MXPA00012348A - Automatic door latch - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic door latch is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the latch includes a dead bolt which is automatically moved from a partially retracted or trigger position to a fully extended locking position when a door in which the lock is mounted is closed. When a key is used to unlock the dead bolt from outside of the door, or a finger turn or key is used to unlock the dead bolt from inside of the door, the dead bolt is automatically reset to the trigger position. In a preferred embodiment, the dead bolt lock includes a multi-position switch mounted in the lock housing which engages a contact member mounted on the dead bolt. Retraction of the dead bolt into the housing causes the multi-position switch to engage the contact member and to secure the dead bolt in the trigger position. Subsequent retraction of the dead bolt into the housing causes the multi-position switch to disengage from the contact member, thereby allowing the dead bolt to extend from the housing to the locked position. In a preferred embodiment, a latch restraint assembly is provided which holds the dead bolt in the fully retracted position until the restraint assembly is manually released. The automatic door latch comprises relatively few component parts in comparison with conventional locks, and is preferably compatible with standard predrilled door cut-outs.

Description

AUTOMATIC INSURANCE FOR DOOR FIELD OF THE I NVENTION The present invention relates to door inserts and more particularly to automatic door locks such as the spring lock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Frequently the spring latch locks are used to secure doors. A typical spring latch lock includes a latch extending from the door into an opening in a travel plate mounted in the door frame. In manual latches, the spring latch extends and retracts by a key from the outside of the door, or by a key or handle from the inside of the door. Although manual spring-loaded latch locks provide greater security, they are inconvenient because the key must be used to close the spring latch after a person has left the door, or a key or key must be used. to close the spring latch from inside the door. As a result, manual spring latches do not always close consistently. Several kinds of spring latch locks have been proposed, in which the spring latch closes automatically when the door closes. Examples of such automatic spring latch locks are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,561,684; 4,671,549; 4,890,870; 4,945,737; 5,044,182; 5,516,160; and 5,615,919, each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Although conventional automatic spring latch locks can provide greater utilization compared to manual locks, they tend to be more complex and require a greater number of components. The requirement of many components is added to the cost of conventional locks and also transform the locks susceptible to damage or failure during the installation itself. In particular, conventional locks having components mounted on the outside of the lock box can be easily damaged during installation. In addition, some kinds of conventional automatic spring latch locks require a bolt unit to be mounted on a door. In addition, conventional automatic spring latch locks are often not compatible with standard size holes pre-drilled in the doors. Another disadvantage of existing designs of spring latch locks is that they often require the use of detectors or detent pins. Such triggers or detector pins typically require modifications to the door such as additional holes or require the use of a latch.

Hollow spring for the purpose of acom od the components. The present invention has been developed in view of the foregoing and to signal other shortcomings of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NONDION One aspect of the present invention is to provide automatic door insurance. The insurance includes: a box; a latch mounted retractably in the box and movable to an extended position, a partially retracted position and a fully retracted position; a spring that pushes the safety "towards the extended position; an actuator to move the safety to the fully retracted position; a contact member mounted on the latch and a multi-position switch mounted on the housing in releasable contact with the contact member. The multi-position switch allows the safety to move to the extended position when the multi-position switch is in a first position or intermediate position, and holds the safety in the partially retracted position when the multi-position switch is in a second or extended position. The lock is preferably a spring latch lock. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an automatic door lock that includes the components mounted within the safe. The components hold the safety in a partially retracted drive position when the The door is open and allows the insurance to move to an extended insurance position when the door is closed. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a clamping unit for the automatic door latch, which manually secures the latch in a fully retracted position without a latch when automatic locking of the latch is not desired. These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1a Ia3 are top section views, partially schematic, illustrating the operation of an automatic spring latch lock, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an isometric, partially schematic view of an automatic spring latch lock, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5 to 9 are partially schematic side sectional views of an automatic spring latch lock, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, which shows the spring latch in the positions, extended, partially retracted and completely retracted. Figure 10 is a side, partially schematic sectional view of an automatic spring latch lock, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a side