GB2305965A

GB2305965A - Electrically-operated spindle

Info

Publication number: GB2305965A
Application number: GB9605091A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Michael Arthur; Andrew Martin Taylor
Original assignee: Taylor Lock Co Ltd
Current assignee: Taylor Lock Co Ltd
Priority date: 1995-10-07
Filing date: 1996-03-11
Publication date: 1997-04-23
Also published as: GB9605091D0

Abstract

With reference to Figure 1a, and electrically-operated spindle 10 operable to couple two rotational door handles 14, 15 together comprises an inner spindle 11 connected to door handle 14, an outer spindle 13 connected to door handle 15 and an electromagnetic solenoid 19 disposed between spindles 11, 13. When energised the solenoid 19 operates to couple the spindles 11, 13 together, against the action of a spring 22. In an alternative arrangement (shown in Figures 3a and 3b) the door handles 14, 15 are decoupled by continuous energisation of the solenoid 19, but are coupled to render the handles operable when the solenoid 19 is de-energised.

Description

ELECTRICALLY-OPERATED SPINDLE This invention relates to locks and in particular to the electrical operation or control of locks.

In a known type of electrically-operated lock a bolt is propelled into and withdrawn from engagement with a striking plate mounted to a jamb by electrical means such as a motor or solenoid, the electromechanical effort being limited by the need to operate on low voltage for safety of the user and the depth of the lock housing the electrical means. To comply with Health and Safety requirements a handle operated over ride mounted to the internal face of the door may be used at any time for egress and a key operated over ride may be mounted to the outside of the door for ingress without the need to operate the electrical means.

In a further known type of electrically-operated lock a projecting arm is flexibly mounted to a jamb to enter a defined aperture in a lock as the door closes. A locking element mounted to the lock is spring urged into a shaped recess in the projecting arm and is maintained in engagement by rotation of a cam against the inner end of the locking element. Actuation of electrical means or use of a handle or key operated over ride operatively connected to the cam, moves the cam out of abutment with the locking element, permitting the locking element to disengage from the projecting arm as the door is opened.

In a further known type of electrically-operated lock a lock is mortised into a door with handles mounted to each side of the door and operatively connected to the bolt. The external handle is mounted to a lock case mounted to the external face of a door with means such as a digital key pad mounted to the outside of the lock case operatively connected to an electronic circuit mounted within the lock case, the electronic circuit actuating electrical means to control use of the external handle with batteries to power the system mounted within the lock case. The internal handle may be used without restriction for egress.

In a further known type of electrically-operated lock a striking plate having a moveable face is mounted to a jamb with the moveable face in abutment with the bolt of a mechanical lock mounted to the door. Actuation of electrical means moves a locking element out of abutment with the moveable face permitting the bolt to disengage from the moveable face as the door is opened.

In a further known type of electrically controlled lock a controlling element is pivotally mounted to a casing, the casing being capable of being mounted to a mechanical lock mechanism in a position for the controlling element to impede movement of levers, tumblers or followers to restrict operation of a key or handle, the lock being altered to facilitate mounting of the casing. Application of electrical power operates electrical means mounted to the casing to move the controlling element out of abutment with levers, tumblers or followers and enable operation of a valid key or handle.

The purposes of providing the electrical function may be the need to operate the lock from a remote position or to enhance the differs of the mechanical key mechanism with electronic codes and with the added ability to void or validate the electronic tokens without dismantling the lock, or to produce an audit trail of use of the lock or door.

It will be seen that a wide variety of types of electrically-operated or controlled locks are produced but each type requires a complex design to integrate electrical and mechanical functions or additional devices to enhance the action of a mechanical lock with an electrical function or modifications to an existing mechanical lock to install electrical control.

Many such locks also require a high degree of carpentry skill and electrical qualifications for installation.

According to the present invention there is provided an electrically powered spindle operable to couple two rotationable door handles together, or to decouple said door handles.

As used herein, the term "rotational door handle" includes equivalent mechanism enabling doors to be opened or closed by application of a rotational force. For example, door key-operated cylinder locks or mechanism thereof.

The invention may be applied, without alteration to a door lock, and may be fitted to an existing lock installed in a door with substantially no alteration to the door.

The invention provides an electrically-operated spindle which cannot readily be accessed from the external side of a door in which it is fitted, and wherein electrical wiring is concealed from view should the door handle means on said external side be removed.

