AU2014203087B2

AU2014203087B2 - Latchset assembly with electrically adjusted coupling

Info

Publication number: AU2014203087B2
Application number: AU2014203087A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Craig Anthony Caspersz; Spencer Cheng Tze Chai
Original assignee: Assa Abloy Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Assa Abloy Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-05
Filing date: 2014-06-05
Publication date: 2018-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-05
Also published as: NZ625952A; AU2014203087A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a lock assembly 2 for use with a latch bolt assembly 6 controlling movement of a door 4. The lock assembly 2 includes an outer handle 12 that is rotatable for retracting the latch bolt 7. A coupling mechanism 41 interacts between the outer handle 12 and the latch bolt 7, with an electrically powered detent means 31 adjusting the condition of the coupling 41 between a disengaged condition and an engaged condition. FIG 4b

Description

Technical Field [0001] This invention relates to a lock assembly for use in controlling retraction of a latchbolt relative to a door, and a lockset including such a lock assembly with a latchbolt assembly. More specifically the lock assembly includes a body housing an electrically powered detent for use in controlling operation of the lock assembly. The invention has one preferred application in forming part of a lockset having the latchbolt assembly separate from the lock assembly body, and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with reference to this preferred application. It should be appreciated however that the invention may also be suitable with other forms of latchbolt assembly including a mortice lock assembly.

Background of Invention [0002] A lock assembly of the foregoing kind may include a lever handle on an inner side and outer side of the door, interacting with a latchbolt assembly mounted in an edge of the door. Each lever handle may drive its own spindle that locates in a bore of the latchbolt assembly. Rotation of either spindle will cause the latchbolt to retract against a spring bias in the latchbolt assembly. The lock assembly will be generally configured to provide selective control over the interaction between at least the handle on the outer side and the latchbolt so as to provide control over the opening of the door.

[0003] One option is to provide an electrical means for controlling the interaction between the handle on the outer side and the latchbolt. An electrical means including, for example, a solenoid will naturally rely on a power source. The power source may be stand-alone, such as a battery, or come from a remote source and supplied by mains power cabling to the lock assembly. These lock assemblies require a reliable supply of power in order to operate effectively. Where the supply of power is interrupted, the security provided by the lock assembly can be compromised, or alternatively the lock assembly can remain locked which presents a safty hazard. Whilst the lock assembly can be provided with a fail safe/fail secure selector for setting the protocol that the lock assembly will adopt in the event of the power failure, this can still produce a less than desirable solution.

2014203087 26 Feb 2018 [0004] A manufacturer’s reputation is often linked to the warranty they offer on the goods they supply. Whilst reputable lock manufacturers are comfortable with warranting that the lock they designed and manufactured should perform, they also understand that the lock assembly may not perform as expected if it is installed and operated incorrectly. Lock manufacturers generally prefer that the components of the lock inside the housing not be tampered with, to the extent that they mark the lock to indicate their warranty will be void if the housing is opened. This is particularly the case with lock assemblies having electrical components as they are more easily damaged than other more solid lock components. However in some situations the functions of the lock need to be adjusted to suit the environment in which it is installed. This can involve adjustment of components within the lock housing.

[0005] The applicant has appreciated that it may be generally desirable to provide a lock assembly which is electrically controlled for use in retracting a latchbolt. It is preferred that the lock assembly be configured to accommodate a power failure event. It is further preferred that the lock assembly be configured to be adjustable without opening the housing.

[0006] A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was, in Australia, known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Summary of Invention [0007] According to this invention there is provided a lock assembly for use in controlling retraction of a latchbolt relative to a door, including an outer body for location on an outer side of the door, an outer hand operable member rotatable relative to the outer body for retracting the latchbolt, a disengagable coupling mechanism interacting between the outer hand operable member and the latchbolt and adjustable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition to render the outer hand operable member operable or inoperable respectively, an electrically powered detent means that interacts with the coupling mechanism and adjustable between an active condition and an inactive condition to render the coupling

2014203087 26 Feb 2018

2a mechanism disengaged or engaged respectively, including a handing means within the outer body associated with the outer hand operable member for setting the outer hand operable member relative to the outer body as right hand operating or left hand operating, the outer body having an aperture to permit adjustment of the handing means.

