CA2194718A1 - Remote control lock - Google Patents

Abstract

A remote control lock utilizes a low-power control circuit and a solenoid-actuated mechanism which is incorporated into the existing structure of a manual lock without affecting the manual locking capabilities. In one embodiment, a known locking lug structure is modified by providing an annular ring thereon which permits shifting of the locking lug by a camming mechanism connected to the solenoid. In a second embodiment, a movable locking pin is retractable, upon actuation by a solenoid, to permit rotation of the lock spindle and thus override manual locking. A transmitter is provided for radio-frequency transmission of a rolling code from a compact assembly which may be mounted on a key chain. A battery-powered receiver is equipped with power-saving features and provided with a rolling code decoder/controller.

Description

.` ; 21 94718 - PATENT
ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. 2928 REMOTE CONTROL LOCK

Backqround The present invention relates generally to remote control locking and unlocking systems. Specifically, the present invention relates to electronic and mechanical devices for providing remote locking and unlocking capabilities on a door lock.

Conventional key-operated door locksets require the user to search for a specific key and mate the key with the lock before opening the door. This may be difficult in dark areas or during inclement weather. Moreover, since homeowners fumbling for keys present a temptation to criminals, quick entry increases the occupant's safety. Key-operated locks also present a security risk because entry may be gained by persons who have acquired a copy of the occupant's key. There have thus been numerous efforts to develop keyress entry systems which provide quick and safe entry as well as increased security.

For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,802,353 to Corder et al discloses a battery powered door lock which may be unlocked if the user manipulates the door . .

handle in an appropriate way. Corder et al is concemed with providing a low-power unlocking system to implement the invention disclosed by Gartner in U.S. Patent No.
3,812,403, which permits a user to enter numbers by turning the handle when an LED
counter displays the number to be entered. The invention of Corder et al thus requires that the locked door handle is capable of limited rotation to enable the user to provide the correct manipulation to unlock the door. An electromagnet is energized to hold a locking assembly in an unlocked position and to permit full rotation of the door handle.
Movement of the handle without energization of the electromagnet causes the locking assembly to engage stops which prevent further movement of the handle.

U.S. Patent No. 3,733,861 to Lester discloses a keyless entry system for unlocking a door lock. Leste~s system utilizes an electric generator built in to the door lock and actuated by the door handle to power the electronic controls. Persons authorized to enter the door carry radio frequency transmitters which provide an appropriate signal to unlock the door. Lester utilizes a solenoid actuated stop member which locks a rack and pinion mechanism coupled to the door handle. Actuation of the solenoid causes the stop member to pivot to a position where the rack is free to travel and the handle free to rotate to a position where the deadbolt is retracted.

While known keyless locking systems prevent the loss or copying of keys, these systems still require the user to spend time outside of the dwelling in order to enter the code and thus present a safety risk. Moreover, they typically require expensive and complex mechanical and/or electronic implements for keyless entry.
These systems are therefore not particularly suited for providing quick keyless entry into a dwelling at an affordable cost.

Remote control systems for locking mechanisms are also taught by the prior art, especially in the field of automobile security. These remote control systems typically incorporate elaborate electronic and mechanical devices specifically configured for automobile applications and therefore have only limited application to solving the problems of the home security field. For example, U.S. Patent No.
5,263,347 to Allbaugh et al discloses a remote control lock for automobiles. The device comprises a solenoid-actuated deadbolt wnich, in the locked position, immobilizes the door opening mechanism. Allbaugh's device requires specific locking implernents on the automobile which are adaptable to being locked in place with a retractable deadbolt element. Allbaugh's device therefore is limited in its adaptability to different automobile locking mechanisms and does not address the problem of providing remote control locking and unlocking capabilities to the structure of home door locks.

There is thus desired a remote control system for unlocking and locking a dwelling door from a remote location. The system should incorporate conventional manual locking mechanisms which may already be installed in household doors. The 2 1 ~47 1 8 system should permit manual locking and unlocking of the door as well as remote locking and unlocking. Moreover, the system must be affordable and easy to install.

SummarY of the Invention The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a remotely actuated lock utilizing a low-power control circuit and a solenoid-actuated mechanism that is incorporated into the existing structure of a manua! lock without affecting the manual locking or unlocking capabilities. An electronic control module and solenoid actl ~tor assembly are provided in association with a standard mortise type door lock. In one embodiment, a locking lug stnucture is modified by providing an annular ring thereon which permits shifting of the locking lug by a camming mechanism connected to the solenoid. In a second embodiment, a known locking post, is replaced by a movable, solenoid-actuated locking post which is retractable from a locking position to override the manual locking system. A transmitter is provided for radio-frequency transmission of a rolling code from a compact assembly which may be mounted on a key chain. A battery-powered receiver is equipped with power-saving features, including a pulse width modulated signal generator, a power control circuit and a power regulation circuit.

