AU2021102865B4

AU2021102865B4 - A lock system

Info

Publication number: AU2021102865B4
Application number: AU2021102865A
Authority: AU
Inventors: William Grant Stuart
Original assignee: IRS Pty Ltd; Shengjiu Group Co Ltd
Current assignee: IRS Pty Ltd; Shengjiu Group Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-26
Filing date: 2021-05-26
Publication date: 2022-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-26
Also published as: AU2021102865A4

Abstract

A lock system for use in a locking device, the lock system comprising a locking detent element movable relative to the locking device between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock system also comprises a receiver adapted to be engaged by the locking detent element in the locked position, an actuator adapted to engage the receiver, and an electric motor connected to the locking device. The electric motor is adapted to move the actuator, and the locking detent element is in the unlocked position when the actuator is engaged in the receiver. The lock system therefore provides a compact locking device with electronic control capabilities.

Description

A LOCK SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock system. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a lock system for use in locking devices, such as handle and housing latch assemblies.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Handle and housing latch assemblies have a myriad of uses, including vehicle cabinetry, industrial cabinets and tool boxes. To this end, they can be used to operate devices such as latches by moving the handle relative to the associated housing so as to secure these enclosures in a locked fashion.

[0003] Examples of such handle and housing latch assemblies are well known in the art and include the assemblies described in US patent no. 7,454,933, which is incorporated by reference herein. US 7,454,933 provides a handle and housing assembly that includes a housing having a front side and a rear side and a handle. This handle is operably connected to a shaft on the front side of the housing, which extends therethrough so as to be able to be turned by the handle about a forwardly rearwardly extending axis of the assembly.

[0004] In this regard, the handle and housing latch assembly of US 7,454,933 includes a compression latch. Compression latches typically include a handle that is lifted to release compression forces and that is subsequently turned. Turning the handle typically operates a latch or the like so as to carry out latching operations.

[0005] Further, such latch assemblies may include a control member in operative connection with the shaft on the rear side of the housing. The control member may include different features connected thereto for engaging a closure member to a body member such as a latch roller and/or one or more linkages. In addition, the control member may include one or more notches or apertures that are releasably engaged by a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the control member.

[0006] Latch assemblies of the prior art often include a locking bolt which is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position by a key operated lock. It is also often beneficial for latch assemblies to be converted into an electronic system. However, electronic systems typically utilise existing latch assembly hardware, with the addition of an electrically powered arm replacing or attaching to the key cylinder, and thereby operating the locking bolt. While such systems are easily fitted, they are typically cumbersome and bulky.

[0007] A further problem with many electronic latch assemblies of the prior art is that the electronic mechanism is required to operate a locking bolt that was originally designed for mechanical and manual key operation. As such, the electronic mechanism is required to operate and move mechanical components that have an unnecessarily high load.

[0008] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved lock system that comprises compact electronics and is optimised for efficient operation.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is a preferred object of the invention to provide systems and/or apparatuses and/or methods that address or ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provide a useful commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00010] The present invention relates to a lock system for use in locking devices, such as handle and housing latch assemblies.

[00011] In one form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in lock system for use in alocking device, the lock system comprising: alocking detent element movable relative to the locking device between a locked position and an unlocked position; a receiver adapted to be engaged by the locking detent element in the locked position; an actuator adapted to engage the receiver; and an electric motor connected to the locking device, the electric motor adapted to move the actuator; wherein the locking detent element is in the unlocked position when the actuator is engaged in the receiver.

[00012] Preferably, the locking detent element is biased to engage the receiver and the actuator is biased to disengage from the receiver.

[00013] Preferably, the electric motor moves the actuator via a cam.

[00014] Preferably, the lock system further comprises a manual key override, the manual key override adapted to move the actuator to engage the receiver.

[00015] Preferably, the lock system is retrofitted onto an existing locking device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00016] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00017] Figure 1 is an electronic setup of an existing lock system.

[00018] Figure 2 is a rear view of the present lock system in a locked configuration.

[00019] Figure 3 is a rear view of the lock system of Fig. 2 in an unlocked configuration.

[00020] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the locked lock system of Fig. 2.