2014203087 05 Jun2014 [0008] It is preferred that the lock assembly include a lock means associated with the outer body for controlling adjustment of the condition of the detent means when an entry code is received. It is still further preferred that the lock means includes a key pad for receiving a user input code. Alternatively, the lock means may include a card reader for receiving a user input code. It is still further preferred that the lock means is programmable to adjust the entry code. It is still further preferred that the lock means is electronic and includes a PCB having a programmable memory for retaining the entry code and a processor for processing and comparing the user input code with the entry code.

[0009] The lock assembly preferably includes an inner body for location on an inner side of the door, an inner hand operable member rotatable relative to the inner body for retracting the latchbolt. It is preferred that a battery power means is associated with the inner body for accommodating at least one battery to provide power to at least the electrically powered detent means. It is further preferred that the battery power means includes a chamber fixed to the inner body and a cartridge detachably located in the chamber for accommodating the at least one battery. It is still further preferred that the cartridge preferably accommodates a plurality of batteries.

[0010] The lock assembly preferably includes a power terminal associated with the outer body for use with a power source providing power to the electrically powered detent means. The outer body preferably includes a cover that is adjusted to provide access to the power terminal.

[0011] It is preferred that the electrically powered detent means includes a detent member and an electrically powered actuator to move the detent member relative to the coupling mechanism. The electrically powered actuator preferably includes a motor that operates in a forward and reverse direction to move the detent member. The lock assembly preferably includes a worm drive having a rotating shaft which is rotatable on operation of the motor, and a collar gear that moves along the shaft on rotation thereof, the detent member being associated with the collar gear to move therewith. The lock assembly preferably includes an arm member that is attached to the collar gear so as to move therewith, the arm engaging the detent member to guide it when moving relative to the coupling mechanism. The arm preferably pivots and

2014203087 05 Mar 2018 the detent member slides relative to the arm on movement of the arm with the collar gear. The detent member preferably slides over a curved portion of the arm when moving relative to the coupling mechanism. The lock assembly preferably includes a guide path for guiding the detent member in a linear direction relative to the coupling.

[0012] The coupling mechanism preferably includes a first member and a second member, the first member being associated with the outer hand operable member so as to rotate about an axis on operation of the outer hand operable member, the second member associated with the first member so as to rotate about the axis with the first member when the coupling mechanism is in the engaged condition and the outer hand operable member is operated, the first member being rotatable relative to the second member when the coupling mechanism is in the disengaged condition, and the second member being associated with the latchbolt so that rotation of the second member by the first member moves the latchbolt relative to the body. The first member and or the second member preferably include a zone around the entire periphery thereof configured to interact with the detent means so as to cause relative movement of the first member to the second member in the axial direction when adjusting the detent means from the inactive condition to the active condition. The lock assembly preferably includes biasing means for biasing the first member in the axial direction towards the second member.

[0012a] The handing means preferably includes a handing member which is adjustable between a set position and an adjustment position in which the outer hand operable member is set and adjustable between right hand operating and left hand operating respectively, and a biasing means for biasing the handing member towards the set position. Preferably when the handing member is in the set position it acts as an abutment to limit rotation of the outer hand operable member when retracting the latchbolt from an extended position to a retracted position. It is still further preferred that the outer body includes a cover and a backing which is detachable from the cover, whereby the backing is positioned adjacent the door when the lock assembly is in use, the backing having the aperture therein to permit adjustment of the handing means without detachment of the backing from the cover.

[0012b] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a lockset including a lock assembly as hereinbefore described.

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2014203087 05 Mar 2018 [0012c] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the attached illustrations. The particularity of the illustrations and the associated description is not intended to supersede the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

Brief Description of Drawings [0013] Figure 1 is a partially exploded view of a lockset including a preferred embodiment of a lock assembly according to the invention.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of part of the lock assembly from Figure 1 for location on the outer side of the door.

[0015] Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of part of the lock assembly from Figure 1 for location on the inner side of the door.

[0016] Figure 4a is a rear isometric view of the part of the lock assembly from Figure 2 showing an electrically powered detent means in an inactive condition.

[0017] Figure 4b is a cross sectional view through IV - IV of Figure 4a.

[0018] Figure 5a is a rear isometric view of the part of the lock assembly from

Figure 2 showing the electrically powered detent means in an active condition.

