AU2017100470A4 - An Improved Lock and Lock Module - Google Patents

Abstract

A keyless lock module is provided that enables traditional keyed locks to be simply and cost effectively converted to keypad based locks. The lock module includes: a cylinder portion, for being received in a lock housing, the cylinder portion including a cam configured engage with a lock member of the lock housing; and a handle portion, coupled to an end of the cylinder portion, the handle portion including a keyless access system, configured to receive an access code from the user. The cam is located on an opposing end of the cylinder portion to the handle portion, and is configured to selectively engage with the lock member according to the received access code. 120 105a 120a 125 110a 105b E105 Figure 1 120a 120 105a 110 115 11Oa-- ,,--105b 105c--41 b Figure 2

Description

ι 2017100470 28 Apr 2017

AN IMPROVED LOCK AND LOCK MODULE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to locks and lock cylinders. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to electromechanical locks and associated lock cylinders.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Keypad based locks, where a user enters a pin code for access, and near field communication (NFC) based locks, where a user gains access using a NFC card or tag, are becoming more and more popular as they may provide greater convenience, increased security, and reduced operating costs.

[0003] In case a code becomes compromised, or a card or tag is lost, the lock may be updated to remove that code, card or tag, which is much more cost effective than replacing or rekeying a mechanical lock.

[0004] A problem with digital locks of the prior art, such as the keypad or NFC based locks mentioned above, is that they are difficult and costly to upgrade. In particular, an entire lock must generally be replaced with a digital lock. This process is generally costly, and may require modification to door.

[0005] As such, there is clearly a need for an improved lock.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to an improved lock and lock module, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a keyless lock module including: a cylinder portion, for being received in a lock housing, the cylinder portion 2 2017100470 28 Apr 2017 including a cam configured engage with a lock member of the lock housing; and a handle portion, coupled to an end of the cylinder portion, the handle portion including a keyless access system, configured to receive an access code from the user, wherein the cam is located on an opposing end of the cylinder portion to the handle portion, and is configured to selectively engage with the lock member according to the received access code.

[0009] Advantageously, the keyless lock module enables traditional keyed locks to be simply and cost effectively converted to keyless (keypad) based locks. In particular, the keyed lock cylinder of the traditional keyed lock is removed, leaving a lock housing, and the cylinder portion of the lock module is installed in its place.

[0010] Preferably, the cylinder portion is oval in cross section. Preferably, the cylinder portion is compatible with a Lockwood 570 lock cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, the cylinder portion is configured to interact with a lock member of the lock housing to unlock the lock upon receipt of a valid code.

[0012] Preferably, the keyless access system comprises a keypad. Suitably the keypad includes a plurality of buttons which may be selected by the user to form the code. The code may be a numerical code.

[0013] Preferably, the keyless lock module includes a controller, coupled to the digital access system and an actuator of the locking member. The controller may be configured to enable the cam to engage with the lock member when the access code is a valid access code.

[0014] Suitably, the actuator is configured to enable a barrel, which is coupled to the cam, to rotate when a correct code is entered. The barrel may then be rotated manually by the user, e.g. by rotating the handle portion.

[0015] Alternatively, the actuator may comprise a motor which causes the barrel to rotate.

In such case, the motor may be coupled to a driveshaft and gears, which cause the barrel to rotate. The motor may be in the handle portion, and the driveshaft therefrom to the barrel.

[0016] The controller may be located in the handle portion.

[0017] Preferably, the module further includes a near field communication (NFC) reader, configured to provide keyless access. The NFC reader may comprise an RFID scanner. 3 2017100470 28 Apr 2017 [0018] Preferably, the module further includes fingerprint scanner, configured to provide keyless access.

[0019] Preferably, the module includes a power source, for powering the module. The power source may comprise batteries. The batteries may be located in the handle.

[0020] Preferably, a stem portion connects the handle portion to the cylinder portion.

[0021] The handle may include a light, indicating if door is unlocked and/or locked.

[0022] The controller may be configured to require an access code only at certain times, e.g. times of the day, or on weekends.

[0023] Preferably, the handle is shaped like a truncated cylinder, and includes a planar surface extending between ends thereof on which the keypad is positioned.

[0024] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0025] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0027] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a keyless lock module, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0028] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the keyless lock module of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0029] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the keyless lock module of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0030] Figure 4 illustrates an end view of the keyless lock module of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 2017100470 28 Apr 2017 [0031] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the keyless lock module of Figure 1 installed in a door, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0032] Figure 6 illustrates an end view of a keyless lock module, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and [0033] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic of a keyless lock module, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0034] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a keyless lock module 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described in further detail below, the keyless lock module 100 enables traditional keyed locks to be simply and cost effectively converted to keypad based locks.