The electrically-operated spindle may be constructed in one form requiring application of electrical power to enable external door handle means to operate a door lock and a second form in which external door handle means can operate on interruption of the electrical power.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figures 1 a, 1 b and 1 C are fragmentary end views of a door, wherein Inure lea illustrates an electrically-operated spindle in a non-actuated state; Figureib illustrates the spindle in an actuated state; Figure illustrates how electrical wiring is concealed, and the spindle operated; Figures 2a 2b. 2c. 2d. 2e. 2f and 2g illustrate modifications, and Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a modified form of electrically-operated spindle.

In the Figures, like reference numerals refer to like features and components.

Referring first to Figure la, a door 1 has an external side 2, and an internal side 3. The door lock 4, which incorporates a bolt action 4a, is mounted within the door 1.

An electrically-operated coupling in the form of a spindle 10 is disposed adjacent the external side of the internal door lock 4. An inner or second spindle 11 extends laterally from the spindle 10, through the door lock 4 and follower means (not shown) disposed within the case of the lock 4, to engage with rotationable door handle means 14 mounted on the internal door face 3. The follower means transmit motion from the door handle means 14, 15 to the bolt action 8.

An outer or second spindle 13 extends laterally from the spindle 10 to engage with rotationable spring-loaded door handle means 15 mounted on the external door face 2. The spring-loading of the handle means 15 urges the handle means towards a non-door opening position.

As explained hereinafter, the external door handle means 15, may be rotated, when the spindle 10 is non-actuated or de-energised, without imparting corresponding movement to the inner spindle 11 or associated follower means.

The electrically-operated spindle 10 comprises a flange 5 mounted on the outer spindle 13. The flange 5 has a recess comprising a diametrical slot 6 formed therein and carries a cylindrical casing 7 extending towards the door lock 4.

The inner spindle 11 carries, on the external side of the door lock 4, a tubular housing 20, which extends within the cylindrical casing 7. The door lock end of the casing 7 is formed with an inwardly-extending flange 7a which embraces the door lock end of housing 20 but allows the casing 7 to be rotated relative to the housing 20.

The housing 20 locates electromagnetic actuating means 19 comprising a solenoid having a core 8. The end of the housing 20 remote from the door lock 4 is formed with a recess comprising a diametrical slot 21 which receives, (see Figure lob), a bar-like drive element 18. Spring means 22 comprising a compression spring is disposed between the drive element 18 and the electromagnetic means 19.

The spindle 13 is of aluminium, a non-magnetic material. The drive member 18, casing 7 and housing 20 are of steel. The casing 7 is sufficiently spaced from the housing 20 so as to be clear of the electromagnetic field generated when the solenoid of the electromagnetic means 19 is engaged.

Figure la shows the drive element 18 in a first or non-operative position where it is urged into the slot 6 of the flange 5 and thus clear of the housing 20.

Operation of the handle means 15 merely causes free rotation of the casing 7 about the housing 20, and no movement of the spindle 11, and thus no door unlocking action of the door lock 4.

With reference to Figure 1 b, when the electromagnetic means 19 is energised, the drive member 18 is drawn thereby to a second or operative position against the spring means 22 where the member 18 is partially within the slot 6 of the flange 5 and partially within the slot 21 of the housing 20. Thus the member 18 ensures that the flange 5 and housing 20 are coupled firmly together, so that subsequent rotation of the handle means 15 causes corresponding rotation of spindle 11 and a door unlocking action of the door lock 4.

When the electromagnetic means 19 is de-energised, the spring means 22 take over to return the drive element 18 to its initial, first position, (shown in Figure la), whereby the spindle 10 is de-coupled. If the external handle means 15 is now rotated, no corresponding movement of the spindle 11 can take place.

Figure lc shows how the spindle 10 is energised, using wiring 9 concealed within a passageway 26 formed in the inner spindle 11. The wiring 9 passes through above-mentioned follower means, and then through a spacer 27 disposed on the secure or internal side 3 of the door 1. This deters tampering, should the external handle means 15 be illicitly removed. The spacer 27 is operatively connected to the inner spindle 11 , the wiring 9 emerging through an aperture 23 in the outer end of the spacer 27.

A circlip 28 is mounted on the inner spindle 11 at the inner end of the spacer 27 to deter attempts to withdraw the electric spindle 10 from the lock 4. One end of the wiring 9 is connected to the electromagnetic means 19. The other end of the wiring 9 is connected to a control device 24, which may comprise, as illustrated, a key-pad. Alternatively, control can be exercised using other well known devices, such as swipe-card receivers, proximity radio control units, or door telephone units.

