AU672148B2 - Monitoring the actuator of a lock assembly - Google Patents

Description

I I

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (Original) Application Number: Lodged: Class Int. Class Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: APPLICANT'S REF: o P 0

~O

L

DIVISIONAL OF 22125/92 Name(s) of Applicant(s): Address(es) of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service is: LOCKWOOD AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

Edward Street, Huntingdale, Victoria, 3166, Australia.

DONALD JOHN NEWMAN PHILLIPS, ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia, 3000 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: "MONITORING THE ACTUATOR OF A LOCK ASSEMBLY" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to applicant(s): MONITORING THE ACTUATOR OF A LOCK ASSEMBLY This invention relates to locks of the kind including a bolt which is movable between lock and unlock conditions. Such locks are commonly used to secure doors and the like in a closed position. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with particular reference to door locks, but it is to be understood that the invention has other uses.

Solenoid controlled locks are known, and examples are described in the specifications of U.S. patents 2299646, 3641396, 3907343, and 4073518. Such locks may be of either the fail safe or fail secure kind. In the former kind of lock the solenoid driven component of the lock is arranged to adopt a lock release condition in the event of a power failure. In the latter kind of lock, the solenoid driven component is arranged to adopt a lock secure condition in the event of power failure.

Prior systems incorporating such locks have not been able to conveniently monitor the status of the lock, or the door with which the lock is associated. In particular, separate means is generally required to monitor the lock condition and the door condition respectively. Furthermore, remote controlled locks which incorporate a manual override facility, do not have means for monitoring that manual override.

*It is an object of the invention to provide improved means for monitoring the condition of a lock (which is preferably but not necessarily solenoid controlled) from a remote location. Yet another object of the invention is to provide means for achieving convenient manual override of a remotely controlled lock.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of one particular form of lock which incorporates an embodiment of the invention.

invention, there is provided a lo y including, a housing, a lc ounted on the housing for relative k F -2c-@ua tor Mas whQi e-operable- bolt from the locking position to the ng position, and detection means w responsive to operation of said ac mei-- ans so as to be thereby operable to Ma' Sp-- c n.r- (id h -m 6 Thus according to the invention, a lock assembly is provided with detection means which responds to a particular operation of the lock assembly so as to enable production of a signal indicating that that operation has occurred. For example, the detection means may respond to operation of a handle or knob at one side of the assembly. In a particular example, that handle or knob will be located on the inner side of the door or other member with which the lock assembly is associated. The detection means may include a microswitch or similar device located within the lock assembly and which is responsive to movement of a relevant part of that assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a lock assembly including, a housing, a lock 0 bolt mounted on the housing for relative movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, an actuator mounted on the housing for rotation relative thereto and being operable when rotated in one direction to cause said bolt to move from said locking position to said unlocking :.25 position, said actuator being connectable to hand engageable means which is located at an inner side of said housing and which is operable to cause said actuator operation, and a switch located within said housing and being responsive to rotational movement of said actuator in said one direction to open or close an electric circuit.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a lock assembly is provided with switch means which is responsive to use of a key to operate the lock assembly. The response may be to activate or de-activate, as required, an alarm system, or the response may simply be generation of a signal which reveals operation of the lock assembly at a remote location. Still further, the response may have an influence on a control unit.

3 Vi' s Switch means of the foregoing kind may or may not be 3 I I_ used with other aspects of the invention as previously referred to.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention, according to its various aspects, by reference to a particular form of lock assembly including a linearly movable latchbolt and a deadlatching facility. Each aspect of the invention is applicable to other forms of lock assemblies. Also, the example assembly hereinafter described will be described as including each aspect of the invention, but only one of those aspects may be adopted in practice, or any two or more may be adopted according to particular requirements.

Embodiments of the invention are described in detail in the following passages of the specification which refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, however, are merely illustrative of how the invention might be put into effect, so that the specific form and arrangement of the various features as shown is not to be understood as limiting on the invention.

20 In the drawings: Figure 1 is a semi-diagrammatic illustration of one *form of latch assembly to which the invention is applicable and which is shown from the front edge, and the latch assembly is shown partially exploded for convenience of illustration.

Figure 2 is a view taken along line II-II of Figure 1 and which shows the latch assembly with one side plate removed so that internal components are visible, but in which some components have been omitted for convenience of illustration.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of part of the assembly shown in Figure 2 and which shows the locking mechanism in the inactive position.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing the locking mechanism in the active position.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing the locking mechanism arranged so that the active position is adopted while the solenoid is de-energised, 39 Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 but showing 4 the locking mechanism in the inactive position.