view, partially schematic of an automatic spring latch lock, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12 to 15 are partially schematic side section views of a multi-position switch for use in a spring latch automatic lock in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 16 to 18 are end section views, partly schematic, of a spring latch fastening unit, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 19 and 20 are views are side views, partly schematic, of the spring latch clamping unit shown in Figures 16 to 18. Figures 21 to 22 are plan views, partly schematic, showing a handle for spring latch lock and a latch button for the spring latch according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES FIGS. 1 to 3 schematically illustrate the operation of an automatic door lock in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A door frame 2 includes a door stop 3 and a path plate 4 mounted therein. A travel box 6 is formed through an opening in the travel plate 4 and a cut in the door frame 2. A door 8 of any conventional construction includes an automatic door lock 10 in the form of a spring latch lock mounted therein. The door lock 10 includes a box 12 and a viewing plate 15. The viewing plate 15 is preferably mounted essentially flush with the edge of the door 8. A retractable latch in the form of a spring latch 30 extends from the case 12 and the view plate 15 of the door latch 10. The spring latch 30 is pushed by a spring to an extended position. As used herein, the term "lock" includes spring latches, bolts, "lock latches, and the like." While the spring latch locks are described first herein, another type must be understood. of insurance are within the scope of the invention In the position shown in Figure 1, in which the door 8 is open, the spring latch 30 is in a partially retracted position or in the firing position. moves from the open position shown in Figure 1 to the position shown Figure 2, the spring latch 30 contacts the travel plate 4 and is forced into the case 12. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the travel plate 4 includes a raised curved portion that makes contact with the spring latch 30. However, any other suitable configuration of the travel plate can be used which forces the latch 30 spring inward when making contact with the plate travel. As the door 8 moves from the position shown in Figure 2 to the closed position shown in Figure 3, the spring latch 30 automatically extends into the travel case 6. In this way, the door latch 10 automatically extends and closes the spring latch 30 when the door 8 closes. As will be described in more detail below, the spring latch 30 can be retracted manually from the closed position shown in Figure 3 by using a key outside the door or a ratchet or key turn from inside of the door. In another embodiment, wherein the door latch is provided in the form of a latch knob set, the spring latch or other type of latch can be retracted manually from the closed position by use of a key inserted from the latch. the outside of the knob or by rotating an inner handle or knob. Figure 4 is an isometric, partially schematic view of an automatic door lock 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The door lock 10 includes a box 12 having a front portion 13, generally cylindrical and a rear portion 14, generally rectangular. The box 12 can be made of any suitable material such as metal. For example, the box 12 can be made of steel, bronze or tin. The viewing plate 15 is provided at the front end of the cylindrical portion 13 of the box 12. The viewing plate 15 can be made of any suitable material such as steel, tin or bronze. The mounting holes 16 are provided through the viewing plate 15. As shown in Figure 4, a top opening 20 is provided in the box 12. The opening 20 includes a leading edge 21 and a trailing edge 22. The opposing slots 23 and 24 are provided in the rectangular portion 14 of the box 12. The holes 26 and 27 are provided through the rectangular portion 14 of the box. The holes 26 and 27 are preferably placed so that they are compatible with conventional door equipment such as mounting screws (not shown). In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the box 12 and the internal components of the door lock 10 are designed so that the door lock 10 will fit within a standard door with pre-bored cuts for a spring latch. The standard door holes include a circular diameter of 5.35 centimeters across the face of the door that can adjust 6.93 centimeters or 5.98 centimeters, from the edge of the door. A circular hole 2.52 centimeters in diameter that is drilled perpendicular from the edge of the door into a larger cut. Conventional, manual tubular spring latches fit within these standard cuts. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an automatic latch 10 can be installed in such a manner in the standard holes bored previously without modify the door. This allows the automatic door latch 10 to be installed as easily as the manual spring latch locks, either as an original installation or as a replacement for an existing spring latch manual lock. The automatic door lock of the present invention may also include an adjustable distance mechanism from the face to the keyhole, which allows the spring latch to be mounted in a 6.93 centimeter hole or 5.98 centimeter cut away. In addition, the automatic door lock 10 is preferably adapted to be mounted on right-hand doors; or left doors. ': As described above, the door latch 10 includes a spring latch 30 which can extend from the box 12. The spring latch 30 can be made of any suitable material such as metal. For example, the spring latch 30 can be made of steel, iron, bronze or chrome. Preferably, the spring latch 30 comprises an essentially solid piece of metal, which provides greater strength and safety. The spring latch 30 preferably comprises a symmetrical curved tip as shown in Figure 4, in order to facilitate the mounting of the door latch 10 on left or right doors.