[0019] Figure 5b is a cross sectional view through V - V of Figure 5b.

[0020] Figure 6a is a rear elevation view of part of the lock assembly from figure 2 with a backing plate of the outer body removed to show a handing means in a set position.

Figure 6b is the rear elevation view from figure 6a with the backing plate attached and the handing member visible through the aperture.

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2014203087 05 Jun2014 [0022] Figure 6c is the rear elevation view of from figure 6a with the handing means in the adjustment position and the outer handle adjusted.

Detailed Description [0023] Referring firstly to Figure 1 which illustrates a lockset 1 incorporating a preferred embodiment of the lock assembly 2 according to the invention. The lockset 1 illustrated includes an outer body 3 for location on an outer side of the door 4, an inner body 5 for location on an inner side of the door 4 and a latchbolt assembly 6. The lock assembly 2 according to the invention is not limited for use of the latchbolt assembly 6 as illustrated, and instead could be used with a range of bolt assemblies including a deadbolt (not shown) or a mortice lock assembly 6a. The latchbolt assembly 6 illustrated is of the kind including having a latchbolt head 7 which projects out from a face plate 8 for screwing to the side edge of the door 4. The latchbolt assembly 6 includes a rectangular housing 9 within which the latchbolt head 7 retracts on rotation of a latchbolt actuator 10. The housing 9 locates in a void 11 formed in the side edge of the door 4. The latchbolt assembly 6 includes a spring biasing means (not shown) within the rectangular housing 9, for urging the latchbolt head 7 towards the extended position as illustrated. This form of latchbolt assembly 6 is merely preferred, and other forms of latchbolt assembly 6 are clearly possible.

[0024] The lock assembly 2 according to the invention includes a hand operable member which may take any form. Figure 1 illustrates a lever handle 12 associated with the outer body 3, and a lever handle 13 associated with the inner body 5. It should be appreciated that the lever handles 12, 13 may be replaced with turn knobs, and that the invention is not limited for use with lever handles 12, 13 only.

[0025] The outer body 3 and inner body 5 illustrated in Figure 1 are each formed from a cover portion 14, 114 and a backing plate 15, 115 which is attached to the cover portion 14, 114. The preferred backing plate illustrated snaps onto the cover portion 14, 114 in a snap fit, however the backing plate 15, 115 may attach to the cover portion 14, 114 by way of some other form of fastening arrangement. The backing plate 115 of the inner body 5 includes a pair of apertures 16, through which extends screws 17, for location within studs 18 extending from the backing plate 15 of

2014203087 05 Jun2014 the outer body 3. This location of the screws 17 within the studs 18 is the preferred means by which the lock assembly 2 is attached to the door 4. The installer will need to drill holes into the door 4 to facilitate this preferred attachment.

[0026] Figure 1 also illustrates a spindle extending from the outer body 3 towards to the inner body 5. When the lock assembly 2 is attached to the door 4, the free end of the spindle 19 locates within the inner body 5 for interaction with the inner handle

13. The installer will need to produce a hole 20 in the door 4 to facilitate locating the spindle 19 between the inner body 3 and outer body 5. The hole 20 will need to intersect with the void 11 formed in the side edge of the door 4. When the latch set 1 is assembled in the door 4, the spindle 19 extends through a bore 21 of the latch bolt actuator 10. Whilst Figure 1 illustrates a single spindle 19, this may be substituted by a pair of split spindles associated with the inner body 5 and outer body 3 respectively.

[0027] Figure 1 also illustrates the outer body 3 including a keypad 22 forming part of a lock means 23 (see Figure 2). The lock means 23 may take any form and is not limited to utilising a keypad 22. Instead the lock means could use a card reader (not shown) for example. The keypad 22 provides a user interface to enable the user to program the lock means 22 with an entry code. The entry code must be entered in order to adjust the condition of the lock means 23. The keypad 22 allows the user to insert a user input code, which if it matches the entry code, adjusts the lock means 23 to an unlocked condition. The lock means 23 will be described in greater detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 2 which again illustrates in summary the outer handle 12, outer body 3 formed by the cover 4 and backing plate 5and lock means

