US2637578A

US2637578A - Electrically controlled lock

Info

Publication number: US2637578A
Application number: US228550A
Authority: US
Inventors: Rafael C Gaona
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1951-05-28
Filing date: 1951-05-28
Publication date: 1953-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 1970-05-05

Description

I 4 J 2 8 m/ ..IL/ u, w m "m H n .Mr 'L a s e .m m n m 6 1.1..4 M l 2 m ,W a mm W lr.. 3 y a a@ A u l x Y B L a u ,/0, D a 4 zl\ da M M d ww @l O m A O G C w C. Y 6 m, 7 63 HMH A m 2 2 e 7 y. a R C M //////////////W///// 2 7 a JLMV I 2 m l-" wlllllllll im|||u 3 3 7. M AHL/.Lo m i, r..\\ a 7 o 7/ O a. O n MV 3 1 5 8, .0|.v 2 7 w. 5 n y .m Ma n F 1 2 May 5, 1953 R. c.- GAoNA 2,637,578

ELECTRICALLY coNTRoLLEn Locx Y Filed may 28, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I l l l f/V//// /7 "z R. C'. (Zaona INVENTOR,

BY l f r f ATTORNEYS.

May 5, 1953 R. c. GAONA 2,637,578

ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED LOCK 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 28, 1951 TQ@r N5@ L i a aaom INVENTOR ATTORNEYS.

Patented May 5, 1953 OFFICE ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED LOCK Rafael C. Gaona, Tijuana, Baja California,

' Mexico Application May 28, 1951, Serial No. 228,550

This invention relates to a combination lock, of the electrically actuated type, for closures.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a lock of the character described novelly designed in a manner to permit it to be wired for any of a large number of combinations, while still being kept to a compact size anad simple form that will enable its manufacture in quantity and at low cost.

Another important object is to provide a combination lock as described that can be mounted in association with a closure, with speed and facility.

Still another object is to provide a combination lock assembly of the electrically actuated type that can be mounted in structures already built, as well as in new construction.

Yet another object is to provide a combination lock assembly in which a selected combination of buttons, which can vary in number as desired, are used to unlock the closure from the outside, in which other buttons are used to lock and unlock the closure from the inside, and in which another combination button is used to lock the closure from the outside.

Still another object is to provide a novel form of electrically actuated latch which, when energized for unlocking, will remain in its unlocking position until electrically actuated once again for the purpose of locking the closure once again.

Another object is to provide a combination button housing in which a plurality of reciprocating buttons is employed, and in which the successful use of the combination will require not only selection of the proper buttons, but will also require knowledge as to whether the individual button selected must be pushed down, or up.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts, hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claim, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Referring to the drawings,

. Fig. l is a front elevation of a closure showing, somewhat diagrammatically, the several components of the combination lock assembly.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical section through the latch.

Fig. 3 is a section, still further enlarged. taken on line 3--3 of Fig. 2.

1 Claim. (Cl. 292-144) Fig. 4 is a vertical section, in the same scale as Fig. 3, through the electrically actuated latching means of said latch assembly.

Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of the combination switch button housing, a Wall in which said housing is mounted being shown fragmentarily.

Fig-6 is a section taken substantially on line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a section taken substantially on line 'I-'I of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken longitudinally of the combination switch button housing.

Fig. 9 is a transverse section through said housing.

Fig. 10 is a section taken substantially on line Ill-I9 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 1l is a circuit diagram of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, a closure I to be controlled by the mechanism is illlustrated in Fig. l, and in the present instance, but not necessarily, is a house door mounted in a door frame 2. A latch assembly generally designated 3 is mounted in the jamb, and is wired in circuit with a combination switch button assembly generally designated 4 that controls the latching and unlatching of closure I from the outside. An inside switch button housing generally designated 5 (see Fig. 5) controls the latching and unlatching of the door or closure I from the inside and is in circuit with the assemblies previously listed, as Well as with a transformer generally designated 6.

Referring iirst to the latch assembly 3 (Figs. 2-4), this includes a case 'I in which is vertically mounted a rectangular frame 8 secured to the top and bottomof the case by screws 9. A latch plate I0 is secured by screws II, to the front Wall of the case l, and would be recessed in the face of the door jamb 2. Openings I2 are formed in the latch plate, receiving screws, not shown, whereby the latch assembly is Xedly mounted in the door jamb.

Registering openings I3 and I4, formed in the front Wall of the casing and in the latch plate I0, receive a sliding bolt I5, which bolt comprises the armature of a solenoid I8, which can be termed the unlatching solenoid. A dowel I'I secures to thevinner end of the bolt I5 a coaxial extension I8, that projects continuously, in any position of the bolt, from the solenoid interiorly 4of the case- 1. The extension I8 has an annular groove I9. ,A i

When the bolt I5 is extended as in Figs.1

and 2, it-projects into an opening 4formed in the edge of the closure I, to latch the closure and prevent opening thereof both from the inside and outside.