As shown in Figures 5 through 9, a spring 32 fits within a cylindrical recess 33 and urges the spring latch 30 toward the extended position. Although a portion of the spring 32 fits within the recess 33 in the spring latch 30 in the In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 9 any other arrangements can be used in order to push the spring latch 30 into its extended position. As more clearly shown in Figures 5 through 9, a contact member 40 is mounted on the spring latch 30 within the case 12. The contact member 40 may be provided as a separate piece that is connected to the latch 30. spring by any suitable means, such as welding. Alternatively, the contact member 40 may be provided as an integral part of the spring latch 30. The contact member 40 includes a contact surface 41 and a retainer 42. The contact surface 41 and the retainer 42 are substantially flat and are connected together at an angle less than 90 degrees, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. at 9. The contact surface 41 and the retainer 42 may be provided as a unitary piece as shown in Figures 5 to 9 or may be provided as separate pieces. The contact surface 41 of the contact member 40 may comprise a flat angled surface, as shown in Figures 5 through 9. Alternatively, the contact surface 41 may be provided as a curved surface and / or may be provided. with any other suitable angular orientation. As will be described in more detail below, the contact member 40 is used in combination with a multi-position switch for retaining the spring latch 30 in various desired positions.

A projection 44 connected to the spring latch 30 extends through the upper opening 20 in the box 12. A slot 45 is provided through the upper part of the projection 44. As more clearly shown in Figures 4 to 9, a pin 46 extends from the rear of the projection 44 through the slots 23 and 24 in the box 12. The pin 46 is preferably provided as a continuous bar of material extended through both slots 23. and 24 in the case 12. A rotating hanging arm 50 is received in the slot 45 of the projection 44, which in turn is connected to the spring latch 30, as shown in Figures 4 through 9. arm 50 is mounted on a rotating bar 51 that passes through the rectangular portion 14 of the box 12. A square hole 52 is provided through the bar 51 to receive a spring latch adapter (not shown). A disc 54 may be mounted on each end of the rotary bar 51 outside the rectangular portion 14 of the box 12, in order to place the pendant arm 50 in the desired plane of rotation. Although the bar 51 and the hole 52 shown in Figure 4 have square cross sections, any other kind of geometry suitable for the bar 51 and / or hole 52 can be used. As shown in Figures 4 to 9, the automatic door lock 10 includes a multi-position 60 switch mounted inside the box 12. The multi-position switch 60 includes an extension 62 adapted for coupling with the contact member 40. As will be described in more detail below, the extension 62 can be reciprocated from an extended position that holds the spring latch 30 in the trip position toward an intermediate position which allows the spring latch 30 to extend. Figures 5 to 9 illustrate an automatic closing cycle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 5, the spring latch 30 is in the extended closing position, similar to the position shown in Figure 3. In the extended position, the spring 32 pushes the spring latch 30 towards -the closed position. In this position the pendant arm 50 extending through the slot 45 rotates to the correct position shown in Figure 5. The contoured end 56 of the pendant arm 50 makes contact preferably with the right edge of the slot 45 to retain the spring latch 30 in the closed position. In the detent position shown in Figure 5, a left force exerted on the spring latch 30 is supported by the engagement of the end 56 with outline of the pendant arm 50 and the right edge of the slot 45. In the position shown in FIG. Figure 5, the distance of the extension of the spring latch 30 is limited by the contact between the projection 44 and the front edge 21 of the opening of the box. In addition to, and instead of, the contact between the projection 44 and the leading edge of the opening 21, the extension of the spring latch 30 may be limited by providing the hanging arm 50 with a rotation stop position. Alternatively, the extension distance of the spring latch 30 can be limited through the contact between the bolt 46 and the right side of the slot 24. In the extended position illustrated in Figure 5, the spring latch 30 comprises a solid piece of material such as steel or its like extending from inside the viewing plate 15 to the tip of the latch. The provision of a solid piece of material in this region makes it more difficult for the latch to be sawed through or that the door be kicked inward, which increases the security of the lock. As shown in Figure 6, the spring latch 30 can be moved from the extended position shown in Figure 5, to a fully retracted position, in which the spring latch 30 is placed inside the box 12. This is it achieves by rotating the pendant arm 50 with a leftward rotating movement towards