GB2316977A

GB2316977A - Electrically operable lock

Info

Publication number: GB2316977A
Application number: GB9618592A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Frampton
Original assignee: ITAL AUDIO Ltd; WINDROSE Ltd
Current assignee: ITAL AUDIO Ltd; WINDROSE Ltd
Priority date: 1996-09-03
Filing date: 1996-09-03
Publication date: 1998-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2016-09-03
Also published as: GB9618592D0; GB2316977B

Abstract

A lock comprising a locking member, such as 11, in the drawing, means for moving the locking member, which is generally electrical, and latching means, such as 22, in the drawing, for inhibiting movement of the locking member. The latching means being electrically operated and configured such that the normal situation of the lock is that the locking member is locked by the latching means in the locked and/or unlocked position. A coil 19 can be energised to move member 11 in direction A, at the same time the coil reacts against springs 21 and cams the means 22 to a release position. Coil 20 can move the member 11 in the direction B.

Description

TITLE Description of Invention This invention relates to locks.

The invention has been devisd with a view of the security requirements of motor vehicles. At a time when vehicle crime is of major concern, it is common to provide a vehicle with one or more locks to deter against theft of or tampering with it. For example a lock may directly prevent operation of some part of the vehicle mechanism and examples of such locks include steering mechanism locks, transmission or driveline locks, and gear shift or braking system loc,:s.

There are also locks which operate on a vehicle s electrical system and/or fuel system to immobilise the vehicle. In addition to the requirement for all such locks that they should have a high degree 0 security there is an additional factor that the potentially dangerous consequences of such a lock inadvertantly being operated to engage it whilst the vehicle is being driven must be avoided.

Although devised with the above requirement in mind, it is to be appreciated that a lock according to the invention will be useable with advantage in many other applications and situations. For example, locks according to the invention, may be used for doors, windows, hatches, gates etc., in premises of all types; residential, industrial, commercial, civilian and military of all types.

There are analogous applications to land sea and air vehicles of all types, plant and machinery, and so on.

including all situations where e > :isting locks are currently in use.

According to one aspect of the invention, I provide a lock comprising a locking member, means for moving the locking member, and latching means for inhibiting movement of the locking member, the latching means being electrically operable to release the locking member for movement.

The latching means may comprise at least one iatchln9 element, resiliantly biased into engagement with the locking member to inhibit movement thereof and electrically operable to disengage it from the locking member to release the latter.

Preferably the means for moving the locking member is electrically operable, and conveniently is an electromagnetic assembly, e.g. a solenoid or electric motor, operating directly on a member constituting or connected to the locking memeber.

Freferably the solenoid or other electromagnetic assembly which operates the locking member also operates the latching means to release the locking member for movement, The electromagnetic assembly may itself be moveable to operate the latching means, e.g. by a cam arrangement or arrangements.

In another embodiment the means for moving the locking member and/or the latching means may be an electrically operated resilient member, or resilient members, made from the so-called "memory wire or "muscle wire" also known by the name of "Flexinol" by one of the manu+actu.rers of this material, n which movement takes piece by direct application of electric current.

,rt, lock according to the invention as above set forth has the security advantage that to operate it requires not only the movement of the locking member but also the operation of the latching means to permit the locking member to move.

The latching means may be operable to inhibit movement of the locking member in only one direction of movement of the latter between first and second positions ther of, e.g. from the position of the locking member in which it locks, whatever is being locked, to the position in which it releases the latter. F're+erably, however, there is latching means effective to inhibit the locking member in both directions of movement of the locking member between the first and second positions thereof. When the lock is used to lock, for example, a part of a vehicle, the lock thus provides not only enhanced security against unlocking but also safety in terms of resisting unintentional locking.

There may be respective latching means for inhibiting movement of the locking member in each direction thereof.

When a lock according to the invention is in use it requires to be associated with a suitable control means for providing it with the electrical signal for causing operation of the latching means and movement Of the locking member.

Such a control means may incorporate one or more of a number of SEcL'rity devices, as set forth below, to ensure that operation ot the control means and thus of the lock is only possible by authorised persons.