[0036] The keyless lock module 100 comprises a handle portion 105, configured to be positioned externally on a door, and particularly on an outside of the door, and a lock cylinder portion 110, which is configured to be positioned internally in the door, and engage with a lock assembly of the door.

[0037] As best illustrated in Figure 4, the lock cylinder portion 110 is oval-shaped in cross section. The lock cylinder portion 110 includes a first axial end 110a, and a second axial end 110b. A cam 115 is positioned on the second axial end 110b, and is configured to rotate and engage with the lock assembly of the door to lock and unlock same.

[0038] The cam 115 is attached to a rotating barrel (obscured) by first and second screws 115a, which enable the cam 115 to be removed and replaced. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that a variety of differently shaped cams 115 may be installed onto the barrel to enable the keyless lock module 100 to function with a variety of different door lock assembly types.

[0039] The handle portion 105 is shaped like a truncated cylinder, with a planar keypad 5 2017100470 28 Apr 2017 surface 105a extending between ends 105b, 105c of the cylinder. A keypad 120 in the form of a plurality of buttons 120a is positioned on the keypad surface 105 a and with which a user may interact.

[0040] A stem 125 extends between the handle portion 105 and the lock cylinder portion 110, and spaces the handle portion 105 from the lock cylinder portion 110. The stem 125 is cylindrical in shape and may comprise an extension of the barrel, or be coupled to the barrel.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates the keyless lock module 100 installed in a door 500. The cylinder portion 110 (obscured) is received within a lock assembly 505 of the door, which comprises a mortise lock.

[0042] The stem 125 spaces the handle portion 105 from a front surface of the door 500. As such, the handle is able to gripped, and turned, if appropriate, without touching the door.

[0043] In use, a user may enter a code into the keypad 120, upon which a controller determines whether the code is a valid code or an invalid code. In case the code is a valid code, the barrel may be rotated, causing the cam 115 (obscured) to engage with the lock, and thus cause a deadbolt 510 of the lock 505 to move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0044] In some embodiments, the controller actuates a lock actuator, which enables the barrel to be rotated by rotating the handle 105. In such case, the handle is coupled to the barrel and causes the barrel to turn much like a key enables the barrel to be turned in a traditional keyed lock. In such case, the lock actuator may engage with the barrel, like pins engage with the barrel in a traditional keyed lock, to either allow or prevent the barrel from rotating (and thus allowing or preventing the cam 115 from engaging with the lock 505.

[0045] In other embodiments, the controller may activate a motor which causes the barrel to rotate. In such case, the motor may be coupled to a driveshaft and gears, which cause the barrel to rotate. The motor may be in the handle portion, and the driveshaft may extend through the stem 125.

[0046] The cylinder portion 110 may include means for being fixed to the lock 505, such as a thread with which a screw may engage. In such case, the cylinder portion 110 may be held within the lock 505 in a position where the cam 115 engages with a lock mechanism in the lock 505. 6 2017100470 28 Apr 2017 [0047] In addition to the keypad 120, the controller may be coupled to a near field communication (NFC) reader (not illustrated) and be configured to lock and unlock the door based when an authorised NFC devices is provided. An example of a suitable NFC device is an RFID tag.

[0048] Furthermore, the controller may be coupled to a fingerprint scanner, to enable control of the lock based upon fingerprint data.

[0049] Figure 6 illustrates an end view of a keyless lock module 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The keyless lock module 600 is similar to the keyless lock module 100, but includes a fingerprint scanner 605 on the end 105b of the handle 105.

[0050] Furthermore, the keyless lock module 600 includes a status light 610. The status light 610 may be configured to let a user know if the door is locked or unlocked. Similarly, the status light 610 may be used to indicate whether there are any errors in the module 600, or if the battery is low.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic of a keyless lock module 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The keyless lock module 700 is similar to the lock modules 100, 600.

[0052] The keyless lock module 700 includes a controller 705, coupled to the keypad 120. As discussed above, the controller 705 is configured to determine whether a code input on the keypad is valid, and in response thereto cause a lock actuator 710 to enable the lock to lock or unlock.

[0053] The module 700 includes an NFC reader 715, coupled to the controller 705, provides similar access control to the keypad 120. In particular, the controller 705 is configured to determine whether an NFC card is a valid NFC card, and in response thereto cause the lock actuator 710 to enable the lock to lock or unlock.