The presence of the space 27 permits the circlip 28 to be installed with comparative ease,. Near to the internal side 3 of the door 1. Without the spacer 27, the circlip 28 would have to be fitted nearer the lock case and perhaps within the confines of the spindle access hole bored through the door 1.

The spacer 27 has a central hole formed to engage the inner spindle so that it rotates with the spindle. The wire 9 emerges from a slot cut across the end of spacer 27 and is wrapped once around the exterior of the spacer 27 in a direction opposite to that of handle movement. This effectively lengthens the amount of wire 9 subject to movement, and so reduces strain on the wire.

Referring now to Figure 2a, a tubular casing 41 is mounted to the external face of the lock 4 by screws fitting through holes provided in the lock case for bolt - through door furniture. The inner spindle 11 extends from the casing 41 to engage follower means in the lock case and internal handle means 14 mounted to the inside face 3 of the door 1. The outer spindle 13 engages external handle means 15 mounted to the outside face 2 of the door 1. The spindle 13 penetrates the casing 41 by way of an aperture formed in an end plate 40 of the casing 41. The casing 41, being secured to the lock case, remains stationary as the spindle 13 is rotated.

Spring means 42 are disposed on the spindle 13 and within the casing 41 so as to return the external handle means 15 to an initial position, enabling the use of unsprung door furniture. With the drive element 18 maintained in an initial first position by the spring means 22, the external handle means 15 may be rotated without imparting motion to the inner spindle 11. On actuation of the electromagnetic means 19 the drive element 18 is moved to a second position whereby it engages the slot 21 as before, so as to couple the inner spindle 11 and outer spindle 13 together. Subsequent rotation of the external handle means 15 now rotates the inner spindle 11 and the follower means within the lock 4.

The presence of the casing 41 deters unauthorised access to the spindle 10.

Referring to Figure 2b, a rim cylinder body 44 is mounted on the internal side of the external face 2 of the door 1 and is operatively connected to a rim lock 43 mounted on the outer side of the internal face 3. An outer spindle 13 with thumb turn 58 is rotatably mounted within the cylinder body 44 and connected to electrically-operated spindle 10. When the spindle 10 is de-energised, the thumb turn 58 and outer spindle 13 may be rotated without imparting motion to the inner spindle 11 and a square section bar 48 which connects the spindle 11 a to a lock 43 mounted on the internal door face 3.

On actuation of the electromagnetic means 19 of the spindle 10, the drive element 18 is moved to a second position to engage the slot 21 in the housing 20 and thus operatively connect the thumb turn 58 and outer spindle 13 to the bar 48.

As before, when the electromagnetic means is de-energised, the drive element 18 is returned to the initial first position by spring means 22.

Figure 2c illustrates a threaded mortise cylinder body 49 mounted on the external face of a lock 50 disposed within the door 1. Outer spindle 13 with thumb turn 58 is rotatably mounted to the cylinder body 49. When the spindle 10 is de-energised, the thumb turn 58 and outer spindle 13 may be rotated without imparting motion to a lock-operating cam 56 mounted to an inner spindle 1 lea.

When the electromagnetic means 19 of the spindle 10 is energised, the drive element 18 of the spindle is moved so as to couple the outer spindle 13 to the inner spindle 1 lea Thus when thumb turn 58 is now operated, the spindle 1 la and cam 56 coupled thereto are rotated so as to operate lock 50.

When the electromagnetic means 19 is de-energised, the drive element 18 is returned to its initial first position by the spring means 22.

In Figure 2d, a profile mortise cylinder body 61 is shown mounted on the external face 2 of the door 1. An outer spindle 13 with thumb turn 58 is rotatably mounted on the cylinder body 61 When the electromagnetic means 10 is de-energised, as shown, the outer spindle 13 may be rotated without imparting motion to a lock-operating cam 56 mounted on the housing 20 of the spindle 10.

On actuation of the electromagnetic means 19, the drive element 18 is moved to engage the slot 21 and so couple outer spindle 13 to the cam 56.

Operation of the thumb turn 58 now opens the door lock (not shown).

When the electromagnetic means 19 is de-energised, the drive element 18 is returned to its initial first position by spring means 22.

The profile cylinder body may be produced in any of the following forms: Figure 2d: a half cylinder body with electrically controlled spindle 10 disposed therein.

Figure 2e: a double cylinder body 61e with an electrically controlled spindle 10 adjacent one end and key operated mechanism 62 disposed adjacent the opposite end and operatively connected to the lock-operating cam 56 by square-section bar 48. In this modification, the key operated mechanism 62 can be considered the equivalent of a door handle.