the left position shown in Figure 6. Such rotation of the pendant arm 50 can be achieved for example, by turning a key from the outside of the door, in which the spring latch lock is mounted, or a ratchet or key is rotated from inside the door. As the spring latch 30 is pulled inwardly from the position shown in Figure 5 towards the position shown in Figure 6, the contact surface 41 of the contact member 40 engages the extension 62 of the multi-position switch 60. . As will be explained in more detail below, pressing the extension 62 in the position shown in Figure 5 to the position shown in Figure 6 causes the extension to subsequently move up and slide against the contact surface 41 of the contact member 40 when the spring latch 30 and the contact member 40 moves from the position shown in Figure 6 to the position shown in Figure 7. In the position shown in Figure 6, the rotational movement of the pendant arm 50 in the counterclockwise direction is limited by the contact between the hanging arm 50 and the rear wall 18 of the box, the rear edge 22 of: the opening of the box and / or through the contact between the pin 46 and; the left side of the slot 24. Alternatively, the counterclockwise rotating movement of the pendant arm 50 may be limited through contact between the projection 44 and the rear edge 22 of the opening of the box. As shown in Figure 6, the pendant arm 50 preferably does not retain the spring latch 30 in the fully retracted position, which allows the spring latch 30 to move automatically under the force of the spring 32 toward the shown fire position. in Figure 7. This is the opposite with the retention position shown in Figure 5, where at the end 56 with contour of the hanging arm makes contact with the right edge of the slot 45. In Figure 7, the extension 62 is in the extended position and engages with the detent 42 of the contact member 40, which places to the spring latch 30 in the partially retracted or firing position. In this step, the door on which the automatic door lock is mounted is in an open position similar to that shown in Figure 1. When the door is subsequently closed, the spring latch 30 is forced inwardly from the position of the door. shot shown in Figure 7, towards a retracted position as shown in Figure 8. The movement of the spring latch 30 from the firing position towards the retracted position is also shown in Figures 1 and 2. Although the latch 30 of The spring shown in Figure 8 is completely retracted within the case 12, such complete retraction is not absolutely necessary in accordance with the present invention. As can be clearly shown in Figure 2As the door 8 closes, the spring latch 30 contacts the travel plate 4 and is forced into the case 12. As shown in Figure 8, such inward movement of the spring latch 30 depresses the extension 62 of multi-position switch 60 through a sliding coupling with contact surface 41 of contact member 40. The depression of the extension 62 causes the extension 62 to move to an intermediate position as shown in Figure 9. In the intermediate position, the extension 62 releases the detent 42, which allows the spring latch 60 to move toward the right under the force of the spring 32 towards the extended position shown in Figure 9. The position Fully extended or secured is also shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 5 to 9, the different positions of rotation of the pendant arm 50 and the different extended and retracted positions of the spring latch 30, preferably, do not block or interfere with mounting holes 26 and 27. In this way, the door lock can be used with conventional mounting screws. Although the multi-position switch 60 shown in Figures 5 to 9 operates through the linear movement of; extension 62 in a vertical direction, any other orientation or type of multi-position switch can be used. For example, the multi-position switch can go through a linear movement in a different direction than the vertical direction shown in Figures 5 through 9. In addition to the linear movement of the extension 62 shown in Figures 5 through 9, the switch of multiple positions can move towards multiple rotation positions or their like. In addition, the contact member 40 may be provided with any other suitable geometry or orientation for contact with the multi-position switch. For example, the angle of the contact surface 41 and / or the retainer 42 can be adjusted to any desired orientation. In addition, instead of a flat contact surface 41 as shown in Figures 5 to 9, the contact surface may be curved or may be of any other suitable shape. If a switch is used Multiple rotary positions, the contact member 40 can be modified in order to make contact with the multi-position switch in different angular orientations. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate alternative spring arrangements for pushing the spring latch 30 in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, a spring 34 is connected between the box 12 and the pendant arm 50 in order to force the pendant arm 50 to the right towards its correct position, in order to extend the spring latch 30. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, a spiral spring 35 engages with the pendant arm 50 in order to lock the pendant arm ct > n Rotary movements to the right to its correct position. Figures 11 to 15 illustrate schematically the components and operation of the multi-position switch 60 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The multi-position switch 60 includes an extension 62 that can be moved down from the extended position shown in Figure 12, to a depressed position shown in Figure 14. Subsequently, the extension 62 moves from the depressed position shown in FIG. Figure 14 towards an intermediate position shown in Figure 15. If there is a greater depression in the extension 62 of the position shown in Figure 15, it results in the movement of the extension 62 back towards the extended position shown in Figure 12. The 60 multi-position switch includes a box 61 which receives the extension 62. The box 61 and the extension 62 can be made of any suitable material such as plastic, metal or their like. An extension spring 63 mounted on the housing 61 pushes the extension 62 towards its extended position. A thin, essentially non-rotating disk 64 is mounted inside the case 61 by means of mounting springs 65 and 66. Although the mounting springs 65 and 66 are shown in Figures 12 to 15, any other means for mounting the essentially non-rotating toothed disk 64 inside the case 61 can be used. Preferably, the assembly is compatible and allows a certain degree of of axial movement between the disk 64 and the case 61.: The case 61 includes a series of axially aligned channels formed in the inner wall thereof. The upper channels 71 extend from the upper opening of the case 61 approximately halfway into the case 61. The radial projections 72 mounted on the extension 62 are slidably received within the upper channels 71. The upper channels 71 include upper stops which maintain the radial projections 72 in the channels. The coupling of the radial projections 72 into the upper channels 71 allows the extension 62 to move axially with respect to the box 61, but essentially avoids rotation of the extension 62 within the case 61. The case 61 also includes a series of long channels 74 spaced around the inner circumference of the case 61. In addition, multiple short channels 76 are placed around the internal circumference of the box 61, between the long channels 74. The long and short channels 74 and 76 include openings at their lower ends which comprise angled faces 78. As shown in Figures 12 to 15, a thin disk 82 is rotatably mounted to the underside of the extension 62 by a rotary connection 84. The rotating connection 84 shown in Figures 12 to 15 comprises a generally hemispherical recess in the lower part of the extension 62 which receives an extended projection from the upper part of the dentate disk 82, which includes a dome-shaped member that : that fits within the generally hemispherical recess. However, any other kind of rotary connection can be used between the extension 62 and the toothed disk 82. Rotating toothed disc 82 includes projections 86 extending radially outwardly therefrom. Projections 86 preferably include angled faces 88. Depending on the rotational orientation of the rotatable toothed disk 82 within the case 61, the radial projections 86 may be received within the long channels or may be received within the short channels 76. In Figure 12, extension 62 of multi-position switch 60 is placed in the extended position. In this extended position the radial projections 86 on the rotary disk 82 are located at the top of the long channels 74. Also, radial projections 72 in extension 62 they are located in the upper part of upper channels 71. The depression of the extension 62 from the extended position in Figure 12 to the position shown in Figure 13, causes the engagement between the teeth of the non-rotating toothed disk 64 and the teeth of the rotary toothed disk 82. If there is greater depression of the extension 62 from the position shown in Figure 13 to the fully depressed position shown in Figure 14, it causes the teeth of the serrated disks 64 and 82 to coincide with each other. Because the disk 64 is essentially non-rotating and the disk 82 is free to rotate, the engagement between its respective teeth causes rotation of the radial projections S6 from the position shown in Figure 13, to the position shown in Figure 14. When the pressure is released against the upper surface of the extension 62, the extension spring 63 forces the extension 62 and the rotating tooth disc 82 upwards. Due to the rotational alignment of the radial projections 86 with respect to the short channels 76 shown in Figure 14, the upward movement of the extension 62 results in the coupling between the angled faces 78 of the short channels 76 and the faces 88 angled radial projections 86. The further upward movement of the extension 62 towards the position shown in Figure 15 causes the radial projections 86 to slide towards the top of the short channels 76. In this position, due to the contact between the radial projections 86 and the upper parts of the short channels 76, the extension 62 maintained in an intermediate axial position relative to the box 61.