A compression spring 2i! surrounds the bolt I5 within the case l, abutting at one end against the frame 8, and secured at its other end to the bolt. The spring .2 il` normally urges the bolt outwardly i'nto closure. lfatching position. VWithdrawal of the bolt to unlatch the closure is accomplished by energizing the unlatching solei-` noid I6. l

The solenoid I6 is mounted in theloweripor-` tion of the frame 8. In the upper portion. of the frame is a solenoid 2I which will be 'termed the latching solenoid. This has an armature 22 connected by a dowel 23 (Fig. 49 to. la coaxial non-conductive extension 24 projecting, rear-U wardly from the solenoid `into an inner casing 25 of rectangular cross section mounted xedly upon therear wall yof. the frame 8;

'The 'outer end 'of the inner casing; 25is closed by an inclined plate 2% securedy to the inner cas ingbyiscrews '27. Adjacent 4said plate 2-6, the top 'and' bottom walls ofthe innere-casing are formedwith'vertcally'alig-ned transversely'extended slots 28 in` which is vertically slidable a detent Z9 Aform-ed from flatk bar material, and' integral at its lower end with an offset tongue 3&0' the bottomedgeof which 'is formed (Fig. 3) with a, semicircular notch 3l.

The deterit 29, -being freelyslidable in' the Vslots 28', normally gravita-tes to 'a position in whichk it is supported upon the rear extension I8. When the bolt VI5` isv drawn `bac'lrwarollyl into the housing by energiaation of the solenoid It, the-groove 1l) will be broughtv into 'register' with the notch 3|, causing the detent to drop ydown into the groove 'and hold the bolt I5V withdrawn, 'against theaction ofgthe spr-ing, 2li even after the unlatchingv solenoid I6 vis dre-energized.4

Formed 'in the upperportiony of the detent` is a; transverse slotv Y32, `into which extends ail'at inclined cam finger 3'3' formed on they outerv endl ofthe extension2`4. Aspring 34 "is'secured at-one endto 'the extension 24, and abuts at Iits other end 'against the rear rwall of the frame 8, so astol 'normally urge the exten-sion 2li' rearwardly orto theleftin Fig; 4'.

When, however, vthe latching rsolenoid 2`I 'is energized; the-armature z'thereof pulls the extension 2'@ to .the right in Fig. 4, so that'the cam finger 33`bears against the top wall of "the *slot 32, Causing they deten't 2S.to be elevated, thusto disengagelthe detentfrom 'thegroove I8. `The spring .2 5, expanding, will asa result. shiit, thev extension fHtand boltv I5. to therightin Fig, 2, :tolallchng position..v

A cross. ,pin 35 extendingtransversely of the, .innercasing .V25y bears'against thedetent 29, Se .asfiioassure itsfexact vertical movement.

Referring now to thecombinatiorr switchbutton assembly, this is mounted in the wallet titers-trucs ture, vexteriorly. of the space entered` through -the closure lI. rlfhus, the Acombi-nation switchbutton assembly'controls the late-hingl and unlatching of the closure from the outside.

Said assembly is illustrated Iin Figs. l^5-41'0- and includesza box 36 recessed in 'the structures wali, access to "the .interior of Athe box being provided through the medium 'of a hinged lid 3-iIf.

Mounted-centrally inthe boxilis-switeh housing 38 hollow and rectangular in for'man'dfmade' lof;insulating material. This is supported within the looxf'byY aftubular-imounting bolt 39 extending inwardly from one end of the box and fixed in position by nuts 40.

In the top and bottom walls of the switch housing, I form parallel rows of openings 4I. The openings of the top surface register with the openings of the bottom surface for reciprocation, in the` respective, registering` openings, of switch buttons IW.A The opposite endsv or the respective buttons project above and below the switch housing. Rigid with the respective buttons and located medially between opposite ends thereof within the housing, are circular bridges 43. On .eachbutton .-is,provided a pair of springs 44 one yof which abuts at opposite ends against the bridge and top surface of the switch housing, the other -abutting-rafg-ainsttthe bridge and bottom surface. ".lihus` the buttons are held normally in centered position. When the top end of one button is pushed downwardly, one of the springs will return theA button to normal position. Whenthe bottom rend of the button i'spushed upwardly, 'the other spring will return it'to normal position:

Associated vwith each switch buttonl are two pairs "of terminal screws 'Ll-5. One pair secures diametrically 'opposed' spring contacts 46 to the bottom surface `of 'the switch housing', whilethe other pair secures similar springcontacts' to thev top surface. Thus, when a button is pushed contacts Ito permit va vcircuit to be closed therethrough. Similarly, when the button is pushed upwardly, the bridge willengagethe upper pairof spring lcontacts `for the same-purpose.