[0054] Similarly, the module 700 includes a fingerprint scanner 720, which is configured to scan a fingerprint of the user and provide access control based thereon. In particular, the controller 705 is configured to determine whether a fingerprint is a valid fingerprint, and in response thereto cause the lock actuator 710 to enable the lock to lock or unlock.

[0055] The module 700 includes status lights 725, which enable the user to see a status of the module 700. The status lights 725 may be multi-coloured (or otherwise provide a variety of 7 2017100470 28 Apr 2017 signals), and may signal an error in the module (e.g. flashing red light), a low battery (e.g flashing yellow light), whether the door is unlocked (e.g. green light), or whether the door is locked (e.g. red light). As such, the user is able to identify a current status of the module easily.

[0056] Finally, the lock module 700 includes a power source 730, preferably a battery, coupled to the controller 705, to provide power to the controller 705 and other components, such as the keypad 120, status lights 725, NFC module 715, and to actuate the lock actuator 710.

[0057] The controller 705 and power source 730 may be located on an inside of the handle portion 105. This is particularly useful as the handle portion 105 may be significantly larger than the cylinder portion 110.

[0058] The lock actuator 710 may enable the lock to lock or unlock by any suitable means. For example, the lock actuator may be configured to cause the lock cylinder to prevent rotation of the core relative to the housing if no authorized code has been presented. Such configuration may be similar, or identical, to the use of pins on a traditional keyed lock, and require that the user physically turn/rotate the handle portion to lock or unlock the lock, much like a key is turned in a traditional lock.

[0059] Alternatively, the lock actuator 720 may be configured to actuate the locking member between a locked position and an unlocked position. As an illustrative example, a motor may be provided in the handle, and be configured to selectively rotate the lock barrel.

[0060] According to certain embodiments, the controller is coupled to an access control network, which assists the controller in providing access control. As an illustrative example, the access control network may include a hub, coupled to the controller and the Internet, and act as a gateway between the controller and a central access control server located remotely to the controller. This may enable the user to change pin codes remotely, and even enable single use pin codes.

[0061] As such, users may update access control rules and the like by logging into the central access control server, which may be done without having to be in proximity to the lock module.

[0062] The controller may be configured to provide selective access control based upon time of day, day of week, or any other suitable factor. As an illustrative example, a code may provide access between certain times, and an RFID tag or fingerprint may be required outside of these 8 2017100470 28 Apr 2017 times.

[0063] Furthermore, the controller or access control system may manage an audit log of the electronic lock. This enables the user to investigate access patterns, or monitor access of individuals into or out of the door.

[0064] The cylinder is about 34mm long, about 18mm wides, and about 35mm high. The cylinder is configured to be compatible with a Lockwood 570 style lock assembly of Assa Abloy Australia Pty Limited, of Victoria, Australia.

[0065] As such, an existing lock, an in particular a mortice lock including a Lockwood 570 keyed lock cylinder (or compatible variation thereof), may be effectively upgraded to become a keyless lock by removing the keyed lock cylinder and installing a keyless lock module 100, 600, 700, described above.

[0066] This conversion is easy and cost effective, and can be performed without the need to dismantle the door lock or the door.

[0067] As such, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the shape of the handle portion 105 may vary without affecting the compatibility of the lock module.

[0068] The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that other functions may be performed by the controller, including low battery alerts and warnings, error messages, signalling (e.g. whether the door is locked or unlocked), or any other suitable function.

[0069] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0070] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0071] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or 2017100470 28 Apr 2017 9 less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A keyless lock module including: a cylinder portion, for being received in a lock housing, the cylinder portion including a cam configured engage with a lock member of the lock housing; and a handle portion, coupled to an end of the cylinder portion, the handle portion including a keyless access system, configured to receive an access code from the user, wherein the cam is located on an opposing end of the cylinder portion to the handle portion, and is configured to selectively engage with the lock member according to the received access code.

2. The keyless lock module of claim 1, wherein the cylinder portion is oval in cross section.

3. The keyless lock module of claim 1, wherein the keyless access system comprises a keypad including a plurality of buttons which may be selected by the user to form the code.

4. The keyless lock module of claim 1, wherein the keyless lock module includes a controller, coupled to the digital access system and an actuator, and the actuator is configured to enable a barrel, that is coupled to the cam, to rotate when a correct code is entered.

5. The keyless lock module of claim 1, wherein the module further includes a near field communication (NFC) reader and a fingerprint scanner, configured to provide keyless access by selectively causing the cam to engage with the lock member.