Although not shown in the Figures, if the extension 62 is depressed from the intermediate position shown in Figure 15 to cause engagement of the teeth of the toothed disks 64 and 82, the projections 86 will rotate toward an angular orientation below the openings. of the 74 long channels. If the pressure is subsequently removed from the upper surface of the extension 62, the radial projections 86 will travel upward to the upper portions of the long channels 74, towards a similar position shown in Figure 12. In this way, the switch 60 Multiple position is alternately placed in an extended position or in the intermediate position by the repeated depression of extension 62. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a clamping unit for door latch is provided. Figures 16 to 22 illustrate one embodiment of a snap-in unit 110 for spring latch. The unit 110 includes an actuator bar 111 of the spring latch, which can be inserted into the hole 52 of the spring latch latch shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, the actuator bar 111 of the spring latch can be used in combination with any other suitable kind of automatic door lock arrangement. As shown more clearly in Figures 16 to 18, a ratchet turn 112 of the spring latch is connected to the actuator bar 111 of the spring latch, in order to rotate the actuator bar 111 of the spring. spring latch Alternatively, the ratchet turn 112 can be replaced by a key or a knob set. The clamping unit 110 includes an inner door face plate 114, through which the ratchet turn 112 of the spring latch extends. An opening 115 is provided in the door view plate 114. As shown more clearly in Figures 16 to 20, a bolt female 116 is mounted on the actuator bar 111 of the spring latch for rotation therewith. The bolt female 116 includes at least one bolt female slot 118. Preferably, two latch female slots are provided as shown in Figures 16 through 20, in order to allow mounting on both left and right doors. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, a bracket 120 is mounted on the inner surface of the door view plate 114. The bracket 120 includes a chamber 121, which houses a spring 122 with contour. A portion of the spring 122 extends through an opening 123 in the bracket 120. The bracket 120 also includes a safety channel 124 that receives a movable latch 126. The latch 126 is connected with a button 128 by an arm extending through the opening 115 in the viewing plate 115. The latch 126 includes a stop 129 which passes through the channel 124 of the latch and engages with the spring 122. The latch 126 is guided by a mounted support rail 132. enter the upper surface. of the door view plate 114 and the bracket 120. A spring 134 makes contact with the bracket and with the latch 126 in order to push the latch towards an upper or decoupled position as shown in Figure 16. In the position shown in FIG. Figure 16, the spring latch holding unit 110 is in the uncoupled position, where the latch 126 is free of the latch female 116. This decoupled position is also shown in Figures 19 to 21. In case of that the latch 126 moves downward while the ratchet turn 112 and the latch socket 116 are in the positions shown in FIG. 16, the latch 126 does not enter the slot 118 and does not prevent rotation of the latch bolt 116 Therefore, the clamping unit 116 will not lock the spring latch in the extended or firing positions. However, when the ratchet turn 112 rotates toward the position shown in Figures 17, 18 and 22, the latch 126 can be moved downwardly into the slot 118 of the latch bolt 116. This movement is accomplished by the pressure down on the button 128 against the force of the spring 134. During the downward movement of the latch 126, the stop 129 makes contact with the spring 122 as shown in Figure 17. The further downward movement of the latch 126, the stop 129 passes the spring 122, so as to hold the latch 126 within the slot 118 as shown in Figure 18. In this position, the contact between the spring 122 and the stop 129 counteracts the force of the spring 134 and prevents the safety 126 undock the slot 118 until the button 128 is manually moved up. The door lock clamping unit according to one embodiment of the present invention allows an automatic door latch such as an automatic spring latch lock, which is held in a fully retracted or unsecured position when the latch is not desired. use of the spring pestilo. For example, the spring latch clamping unit 110 can be used in combination with the automatic door latch 10 described above. In this case, the actuator bar 111 of the spring latch shown in Figures 16 through 20 can be inserted into the hole 52 shown in Figures 4 through 9. The actuator bar 111 of the spring latch can be used in combination with the ratchet turn 112 for moving the hanging arm 50 from the position shown in Figure 5 to the position shown in Figure 6. When the hanging arm 50 is in the position shown in Figure 6, the actuator bar 111 of the spring latch and the ratchet turn 112 are in the positions shown in Figures 17, 18, 122. In this position, the latch 126 of the spring latch holding unit 110 can be moved towards the position shown in Figures 18 and 20. By securing the actuator bar 110 of the spring latch against rotation, the pendant arm 50 can be secured in the position shown in Figure 6. As a result, the spring latch 30 is maintained in the fully retracted position.