[00021] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the lock system of Fig. 2, unlocked using a manual override.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00022] The present invention relates to a lock system for use in locking devices, such as handle and housing latch assemblies. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[00023] According to one aspect, the present invention is defined as a lock system for use in a locking device, the lock system comprising: a locking detent element movable relative to the locking device between a locked position and an unlocked position; a receiver adapted to be engaged by the locking detent element in the locked position; an actuator adapted to engage the receiver; and an electric motor connected to the locking device, the electric motor adapted to move the actuator; wherein the locking detent element is in the unlocked position when the actuator is engaged in the receiver.

[00024] Advantages of some embodiments of the present invention include that the electronic components of the lock system only occupy a small footprint and do not extend beyond the space of a typical mechanical key operated system. Additionally, the electronic components operate efficiently to lock and unlock the lock system using minimal input of power.

[00025] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all of the above advantages are necessarily included in all embodiments of the present invention.

[00026] Figure 1 is an electronic setup of an existing lock system 100. Existing lock systems 100 typically employ the use of an electric door lock actuator 105 to pull and push hinging arm 110. The hinging arm 110 may replace or piggyback onto a mechanical key barrel that turns a tongue to engage or disengage a locking bolt 115 from one or more notches 120, 125 that allows the locking bolt 115 to be engaged at one or more positions.

[00027] Figure 2 is a rear view of the present lock system in a locked configuration. A cover (not shown) may be employed to house and conceal the components of the lock system.

[00028] In one form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a lock system 200 for use in a locking device, the lock system 200 comprising a locking detent element 205 movable relative to a control member 240 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock system 200 further comprises a receiver 210 adapted to be engaged by the locking detent element in the lockedposition. Ina preferred embodiment, the receiver 210 is a slot or gap between two members defined by a locking device body 215. Alternatively, the receiver 210 may be defined by an aperture or similar feature configured to receive the locking detent element 205. An actuator 210 is also configured to engage the receiver 210, and an electric motor 225 is connected to the locking device, the electric motor 225 adapted to move the actuator 220. In a preferred embodiment, the locking detent element 205 is in the unlocked position when the actuator 220 is engaged in the receiver 210.

[00029] In a preferred embodiment, the locking detent element 205 is biased to engage the receiver 210 and the actuator 220 is biased to disengage from the receiver 210. Further preferably, the locking detent element 205 is an elongate cylinder with a rounded distal end which facilitates engagement with the receiver 210. The person skilled in the art will understand that the locking detent element 205 can be biased by a spring, a magnet, or other mechanical means. Optionally, the actuator 220 is biased by an actuator spring 230 which biases the actuator 220 away from the receiver 210 such that the actuator 220 is predisposed to disengage from the receiver 210.

[00030] Preferably, the electric motor 225 moves the actuator 220 via a cam 235. In Fig. 2, the cam 235 is in the down position, which allows the actuator spring 230 to bias and disengage the actuator 220 from the receiver 210. While the actuator 220 is disengaged from the receiver 210, the locking detent element 205 engages the receiver 210, which locks the control member 240 in place and prevents it from rotation.

[00031] Figure 3 is a rear view of the lock system 200 of Fig. 2 in an unlocked configuration. Preferably, the electric motor 225 rotates the cam 235 into an upward position to engage the actuator 220. When engaging the actuator 220, the cam 235 pushes the actuator 220 into the receiver 210 and compresses the actuator spring 230. Optionally, the actuator 220 may comprise an engagement feature 300 to receive the cam 235 as it rotates into the upward position. The engagement feature 300 ensures that the cam 235 maintains alignment and smoothly advances the actuator 220 to engage the receiver 210. Further optionally, the engagement feature 300 is a slot that corresponds to, and receives, a cam projection 320 on the cam 235.

[00032] After the actuator 220 engages the receiver 210, the locking detent element 205 is disengaged from the receiver 210 and allows the latch control member 240 to be operably rotated.

[00033] In a preferred embodiment the lock system 200 further comprises a manual key override 305. The manual key override 305 is adapted to move the actuator 220 to engage the receiver 210. Further preferably, the manual key override comprises a tongue 310 configured to engage an override actuator 315.

