GB2440025A

GB2440025A - Magnetic lock with follower having two extensions

Info

Publication number: GB2440025A
Application number: GB0712904A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alberto Vallas Carlos
Original assignee: Accesorios y Resortes SL
Current assignee: Accesorios y Resortes SL
Priority date: 2006-07-03
Filing date: 2007-07-03
Publication date: 2008-01-16
Also published as: GB0712904D0; AR061799A1

Abstract

A magnetic lock for doors comprising a striker and a latch emerging from a housing and belonging to a main body. The latch is actuated by an opening follower 9, 9c, comprising two radial extensions 13, 13c, 16, 16c, one extension being associated with a body that actuates the latch. The lock has a blocking mechanism that prevents the lock being open from the outside by activation of a blocking follower 22. The latch and the striker both comprise magnets 4, 8 to retain the latch within the striker. The latch also includes a device to limit the turn of the opening follower, such as a bumper 14 formed on one of the radial extensions moving within a groove 15 of the housing. One radial extension may abut the end of a rocker element 19. The opening follower may be assisted by a spring 10. The latch and main body may travel linearly.

Description

MAGNETIC LOCK FOR DOORS

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, according to the title of this descriptive report, refers to a magnetic lock for doors that has notable relevant characteristics and technical advantages that differentiate it from conventional locks in the same category.

The lock then, belongs to the type that comprises a latch that has a magnet incorporated. Said magnet is complemented by a ferrous piece or second magnet located in the casing carved in the door frame in such a manner that when the device is in the closed position the joint action of both magnets causes the latch to enter the casing in the door frame. The open position is achieved manually by moving the latch to the at rest position in which the latch comes out of the door casing allowing the door to be opened.

One object of the invention is to achieve a precise operation that also simplifies the lock mechanism by decreasing the number of parts involved.

Another objective of the invention focuses on a new lock blocking device.

Another objective of the invention is to achieve a linear latch motion to attain smoother open/close operations and a better guiding system.

Another objective of the invention is a magnetically actuated closure system effected by the interaction of magnets each having different polarities, which eliminates the drop of the closure latch, which now has a prism-shape, since it does not need the tilted bevelled plane per se and it does not stick out of the door frame when the door is open.

Therefore, the magnetic lock with magnets of different polarity aims at attaining an efficient operation so the latch element is not attracted by the closing end magnet until both magnets are perfectly facing each other. Until this happens, there is a magnetic repulsion effect that serves to avoid unnecessary rubbing of the elements and serves to achieve a smooth latch sliding operation.

It is also an object of the present invention to incorporate in the strike plate means to regulate the centering of the magnet in relation to the strike plate itself to absorb assembly deficiencies or clearances incurred while mounting the door on the door frame where the strike plate is already mounted, and also to allow it to be perfectly centered against the latch's magnet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, there is a lock in which the latch, when in the closed position, adopts the emergency position to enter the groove box when it is attracted by the magnet installed inside said recess. The latch is solidarious with an oscillating support located in the housing element and has a second magnet that cooperates with the first. The latch opens when the follower, actuated by the square key, turns it against the action of a spring that helps it in this movement through a set of levers. While the door is open and the key in the at rest position, the latch is maintained in the retracted position also with the help of the second magnet that is solidarious with the latch. When the open door is closed again, the latch emerges attracted by the magnetic force.

It also has a lock blocking mechanism that prevents the oscillating support element from turning in the direction of the retraction of the latch.

In this known lock mechanism, the latch is actuated by the follower that is actuated by turning the square key (handle or knob types) by means of two parts: one is an oscillating lever on one end and the other is a lever driven by the first and susceptible to describe an angular movement that drags the latch with it. This second lever can also move linearly when is actuated by the lock blocking key. In this case the first oscillating lever doest not interfere with the second lever and the door does not open, or in other the words, the lock block position is achieved.

The utility model n 200601167 claims the substitution of the classic drop lock for a magnetic lock based on a normally hidden latch that emerges from the door when the open door is closed to fit in the latch casing pushed by the magnet that can be installed in the latch, in the casing or on both.