23. The lock means includes a housing 24 which houses a plurality of individual keys 25 which are each aligned with one of the numbers on a front plate 26. Depression of any one of the numbers on the front plate 26 interacts with the individual keys 25 to adjust the key 25 relative to the housing 24 and actuate switches (not shown) on a PCB 27 located behind the keys 25. A rear plate 28 retains the PCB 27 and keys 25 within the housing 24, and the housing 24 is positionable within an opening 29 in the front of the cover portion 28. A capping 30 fits over the front plate 26 to retain it adjacent the cover portion 14. The rear plate 28 of the lock means 23 has an aperture therein through which wiring (not shown) for communication and power can

2014203087 05 Jun2014 connect to the PCB 27. The wiring communicates with an electrically powered detent means 31, will be described later in the specification. The form of lock means 23 is herein before described as merely preferred, and clearly other forms of lock means 23are possible.

[0029] The outer handle 12 includes a shaft portion 32 which locates within a circular aperture 33 formed in the front of the outer body 3. The shaft 32 includes an upper key 34 way and lower key way (obscured) which receive an upper tooth 35a and lower tooth 35b of a disc 36 located on the inside of the outer body 3. The disc 36 is retained on the shaft 32 by a circlip 37 which fits over a shoulder 38 formed at the free end of the shaft 32. This arrangement retains the disc 36 on the shaft 32 so that it can rotate therewith. Rotation of the outer handle 12 about the axis X-X (see Figure 1) causes the disc 36 to interact with an upper follower 39a and lower follower 39b positioned adjacent the disc 36. The upper follower 39a and lower follower 39b are biased by springs 40a, b to urge each follower 39 towards the axis of rotation X-X of the shaft 32. The disc 36 is of a substantially square shape so that rotation thereof causes each follower 39 to move away from the axis of rotation X-X against the action of the springs 40. This arrangement urges the disc 36, and in turn the outer handle 12 to return to an at rest position as illustrated in Figure 1. Clearly other forms of biasing means acting on the handle 12 are possible, and this arrangement is merely one preferred form.

[0030] The lock assembly according to the invention includes a coupling mechanism 41 which interacts between the outer hand operable member 12 and the latchbolt 6. The coupling member 41 is disengageable so that it can adjust between an engaged condition and disengaged condition to render the outer hand operable member 12 operable or inoperable respectively. Any form of coupling mechanism 41 capable of achieving this function will be suitable and Figure 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of that coupling mechanism 41. The coupling mechanism illustrated includes a first member 42 which is associated with the outer handle 12 so as to rotate therewith, and a second member 42 associated with the latchbolt 6. When the coupling mechanism 41 is in an engaged condition, the first member 42 rotates with the second member 43, whereas when the coupling mechanism 41 is in the disengaged condition, the first member 42 rotates relative to the second member 43.

2014203087 05 Jun2014 [0031] Figure 2 illustrates the first member 42 having a shaft 44 with a square cross section and cylindrical bore. The shaft 32 of the outer handle 12 is shaped to receive the square shaped shaft 44 of the first member 42 (see Figure 4b) so that rotation of the outer handle 12 causes rotation of the first member 42. Furthermore a compression spring 45 is located within the cylindrical bore of the shaft 44 and acts between the first member 42 and the outer handle 12. The compression spring 45 urges the first member 42 away from the outer handle 32, urging the first member 42 to engage with the second member 43. This will be described in greater detail by reference to later illustrations.

[0032] The first member 42 illustrated in Figure 2 also includes a head 46, an outer surface (obscured) of which is configured to engage with the second member 43. The second member 43 also includes a head 47 having an outer surface which is configured to engage with the outer surface of the head 46 of the first member 42. A substantially cylindrical shaft 48 extends to the rear of the head 47 of the second member 43 which interacts with the spindle 19. The shaft 48 of the second member 47 includes a square cross section bore 49 (see Figure 4a) within which a proximal end of the spindle 19 locates when the lock set 1 is assembled on the door 4.

[0033] Figure 2 also illustrates the lock assembly 2 including a mount 50 which is located within the cover portion 14 of the outer body 3. The mount includes cylindrical aperture 51 within which the head 46 of the first member 42 and the head 47 of the second member 43 locate to rotate there within.

