AU2014262187A1 - Lock assembly with electrically controlled lock mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a lock assembly 2 including a latch bolt 23, a lock means 28 including electrically operated detent mechanism 40 with a rechargeable energy storage device 29 being the only supply of energy to the electrically operated detent means 40. <filename>

Description

1 LOCK ASSEMBLY WITH ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED LOCK MECHANISM TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to a lock assembly for mounting to a door, and a security system including the lock assembly and a reader for reading a key tag. More specifically the lock assembly is of the kind having a bolt movable between a locked condition and a released condition, with an actuator operable to move the bolt. In a preferred embodiment the lock assembly is a mortice lock assembly having a bolt in the form of a latch bolt. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with reference to this preferred form, however it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to a mortice lock assembly only. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] A key tag for the purpose of this specification includes any device having a means to send a signal. The signal may be a radio frequency signal (RF), electromagnetic or like signals. The signal may be sent passively by the tag or may require user activation. A reader for the purpose of this specification includes any device having means to receive the signal. The reader may process the signal for verification purposes or merely pass the signal on to a central verification facility located remote from the reader. [0003] A mortice lock assembly is one form of lock assembly that is locatable within a mortice cavity formed in a door panel. The location of the lock assembly within a mortice hinders access to the lock assembly, which is often desirable when selecting a lock assembly for use in a public building. Whilst traditionally the operation of mortice locks has been controlled by a mechanical key, it is becoming increasingly desirable that key tags are used when the mortice lock is installed in a public building. This may be partly due to the greater ease with which mechanical keys can be duplicated. Furthermore verification of a signal emanating from a key tag to unlock the lock assembly is often quicker and simpler than using a mechanical key. However there is still a high level of acceptance of mechanical keys providing a physical, rather than electrical, form of verification. SPCN-968985.docx 2 [0004] The use of key tags requires the mortice lock to have some form of electrically controlled lock mechanism which communicates with a key tag reader. The lock mechanism may include a solenoid. Failing to maintain a regular supply of electricity to the solenoid can be problematic. The applicant has designed mortice locks that can respond to an electricity supply failure event by adopting a locked condition or a released condition. This can be referred to as fail secure or fail safe function. [0005] The solenoid of an electrically controlled lock mechanism must have sufficient power to overcome frictional forces acting against it. The current drawn by one lock assembly may not be significant, however the current drawn from multiple locks can be significant. This can occur in public buildings that have multiple doors, each door having its own lock assembly. Furthermore, current losses can be significant in long wiring runs such as used in larger public buildings. The lock assembly installed at or near the end of the wiring run can struggle to be provided with sufficient current. This can require upgrading of the wiring to one with a greater diameter to ensure the lock assembly at the end of the wiring run can still draw sufficient current to activate the solenoid. [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 one aspect of this invention there is provided a lock assembly for mounting to a door including, a housing, a bolt movable relative to the housing between a locked condition and a released condition, an actuator being operable to move the bolt from the locked condition towards the released condition, a lock means including an electrically operated detent means associated with the actuator being adjustable between an active condition and an inactive condition whereby it renders the actuator inoperable and operable respectively, a rechargeable energy storage device within the housing being the only supply of for supplying energy to the SPCN-968985.docx 3 electrically operated detent means which in use is connected to a source of energy located remote from the door. [0008] The rechargeable energy storage device may take any suitable form and one preferred form is a capacitor. It is further preferred that the capacitor is a super capacitor, and even further preferred that it be rated to supply electricity with a maximum of 4.8V. The use of a capacitor can have the advantage over, for example a battery, of permitting high powered discharge, a longer operating life and have less maintenance requirements. Also currently commercially available capacitors tend to be of a smaller size than batteries so they require less space within the housing. [0009] It is preferred that the electrically operated detent means includes a solenoid. It is further preferred that the solenoid includes a body, a plunger movable relative to the body when energy is supplied, a magnet which interacts with a solenoid coil to maintain the position of the plunger relative to the body when energy is not being supplied. The preferred form of solenoid is a latching solenoid. The use of a solenoid, over for example a motor, is particularly efficient in producing linear movement. Furthermore the use of a latching solenoid does not require a continuous supply of energy to the solenoid to retain it in a particular