Figure 7 is a semi-diagrammatic view of part of the assembly shown in Figure 1 and in which the deadlocking means is shown inoperative.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 but showing the deadlocking means in an operative condition.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 2 but with various parts omitted for convenience of illustration and in which part of an electric circuit is shown.

Figure 10 is a front elevation view of the assembly shown in Figure 9.

The latch assembly 1 shown diagrammatically in Figure 1, includes inner and outer handles 2 and 3 which are interconnected through a drive shaft 4, and which are operable to cause movement of a latchbolt 5 as hereinafter described. In some forms of the assembly 1, the drive shaft 4 may be split into two separate components so that the handles 2 and 3 are independently operable. A cylinder lock 6 is operable by a key from the outside of "0 the assembly 1 so as to influence locking mechanism as hereinafter described which acts on the latchbolt 5, and a turn knob 7 may have corresponding influence from the inside of the assembly 1.

The assembly 1 is, in general terms, a typical latch assembly of the kind commonly used with swinging doors, and as previously stated is not the only form of assembly to which the invention is applicable. The following description of the assembly 1 assumes that the reader has a working knowledge of latch assemblies of the kind shown.

As best seen in Figure 2, the latch bolt 5 is S mounted on a housing 8 so as to be movable longitudinally .between the latched position, which is shown in Figure 2, and an unlatched position at which the head 9 of the bolt is at least substantially contained within the housing 8. A biasing spring (not shown) normally urges the bolt towards the latched position. Retraction of the bolt 5 is effected through a rotatable actuator 10 which is non rotatably mounted on the drive shaft 4, and is rotated as 39 required through manipulation of the handles 2 and 3. The 5 drive shaft 4 is not shown in Figure 2, but in use that shaft is received in the bore 10a of square cross-sectional shape which extends through the actuator A deadlatching lever 11 of known form is pivotally mounted on the bolt 5 and is engageable with a stop plate 12 so as to prevent retraction of the bolt 5. The lever 11 swings about a pivot 13 between an operative position, as shown in Figure 2, and an inoperative position at which it is not engageable with the stop plate 12. Rotation of the actuator 10 in the direction of arrow A causes the lever 11 to be moved into the inoperative position, in a known manner. Operation of either the cylinder lock 6 or the turn knob 7 can have the same result, and again the means for achieving that is known.

Locking mechanism 14 of a preferred form is shown in Figures 2 to 6 of the drawings. That mechanism 14 includes a detent in the form of a bar 15, and control means 16 connected to the bar 15 and arranged to control operation of that bar 15. In the particular arrangement shown, the control means 16 includes an electrically operable solenoid 17 and a biasing spring 18. The solenoid 17 includes a coil body 19 and a shaft 20 which is axially movable within the body 19. The coil is energised by connection to a source of electrical current and thereby generates magnetic flux which influences the shaft 20 to move in one direction. When the coil is de-energised, the spring 18 operates to move the shaft in the reverse direction.

The control means 16 may be used in either a fail safe arrangement, or a fail secure arrangement, according to requirements. Figures 2 to 4 show the former arrangement, and Figures 5 and 6 show the latter. In each arrangement, the detent bar 15 is mounted within the housing 8 for relative sliding movement between an active position as shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5, and an inactive position as shown in Figures 3 and 6. In the particular form of the detent bar 15 as shown, that bar has a head 21 39 and a tail 22 which are connected through a plate section 6 23. Other forms of detent bar are clearly available.

Referring to the fail safe arrangement of Figures 2 to 4, the coil body 19 is secured to the housing 8 against relative movement and is disposed between the bar head 21 and tail 22. The solenoid shaft 20 is attached to the bar at or adjacent the tail 22, and any suitable means may be used for that purpose. In the arrangement shown, that attaching means is formed by a pin 24 which is slidable within a hole formed in the bar tail 22. The biasing spring 18 is disposed between the pin 24 and the end 25 of the coil body 19, and is arranged to urge the shaft 20 out of the body 19. A reverse arrangement is possible.

Stop means may be provided to limit the degree of relative movement between the coil body 19 and the shaft 20. In the arrangement shown, that stop means includes a recess 25 formed in the bar plate section 23. Shoulders 27 and 28 formed at respective ends of the recess 26 are engageable with respective ends 25 and 29 of the coil body 19 so as to define the limits of the aformentioned relative movement.

The solenoid 17 is connectible to a source ot 0eee electrical current through conductor wires 30. When current is connected to the coil, the shaft 20 is drawn into the coil body 19 as shown in Figure 4, and thereby activates the mechanism 14. In the absence of such a connection, the spring 18 operates to pull the shaft out of the body 19.

