacle volumes, each power receptacle volume at least partially defined by a corresponding power receptacle, where each power receptacle is defined by the structure of the housing. A power receptacle may be defined as the bounds of the housing which define a volume within the housing which is shaped to receive and hold in-place a removable power source, such as a battery such that the removable power source can form a reliable electrical connection at an electrical coupling terminal contained therein. The volume may be defined as the space that would be taken up by the removable power source and may have sufficient structure around it to receive and support the removable power source. For example, the housing may have a minimum of three points of support distributed around the volume in order to retain the removable power source. The power receptacle volumes comprise the spaces at least partially defined by the walls of the housing within which a power source is wholly received, therefore it will be appreciated that each power receptacle volume is defined by the size and shape of the power source which it is configured to receive. For example, a power receptacle volume may comprise a volume within the housing shaped to receive and hold an AA-battery, an AAA-battery, a button cell or another type of removable power source. As such, in some examples, the power receptacle volumes may be substantially cylindrical. In some examples, a removable power source may be a power cable such as a USB cable or another type of cable through which power may be transmitted. The power receptacle volumes may be open along at least one edge, but the material of the

DK 181041 B1 4 housing may provide sufficient structure to hold the removable power source without risk of displacement. The plurality of power receptacle volumes comprises at least one primary power receptacle volume that is arranged to not overlap with the locking receptacle volume. Therefore, a removable power source received in the primary power receptacle volume will not overlap the solid of revolution defined by a key received in the locking receptacle volume rotating within the associated lock cylinder in order to actuate the closure latch or bolt. Accordingly, the lock system may be powered by the removable power source received in the primary power receptacle volume in order actuate the closure lock regardless of whether the lock comprises a key (with a relatively large solid of revolution) or a spindle (with a relatively small solid of revolution). The plurality of power receptacle volumes further comprises at least one auxiliary power receptacle volume that is arranged to at least partially overlap with the locking receptacle volume. A removable power source received in the auxiliary power receptacle volume would overlap the solid of revolution defined by a key received in the locking receptacle volume. However, such a removable power source will not overlap the smaller solid of revolution defined by a lock spindle rotating in order to actuate closure latch or bolt. Accordingly, when the housing is mounted over a lock spindle, in use, the lock system may be powered by removable power sources received in both the primary power receptacle volume and the auxiliary power receptacle volume. The removable power sources may therefore provide power to the lock system for a longer period without needing to be replaced.

However, when the housing is mounted over a lock cylinder, a user of the lock system may choose to insert removable power sources into only the primary power receptacle volume(s) in order to provide power to the lock system while allowing a key to rotate freely within the locking receptacle volume. Therefore, the user may configure the lock system to operate preferentially with respect to the closure lock that it is mounted to by deciding how many removable power sources to use. The housing may further receive a gear arrangement and processing circuitry within it. The housing may be mounted directly to a closure or may be mounted indirectly to a closure by coupling to a mounting plate, where the mounting plate is mounted to the closure.

DK 181041 B1 In one or more embodiments of the invention the plurality of power receptacle volumes may comprise a plurality of primary power receptacle volumes, each primary power receptacle volume at least partially defined by a corresponding primary power receptacle, and each of the primary power receptacle volumes is arranged to not 5 overlap with the locking receptacle volume.

In such embodiments of the invention the housing may receive a plurality of removable power sources regardless of whether the lock comprises a key or a spindle. This may provide additional power to the device by default.

In such embodiments of the invention the processing circuitry may receive electrical power from at least two removable power sources without a removable power source being required to be positioned in an auxiliary power receptacle volume. Therefore, the removable power sources may be used for a longer period of time without requiring replacement (relative to how long a single removable power source may last). This is even the case when the lock system is used to actuate a lock cylinder via a key and, as such, removable power sources cannot be placed in the auxiliary power receptacle volumes.

In one or more embodiments,the plurality of power receptacle volumes may comprise a plurality of auxiliary power receptacle volumes, each auxiliary power receptacle volume at least partially defined by a corresponding auxiliary power receptacle, and each of the auxiliary power receptacle volumes is arranged to at least partially overlap with the locking receptacle volume.

In such embodiments the housing may receive a plurality of removable power sources in the plurality of auxiliary power receptacle volumes, particularly when in use with a lock spindle. These may provide for the option of additional power for powering processing circuitry and a motor of a lock system. However, the plurality of auxiliary power receptacle volume may also be left empty to allow actuation of a key, with a large solid of revolution, within the locking receptacle volume. The plurality of auxiliary power receptacle volumes may therefore allow a small form factor lock system to fit over a lock cylinder.