[0034] The electrically powered detent means 31 according to the invention interacts with the coupling mechanism 41 and is adjustable between an active condition and an inactive condition to render the coupling mechanism 41 disengaged or engaged respectively. The detent means 31 may take any suitable form, and the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 is merely one preferred form of detent means 31. Clearly other forms of the detent means 31 are possible. The detent means 31 illustrated in Figure 2 includes an electrically powered actuator preferably in the form of a motor 52 and worm drive. The worm drive includes a shaft 53 which is rotated by operation of the motor 52, to drive a collar gear 54 which moves along the shaft 53 when the shaft 53 is rotated. It is preferred that the detent means 31 includes a detent member 55 that is moved by operation of the electrically powered actuator.

2014203087 05 Jun2014

The preferred form of detent member 55 illustrated in Figure 2 is in the form of a wedge which is positionable between the first member 42 and second member 43 of the coupling mechanism 41. Whilst the electrically powered actuator could directly engage the detent member 55, the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 has the detent member 55 indirectly interacting with the electrically powered actuator through an arm member 56. The arm member 56 illustrated attaches to the collar gear 54 (see Figure 4a) and pivots about a pin 57 (see Figure 4a) of the mount 50. The pivoting action of the arm 56 and movement of the detent member 55 will be described in greater detail with reference to later illustrations.

[0035] The lock assembly according to a preferring aspect of the invention includes a handing means for adjusting the outer hand operable member 12 as either right hand operating or left hand operating. The handing means may take any form and in the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the handing means includes a handing member 58 which interacts with a stop lug 59 formed on the head 46 of the first member 41. The adjustment of the handing member 58 will be described in greater detail with reference to later illustrations.

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates the inner body 5 for location on the inner side of the door 4, and a hand operable member 13 which have similar features to the outer body 3 and outer hand operable member 12 illustrated in Figure 2. Those similar features will have like references with the prefix of 1. Accordingly, the inner body 5 includes inner cover portion 114 and a backing plate 115, with the cover portion 114 having an aperture 133 to receive a shaft portion 132 of the inner lever 13. Again, a disc 136 locates on the shaft 132 with a circlip 137 to retain the disc 136 on the shaft 132. The disc 136 interacts with followers 139a, b which are biased towards the axis rotation X-X of the shaft 132 so as to urge the inner handle 13 to adopt the position as illustrated in Figure 1. In this manner the inner handle 13 functions identically to the outer handle 12.

[0037] Figure 3 also illustrates the screws 17 which extend through the cover 114 and backing plate 115 to locate in the studs 18 extending from the outer body 3 (see Figure 1). It is a preferred aspect of the invention that the lock assembly 2 include its own power source 60. It is particularly preferred that the power source 60 take the form of a battery power means which is associated with the inner body 5 and includes

2014203087 05 Jun2014 at least one battery 610 to provide power to at least the electrically powered detent means 31. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the power source illustrated includes a chamber 62 which is fixed relatively to the cover portion 114 and a cartridge 63 which is detachably located within the chamber 62. The cartridge 63 retains at least one battery 61, and in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 is configured to retain four batteries 61. The applicant has appreciated that it is easier to change the batteries 61 in a cartridge 63 that is detachable from the lock assembly 2 rather than having to fit the batteries 61 directly to the lock assembly 2 when installed on the door 4. Figure 3 also illustrates a cap 64 which fits over an opening 65 formed in the cover portion 114 which receives the cartridge 63 so as to provide a flush appealing design.

[0038] Figure 3 also illustrates the backing plate of the inner body having an aperture 65 in an upper region thereof. This aperture 65 provides an access opening through which power wiring (not shown) can connect the power source 60 to the lock means PCB 27 (not shown).

[0039] It is a preferred aspect that the lock assembly 2 include power terminals 66 (see Figure 6a) associated with the outer body 3 capable of providing power to at least the electrically powered detent means 31. The applicant has appreciated that in the event of a power failure by the power source 60 the user can be prevented from using the lock assembly 2. Accordingly, the power terminal 66 (see Figure 2 and Figure 6a) in the outer body 3 allows a user to provide a temporary power supply such as a battery (not shown) that when connected to the terminal 66 provides sufficient power to operate the lock assembly 2. The power terminal 66 may be located anywhere on the outer body and in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, Figure 6a, the power terminals positioned adjacent a lower side of the cover 14. It is preferred that the outer cover include a cap portion 67 which obstructs direct access to the terminal 66.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 4a which illustrates the outer body 3 with the backing plate removed and the second member 43 of the coupling mechanism 41 shown removed from the first member 41. This reveals the interaction of the detent means 31 with the coupling mechanism 41. It can be noted that the detent member 55 is located within an aperture 68 formed in the cylindrical bore 51 of the mount 50,