condition. [0010] It is preferred that the lock means is adjustable to operate in a fail safe mode whereby in the event of an energy supply failure to the energy storage device the electrically operated detent adopts the inactive condition, or a fail secure mode whereby in the event of an energy supply failure to the energy storage device the electrically operated detent adopts the active condition. It is further preferred that the lock means includes a selector means to adjust the mode of operation of the lock means between fail safe and fail secure, the selector means being adjustable from outside the housing. It is still further preferred that the selector means is a switch for adjusting a polarity of the solenoid. The inclusion of a fail safe/fail secure adjustment provides a back up option for when the energy supply is exhausted, and allows the installer to adjust the lock to suit the needs of the environment within which it is installed. Allowing adjustment of the selector means from outside of the housing avoids the housing from being opened, which is generally desirable as it reduces the likelihood of the other inner elements of the lock are accidently tampered with. SPCN-968985.docx 4 Furthermore, the use of a switch makes it simpler, and quicker, for the adjustment to be made. [0011] It is preferred that the electrically operated detent means includes a detent mechanism that moves relative to the actuator when adjusting between the active condition and the inactive condition. It is further preferred that the detent mechanism includes a detent slide that slides relative to the housing when the lock means adjusts between the active condition and the inactive condition. It is still further preferred that the detent slide includes a head and a slide member, the head being adjustable relative to the slide member between an operative position and an inoperative position so that when the lock means is in the active condition the actuator is rendered operable or inoperable respectively. The detent head preferably includes an inner head member and an outer head member each movable relative to the slide member between the operative position and inoperative position. The detent slide preferably includes an inner cam and an outer cam for interaction with the inner head member and outer head member respectively with the slide member whereby rotation of either the inner cam member or outer cam member will move the inner head member or outer head member between the operative and inoperative positions respectively. It is preferred that the inner cam and outer cam are rotatable from outside of the housing. [0012] It is preferred that the actuator includes an inner hub and an outer hub for rotation by an inner hand operator member and an outer hand operator member on an inner and outer side of the door respectively. It is further preferred that each hub includes a lever arm that interacts with the bolt. It is still further preferred that each hub includes a surface configuration that interacts with the electrically operated detent means. [0013] It is preferred that the lock assembly includes a key actuated switch means for interaction with a cylinder lock. The key actuated switch means preferably includes a movable member which moves in response to rotation of a cam associated with the cylinder lock. The key actuated switch means also preferably includes an electronic switch which is adjustable between an open condition and a closed condition in response to movement of the movable member. The key actuated switch means SPCN-968985.docx 5 preferably interacts with a control panel to indicate the cylinder lock has been activated. The use of a key actuated switch means adds an extra option for controlling operation of the lock. Furthermore the use of a physical key and cylinder lock is an option that certain users have a high level of familiarity with to provide a certain type of security. [0014] The lock assembly is preferably a mortice lock assembly. [0015] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a security system for use with a door including a lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims and a reader for reading a key tag. The security system preferably including includes a cylinder lock attached to the lock assembly housing. [0016] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention in greater detail by reference to the accompanying drawings. It ought to be appreciated however that the detailed description and the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of how the invention might be put into effect. The specific form and arrangement of the various features are shown and described is not to be understood as limiting on the invention which is defined by these proceedings summary of invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0017] Figure 1 is a partially exploded view of a security system according to one aspect of the invention, incorporating a lock assembly according to another aspect of the invention. [0018] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the lock assembly from Figure 1 with a cover plate of the housing removed, revealing the lock means in an inactive condition. [0019] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the lock assembly from Figure 2 with the actuator being operated to move the bolt to the release condition. [0020] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the lock assembly from Figure 2 with the lock means in an active condition. SPCN-968985.docx 6 [0021] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the lock assembly from Figure 4 with an in head member forming part of a detent mechanism in an inoperative position relative to an inner hub of the actuator. [0022] Figure 6 is an isometric view showing a key actuated switch means in greater detail from Figure 2. [0023] Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the key actuator switch means from