In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of power receptacles may comprise a power coupling terminal configured to electrically connect to the respective removable power source. A power coupling terminal may be an electrode, a USB

DK 181041 B1 6 terminal or any other suitable type of power coupling terminal able to electrically connect a removable power source to processing circuitry. In such embodiments of the invention, one or more removable power source(s) received in one or more of the power receptacles and filling the corresponding power receptacle volumes may be couplable to processing circuitry forming part of the lock system via the power coupling terminal(s) of the respective power receptacle volume(s). The lock system, and more particularly the processing circuitry, may receive power from the removable power source(s) received in the housing via the respective power coupling terminal(s). It will be appreciated that the housing may be provided absent of processing circuitry but may comprise one or more circuitry coupling terminals to which the processing circuitry can be attached for the receipt of power. The circuitry coupling terminals may be electrically connected to the power coupling terminals.

In one or more embodiments, the power coupling terminal associated with the primary power receptacle or the plurality power coupling terminals associated with the primary power receptacles is electrically connected to the power coupling terminal associated with auxiliary power receptacle or plurality of power coupling terminals associated with the plurality of auxiliary power receptacles in a parallel circuit arrangement.

In such embodiments, when a removable power source is received in the or each primary power receptacle volume, defined by the power receptacles, the power coupling terminal(s) may be configured to provide electrical power to processing circuitry irrespective of the presence of a removable power source in one or more of the one or more auxiliary power receptacle volumes. In other words, an electrical circuit may be maintained while the or each auxiliary power receptacle volume is empty (without a removable power source).

In one or more embodiments, the power coupling terminals associated with at least two of the plurality of primary power receptacles may be electrically connected to each other in a series circuit arrangement. In one or more embodiments, the power coupling terminals associated with at least two of the plurality of auxiliary power receptacles may be electrically connected to each other in a parallel circuit arrangement.

In embodiments of the invention which comprise a plurality of primary power receptacles defining primary power receptacle volumes, each power coupling terminal associated primary power receptacle may be connected in a parallel circuit

DK 181041 B1 7 arrangement with each other primary power receptacle. In such embodiments, a removable power source may be positioned in any one or more of the primary power receptacle volumes and electrical power may be provided to the processing circuitry. Alternatively, two or more of the primary power receptacle volumes may be connected in a series circuit arrangement wherein a removable power source would need to be positioned in all primary power receptacle volumes connected in series for electrical power to be provided to the processing circuitry. Another possibility is that all primary power receptacle volumes may be connected in a series circuit arrangement wherein a removable power source would need to be positioned in all primary power receptacle volumes for electrical power to be provided to the processing circuitry. Similarly, in embodiments of the invention which comprise a plurality of auxiliary power receptacle volumes, each auxiliary power receptacle volume may be connected in a parallel circuit arrangement with each other auxiliary power receptacle volume. In such embodiments, a removable power source may be positioned in any one or more of the auxiliary power receptacle volumes and electrical power may be provided to the processing circuitry. Alternatively, two, more than two or all of the auxiliary power receptacle volumes may be connected in a series circuit arrangement wherein a removable power source would need to be positioned in all auxiliary power receptacle volumes connected in series for electrical power to be provided to the processing circuitry. In one or more other embodiments, the power coupling terminals may be electrically connected to each other in any suitable circuitry arrangement.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a lock system for actuating a lock cylinder or lock spindle that is configured for actuating a closure latch or bolt, the lock system comprising a housing according to any preceding claim, processing circuitry and a gear arrangement comprising an actuation gear, wherein: the actuation gear is mechanically couplable to, and thereby provides for rotation of, one of a spindle and a key; and the processing circuitry is configured to receive electrical power from at least a first removable power source and provide for rotation of the actuation gear.

By means of the invention, a lock system is provided that may actuate either a spindle or a key received in the locking receptacle volume of the housing. The lock system may be a smart lock, power-assisted lock, triggerable lock (for example, a lock system

DK 181041 B1 8 that may be triggered with the push of a button) or any other suitable type of retrofittable lock operating device.

In order to actuate the spindle or key, the gear arrangement may comprise a motor configured to rotate the actuation gear which in turn rotates the spindle or key via a removable coupling adapter. The motor may be controlled by the processing circuitry and hence may be electrically powered by at least one removable power source.