When the mechanism 14 is activated, the bar head 21 is operative to prevent operation of the actuator 10 such as to cause unlatching movement of the bolt 5. In the arrangement shown, that is achieved by placement of the head 21 adjacent an abutment surface 31 of the actuator (Figure When the mechanism 14 is de-activated, the bar head 21 is lifted clear of the abutment surface 31 so that the actuator 10 can be rotated as required.

It is a feature of the mechanism 14 as described, that it is usable with minimum modification in each of the arrangements of Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 5 and 6, 39 respectively. In order to adapt the mechanism 14 to the 7 latter arrangement, it is only necessary to reverse the disposition of the coil body 19 so that the shaft projects downwards rather than upwards as in the arrangement of Figures 2 to 4. Holes 32 and 33 formed at opposite end portions of the bar 15 enable the two alternative attachments between that bar and the shaft That is, either hole 32 or 33 can receive the pin 24. The only other change which may be required is that a relatively weak spring 18 may be satisfactory in the Figures 5 and 6 arrangement, whereas in the arrangement of Figures 2 to 4 the spring 18 needs to be of sufficient strength to be able to lift the bar The particular latch assembly 1 shown in Figure 2 includes status response means 34 which is operative to indicate or cause an indication of the status of the lock assembly i. The status response m--ns 34 may take any suitable form, but in the example shown includes a microswitch 35 secured to the housing 8, and a switch actuator in the form of a bar 36 slidably mounted on the 20 housing 8. The switch bar 36 is responsive to change of position of the deadlatching lever 11 as shown in Figures oeee 7 and 8. When the lever 11 is in the inoperative position as shown in Figure 7, the switch 35 is in an open circuit condition. Movement of the lever 11 to the operative position (Figure 8) causes the bar 36 to be lifted so as to operate the switch 35, and in particular move the switch to the closed circuit condition. The switch 35 is preferably arranged to automatically adopt the open circuit condition when the bar 36 eventually moves back to the Figure 7 position.

It is preferred that the condition of the switch is observable at a control room or other remote station from which the operation of the lock assembly 1, and the associated door, may be monitored. For that purpose, the switch 35 is connectable into a circuit which includes appropriate indicator means. The indicator means operates to reveal the condition of the switch 35, and may be of the visible and/or audible kind. In a preferred 39 arrangement, the indicator means is positioned remote from 8 the lock assembly 1.

It is a feature of the arrangement shown that the status response means 34 can be readily adapted for use with either inwardly or outwardly opening doors. Figure 2 shows the status response means 34 associated with one hand of door, whereas Figure 7 and 8 show the status response means 34 associated with an opposite hand of door. In Figure 2, the deadlatching lever 11 swings downwards to adopt the operative condition, whereas it swings upwards in the Figures 7 and 8 arrangement. The status response means 34 is conditioned for either hand of operation by simply reversing the terminals through which the switch 35 is connected into the associated circuitry.

Also, in the Figure 2 arrangement, the bar 36 engages edge 40 of the lever 11, whereas it engages the opposite edge 39 in the Figures 7 and 8 arrangement.

In the particular arrangement shown diagrammatically in Figures 9 and 10, the condition of the locking mechanism 14, and particularly the solenoid 17, is 20 revealed by a visible indicator which is observable to a person approaching the door with which the assembly 1 is associated. Such an indicator may comprise a light emitting diode 38, or other form of indicator light, mounted on or in association with the housing 8 so as to 5 be visible at the outside, for example, of the aforementioned door. If desired, a light 38 may be provided on both the inside and the outside of the door.

The light 38 is connected by conductor wires 37 to the solenoid 17, or to means which is responsive to the status of the solenoid 17. In operation, the light 38 may be energised when the locking mechanism 14 is in the locked condition, and de-energised when the mechanism 14 is in the unlocked condition.

The condition of the associated door open or closed may be also detected by condition response means 41 (Figure In the arrangement shown, that response means 41 includes a magnet 42 secured to the frame 43 which suriounds the opening controlled by the door with 39 which the lock assembly 1 is used, and a reed switch 44 or 9 spl similar device attached to the housing 8. Other arrangements may be adopted for the same purpose.

When the door is closed the reed switch 44 responds to its resulting close proximity to the magnet 42 by adopting a particular condition. The switch 44 adopts another condition when moved away rrom the magnet 42 as a consequence of the associated door being opened. The change in condition of the 44 may be detected in any appropriate manner. t. fr-bly, that switch 44 is connected into a circuit a to cooperate with the status response means 34 in such a way that a "secure" signal is generated at the control room or other remote location only if the two conditions are satisfied. That is, the "secure" signal indicates that the door is closed and the deadlatching lever 11 is in its operative condition. The individual condition of each of the switches 35 and 44 may be observable or otherwise detectable at the control room or other remote station referred to, but in that event it is nevertheless 20 preferred that a correct status or "secure" signal is detectable at that room or station only if the two *.relevant conditions are satisfied at the one time. That is, the lock assembly 1 is deadlatched and the associated door is closed.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to monitor operation of the lock assembly 1 from the inside by use of the inner handle 2 or the turn knob 7.