The present invention provides certain advantages compared to conventional automatic spring latch designs. For example, the present spring latch lock has relatively few components, which reduces the cost of the lock and also reduces the possibility of damage or failure during installation and use. Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the components of the present spring latch lock, such as the contact member and the multi-position switch, are essentially contained within the lock housing. This prevents the damage of the lock particularly during installation. The use of an essentially solid pestilel provides greater security. The ability of the present spring latch lock to be installed in both left and right doors also provides certain advantages. In addition, the preferred spring latch automatic lock does not require a notch unit to be mounted on a door, and is compatible with the pre-braced holes in the doors. The automatic spring latch lock can therefore be installed in any standard pre-braided hole without the need to form additional holes or other modifications to the door. In addition, the insurance securing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention allows a snap lock to be manually uncoupled. In this way, the spring latch can be kept in a fully retracted position when the use is not desired. of the spring latch. While the particular embodiments of this invention have been described for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations may be made on the details of the present invention, without departing from the invention as defined in the following vindications.

Claims (42)

1. CLAIMS 1. An automatic door lock, which includes: a box; a retractably mounted safety catch mounted in the box and movable to an extended position, a partially retracted position and a fully retracted position; a spring that pushes the lock towards the extended position; an actuator to move the safety to the fully retracted position; a contact member mounted on the insurance; * ^ y: a multi-position switch mounted on the housing in releasable contact with the contact member to allow the latch to move to the extended position when the multi-position switch is in a first position and to hold the latch on the partially retracted position when the multi-position switch is in a second position.
2. 2. The automatic door lock according to claim 1, wherein the latch comprises a spring latch.
3. 3. The automatic door lock according to claim 2, wherein the spring latch comprises an essentially solid piece of metal.
4. 4. The automatic door latch according to claim 2, wherein the spring latch is in the position extended, the portion of the spring latch extended from the box comprises a solid piece of metal.
5. 5. The automatic door lock according to claim 2, wherein the spring latch comprises a substantially symmetrical curved tip.
6. 6. The automatic door lock according to claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a swivel hanging arm pivoted in the box that engages the lock.