For example, there may be keyboard or keypad provided with a number 3f keys, fnr example alpha-numerically identified, requiring to be operated in a particular sequence known only to authorised persons.

There may be a reading device able to read magnetically or optically recorded data contained in or on a magnetic or optically readable card or other element held by authorised persons.

There may be a detector of optical,(e.g. infra-red) magnetic, radio frequency, or other radiation emitted by a transmitter held by authorised persons.

There may be a mechanical lock, operable on an electrical switch, with keys for such a mechanical lock held by authorised persons.

There may be a detector responsive to sound signals emitted by a transmitter, held by authorised persons, such signals being of humanly audible or inaudible frequency.

There may be an electrical switch, or push button switch, which generates electrical impulses either when directly operated or when indirectly operated.

There may be a detector device responsive to the detection of a signal coded with reference to the portion, spacing, or rhythm of sound signals, e.g. generated by a sound transmitter, as above set forth, or generated by an authorised person tapping or knocking a part in the vicinity of the detector device by a suitable object.

There may be a detector device responsive to the detection of electrical impulse signals, generated as set forth above by operation of an electrical switch, coded with reference to the duration, spacing, or rythm of such impulses.

There may be a device responsive to the establishment of an electrical circuit by an authorised person touching a part or parts known to him, but not immediately apparent to unauthorised persons. For example, touching tw parts or one Fart and earth could establish an electrical switching circuit, or a part could have associated with it a touch or proximity-responsive, e.g. capacitive, switching arrangement.

There may be a coded detector device responsive to contact with a coded portable device, e.g. the "Dailas touch iey" nr similar devices.

Whatever form of control means is adopted for a lock according to the invention electronic circuit means may be provided in association with the lock to operate in conjunction with the control means to operate the lock. Such an electronic circuit means may comprise a decoder, to respond to a coded signal supplied to it by the control means. Preferably such a decoder is disposed within a tamper-resistant casing of the lock to provide enhanced -ecur i ty.

By requiring the supply of a suitable coded signal to the lock rather than the mere application of electric power thereto security is further enhanced.

In order to enhance safety and security of the operation of the invention, reserve power means may be provided, inside the casing of the lock or elsewhere conveniently situated, such that if the normal supply of electrical current is interrupted such reserve power supply is sufficient to operate the lock' from locked to unlocked or from unlocked to locked severai times but at least once. Such reserve power supply may be independant ni the continuity of the normal electrical supply and may be, in the case of it being a re-chargable battery or other such energy storage devices, kept at full charge by the normal electrical power supply at all times. Reserve power may be provided in a variety of forms or combinations of such, examples are electrical or mechanical, for example any elastomeric material or springlike material, including conventional springs, compressed or wound up by normal operations of the lock or by a separate suitable device, or fluid pressure whether liquid or gaseous developed in a similar manner, by either normal operations or by a separate device.

ccordi to another aspect o+ the invention, we provide a vehicle having a loc or locks according to the first aspect of the invention, the lock: being arranged to lock part of the vehicle. In the case of a motor vehicle, the lock may operate on one or more elements of the vehicles steering mechanism, transmission or driveline, braking system, control systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, bonnet (hood), boot (trunk) lid, fuel tank filler cap, doors, and so on.

In another embodiment the lock: may be fitted into or onto a dnor whereby the locking member, either directly or indirertly, operates by itself entering, or causing a bolt or bolts operated by the locking member, to enter into the surrounding frame to lock the door closed and retract from the frame to allow the door to be opened. This may be either through a single bolt action or by operating a multi-locking device causing the movement of several bolts into the surrounding frame. Alternatively the lock may be fitted into or onto the frame with the locking member, or a bolt or bolts operated by the locking member, operating by entering into the door to lock the door closed and retract from the door to allow the door to be opened.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a section through an embodiment of lock according to the invention, shown diagrammatically.

The illustrated lock comprises a casing 10. fin elongate armature indicated generally at 11. extends lengthwi se through the centre of the casing 1 C). The armature il. either is made of magnetically-attractable material having two enlarged portions 12. 13. thereof spaced from one another, or else comprises elements 12. . of magnetically-attractabie material connected by an intermediate. portion indicated at 14. of non-magnetically attractable material. It will be appreciated that other configurations of armature may be utilised as required.