Detection means may be provided for that purpose, and such detection means may or may not be used with the mechanism 14, or the response means 34 and 41, as previously described. Figures 2 and 9 show one form of detection means 45, and other forms of detection means may be adopted.

The detection means 45 includes a microswitch 46, or similar device, fixed to the housing 8, and a switch bar 47 mounted on a housing 8 for movement relative thereto.

A switch operator in the form of a bar 47 is arranged to respond to movement of the actuator 10, and biasing means 39 (not shown) may operate to normally urge the bar 47 into the position shown in Figures 2 and 9. In that position, the switch 46 is conditioned to indicate no change in the condition of the lock assembly i. The switch 46 is connected into appropriate circuitry through conductor wires 48.

When the actuator 10 is turned to move the latchbolt to the unlatched position, a finger 49 attached to the actuator 10 pushes against the bar 47 to move it to the left of the position shown in Figures 2 and 9. As a result of that movement, the bar 47 engages the switch 46 and causes a change in the condition of that switch, which is reflected through the aforementioned circuitry.

Indicator or signal means at a remote location may be part of that circuitry. The indicator or signal means may be of the visible and/or audible kind. In one arrangement the indicator or signal means includes or comprises an alarm system, and that system is activated or de-activated according to the condition of the switch 46.

Detection means of the foregoing kind is particularly suited for use with a lock assembly in which there is a split drive between the actuator 10 and the two handles 2 and 3. That is, the inner handle 2 may be operated to rotate the actuator 10 while the mechanism 14 holds the outer handle 3 against corresponding movement.

A key override facility may be incorporated in the lock assembly 1. In the particular arrangement shown, that facility includes a microswitch 50, or similar S. device, which is responsive to operation of the cylinder lock 6. That is, a member 51 (Figure 1) attached to the barrel lock 6 is operable to strike and actuate the switch S.50 when the lock 6 is operated by a key. Actuation of the 0*e* switch 50 may have any desired result. For example, it may result in de-activation of an alarm system associated with the lock assembly 1 and/or the door on which the assembly 1 is mounted. Actuation of the switch 50 may be also recorded permanently or temporarily at the aforementioned control room or other remote station.

Operation of the lock 6 is also effective to retract the 39 bolt 5, and that is achieved in a known manner.

11 In a preferred arrangement as shown in Figures 2 and 9, each of the switches 35, 44, 46 and 50, and the light emitting diode 38, are connected to a multi-pin socket 52 attached to the rear edge of the housing 8. That enables convenient attachment of the lock assembly 1 into appropriate circuitry by means of a plug (not shown) associated with that circuitry. Separation of the assembly 1 from the circuitry can be achieved with equal convenience. Obviously, the positions of the socket and the plug could be reversed so that the plug is attached to the housing 8 and the socket is part of the connectable circuit.

Each of the switches 35, 46 and 50, may be attached to an appropriate circuit board (not shown) which is mounted within the housing 8.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that. each of the various aspects of the invention provides a significant improvement over prior remote controlled locks. Use of two or more of those aspects in a lock 20 assembly results in a particularly unique and effective assembly. The various control features are achieved with minimum expense and without significant disturbance to the general arrangement of standard mechanical components. It is particularly advantageous that switch conductor wires can be accommodated within the lock assembly housing so as to be protected from damage.

Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

39 12

Claims (18)

1. A lock assembly including, a housing, a lock bolt mounted on the housing for relative movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, actuator means which is operable to move said bolt from the locking position to the unlocking position, and detection means operably associated with the actuator means so as to be thereby operable to actuate signal means connectable to the detection means.

2. A lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuator means is rotatable and the detection means is for detecting a rotational position of the actuator means.

3. A lock assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the detection means is located within the housing.

4. A lock assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the actuator means is operable by a key.

A lock assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuator means includes two actuators which are independently operable to move the bolt from the locking position to the unlocking position, and wherein each actuator is connectable to a hand engageable means on either side of the S 20 housing, the detection means being operably associated with one actuator.

6. A lock assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said detection means includes a switch which is operable to open and close an electric e'i circuit and a switch operator which is responsive to operation of said actuator means, and said circuit is connectable to said switch and includes said signal means.