The invention fulfills a long-felt need in the field of home security systems and remote locking and unlocking devices. Its simple construction provides the ` 2194718 advantages of affordabliity and dependability. Because the manual locking and unlocking capabilities of the invention remain uncompromised by the remote locking and unlocking capabilities, those utilizing the invention will obtain the convenience and safety of quick keyless entry without experiencing the anxiety associated with the potential malfunction of purely electronic entry systems. By incorporating electronic re-keying functions, the invention provides increased security and protection against unauthorized copying of keys or electronic entry codes. Because of the invention's simple construction and relatively low cost, its benefits will be easily affordable by the general public. Thus, the invention will be well-received by the general public and has the potential to significantly reduce or deter the occurrence of burglary, vandalism, and other crimes associated with unauthorized entry or attempted ent y into commercial or residential structures.

Brief Description of the Drawinqs FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the present invention during different modes of operation.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate, respectively, a locking lug of the prior art and a locking lug according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

` ! 2 1 9 4 7 1 8 FIG. 3 is a cross-section of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4-6 are isometric views of a locking mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an electronic control system for a remotely actuated lock according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 2B, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment incorporates a door lock manufactured by Schlage Lock Company of San Francisco, California, (F-series model). Door handle 12 is situated on spindle 16 which extends through door 18.
Another handle (not shown) is disposed at a distal end of spindle 16. Spindle 16 actuates a locking bolt (not shown) through a known linkage. Base plate 20 is secured to door 18 and extends through a circular cutout therein. Locking buKon 24 is provided on the inside handle (not shown) and has aKached thereto a square or flat shaft 26 which extends through spindle 16. Locking buKon 24 and locking shaft 26 are rotably mounted within spindle 16. Locking shaft 26 is aKached at its distal end to locking cam 30 which is provided with spiral surfaces 32. Locking cam 30 is rotatable with respect to spindle 16.

A generally U-shaped locking lug 34 resides in a slot (not shown) in spindle 16 and is axially movable with respect thereto. Springs 37 bias locking lug 34 towards outside handle 12. Spiral surfaces 32 on cam 30 engage the locking lug 34 such that rotation of locking cam 30 causes movement of locking lug 34 in the direction of arrow A. Stop slots 22 are provided in base plate 20 such that locking lug 34 will reside in stop slots 22 when cam 30 is turned to the locked position shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1 ~ iliustrates the locking lug 34 in a manually unlocked position and displaced with respect to stop slots 22 by cam 30. Manual unlocking is accomplished by tuming locking button 24. Locking cam 30 then rotates and locking lug 34 shifts upwards to the position shown in FIG. 1 B, until lug 34 is removed from stop slots 22, thus permitting rotation of spindle 16 with respect to base plate 22.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the locking lug 34 of the known Schlage mechanism is of a generally planar U-shape with a curved portion 33 to permit passage of locking shaft 26 by the lug 34. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 1A-1 C, in accordance with the present invention, locking lug 34 is provided with an annular ring 36 which permits actuation of the locking lug 34 using a solenoid actuator 40. Solenoid 40, which is energized using the electronic control system to be described below, is provided with a . 2 1 947 1 8 plunger 42 which is linked to a yoke member 44. Yoke member 44 is provided with cam surfaces 46, disposed on each of the arms 47 of yoke member 44 (only one arm 47 is shown in the cross sections). Cam surfaces 46 engage cam followers 48 which are attached to linkage members 52. Linkage members 52 are provided with hooked or bent portions 54 to engage the annular ring 36 of locking lug 34. Linkage members 52 thus are capable of transmitting a force to locking lug 34 towards the inside of door 18, but not in the opposite direction. This is necessary so that the manual unlocking of the door may occur while solenoid 40 remains unactivated.

Referring to FIG. 1 C, reciprocating movement of the solenoid plunger 42 thus results in movement of the locking lug 34 between locked and unlocked positions.
As can be seen, movemeht of the locking lug 34 does not depend entirely on actuation of locking button 24 but may be accomplished by ~ne solenoid actuator 40 to override manual locking of the door. Movement of plunger 42 occurs in a plane perpendicular to the axis of spindle 16. A manual override lever is provided on the solenoid plunger at an end opposite yoke 44 in order to permit manual actuation of the yoke member, for example, in the instance of power failure. This configuration enables the solenoid to be mounted in the plane of door 18 and installed easily outside of the locking mechanism on an inside surface of door 18. Additionally, linkage members 52, and locking lug 34 may be installed by partial disassembly of the door lock. The actuation assembly is provided on the inside of the door and secured against tampering from the outside.