7. 7. The automatic door lock according to claim 7, wherein the hanging arm engages a projection mounted on the latch. '; The automatic door lock according to claim 7, wherein the hanging arm is received in a slot in the projection. 9. The automatic door lock according to claim 7, wherein the projection comprises a pin extending from the projection, which is slidably received in at least one slot extended through the box. 10. The automatic door lock according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is mounted within the housing. The automatic door lock according to claim 1, wherein the contact member comprises a releasable sliding engagement surface with the multi-position switch. 12. The automatic door lock according to claim 11, wherein the contact surface is essentially flat. 13. The automatic door latch according to claim 12, wherein the contact surface extends in a plane that is not parallel with the direction of the latch extension. 14. The automatic door lock according to claim 11, wherein the contact member also comprises a detent in releasable contact with the switch; 15. The automatic door latch according to claim 14, wherein the retainer comprises an essentially flat surface extending in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the latch. 16. The automatic door lock according to claim 14, wherein the contact surface and the retainer are essentially flat and are connected together at an angle less than 90 degrees. 17. The automatic door lock according to claim 1, wherein the multi-position switch is mounted inside the box. 18. The automatic door latch according to claim 1, wherein the multi-position switch comprises an extension in releasable contact with the latch member. Contact. 19. The automatic door lock according to claim 18, wherein the extension can be moved in a linear direction from the first position to a second position. 20. The automatic door lock according to claim 19, wherein the extension is retractably mounted in a multi-position switch housing and the extension is moved to an extended position relative to the housing, which corresponds to the second position. 21. The automatic door lock according to claim 20, wherein the extension can be moved to an intermediate position relative to the box, which corresponds to the first position. 22. The automatic door lock according to claim 19, wherein the linear direction is not parallel with the direction of extension of the lock. 23. The automatic door latch according to claim 19, wherein the linear direction is essentially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the latch. 24. The automatic door lock according to claim 1, wherein the latch comprises a spring latch and the contact member and a multi-position switch is mounted within the housing. 25. Automatic door lock in accordance with the claim 1, wherein the latch comprises a spring latch and the automatic door latch is adapted for installation in a standard pre-drilled spring latch lock hole of a door. 26. The automatic door lock according to claim 1, wherein the automatic door lock is adapted for installation in both left and right doors. 27. The automatic door latch according to claim 1, further comprising a clamping unit means for manually securing the latch in the fully retracted position. 28. An automatic door lock, which comprises: a box adapted to be mounted on a door; a latch retractably mounted in the housing and movable to an extended position, a partially retracted firing position and a fully retracted position; a spring that pushes the lock towards the extended position; and a means mounted within the box to hold the safety in the partially retracted firing position when the door is opened and to allow the safety to move into the extended position when the door is closed. 29. The automatic door lock according to claim 28, wherein the latch is a spring latch. 30. Automatic door lock in accordance with the claim 28, wherein the means for holding the latch for in the partially retracted firing position and for allowing the latch to move toward the extended position comprises: a contact member mounted on the latch; and a multi-position switch mounted on the housing in releasable contact with the contact member. 31. The automatic door lock according to claim 30, wherein the contact member and the multi-position switch comprise means for allowing the latch to move toward the extended position when the multi-position switch is in a first position. and to hold the safety in the partially retracted position when the multi-position switch is in a second position. 32. The automatic door lock according to claim 28, further comprising a means for installing the automatic door lock in a standard hole for a spring-loaded bolt lock pre-tapped in the door. 33. The automatic door lock according to claim 28, further comprising means for installing the automatic door lock on both left and right doors. 34. The automatic door latch according to claim 28, further comprising a clamping unit means for manually securing the latch in the fully retracted position. 35. A clamping unit for an automatic door latch, which comprises: an automatic door latch including a first latch that can be moved into an extended position, a partially retracted position and a fully retracted position and a first spring that pushes the latch first safe towards the extended position; and securing means including a second lock to manually secure the first lock in the fully retracted position. : 36. The automatic door lock clamping unit according to claim 35, wherein the automatic door latch comprises an actuating bar means for manually retracting the latch towards the fully retracted position with the rotation of the bar means Actuator and clamping means comprises means for essentially preventing rotation of the actuator rod means when the first latch is in the fully retracted position. 37. The clamping unit for automatic door latch according to claim 36, wherein the clamping means comprises a latch female mounted for rotation with the actuating rod means, which receives a second latch when the first latch It is in the fully retracted position. 38. The securing unit for automatic door lock according to claim 37, further comprising a button that can be operated manually connected to the second safe to insert the second lock into the bolt female. 39. The automatic door securing clamping unit according to claim 38, further comprising a second spring pushing the second latch and the button away from the coupling within the latch female. 40. The clamping unit for automatic door lock according to claim 39, further comprising means for counteracting the thrust force of the second spring when the second latch is inserted in the bolt female.; 41. The automatic door lock securing unit according to claim 40, wherein the means for counteracting the thrust force of the second spring comprises a thin leaf spring in contact with the second latch. 42. The clamping unit for automatic door lock according to claim 35, wherein the first latch is a spring latch.