7. A lock assembly according to claim 6, wherein said switch operator includes a member mounted on said housing for movement relative thereto and which engages said actuator means and said switch at respective opposite ends thereof.

8. A lock assembly including, a housing, a lock bolt mounted on the housing for relative movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, an actuator mounted on the housing for rotation relative thereto and DG C:\WINWORD\DELILAHIDCNODELEX80481.DOC -14- S. S C being operable when rotated in one direction to cause said bolt to move from said locking position to said unlocking position, said actuator being connectable to hand engageable means which is located at an inner side of said housing and which is operable to cause said actuator operation, and a switch located within said housing and being responsive to rotational movement of said actuator in said one direction to open or close an electric circuit.

9. A lock assembly according to claim 8, including a second said actuator which is independently rotatable relative to the first said actuator ,and which is connectable to a hand engageable means located at an outer side of said housing.

A lock assembly according to any preceding claim including locking mechanism which is operable to prevent movement of said lock bolt from the locking position to the unlocking position, and a solenoid connected to said locking mechanism and being operable to control operation of said mechanism.

11. A lock assembly according to claim 10 when appended to claim 8 or 9, wherein said locking mechanism includes detent means which cooperates with the first said actuator for the purpose of preventing movement of said bolt from the locking position to the unlocking position, and wherein said solenoid is connected to said detent means and is operable to cause movement of said detent means into and out of a position at which said cooperation with the first said actuator OCCUrs.

12. A lock assembly according to any preceding claim, including, deadlocking means which is movable between an operative condition and an inoperative condition at which it prevents and does not prevent respectively movement of said lock bolt into said unlocking position.

13. A lock assembly according to claim 12, including status response means which is responsive to a change in the condition of said deadlocking means so as to be thereby operable to actuate indicator means connectable to said status response means.

14. A lock assembly according to claim 12, wherein said deadlocking means includes a lever which is pivotally connected to said bolt and which moves about that pivotal connection to adopt said operative and inoperative conditions, \iI DOG C:fNWORDDELILAH'DCNODELEW0481.DOC and said status response means includes a switch which is operable to open and close an electric circuit and a switch actuator which is responsive to said lever movement, wherein said circuit is connectable to said switch and includes an indicator means.

15. A lock assembly including, a housing, a lock bolt mounted on the housing for relative movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, actuator means which is operable to move said bolt from the locking position to the unlocking position, and switch means operably associated with the actuator means and responsive to operation of said actuator means to thereby influence operation of an alarm system connected to said switch means.

16. A door lock system including a door movable between open and closed positions, a lock assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, mounted on said door, deadlocking means forming part of said assembly and being operative to prevent movement of said lock bolt from the locked position to the :o o4 15 unlocked position, and monitoring means responsive to changes in the position of e said door and the condition of said deadlocking means so as to indicate whether said deadlocking means is operative while said door is in the closed position.

17. A lock system including a lock assembly according to any one of Sclaims 6 to 11, wherein said circuit is connected to said switch and said signal i: 20 means is at a location remote from said lock assembly.

18. A lock system according to claim 17, wherein said signal means includes an alarm system which is activated and deactivated according to the condition of said switch. S19. A lock system according to claim 17 or 18, including a door movable 25 between open and closed positions, said lock assembly being mounted on said door, an inner hand engageable means located at an inner side of said door and being connected to said actuator so as to be operable to cause said rotational movement of the actuator. .NDGO\WNWORD DELILAH rCNODELE8048.DOC -16- A lock assembly substantially as herein particularly described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. DATED: 14 June, 1996 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: LOCKWOOD AUSTRALIA PTY LTD o s 8 0 o r sc r r r e o ro o o OG C:WU1NWORDODELILAH'fCNODELEGO0481.DOC AB S TRACT A lock assembly for use with doors and the like and which has a lock bolt mounted on a housing for movement between locking and unlocking positions. A rotatable actuator connected to a door knob or handle is operable to cause the lock bolt to move from the locking position to the unlocking position. Solenoid controlled locking mechanism is arranged to prevent movement of the lock bolt into the unlocking position and is adapted to be mounted on the housing in either of two positions. In one of those positions the mechanism operates to prevent the lock bolt movement while the solenoid is energised, whereas in the other position the mechanism so operates while the solenoid is de-energised. The lock assembly also includes S switch means which is responsive to changes in the condition of deadlocking means forming part of the assembly, and which is operative to open and close an electric circuit. Such switch means may be also responsive to changes in the position of an associated door. The assembly may further include additional switch means which is responsive to movement of the rotatable actuator. Still further switch means is responsive to operation of a key operated lock forming part of the lock S assembly.