-21~47l8 Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3-6. This embodiment is adapted to a locking mechanism manufactured by Kwikset Corporation of Irvine, California, Titan model. Locking mechanism 110 is comprised of a pair of handles 112 and 114 disposed on opposite ends of spindle 116 which extends through door 118. Locking mechanism 110 is comprised of a pair of handles 112 and 114 disposed on opposite ends of latch actuator 116 which extends through door 118. Latch actuator 116 is provided with a centering spring/locking plate guide 120, centering spring 128 and spring retainer/locking actuator detent plate 130.
Locking plate guide 120 is provided with tabs 132 which guide locking plate 124 when cam 136 is rotated in angled opening 126 in locking plate 124. Locking plate 124 comprises a generally rectangular body portion provided with a slot recess 122 in one end and an angled opening 126 at an opposite end. Slot recess 122 is situated near the periphery of locking plate guide 120. Locking button 142 is provided on handle 114 and rotates locking plate actuator 134 which is provided with cam 136 on its end situation near locking plate 124. Cam 136 engages angled opening 126 of locking plate 124 to move it in a radial direction with respect to latch actuator 116. The centering spring 128 biases locking plate 124 in a direction towards the center of locking plate guide 120. A locking pin 138 is provided adjacent to locking plate guide 120 and is received in slot recess 122 when locking plate 124 is actuated outward from the center of locking plate guide 120 thus locking latch actuator 116 and handles 112 and 114 against rotation.

Locking pin 138 is provided as a movable member, actu~t~hle by solenoid 140. When pin 138 is retracted, manual locking of the lock is overridden and the lock is unlocked bec~use locking plate 124 is free to rotate. When pin 138 is deployed, manual locking and unlocking functions normally.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic control 200 for solenoid actuator 40 or 140 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of a transmitter unit 210 and receiver unit 220. Both transmiKer 210 and receiver unit 220 are constructed in a manner similar to conventional remote control and security devices incorporating RF technology, for example, that described in U.S. Patent 4,509,093 to Stellberger or U.S. Patent l~o. 4,672,375 to Mochida et al, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

According to a preferred embodiment, transmitter unit 210 includes a battery 212, lock switch 213, unlock switch 214, encoder/controller 215, resonator216, and a LED transmit indicator 217. The configuration of transmiKer 210 is similar to known designs of infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) transmiKers used on keyless entry systems for automobiles, for example, and capable of being built in a compact package suitable for placement on a key chain.

RF transmitters provide a longer range and omnidirectional signal which is less susceptible to noise interference and thus offer advantages over IR transmitters.

2 1 ~ 4 7 1 8 RF systems are, however, more susceptible to electronic listening than IR systems, which provide a directional signal. RF transmission is thus preferable for typical home security applications, but IR may be incorporated in very high-security locking systems to reduce the risk of code deciphering by electronic listening.

Receiver unit 220 includes a battery 221, a low power UHF receiver 222, a decoder/controller 224, power control and regulation circuit 226, and a driver circuit 230. Also included in receiver unit 221 are programming mode switch 234 and mode select switch 232 whose functions will be explained below. UHF receiver 222 is preferably of a single-conversion super-heterodyne type with an operating frequency preferably in the range of 300 to 400 MHz. Power control circuit 226 incorporates power-saving features including timing circuitry which permits the receiver to operate in a low power "sleep" mode as explained below. Power control unit 226 may comprise a programmable gate array (PGA) that will have application specific (proprietary) programming. The decoder/controller 224 may comprise a micro controller which will be programmed to recognize the rolling code generated by encoder/controller 215 which may comprise, for example, the HCS 300 code hopping Encoder manufactured by Microchip Corporation. Decoder/controller also provides control for all the operation interface functions.

Receiver unit 220 operates in one of two modes, either normal mode or programming mode. In normal mode, power control circuit 226 provides a pulsed ~ 2 1 9 4 7 1 8 power signal to receiver 222 with a duty cycle calculated to provide an extended battery life, preferably 18 months or more. Thus, receiver 222 is usually in a "sleep" mode where it is periodically pulsed on in order to detect the carrier signal. Detection of the carrier signal is sensed by the power control circuit 226 which "wakes" or powers-up the receiver to accept the encrypted code from the transmitter. The encrypted code is read by the decoder/controller 224 and compared to a code stored in the decoder/controller's memory. When a match is detected, decoderlcontroller 224 signals the driver circuit 230 to activate solenoid 40 or 140 and unlock indicator LED
237.

Once solenoid 40 or 140 has been energized, the unlocked state of the lock is maintained until one of the following happens: the lock switch 213 on transmitter 210 is depressed or the solenoid override lever is moved into the locked position. The receiver unit 221 then retums to "sleep" mode until a carrier signal is again detected.
This corresponds to an UNLOCK/LOCK mode of operation. Altematively, the receiver unit 221 may be programmed, as described below, to operate in an AUTOLOCK mode in which the decoder/controller 224 will automatically lock the door after a predetermined time has expired, regardless of whether the door has been opened or whether the transmitter lock switch 213 has been depressed.