In one or more embodiments, receipt of the first removable power source in the primary power receptacle volume or one of the primary power receptacle volumes may provide for a completed electrical circuit such that the processing circuitry is powered by at least the first removable power source.

In such embodiments of the invention the processing circuitry may receive electrical power from the first removable power source and no further removable power sources may be required in order for the lock system to actuate the associated lock cylinder or lock spindle. Particularly, the lock system may operate without a removable power source being positioned in the (or any of the) auxiliary power receptacle volume(s) such that it overlaps with the locking receptacle volume. The lock system may therefore operate effectively irrespective of whether a key or a spindle is received within the locking receptacle volume.

In one or more embodiments, the lock system may further comprise a cap attachable to the housing and configured to close over the locking receptacle volume and the plurality of power receptacle volumes.

In such embodiments of the invention the cap may cover and protect the internal components of the lock system, such as the gear arrangement. Further, the cap may ensure that the removable power source(s) are held securely within the respective power receptacle volume(s).

The cap may be attachable to the housing by any suitable means. For example, in some embodiments of the invention the cap may be removably attachable to the housing such that it may be entirely removed from the housing when a user of the lock system wants to access the locking or power receptacle volumes. In other embodiments of the invention the cap may be rotatably attachable to the housing via a hinge such that a user may rotate the cap away from the locking and power receptacle volumes in order to gain access. The cap and housing may additionally or

DK 181041 B1 9 alternatively comprise a latch mechanism to provide secure engagement. The cap may additionally or alternatively be configured magnetically attach to the housing. In one or more embodiments, the cap may comprise a plurality of second power coupling terminals each configured to electrically connect to a removable power source received in a respective one of the plurality of power receptacle volumes. In such embodiments of the invention attachment of the cap to the housing may complete electrical connection of the processing circuitry and thereby allow electrical power to transfer from the removable power source(s) to the gear arrangement, particularly the motor. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments the second power coupling terminals may be located elsewhere, depending on the orientation at which the removable power sources are inserted into the housing and/or the type of removable power sources that the housing is designed to receive.

The housing may comprise a first circuit coupling terminal and the cap may comprise a second circuit coupling terminal electrically connectable to the first circuit coupling terminal in order complete electrical connection of the processing circuitry. Brief Description of the Drawings The embodiments of the invention, together with its advantages, may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a housing according to the invention in use with a lock spindle; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the housing shown in Figure 1 in use with removable power sources and a lock spindle; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a housing according to the invention in use with a key; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the housing shown in Figure 3 in use with removable power sources and a key; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cap forming part of a lock system according to the invention;

DK 181041 B1 10 Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the underside of the cap shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows an example embodiment of a lock system.

Detailed Description Retrofittable lock systems are becoming more desirable, particularly with regard to lock systems for doors. Such lock systems can be provided to give a larger handle by which to actuate a lock for users with low grip strength or manual dexterity difficulties.

Retrofittable lock systems can also be implemented for smart-lock or otherwise automated lock devices which allow for either manual actuation of the lock or automatic actuation of a lock based on a signal provided from a remote device.

Many retrofittable lock systems can have large form factors relative to the lock cylinders or latches (received over spindles) that are being replaced. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide lock systems with smaller form factors than those previously available so that these lock systems do not look unwieldy or out-of-place when installed.

Figure 1 shows an example lock system 2 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The lock system 2 comprises a housing 4 which provides structure that defines a locking receptacle, where the locking receptacle at least partially defines a locking receptacle volume 6. The structure of the housing also defines a plurality of power receptacles which in turn define a plurality of power receptacle volumes 8, 10.

It will be appreciated that the power receptacle volumes are the empty volumes within the housing which are arranged and defined, by way of the material of the housing defining the power receptacles, to receive removable power sources. In this embodiment of the invention the plurality of power receptacle volumes 8, 10 comprise two primary power receptacle volumes 8 and two auxiliary power receptacle volumes

10. However, other embodiments of the invention may comprise any suitable number of primary and auxiliary power receptacle volumes.

Each primary power receptacle volume 8 is arranged to not overlap with the locking receptacle volume 6 while each auxiliary volume 10 is arranged to at least partially overlap with the locking receptacle volume 6.

This embodiment of the invention is shown in use with a lock spindle 20.