Beyond the portion 12. the armature has a toothed portion 15.

and beyond the portion 13. it has a toothed portion 16. The teeth on the portions 15. 16. are of ratchet tooth configuration. Beyond the portions 15. 16. end parts of the armature 17. 18. respectively extend out of the casing iC).

through appertures in the latter. The portions 17. 18. may be connected to or themselve constitute locking members, one or both of which may operate to lock or otherwise act on another component or device which may be mechanical in operation, electrical, fluid pressure, or of another type, or any combination of such types.

Within the casing 3. there are provided two electromagnetic assemblies in the form of solenoids 19. 20.

The two solenoids 19. 20., electrical connections to which are not shown in the drawing, are mounted so as to be moveable through a short distance in the direction lengthwise of the casing 1(3. and springs 21. provided between the solenoids bias them away from one another towards the ends of the casing 1(-).

Between the solenoid 19. and the adjacent end of the casing 10. there is disposed a first pair of latch elements 22. . Latch element 22. is mounted in the casing for movement radially relative to the axis of the armature 11. and is resiliantly biased towards such axis by a spring 24. Latch element 22. has ratchet teeth 25. engageable with the toothed portion 15. of armature 11. A rod 25. connected to the solenoid 19. and extending through an opening, slot or other formation in the latch element 22. carries a member in the form of a pin 6. co-operating with a cam formation in the form of an inclined slot 27. in the latch element. The arrangement is such taht if the solenoid 19. moves to the right, with reference to the drawing, the latch element 22.

is caused to move away from the axis of the armature 11. and particularly such that the ratchet teeth 28. provided on the latch element . are withdrawn from the toothed portion 15.

cf the armature 11. The configuration of the ratchet teeth on portion 15. of the armature 11. and the teeth 28. on the latch element 2. is such that the armature 11. is able to move to the right, with reference to the drawing, in the course of which the co-operating teeth force the latch element outwardly agaist the spring 24. but if movement of the armature to the left, with reference to the drawing, is attempted the teeth lock together to prevent such movement.

This requires the latch element 22. to be moved outwardly by movement of the solenoid 19., as above described, before such movement of the armature can take place.

The latch element 23. is of the same configuration as the latch element 22. , being spring biased such that the ratchet teeth provided thereon engage the teeth provided on the portion 15. of the armature3 the latch element ;;. being moveable outwardly by a further rod, corresponding to the rod 25. extending from the solenoid 19. and by a co-nperating pin and cam slot associated with the rod and latch element respectively.

At the opposite end of the casing 10. to that having the h latch elements 2. 23. there are further latch elements 29. 30. whose construction and arrangement corresponds to that cf the latch elements 22. . In the case of the latch elements 29, 30. however, the ratchet teeth provided thereon co-operate with the toothed portion 16. of the armature to prevent movement of the armature 11. to the right, with reference to the drawing, unless the latch elements are moved outwardl > ' to disengage them from the toothed portion 16. of the armature. The configuration of the teeth, however, enables the armature 11. t move to the left, with reference to the drawing,without such prior withdrawal of the latch elements.

Although as illustrated to latch elements are provided at each end of the casing of the lock, it would be possible to incorporate different numbers and/or dispositions of such latch elements. For example, more than two latch elements could be provided at each end, disposed circumferentially spaced about the armature, or only one latch element may be provided. Latch elements could be disposed other than at the ends of the casing, for example they could be disposed generally in the central region of the casing, between the solenoids 19. nCJ. fin armature and electromagnetic assemblies of any desired form could be provided.

The mode of operation of the lock shown in the drawing will now be described. It will be assumed initially that it is required to move the armature 11. to the left, with reference with the drawing, i.e. in the direction of arrow A.

The solenoid 19. will be energised by a suitable electrical supply. This produces a magnetic field which attempts to mo-ve the armature in the direction of arrow A.