Programming mode is initiated by depressing the program switch 234 on receiver unit 221. Decoder 224 will signal driver circuit 230 to flash one or more of LED's 236-238 to indicate to the user that the receiver is in program mode. With the receiver in programming mode, the user can perform one of two programming functions: 1) toggle the receiver between UNLOCK/LOCK mode and AUTOLOCK
mode; or 2) re-key the decoder/controller to write a new key code into the decoder/controller memory. Mode selection is accomplished by depressing the mode select switch 232 on the receiver 221. To write a new key code into the decoder/controller, the user depresses the lock button 213 on transmitter 210.
Transmitter 210 then sends the new code that is set at the time of production. Receiver unit 221 then receives the new code and writes it into the decoder/controller memory.
Decoder 224 then signals driver circuit to flash the LED at a more rapid rate, prompting the user to depress the program button 234 once again to verify the new key code. Re-keying is then completed and the receiver returns to normal operation.

Receiver unit 221 is provided with a low battery indicator LED 238 which is capable of indicating a low-battery condition on either the transmitter unit 210 or the receiver unit 221. The transmitter when used, will send a special low battery code which the decoder 224 is programmed to recognize. The decoder 224 then activates driver circuit 230 to provide constant current to low battery indicator 238 which then glows solid. A low receiver battery is indicated by an intermittent flashing of LED 238.
Both the encoder/controller 215 and decoderlcontroller 224 are provided with non-volatile memories which eliminate the need for battery power to maintain the stored encryption codes, thus permitting battery replacement without loss of the codes.

-- 21 9471 ~

There has thus been provided a new and useful remote keyless entry system which is readily adaptable to conventional manual lock designs. Those of ordinary skill will recognized that the above embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection desired and set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. A remote controlled lock for securing a door, said lock comprising:

a) remote signal generating means to permit remote locking and unlocking of said lock assembly;

b) a lock assembly mounted to said door for selectively engaging an associated door jam, said assembly comprising:

(i) a movable bolt for engaging said jam;

(ii) rotatable spindle means coupled to said bolt to permit manual operation of the lock;

(iii) spindle lock means, movable between a locked position, wherein rotation of said spindle is prevented, and an unlocked position, wherein said spindle may rotate; and c) means, responsive to said remote signal generating means, for moving said locking means between locked and said unlocked positions.

2. The lock of claim 1, wherein said spindle lock means comprises a U-shaped lug, axially movable with respect to said spindle means, and adapted to engage stop slots in a base plate secured to said door.

3. The lock of claim 2, wherein said means for moving said spindle lock means comprises a solenoid and means for connecting said solenoid to said locking lug.

4. The lock of claim 3, wherein said means for connecting comprises an annular ring secured to said locking lug and disposed concentrically with said spindle.

5. The lock of claim 4, wherein said means for connecting further comprises:

a) plurality of linkage members cooperatively associated with said annular ring and connected at a distal end to a follower member; and b) a yoke member connected to said solenoid and having cam surfaces thereon for engaging said follower.

6. The lock of claim 5, wherein said linkage members are provided with a curved distal end which engages said annular ring.

7. The lock of claim 5, wherein said solenoid operates in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said spindle.

8. A remote controlled lock for securing a door, said lock comprising:

a) remote signal generating means to permit remote locking and unlocking of said lock assembly;

b) a lock assembly mounted to said door for selectively engaging an associated door jam, said assembly comprising:

(i) a movable bolt for engaging said jam;

(ii) rotatable spindle means coupled to said bolt to permit manual operation of the lock;

(iii) spindle lock means, movable between a locked position, wherein rotation of said spindle is prevented, and an unlocked position, wherein said spindle may rotate;

c) means, responsive to said remote signal generating means, for moving said locking means between locked and said unlocked positions;

d) a flange member disposed concentrically on said spindle means and provided with a recess therein; and e) a locking pin positioned to selectively engage said recess.

9. The lock of claim 8, wherein said means for moving said spindle lock means comprises a solenoid and wherein said locking pin is the plunger associated with said solenoid.

10. The lock of claim 8, wherein said means for moving said spindle lock means comprises a solenoid coupled to said locking pin.

11. The lock of claim 8, wherein said flange member further comprises a locking tab mounted on said flange member for sliding movement with respect thereto, said recess being provided on said locking tab, said spindle means further comprising a locking shaft disposed therewithin and provided with a cam for moving said locking tab in response to rotation of said locking shaft, whereby said recess be brought into selective engagement with said locking pin to provide for manual locking of said lock.