Figure 6 interacting with a cam plate associated with an outer cylinder lock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0024] Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a security system 1 according to one aspect of this invention. In summary, the security system includes a lock assembly 2 and a reader 3 for reading a key tag (no shown). The lock assembly 2 illustrated in Figure 1 is a mortice lock assembly 2 which is one preferred form of lock assembly 2 to which the invention applies. However, the invention is not limited to mortice lock assemblies only. When installed, the mortice lock assembly 2 is located within a mortice cavity 4 formed in a side edge of a door 5. [0025] Outer door furniture 6 and inner door furniture 7 are fitted to the outer surface and inner surface of the door 5 respectively. The outer door furniture 6 illustrated includes an outer lever handle 8, which is rotatable relative to an outer escutcheon plate 9 for rotating an outer spindle 10 about an actuator axis XX. The outer door furniture 6 also includes a cylinder lock 11 having a cam plate 12 that is rotatable about a cylinder axis YY. The inner door furniture 7 includes an inner door lever 13 which is rotatable relative to an inner escutcheon plate 14 for rotating an inner spindle 15 about the actuation axis XX. Whilst lever handles 8, 13 are illustrated, there may be substituted by turn knobs. [0026] Figure 1 also illustrates wiring 16 connecting the reader 3 and lock assembly 2 to a power source V. The reader 3 will generally be located on a wall (not shown) adjacent the door 5. The wiring 16 will run within the wall and door 5 to the power source V. The supply of power to the lock assembly 2 and reader 3 may be controlled by a door control panel (not shown) which may incorporate, or be connected to, a computer processor (not shown) or the like to analyse the signals SPCN-968985.docx 7 received from the reader 3. Figure 1 illustrates the lock assembly 2 having a plug 17 which interacts with a socket 18 formed at a free end of the wiring 16, whereas the reader 3 is illustrated hardwired directly to the power source V. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the reader 3 may also include a socket and plug arrangement for facilitating installation. [0027] The lock assembly 2 illustrated in Figure 1 includes a housing 19 formed from a body 20 and a cover plate 21. The cover plate 21 is attached to the body 20 by four screw fasteners 25. Figure 1 also illustrates an inner cam 26 visible through an opening in the cover plate 21 which forms part of a detent mechanism that will be described in greater detail with reference to latter illustrations. A faceplate 22 is positioned at the front of the housing 19, the faceplate 22 having apertures formed therein through which a latch bolt 23, and auxiliary bolt 24 extend. [0028] Figure 2 illustrates the lock assembly 2 from Figure 1 with the cover plate 22 of the housing 19 removed. This reveals the lock assembly 2 to include, in summary, an actuator 27 for moving the latch bolt 23, a lock means 28 for controlling operation of the actuator 27 and a rechargeable energy storage device 29 for supplying energy to the lock means 28. [0029] The actuator 27 of the lock assembly 2 according to the invention may take any suitable form, and Figure 2 is merely illustrative of one preferred form of actuator 27. The actuator illustrated includes an inner hub 30 and outer hub 31, each having a socket for independently interacting with the inner spindle 15 and outer spindle 10 (see Figure 1) respectively. The inner hub 30 and outer hub 31 are each rotatable about the actuator axis XX. Each of the inner hub 30 and outer hub 31 include a lever arm 32, 33 which extends radially outward from the actuator axis XX so as to interact with the latch bolt 23. The latch bolt 23 illustrated includes a head 34 and frame 35 positioned behind the head 34. Each lever arm 32, 33 interacts directly with the frame 35 of the latch bolt 23 so that rotation of either hub 30, 31 will cause the frame 35 to move relative to the housing 19 retracting the head 34 towards the faceplate 22. A spring biasing means 36 is included to urge the latch bolt 23 towards an extended position whereby the head 34 projects out of the housing 19. A further spring biasing SPCN-968985.docx 8 means 37 acts between each of the inner hub 30, the outer hub 31 and the housing 19, to urge the hubs 30, 31 to adopt the rest position as illustrated in Figure 2. [0030] The lock means 28 of the invention includes an electrically operated detent means 38 which may take any form. The preferred form of detent means 38 illustrated in Figure 2 includes a solenoid 39 and a detent mechanism 40. Figure 2 illustrates the solenoid 39 having a body 41 and a plunger 42, and it can be appreciated by comparing with the solenoid 39 in Figure 4 that the plunger 42 is moveable relative to the body 41 when adjusting the detent means 38 between an active condition as illustrated in Figure 4 and an inactive condition as illustrated in at least Figure 2. The preferred form of solenoid 39 is a latching solenoid, as this form of solenoid includes a permanent magnet which interacts with the plunger to maintain its position relative to the body 41 even while energy is not being supplied to the solenoid 39. However other forms of solenoid 39 may also be suitable. [0031] The detent mechanism 40 illustrated in Figure 2 includes a detent slide 43 that slides relative to the housing 19 and a linkage 44 acting between the plunger 42 and the detent slide 43 so movement of the plunger 42 indirectly causes movement of the detent slide relative to the housing 19. The linkage may take any form however Figure 2 illustrates the linkage 44 including a plate 45 attached to the plunger 42 by a pin 46. The plate 45 is in turn attached to a lever 47 which pivots about a shaft 48. The detent slide 43 is also connected to the lever with the plate 45 connected to the lever 47 at a point between the shaft 48, and said end of the lever 47. This linkage 44 arrangement causes the length of travel of the plunger 42 to be magnified producing a greater length of movement of the detent slide 43. It ought to be appreciated that this linkage 44 arrangement is merely preferred, and the solenoid plunger 42 could act directly on the detent slide 43. [0032] The detent slide 43 may take any form so as to interact with the actuator 22. The form of the detent slide 43 illustrated includes a detent head 49 which is adjustable relative to the slide member 50 between an operative position and an inoperative position so when the lock means 28 is in an active condition, the actuator 27 is rendered operable or inoperable respectively. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the detent head 49 includes an inner head member 51 and an outer head SPCN-968985.docx 9 member 52 which are each independently moveable relative to the slide member 50. Figure 5 illustrates the inner head member 51 adopting an inoperative position whilst the outer head member 52 remains in the operative position. It ought to be appreciated that Figure 5 illustrates the lock means 28 in an active condition however the inner head member 51 is incapable of preventing rotation of the inner hub 30. The manner in which the inner head member 51 and outer head member 52 are moved relative to the slide member may be by any suitable arrangement. However in the arrangement illustrated, the inner cam 26 and outer cam (not shown) interact between the inner head member 51 and outer head member 52 and the slide member 50 respectively. Rotation of either the inner cam 51 or outer cam relative to the slide member 50, will cause sliding movement of the inner head member 51 and outer head member 52 between the operative position and inoperative position. It can be appreciated when comparing Figures 2 and 5 that the inner cam member 26 has been rotated. It is preferred that each of the inner cam 53 and outer cam be rotated without having to detach the cover plate 21 from the body 20. It can also be appreciated from Figure 1 that the cover plate 21 is formed with an aperture so access to the cam 26 can be made without having to detach the cover plate 21 from the body 20 of the housing 19. An equivalent aperture is included in the body 20 to provide access to the outer cam. [0033] The lock assembly 1 according to the invention includes a rechargeable energy storage device 29. Whilst any rechargeable energy storage device may be suitable, a capacitor is preferred as it is more suited to supplying electrical energy at a high current rating whilst still allowing for recharging within 5 seconds. This allows relatively low current wiring 16 to be used to supply power to the lock assembly 2. Figure 2 illustrates the capacitor 29 positioned inside the housing adjacent a printed circuit board 54 (PCB) on the back wall of the housing 19. [0034] It is a preferred aspect of the invention that the lock assembly 2 include a key actuated switch means 55 for interaction with the cylinder lock 11 located at least on an outer side of the door 5. This provides the lock assembly 2 with the capacity for a secondary level of authorisation which may be used in conjunction with the authorisation process associated with the key tag reader 3. The switch means 55 SPCN-968985.docx 10 may take any suitable form, however it is preferred that it interact with the cam plate 12 of the cylinder lock 11. [0035] Figure 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the features of the switch means including an electronic micro switch 56, a lever 57 and an inner cam plate follower 59 and outer cam plate follower 58. It can be appreciated from Figure 7 that with the outer cam plate 12 rotated to slide the outer cam follower 58, this engages the lever to actuate the micro switch 56. This sends a signal to the PCB 54 confirming an authorised user with an appropriate mechanical key has operated the outer cylinder lock 11, and is therefore provisionally authorised to operate the lock assembly 2. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate that each of the inner cam plate follower 59 and outer cam plate follower 58 includes a return leg 60, 61 which is engaged by the cam plate 12 when returning the cam plate 12 to a vertical position, and returning the cam plate follower 58, 59 to the retracted position. [0036] It is a preferred aspect of the lock assembly that it be operable in a fail safe mode or a fail secure mode. In the embodiment illustrated in at least Figure 2, the lock assembly 2 includes a selector switch 62 which is operable to adjust the condition in which the lock assembly 2 operates in the event of energy supply failure to the capacitor 29. The switch 62 is operable whilst the cover plate 21 is attached to the body 20 of the housing 19. The switch 62 is in communication with the PCB 54 so as to adjust the polarity of the solenoid 39. However, it ought to be appreciated that when the energy storage device is a capacitor 29, the lock assembly 2 is capable of continuing to operate for so long as the capacitor has sufficient charge, typically 40mA. [0037] It ought to be appreciated from the foregoing that the lock assembly 2 according to the invention has the advantage of continuing to operate despite energy supply failure occurring. Furthermore, the use of a capacitor 29 allows for electricity to be supplied through relatively thin wiring. Still furthermore, by providing the combination of a key tag reader 3 and mechanical key, this provides the lock assembly with a greater level of options for controlling and access. [0038] Various alterations and/or additions may be introduced to the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. SPCN-968985.docx 11 [0039] 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. SPCN-968985.docx