Such movement is, however, initially prevented by the engagement of the ratchet teeth on latch elements n with the toothed portion 15. of the armature. The reaction effect of he magnetic field produced by the solenoid 19. is a force urging it to the rights, with reference to the drawings, against the action of springs 21. Such movement of the solenoid 19. causes, by virtue of the camming effect of the pins as 26. carried by the rods as 25. connected to the solenoid 19, co-operating with the sloes as 27. in the latch elements 22. 23., moves the latch elements away from the armature to disengage their teeth from the toothed portion 15. of the armature.

is is then possible ;c'.r the armature to move in the ; direction on of arrow Pi. No substantial impediment to such movement is provided by the latch elements 29. 30.

co-operating with the toothed portion 16. of the armature.

When the solenoid 1. is no longer energised it returns to its original position under the action of the springs 1. and the latch elements 22. 22.. assisted by their respective biasing sprins such as 24. , re-engage with the toothed portion !5. of the armature. There is then no force acting on the armature to move the latter and the armature is held against movement in both directions by the engagement of the two sets of latch elements therewith. If the armature is required to be moved to the right, in the direction of arrow B on the drawing, the solenoid 20. must be energised. The effect on the latching elements 29. 30. and the armature is exactly as above described, but the effect is to move the armature in the opposite direction.

Thus it is impossible for the armature to move in either direction unless such movement takes place in response to correct energisation n the appropriate solenoid of the lock. Without such energisation the armature cannot be moved by the application of external forces unless such forces are excessive and cause breakage.

As above referred to, a lock as described will normally be associated with a suitable control system which ensures that only authorised persons are able to cause operation of the lock. Examples oi possible modes of operation of such a control system are ref erred to above.

It would be possible or an element or elements of such a control system to be incorporated in or associated with the casing 10. of the lock. Such an element may comprise an electronic circuit which is a decoder to decode signals, provided from external elements of the control system, and apply electrical power to the solenoid 19. or 20. as required in accordance with such decoded signals.

A lock and control system, according to the invention, may advantageously be used as a security device for a motor vehicle. It may be utilised in any situation where a key-operated mechanic21 lock: is normally used, tor example for locking a door, bonnet (hood), luggage boot (trunk) cover, fuel tank filler cap. The lock may operate on some part o the vehicle S mechanism to immobilize or make it generally unuseable, for example the steering mechanism, transmission, braking system, or hydraulic systems, in general, or the supply of fuel to the engine, both by means of suitable vaives, operated by the i lock-. Yet further the lock may be utilised to immobilise a vehicle by disabling some part or parts of the vehicle's electrical or engine management system by means of a suitable switch or bank of switches operated by the lock.

Such examples may be combined in any manner to make a vehicle as secure as is required. For example a lock may be used to lock the bonnet (hood) closed, if a bank of switches, operated by the same or another lock or locks is situate -onveniently in the engine compartment, under the bonnet (hood), and this switch or switches have disconnected vital parts of the electrical system then a thief mst overcome the bonnet (hood ) lock before any attempt can be made to steal the vehicle.

In particular examples contemplated a lock, according to the invention, may be arranged singly or in multiple arrays to lock closed a variety of doors, hatches or the like. For example a domestic house door or doors may be fitted with the lock or locks to prevent unauthorised entry.

In another contemplated example one or more such lock or lock-s may be fitted to the door of a safe or strongroom operating either directly to lock such closed o through suitable mechanisms, well known in the trade, to prevent access to or use of the unlocking mechanism.

Yet further example is that a lock, according to the invention, may be fitted to a boat to, for example, disable the engine starter, lock hatches closed, fix the rudder in a hard-over position to m steering impossible.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