2014203087 05 Jun2014 which aperture 68 provides a guide path for guiding movement of the detent member 55. Figure 4a illustrates the detent member 55 in a retracted position which corresponds to the detent means being in an inactive condition. It can be appreciated from Figure 4b that this results in the coupling mechanism 41 being in the engaged condition. When the coupling mechanism 41 is in the engaged condition, this allows rotation of the outer lever 12 to rotate the first member 42, second member 43 and spindle 19.

[0041] When comparing Figure 5a with Figure 4a, it can be noted that the motor 52 has rotated the shaft 53 to draw the collar gear 54 towards the motor 52 and pivot the arm 56. This causes the detent member 55 to move in over a peripheral zone 69 of the first member 42 and second member 43 of the coupling 41 so as to wedge there between. It can be appreciated from Figure 5b that this causes the first member 43 to disengage from the second member 44, against the action of the compression spring 45. It will be appreciated that with the first member 43 of the coupling mechanism 41 in this position, rotation of the outer handle 12 will not result in rotation of the second member 44. Instead, rotation of the outer handle 12 will cause the first member 43 to rotate relative to the second member 44. This prevents the latchbolt 7 from being retracted and the lock assembly 2 is considered to be in a locked condition.

[0042] The applicant appreciated that by having the entire periphery 69 of the first member 43 and second member 44 configured to accommodate the detent member 55, this allows the detent mean 31 to adjust its condition despite the orientation of the handle 12. Furthermore, whilst Figures 4b and 5b illustrate the first member 43 of the coupling having a conical shaped periphery 69 to accommodate the detent member 55, alternatively the second member 44 of the coupling mechanism 41 could have a conical shape periphery 69 to accommodate the detent member 55. Still furthermore, whilst illustrations 4b, 5b show the first member 43 having the male formation on the head 46 and the head 46 of the second member 44 having a female formation, the male and female formations could be reversed yet still achieve the same engagement functionality.

[0043] Referring now to Figure 6a which illustrates the outer lock body 3 with the handle 12 orientated for right hand operation. If the installer needs to adjust the hand

2014203087 05 Jun2014 of operation of the lock assembly 2, a probe such as a screwdriver or the like can be inserted through the lower aperture 70 (see Figure 6b) to engage and depress the handing member 58 so as to disengage it from the first member 43 (see Figure 6c) of the coupling mechanism 41. This then allows the outer handle 12 to be rotated through 180° so that it is positioned ready for left hand operation (see Figure 6c). Once the probe or screw driver is removed from the aperture 70, the handing member 58 can return to its extended position under the influence of a spring 71 (see Figure 5a). Once the handing member 58 is in the extended position, it will provide an abutment against the lug 59 (see Figure 1) formed on the head 46 of the first member 43 preventing over rotation of the outer handle 12. It should be noted that the inner handle 13 does not require a handing member 58 whilst it is directly connected to the outer handle 12 by way of a single spindle 19. If however a split spindle arrangement was introduced, a similar handing means may be introduced into the inner body 5 for setting the hand operation of the inner handle 13.

[0044] It ought to be appreciated from the foregoing that the applicant has developed a relatively simple yet effective lock assembly 2 which is electrically controlled. Furthermore, inclusion of a power terminal 66 associated with the outer body to accommodate a power failure event provides a distinct advantage. Still furthermore, providing a handing member 58 which is accessible through an aperture 70 in the outer body 3, without having to detach the backing plate 15 provides a further unique advantage.

[0045] Various alterations and/or additions may be introduced into the assembly 2 as herein before described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

[0046] Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention.