[00034] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the locked lock system 200 of Fig. 2. The locking detent element 205 is engaged in the receiver 210, biased to rest in the receiver 210 defined by two wall members 400, 405 extending from the locking device body 215. The actuator 220 is biased away from the receiver 210 by the actuator spring 230. Preferably, the actuator 220 comprises an actuator base plate 410 which is configured to retain the actuator spring 230. Optionally, the base plate 410 further defines a protrusion to assist with seating a proximal end of the actuator spring 230.

[00035] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 220 is located on an electronic assembly base 415 that also receives the electric motor 225, cam 235, override actuator 315, and other electronic components such as PCBs and wiring. The electronic assembly base 415 may also comprise a spring engagement surface 420 to oppose the actuator spring 230. Optionally, the spring engagement surface 420 may define an aperture or recess to assist with seating a distal end of the actuator spring 230.

[00036] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the lock system 200 of Fig. 2, unlocked using a manual override. In a preferred embodiment, the manual override is operated by the manual key override 305 adapted to move the tongue 310 which in turn engages the override actuator 315 to move the actuator 220 to engage the receiver 210. Preferably, the override actuator 315 comprises a pusher 500 configured to engage the actuator base plate 410. Optionally, the pusher 500 is an elongate cylindrical shaft that extends through a locater guide 505 defined by the electronic assembly base 415. Further optionally, the locator guide 505 may be an aperture corresponding to the sectional profile of the pusher 500.

[00037] With reference to Figs. 2 and 5, the cam 235 remains in the downward position when not electronically unlocked. With reference to Fig. 5, during manual operation, the manual override moves the actuator 220 to engage the receiver 210 which disengages the locking detent element 205, pushing the locking detent element 205 out of the receiver 210. The control member 240 is then able to be turned, for example, by way of a latch handle 510. The person skilled in the art will understand that engagement points for the receiver 210 and angle of rotation for the control member 240 may vary in geometry and instances according to need and application of each lock system. Furthermore, any suitable handle or lever mechanism may be employed to operate and rotate the control member 240.

[00038] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic components and operation of the lock system 200 may be connected via wiring harnesses 515 for power supply and operation control. Optionally, the lock system 200 may be retrofitted onto an existing locking device to provide an alternative electronic operation in lieu or in place of a manual locking device. Further optionally, the lock system 200 may be fitted to cabinetry or tool boxes on automotive vehicles. When used for cabinetry or tool boxes on automotive vehicles, the lock system 200 may optionally be wired to the vehicle power supply and central locking system. The lock system 200 may be unlocked and locked in conjunction with the vehicle doors and or security system. Further optionally, the lock system 200 may be wired to unlock with the storage boot if the vehicle security system accommodates a split locking system.

[00039] As an electronic system, the lock system 200 may further comprise indicators or displays to communicate a lock system status. Optionally, an LED indicator may be located on the front exterior surface of the locking device to indicate that the lock system 200 is, for example, powered, locked, or unlocked. The person skilled in the art will understand that the electronic lock system 200 may optionally employ further electrically powered security measures such as pin pads or electronic biometric readers for unlocking the lock system 200.

[00040] The lock system 200 therefore addresses at least some of the aforementioned problems, providing a compact locking device with electronic control capabilities. As a device intended for locking storages and enclosures, space is a premium and a primary consideration. The lock system therefore provides an optimised device with improvements over the existing prior art, with options for retrofit or replacement with minimal cosmetic and mechanical disruption.

[00041] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, up and down, upper and lower, rear, front and side, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[00042] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the above described invention, which is determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A lock system for use in a locking device, the lock system comprising: a locking detent element movable relative to the locking device between a locked position and an unlocked position; a receiver adapted to be engaged by the locking detent element in the locked position; an actuator adapted to engage the receiver; and an electric motor connected to the locking device, the electric motor adapted to move the actuator; wherein the locking detent element is in the unlocked position and disengaged from the receiver when the actuator is engaged in the receiver, wherein the locking detent element is biased to engage the receiver and the actuator is biased to disengage from the receiver, and wherein the lock system further comprises a manual key override, the manual key override adapted to move the actuator to engage the receiver.

2. The lock system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor moves the actuator via a cam.

3. The lock system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock system is retrofitted onto an existing locking device.

4. The lock system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is biased by a spring to disengage from the receiver.