Referringl to 'the inside switch assembly y5, this, includes a rectangular housingxlll recessed in the interior surf ace, of the building wall Aand `covered by a face plate throughwhich project a pair of 'inside switch buttons fltj. These are `provided with bridges 49 adapted to bridge contacts 5I) "(Fig. 1'1).

Referring now Ato the circuit diagram of Fig. ll, it'will'be assuxnedtlfiat the door'is locked `and is tok be opened from `the outside. Previously, the

. combination switch button assembly willv have been. so wired` as to bring into the unlatching circuit la selected groupingV of buttons, and a se lected pair ofcontacts 'associate'dwith the lselected buttons, so vvthat lsaidbuttons will be yoperated by pushingi down thereupon or by being pressed upwardly, as desired.

For example, inthe circuit diagram' illustrated by way ofexamp'le in Fig, 1l,` the buttons selected liave'beengdesignated AB, and'C. A andBare operatedby'being .depressed,the top panel of buttons in. Fig; 'll "being the upper surface of 'they switch housing, while the bottom panelis the bottom surface.4 Thus button C is capable of' clos'- ingjth'e circuit only when pressed upwardly; In any. event, itjwill be assumed that buttons A'and B are'pressed downwardly simultaneouly with the upward pressing of 'button C. This lcloses a` circuit through the transformer from, the ordinary .house supiily, through a leadl 5I, and lead 52, through closed switch Agiead "53', closed switch B, lead '515, closed sw'tch C, leadv 55, lead 5G', solenoid It, lead 5l, and lead 522 and thence b'ack'through the house supply.

'I'twill `be seen that this energizes the unlatching-"solenoid I5, which retracts the bolt I5 and unlocks the door. Energizing of the unlatching solenoid it causes- -the bolt to `be held in retracted position even after the buttons A, yE, ands@ are released and the solenoidde-energized. This is so because retraction ofthe bolt |15 `wi-l-l 5 have engaged groove I9 and notched lower end 38 of detent 29.

It will be assumed that the user, having entered the structure through the unlatched door, and arriving inside the room, desires to latch the door from the inside. He presses switch button designated D in Fig. l1, this being one of the buttons 48, and this causes a circuit to be closed through lead 5i, lead 59, button D, lead 6U, lead 6l, latching solenoid 2 I, lead S2, lead 58 and then back through house supply.

This causes the energizing of the latohing solenoid 2l, which causes, in turn, elevation of the detent 2d. As a result, bolt l5 is freed and is forced outwardly to latching position under the action of the spring 20.

It will be assumed that having locked the door from the inside, the user desires to unlock the door from the inside. To do this, he presses button E, being the other one of the buttons 48. This causes a circuit to be closed through lead 5i, lead 5.9, switch E, lead 53, lead 56, solenoid l5, lead El, and lead 5B.

It will be assumed that having passed through the door to the outside, the user desires to loci: the door from the outside. To do this, he presses another of the buttons d2, the button F being illustrated as an example. A circuit is thus closed through lead 5i, lead 52, lead switch button F, lead 55, lead Si, solenoid 2i, lead 52, and lead 58.

In this connection, it will be noted that any of a large number of combinations can be set for unlocking the door from the outside. In the illustrated combination, three buttons are user, two being pressed downwardly and one upwardly. However, all could oe pressed downwardly or all could be pressed upwardly as desired. Further, instead of three buttons, two, four, or any other desired number of buttons can be brought into It will be further appreciated, and is an important characteristic of the invention, that the construction is extremely simple, both as to the mechanical formation thereof and the wiring arrangement, and is capable of being readily installed in buildings already standing as well as in new construction.

What is claimed is:

in a door lock an elongated bolt mounted to move longitudinally, yielding means mounted adjacent and engaging the bolt for projecting 1t, electro-magnetic means surrounding said bolt for retracting it against the eiort of the yielding means, said bolt having a groove extending therearound and opening through the periphery thereof, a keeper mounted above the bolt to move by gravity into the groove and hold the bolt retracted against the effort of the yielding means, said keeper having an opening extending there through, an elongated plunger mounted above the bolt to move longitudinally in parallel relation to the bolt, yielding means mounted adjacent and engaging the plunger for projecting it, electro-magnetic means encircling the plunger for retracting it against the effort of the second mentioned yielding means, and an inclined nnger carried by the plunger and projecting longitudinally therefrom through the opening in the keeper for engaging a wall of said opening and lifting the keeper when the plunger is moved longitudinally against the effort of the second mentioned yielding means.

RAFAEL C. GAONA.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,736,761 Haffner Nov. 19, 1929 1,833,348 Lansing Dec. 1, 1931 1,844,731 Whittingham Feb. 9, 1932 1,948,217 Goodwin Feb. 20, 1934 1,953,875 Streib June 19, 193e: 1,992,541 Peterson Feb. 26, 1935 2,190,299 Van Valkenburg Feb. 13, 1940 2,499,727 Craig Mar. '7, 1950