2014203087 26 Feb 2018

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A lock assembly for use in controlling retraction of a latchbolt relative to a door, including an outer body for location on an outer side of the door, an outer hand operable member rotatable relative to the outer body for retracting the latchbolt, a disengagable coupling mechanism interacting between the outer hand operable member and the latchbolt and adjustable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition to render the outer hand operable member operable or inoperable respectively, an electrically powered detent means that interacts with the coupling mechanism and adjustable between an active condition and an inactive condition to render the coupling mechanism disengaged or engaged respectively, including a handing means within the outer body associated with the outer hand operable member for setting the outer hand operable member relative to the outer body as right hand operating or left hand operating, the outer body having an aperture to permit adjustment of the handing means.
2. A lock assembly according to claim 1 including a lock means associated with the outer body for controlling adjustment of the condition of the detent means when an entry code is received.
3. A lock assembly according to claim 2 wherein the lock means includes a key pad for receiving a user input code.
4. A lock assembly according to claim 2 wherein the lock means includes a card reader for receiving a user input code.
5. A lock assembly according to claim 4 wherein the lock means is programmable to adjust the entry code.
6. A lock assembly according to claim 5 wherein the lock means is electronic and includes a PCB having a programmable memory for retaining the entry code and a processor for processing and comparing the user input code with the entry code.
7. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims including an inner body for location on an inner side of the door, an inner hand operable member rotatable relative to the inner body for retracting the latchbolt and a battery power

2014203087 26 Feb 2018 means associated with the inner body for accommodating at least one battery to provide power to at least the electrically powered detent means.
8. A lock assembly according to claim 7 wherein the battery power means includes a chamber fixed to the inner body and a cartridge detachably located in the chamber for accommodating the at least one battery.
9. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims including a power terminal associated with the outer body for use with a power source providing power to the electrically powered detent means.
10. A lock assembly according to claim 9 wherein the outer body includes a cover that is adjusted to provide access to the power terminal.
11. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrically powered detent means includes a detent member and an electrically powered actuator to move the detent member relative to the coupling mechanism.
12. A lock assembly according to claim 11 wherein the electrically powered actuator includes a motor that operates in a forward and reverse direction to move the detent member.
13. A lock assembly according to claim 12 including a worm drive having a rotating shaft which is rotatable on operation of the motor, and a collar gear that moves along the shaft on rotation thereof, the detent member being associated with the collar gear to move therewith.
14. A lock assembly according to claim 13 including an arm member that is attached to the collar gear so as to move therewith, the arm engaging the detent member to guide it when moving relative to the coupling mechanism.
15. A lock assembly according to claim 14 wherein the arm pivots and the detent member slides relative to the arm on movement of the arm with the collar gear.
16. A lock assembly according to claim 15 wherein the detent member slides over a curved portion of the arm when moving relative to the coupling mechanism.

2014203087 26 Feb 2018
17. A lock assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 16 including a guide path for guiding the detent member in a linear direction relative to the coupling.
18. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the coupling mechanism includes a first member and a second member, the first member being associated with the outer hand operable member so as to rotate about an axis on operation of the outer hand operable member, the second member associated with the first member so as to rotate about the axis with the first member when the coupling mechanism is in the engaged condition and the outer hand operable member is operated, the first member being rotatable relative to the second member when the coupling mechanism is in the disengaged condition, and the second member being associated with the latchbolt so that rotation of the second member by the first member moves the latchbolt relative to the body.
19. A lock assembly according to claim 18 wherein the first member and or the second member include a zone around the entire periphery thereof configured to interact with the detent means so as to cause relative movement of the first member to the second member in the axial direction when adjusting the detent means from the inactive condition to the active condition.
20. A lock assembly according to claim 18 or 19 including biasing means for biasing the first member in the axial direction towards the second member.
21. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handing means includes a handing member which is adjustable between a set position and an adjustment position in which the outer hand operable member is set and adjustable between right hand operating and left hand operating respectively, and a biasing means for biasing the handing member towards the set position.
22. A lock assembly according to claim 21 wherein when the handing member is in the set position it acts as an abutment to limit rotation of the outer hand operable member when retracting the latchbolt from an extended position to a retracted position.
23. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer body includes a cover and a backing which is detachable from the cover,

2014203087 26 Feb 2018 whereby the backing is positioned adjacent the door when the lock assembly is in use, the backing having the aperture therein to permit adjustment of the handing means without detachment of the backing from the cover.
24. A lockset including a lock assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 23 with a latchbolt assembly.

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FIG 2

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ΙΌ

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A 44

FIG 4b

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FIG 5b

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2014203087 03 Jul2014

9/10

2014203087 03 Jul2014

2014203087 03 Jul2014

10/10