DK 181041 B1 11 The lock system 2 further comprises processing circuitry (not shown) comprising a first electrical connection 32, a cap-release mechanism 34 and a cap interface 38 (each of which is referred to further with respect to Figures 5 and 6). The lock system also comprises a gear arrangement (not shown) comprising an actuation gear (not shown) and a removable coupling adapter 24a configured to mechanically and rotatably couple the actuation gear to the lock spindle 20. The processing circuitry is configured to receive electrical power from at least a first removable power source received in one of the primary power receptacle volumes 8 and provide for rotation of the actuation gear which, in turn, provides rotation of the lock spindle 20 via the removable coupling adapter 24a. Accordingly, the lock system 2 may provide actuation of the lock spindle 20 in order to actuate a closure latch or bolt.

Referring now to Figure 2, in order for the lock system 2, and more particularly the processing circuitry, to receive electrical power, a removable power source 30 may be positioned within each of the plurality of power receptacle volumes 8, 10 (shown in Figure 1). Each of the plurality of power receptacles may comprise a power coupling terminal (not shown) configured to electrically connect to the removable power sources

30. Each power coupling terminal may be affixed to a surface of a corresponding power receptacle and may at least partially extend into the corresponding power receptacle volume 8, 10. The power coupling terminals may further connect the removable power sources 30 to the processing circuitry of the lock system 2.

In this example, rotation of the lock spindle 20 would define a relatively small solid of revolution that does not overlap with the auxiliary power receptacle volumes 10. In other words, in use, a removable power source 30 may be positioned in each of the auxiliary power receptacle volumes 10 because the lock spindle 20 will not clash with them during its rotation. Thus, the solid of revolution of a spindle may be smaller than the locking receptacle volume, which is defined by the solid of rotation of a key.

This allows a maximum possible number of removable power sources 30 to be used in order to extend the life span of the lock system before the removable power sources 30 require replacement.

Referring now to Figure 3, the lock system 2 is shown in a second use. Here the lock system 2 is shown in use with a lock cylinder (not shown) and a key 22. The housing 4 is the same as it is shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, in this example the lock

DK 181041 B1 12 system 2 comprises a removable coupling adapter 24b configured to mechanically couple the actuation gear (not shown) to the key 22, rather than the removable coupling adapter 24a shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In this example, rotation of the key 22 would define a large solid of revolution relative to the solid of revolution defined by a spindle, where the solid of revolution of the key overlaps with the auxiliary power receptacle volumes 10. In other words, if a removable power source were positioned in each of the auxiliary power receptacle volumes 10, the key 22 would clash with them during its rotation and be unable to move any further when the lock system 2 was in use.

Therefore, in situations such as that exemplified here where the lock system 2 is used with a key 22, a removable power source may preferentially be positioned only in the primary power receptacle volumes 8.

Accordingly, Figure 4 shows the lock system 2 with a removable power source 30 positioned in each of the primary power receptacle volumes (shown in Figure 3), but with no removable power sources positioned in the auxiliary power receptacle volumes. As the primary power receptacle volumes do not overlap with the locking receptacle volume, removable power sources positioned therein will not obstruct rotation of the key 22.

A maximum locking receptacle volume may be defined by a solid of revolution wherein its radius is maximized without the solid of revolution overlapping the primary power receptacle volume(s) or a wall of the housing. Such a maximum locking receptacle volume will always intersect with the auxiliary power receptacle volumes and any removable power sources placed therein but, by definition, cannot intersect the primary power receptacle volumes.

A spindle receptacle volume may be defined by a solid of revolution wherein its radius is any radius where the solid of revolution does not overlap any power receptacle volume (primary or auxiliary) or a wall of the housing. The space defined by such a spindle receptacle volume will never be affected by a removable power source positioned in any power receptacle volume. It will be appreciated that particularly small keys or tailpieces may equally be received entirely within a volume that falls within the definition of a spindle receptacle volume as given above.

DK 181041 B1 13 Therefore when the lock system is in use with a spindle (or a particularly small key) that defines a solid of revolution that fits within the spindle receptacle volume, a removable power source may be placed in each power receptacle volume without risk of the spindle's (or key's) rotation being interrupted. However, when the lock system is in use with a key (or possibly a very large spindle) that defines a solid of revolution that exceeds the spindle receptacle volume, a user may avoid positioning a removable power source in the or each auxiliary power receptacle volume so that the key's (or spindle’s) rotation is not interrupted.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6 (with additional references back to the features shown in Figures 1 to 4), a cap 12 is shown that is attachable to the housing 4 (shown in Figures 1 to 4) and configured to close over the locking receptacle volume 6 and the plurality of power receptacle volumes 8, 10. The cap comprises a second electrical connection 33 electrically couplable with the first electrical connection 32 and a plurality of second power coupling terminals 36 positioned on the underside of the cap

12. Each second power coupling terminal 36 is configured to electrically connect to a removable power source 30 received in a respective one of the plurality of power receptacle volumes 8, 10.