i. H ioc comprising a locking member, means for moving the locking member, and latching means for inhibiting movement of the locking member, the latching means being electrically operable to release the locking member for movement.
2. A lock according to Claim 1. wherein the latching means comprises at least one latching element, resiliently biased into engagement wit the locking member to inhibit movement thereof and electrically operable to disengage it from the locking member to release the latter.
4 A lock: according to Claim 1. or Claim . wherein the means for moving the locking member is electrically operable.
4. R lock according to Claim . wherein said means comprises an electromagnetic assembly operating directly on a member constituting or connected to the locking member.
5. n lock according to Claim 4. wherein the electromagnetic assembly also operates the latching means to release the locking member for movement.
6. a lock according to Claim 5. wherein the electromagnetic assembly is itself moveable to operate the latching means.
7. A lock according to Claim 6. wherein the electromagnetic assembly operates the latching means by a cam arrangement.
8. n lock according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the latching means is operable to prevent movement of the locking member in both directions of movement of the latter between first and second positions thereof.
9. 4 lock according to Claim 8. wherein there is provided respective latching ma for inhibiting the movement of the locking member in each direction of movement thereof, each latching means not preventing movement of the locking member in the opposite direction to that in which it prevents such movement.
10. 4 lock: according to any one of the preceding Claims further comprising electronic ci rout means or controlling operation of the lacing means and/or the means for moving the locking member.
11. 4 lock according to Claim 10. wherein said electronic circuit means comprises a decoder responsive to coded signals irom a control means.
12. 4 lock according to Claim 11. wherein said decoder is disposed within the casing of the lock.
1 4 lock according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein a reserve of power is provided, electrical, mechanical or otherwise or a combination of such, sufficient to operate 'he lock, in the absence of the normal electrical power supply, for at least one cull cycle of operation.
14. A lock substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A lock according to Claim 13. wherein said reserve power supply is disposed within the casing of the lock.

15. n motor vehicle having a lock, according to any one of the preceding Claims, the lock being operable to lock one or more of the vehicle steering mechanism, transmission or driveline, braking system, control system(s), fuel system, electrical system, door, bonnet (hood), boot (trunk) lid.

16. 4 door, flap or hatch having a lock, according to any one of the Claims, 1. to 14., the lock being operable to lock any such aperture access device closed.

17. 4 lock substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings. Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A lock comprising a locking member movable along a path between a first position in which the lock is unlocked and a second position in which the lock is locked, electrically energisable drive means operable to effect displacement of the locking member from the first to the second position and from the second to the first position, latching means normally urged into engagement with said locking member to lock the member in the first position when in said first position and in the second position when in the second position, and coupling means for enabling the drive means, when energised, to engage the latching means to release the latching means from the locking member and then to displace the locking member from one said position to the other position, deenergisation of the drive means allowing the latching means to re-engage the locking member.

2. A lock according to Claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises a first solenoid energisable to drive said locking member to its first position and a second solenoid operable to drive the locking member to its second position.

3. A lock according to Claim 2, including a housing slidably supporting first and second formers carrying the energisation coils of said first and second solenoids respectively, the armatures of said solenoids comprising said locking member and wherein said coupling means comprises cam means for communicating displacement of said formers to said latching means.

4. A lock according to Claim 4, wherein the means normally urging said latching means into engagement with the locking member comprises resilient means urging said first former in one direction and said second former in the opposite direction.

5. A lock according to Claim 3 or to Claim 4, wherein said first and second formers are constrained for slidable movement along said path.

6. A lock according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, wherein said latching means comprises first and second pairs of co-operating fingers, each of said fingers carrying teeth which are engageable with corresponding teeth on the locking member, the fingers being movable into and out of engagement with the locking member in response to displacement of the formers of the corresponding first and second solenoids.

7. A lock according to Claim 6, wherein the teeth of one pair of fingers and the corresponding teeth on the locking member are so profiled as to resist relative movement in one direction along said path but to permit relative movement in the opposite direction.

8. A lock according to any preceding claim, including electronic circuit means for controlling operation of the drive means.

9. A lock according to Claim 8, wherein said electronic circuit means comprises a decoder responsive to coded signals from a control means.

10. A lock according to Claim 9, wherein said decoder is disposed within the housing of the lock.

11. A lock according to any preceding claim, wherein a reserve of power is provided sufficient to operate the lock in the absence of the normal electrical power supply, for at least one full cycle of operation.

12. A lock according to Claim 11, wherein said reserve power supply is disposed within the housing of the lock.

13. A motor vehicle having a lock, according to any preceding claim, the lock being operable to lock one or more of the vehicle's steering mechanism, transmission or driveline, braking system, control system, fuel system, electrical system, door, bonnet, boot and lid.