Claims (25)

1. A lock assembly for mounting to a door including, a housing, a bolt movable relative to the housing between a locked condition and a released condition, an actuator being operable to move the bolt from the locked condition towards the released condition, a lock means including an electrically operated detent means associated with the actuator being adjustable between an active condition and an inactive condition whereby it renders the actuator inoperable and operable respectively, a rechargeable energy storage device within the housing being the only supply of energy to the electrically operated detent means which in use is connected to a source of energy located remote from the door.

2. A lock assembly according to claim 1 wherein the rechargeable energy storage device is a capacitor.

3. A lock assembly according to claim 2 wherein the capacitor is a super capacitor rated to supply electricity with a maximum of 4.8V.

4. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrically operated detent means includes a solenoid.

5. A lock assembly according to claim 4 wherein the solenoid includes a body, a plunger movable relative to the body when energy is supplied, a magnet which interacts with a solenoid coil to maintain the position of the plunger relative to the body when energy is not being supplied.

6. A lock assembly according to claim 5 wherein the solenoid is a latching solenoid.

7. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lock means is adjustable to operate in a fail safe mode whereby in the event of an energy supply failure to the energy storage device the electrically operated detent adopts the inactive condition, or a fail secure mode whereby in the event of an energy supply failure to the energy storage device the electrically operated detent adopts the active condition. SPCN-968985.docx 13

8. A lock assembly according to claim 7 wherein the lock means includes a selector means to adjust the mode of operation of the lock means between fail safe and fail secure, the selector means being adjustable from outside the housing.

9. A lock assembly according to claim 8 wherein the selector means is a switch for adjusting a polarity of the solenoid.

10. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrically operated detent means includes a detent mechanism that moves relative to the actuator when adjusting between the active condition and the inactive condition.

11. A lock assembly according to claim 10 wherein the detent mechanism includes a detent slide that slides relative to the housing when the lock means adjusts between the active condition and the inactive condition.

12. A lock assembly according to claim 11 wherein the detent slide includes a head and a slide member, the head being adjustable relative to the slide member between an operative position and an inoperative position so that when the lock means is in the active condition the actuator is rendered operable or inoperable respectively.

13. A lock assembly according to claim 12 wherein the detent head includes an inner head member and an outer head member each movable relative to the slide member between the operative position and inoperative position.

14. A lock assembly according to claim 13 wherein detent slide includes an inner cam and an outer cam for interaction with the inner head member and outer head member respectively with the slide member whereby rotation of either the inner cam member or outer cam member will move the inner head member or outer head member between the operative and inoperative positions respectively.

15. A lock assembly according to claim 14 wherein the inner cam and outer cam are rotatable from outside of the housing.

16. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuator includes an inner hub and an outer hub for rotation by an inner hand operator <filename> 14 member and an outer hand operator member on an inner and outer side of the door respectively.

17. A lock assembly according to claim 16 wherein each hub includes a lever arm that interacts with the bolt.

18. A lock assembly according to claim 16 or 17 wherein each hub includes a surface configuration that interacts with the electrically operated detent means.

19. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims including a key actuated switch means for interaction with a cylinder lock.

20. A lock assembly according to claim 19 wherein the key actuated switch means includes a movable member which moves in response to rotation of a cam associated with the cylinder lock.

21. A lock assembly according to claim 20 wherein the key actuated switch means includes an electronic switch which is adjustable between an open condition and a closed condition in response to movement of the movable member.

22. A lock assembly according to claim 21 wherein the key actuated switch means interacts with a control panel to indicate the cylinder lock has been activated.

23. A lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lock assembly is a mortice lock assembly.

24. A security system for use with a door including a lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims and a reader for reading a key tag.

25. A security system according to claim 24 including a cylinder lock attached to the lock assembly housing. <filename>