In this embodiment of the invention the second power coupling terminals 36 are each configured to electrically connect to the cathode (positive) end of a removable power source. However, in other embodiments of the invention each second power coupling terminal 30 may be configured to electrically connect to the cathode end or anode (negative) end of a removable power source. In some examples, half of the second power coupling terminals 30 may connect to an anode and half may connect to a cathode.

The power coupling terminals positioned in the housing 4 (i.e. the first power coupling terminals), and more particularly in the power receptacle volumes 8, 10, may be configured to electrically connect to the opposite end of a removable power source than the respective second power coupling terminal 36 positioned in the cap 12. When the cap 12 is attached to the housing 4, the second electrical connection 33 may be electrically coupled to the first electrical connection 32 and each power source 30 positioned in a respective power receptacle volume 8, 10 may be electrically connected to a power coupling terminal at its anode and cathode. The electrical connection of the processing circuity may thereby be completed such that the processing circuitry

DK 181041 B1 14 may receive electrical power from one or more removable power sources positioned in the housing 4. The cap 12 further comprises housing interfaces 39 and an aperture 35 configured to receive the cap-release mechanism 34 (shown in Figures 1-4). In this embodiment of the invention, the housing interfaces 39 are engageable with the cap interfaces 38 of the housing 4 to fix the cap 12 to the housing 4. More particularly, the cap 12 screws onto the housing 4 until the cap-release mechanism 34 is received by the aperture 35. When the cap-release mechanism 34 is received by the aperture 35, the cap 12 is prevented from rotating relative to the housing 4 due to the edges of the aperture abutting against the cap-release mechanism 34. The cap-release mechanism 34 thereby prevents a user from unintentionally unscrewing the cap 12 from the housing 4, However, the cap-release mechanism 34 may selectively be depressed by the user in order to remove it from the aperture 35 such that the aperture 35 no longer abuts against the cap-release mechanism 34 when the user attempts to rotate the cap 12 relative to the housing 4. The cap 12 may therefore be unscrewed from the housing 4 once the cap-release mechanism has been depressed.

In one or more embodiments of the invention the cap-release mechanism 34 may comprise an LED indicator (not shown) configured to indicate a light of one or more colours. For example, a particular colour of light or a particular flashing sequence may indicate that the lock system has become jammed and is unable to complete a locking or unlocking actuation. Hence the user may be made aware that the lock system requires manual correction in order to function correctly. In another example, a particular colour of light or a particular flashing sequence may indicate low battery life is remaining for one or more removable power sources so that a user of the lock system may replace the batteries before functionality is lost. The LED indicator may be powered by one or more of the removable power sources.

Further, in one or more embodiments of the invention, the cap-release mechanism 34 may be configured to function as a button that initiates a locking actuation, possibly on a time delay. For example, a partial depression of the cap-release mechanism 34 (where a full depression is for removing the cap 12 from the housing 4 as described above) may trigger the lock system to actuate the lock to a locked position after a predetermined period of time, such as 10 seconds.

DK 181041 B1 15 Figure 7 shows a lock system 200 which is configured to be mounted over a lock cylinder of a lock spindle. The lock system comprises a mounting plate 201, which is received over the lock cylinder or lock spindle. In the case of Figure 7, the mounting plate 201 is shaped to receive a lock spindle through the substantially central circular aperture. It will be appreciated that for receipt of a lock cylinder, a different mounting plate may be required because of the elongate cross-section of a lock cylinder. A removable coupling portion 202 is provided which mechanically couples to the lock spindle, a key inserted into a lock cylinder or to a tailpiece of a lock cylinder. The removable coupling portion 202 may be mechanically inserted into an actuation gear of a gear arrangement such that rotation of the actuation gear causes rotation of the lock spindle, key or tailpiece and, thereby, actuation of a deadbolt or latch of the closure. The gear arrangement (not shown) would be contained within the housing 204 which may also comprise processing circuitry (not shown) therein. The housing 204 also comprises a plurality of power receptacle volumes 205 into each of which a removable power source 206 can be received and retained in place. The housing may be configured such that the receipt of removable power sources 206 provides for the provision of power to the processing circuitry. A sheath 203 may be received around the housing 204 such that the sheath 203 is independently rotatable relative to the housing 204. The sheath may comprise an internal gear which is configured to engage with the actuation gear such that manual rotation of the sheath by a user results in rotation of the actuation gear and consequential actuation of the deadbolt or latch into a locked or unlocked position. A cap 207 is also provided which closes over the housing 204 in order to protect the removable power sources 206. The cap 207 may also comprise one or more electrical coupling terminals to provide for connection to the removable power sources 206. Together, the features of the lock system 200 may cooperate to provide for a lock system 200 which has a small form factor and easier to install than other lock systems. It will be appreciated that one or more features of the lock system described with reference to figure 7 may not be essential, may be provided together as part of a kit or may be distributed separately.

Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features and parameters of the invention.

Claims (10)

DK 181041 B1 16 PATENT CLAIM 1. Housing (4) for a locking system (2), the housing (4) is configured to be mounted on a locking element over a locking cylinder or locking spindle (20) which is configured to actuate a locking bolt or bolt, wherein the housing (4 ) comprises a structure defining: a lock receiving part adapted to receive a key (22) or the lock spindle (20) therein, the lock receiving part at least partially defining a receiving volume (6), and a plurality of battery compartments each at least partially defining a battery compartment volume (8, 10) adapted to receive a respective removable power source (30), the removable power source (30) being retained by the battery compartment; the plurality of battery compartments comprises a primary battery compartment and an additional battery compartment, where the primary battery compartment at least partially defines a primary battery compartment volume (8), and the additional battery compartment at least partially defines an additional battery compartment volume (10), and where the primary battery compartment is located relative to the lock receiving part so that the primary battery compartment volume (8) does not overlap with the lock receiving volume (6); characterized in that the primary battery compartment is positioned relative to the lock receiving part so that the additional battery compartment volume (10) at least partially overlaps with the lock receiving volume (6). 2. The housing (4) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery compartment volumes (8, 10) comprise a plurality of primary battery compartment volumes (8), each primary battery compartment volume (8) is at least partially defined by a corresponding primary battery compartment, and each of the primary battery compartment volumes (8) are arranged not to overlap with the lock receiving volume (6). 3. The housing (4) according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the plurality of battery compartment volumes (8, 10) comprise a plurality of additional battery compartment volumes (10), each primary battery compartment volume (10) is at least partially defined by a corresponding additional battery compartment, and each of the additional battery compartment volumes (10) are arranged to at least partially overlap with the lock receiving volume (6). The housing (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of battery compartments comprises a power coupling terminal configured to electrically connect to the respective power source (30). 40 5. The housing (4) according to claim 4, wherein the power coupling terminal associated with the primary battery compartment or the plurality of power coupling terminals associated with the primary battery compartments is electrically connected to the power coupling terminal associated with the secondary battery compartment, or the plurality of power coupling terminals associated with 45 the plurality of additional battery compartments in a parallel circuit arrangement. 6. The housing (4) according to claim 4 or 5, when depending on claim 2, wherein the power coupling terminals associated with at least two of the plurality of primary battery compartments are electrically connected to each other in a parallel circuit arrangement. 50 DK 181041 B1 17 A locking system (2) for actuating a locking cylinder or locking spindle (20) configured to operate on a locking bolt or bolt, the locking system (2) comprising a housing (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, processing circuitry and a gear arrangement , wherein the gear arrangement comprises an actuating gear, wherein: the actuating gear is mechanically engageable with, and thus enables rotation of, one of a spindle (20) and a key (22); and the processing circuit is configured to receive electrical current from at least one first removable power source (30) and enable rotation of the activation gear. 8. The locking system (2) according to claim 7, wherein the reception of the first removable power source (30) in the primary battery compartment volume (8) or one of the primary battery compartment volumes (8) enables a closed electrical circuit, so that the processing circuit is powered by at least the first removable power source (30). 9. The locking system (2) according to claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising a cap (12) attachable to the housing (4) and configured to close the lock receiving volume (6) and the plurality of battery compartment volumes (8, 10). > 10. The locking system (2) according to claim 9, wherein the cap (12) comprises a plurality of power coupling terminals each configured to electrically connect to a removable power source (30) received in a respective one of the plurality of battery compartment volumes (8 , 10).