Figure 2f: a double cylinder 61f with an electrically controlled spindle 10 disposed adjacent one end and a thumb turn 63 disposed at the opposite end and operatively connected to the lock-operating cam 56 by a spindle 64.

Figure 2g: a double cylinder body 61 g with a pair of electrically controlled spindles 10 disposed in substantial alignment with lock-operating cam 56 between them. When both of the electromagnetic means 19 are energised, spindles 13 and 64 are coupled together, and the door 1 can be opened.

Referring now to Figure 3a, a modified electric spindle 1 0a has a drive member 18 maintained in an initial first position in engagement with a diametrical slot 21 (Figure 3b) formed in the inner spindle housing 20 by continuous energisation of the electromagnetic means 19 disposed within the housing 20. The spindle 10a is formed so that in this position, the member 18 is completely clear of the diametrical slot 6 in the flange 5 and the spring 22 is compressed. The outer spindle 13 may now be rotated without imparting motion to the inner spindle 11.

As shown in Figure 3b, on de-energisation of the electromagnetic means 19, the drive member 18 is moved to a second position, where it is partially in engagement with the slot 6 formed in the flange 5, by the spring means 22. The member 18, which is now partially in slot 21 and partially in slot 6, couples the inner and outer spindles 11, 13 together.

This arrangement may be applied to all of the previously described embodiments, and is fail-safe, should electric power to the spindle 1 0a be interrupted for some reason. Where possible, and where desirable, features disclosed herein may be added to, or substituted for, other such features.

An electrically-operated spindle according to the present invention can be fitted, without alteration of the lock and locking plate, to approved British Standard 3621:1980 thief-resistant locks.

Claims

1. An electrically-operated spindle operable to couple two rotational door handles together, or to decouple said door handles.

2. An electrically-operated spindle as claimed in claim 1 comprising a first spindle for connection to one door handle, a second spindle for connection to the other door handle and electromagnetic means disposed between the two spindles and operable to couple them together, or decouple them.

3. An electrically-operated spindle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the electromagnetic means is carried by the second spindle and is rotatable therewith.

4. An electrically-operated spindle as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the electromagnetic means comprise a drive member operable to couple the first and second spindles together and spring means urging the drive member into a spindle coupling position or, alternatively, in a spindle decoupling position.

5. An electrically-operated spindle as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first and second spindles each carry structure defining a recess for receiving the drive member.

6. An electrically-operated spindle as claimed in claim 5 wherein the structures defining recesses comprise flange structures with slots formed therein.

7. An electrically-operated spindle as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the electromagnetic means comprise solenoid means.

8. An electrically-operated spindle as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the electromagnetic means is housed in a casing rotatable with the second spindle.

9. An electrically-operated spindle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in combination with a control device for operating said spindle.

10. A pair of electrically-operated spindles each according to any one of claims 1 to 9, disposed in substantial alignment, with door lock operating means disposed between them and operable thereby.

11. An electrically-operated spindle or spindle pair as claimed in claim 10 wherein the control device comprises a key-pad.

12. An electrically-operated spindle or spindle pair as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control device comprises a swipe card receiver.

13. An electrically-operated spindle or spindle pair as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control device comprises a proximity radio control unit.

14. An electrically-operated spindle or spindle pair as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control device comprises a door telephone unit.

15. The combination of a door lock and an electrically-operated spindle or spindle pair therefor, wherein said spindle(s) is (are) of the form claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A door having fitted thereto the combination of claim 15.

17. A door as claimed in claim 15 wherein electrical wiring for operation of the electrically-operated spindle or spindles is concealed from view should the door handle on the external side of the door be removed.

18. A door as claimed in claim 16 wherein said wiring is concealed within the second spindle and the door lock.

19. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figures 1 a and 16 of the accompanying drawings.

20. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure lc of the accompanying drawings.

21. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 2a of the accompanying drawings.

22. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 2b of the accompanying drawings.

23. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 2c of the accompanying drawings.

24. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 2d of the accompanying drawings.

25. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 2e of the accompanying drawings.

26. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 2f of the accompanying drawings.

27. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 2g of the accompanying drawings.

28. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 3a of the accompanying drawings.

29. An electrically-operated spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 3b of the accompanying drawings.

30. The combination of a door lock and an electrically-operated spindle or spindle pair, as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 29.

31. A door having fitted therein the combination of claim 30.