Utility model n 0170039 incorporates basically, at least one hidden mobile magnet element so when the door is closed the magnet is attracted by a metal core and blocks the lock in place.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the objectives and avoid the disadvantages of the mechanisms mentioned in the previous sections, the invention proposes a magnetic lock for doors that has an optimum distribution of the mobile elements involved in its operation and less number of parts, as it will be clearly seen in the attached drawings. The follower moved by the handle actuates on an oscillating support that carries the door closing latch, but this achieved solely by exchanging an oscillating lever for a paracentral point of said lever.

The lock comprises, in principle, a housing element that contains and supports a rotating body or opening follower which oscillating motion can span a predetermined angular space and that is actuated against the resistance of a spring, an oscillating element or rocking arm linked to said rotating body and a main body that is solidarious with a latch that has a magnet incorporated. This body can also constitute the main body of the latch proper.

Therefore, when the door is closed and the handle is actuated, the latch with the magnet that is inside the housing element with a ferrous part or with a second magnet installed in the door frame, said latch retracts to its at rest position together with the lock opening follower to release the lock so the closed door can be opened.

During the opposite situation, when the door goes from the open to the closed position, the latch that is facing said ferrous piece is attracted and enters the casing box set in the door frame securing the locking mechanism. -.4-

The blocking device (lock blocking follower) is also located inside the housing element, and is positioned so it can block the lock preventing the door from being opened.

The lock is characterized in that the opening follower has two radial protuberances or extensions: one that actuates the recovery spring so the latch can recover the at rest position and a second one that actuates the only intermediate rocker arm element of the device, also assisted by a different lever.

Another characteristic of the invention is that when the lock opening follower is turned the oscillating lever is also turned, and its active end presses on an ample radial extension of the oscillating support causing the prism-shaped latch to exit the groove box overcoming the magnetic attraction force.

In this case, the lock blocking device is completely independent and is only actuated by the corresponding lock blocking follower that is provided with a radial extension that can adopt two positions: one that interferes in the turning path of the latch-carrying oscillating support element, or lock blocking device, and another position that releases the latch. Both positions are secured with conventional retention means such as a spring.

In other embodiments, the magnetic lock for doors is characterized in that the closing latch slides on lateral guides and the forward and backward (retraction) movements are linear movements. The forward movement is effected when the open door is being closed. This forward movement causes the latch magnet to face the strike plate magnet.

The backward or retracting movement is achieved by overcoming the magnetic force by turning the lock opening follower.

The lock opening follower has a radial extension that directly attacks a bumper provided on a lateral extension of the latch. When the actuating handle is released when the door has already been opened, the latch is retained inside the lock by the magnetic action of the walls of the housing element surrounding the magnet.

In a first embodiment, the internal lock blocking and closing mechanisms are separated because a second lateral extension or nose of the lock opening follower actuates one of the ends of the rocker element, the other end being assisted by a spring that keeps both these elements in contact: rocker element and follower, in a position in which the first extension of the follower is separated from the bumper of the sliding latch. The free end of the rocker element over which the spring exerts pressure is far from an oscillating lever that is in turn actuated by the blocking follower, which allows the door to be opened from the outside.

When the blocking follower is turned in the blocking direction, this oscillating lever is pushed by the corresponding nose of the follower and keeps this position very close to the free end of the rocker element. In this condition the lock opening follower cannot turn and therefore the locking mechanism is enabled.

There is another embodiment in which the linear movement of the latch is achieved differently, by means of the opening follower also, but rather than acting directly on the lateral extension of the latch (as in the first embodiment mentioned above) it acts on the rocking arm, which free end engages one of the two parallel arms that are anchored rotatingly by their latching ends to fixed points of the housing element and to a lateral extension of the latch. In this manner a parallelogram is formed and articulated so when the arms are rotated in one or another direction, the latch moves linearly as a consequence.

In this second embodiment, the blocking mechanism acts on a lateral extension of the closest end, the nose of the lock blocking follower, preventing it from turning when it is in this lock blocking position of the lock.

With this arrangement, the magnetic lock described does not have any installation restrictions, and because it does not have a handle it can be mounted directly without having to do any prior adjustments in the doors to the left and to the right of it.

The lock does not require adjustments either once the mechanism has been installed on both door and frame, because it is self-adjusting. Once installed the lock searches automatically for the locking position that does not present clearances between the various components.

The strike plate requires only a very simple tooling, and once it has been installed on the door frame it is flush with it, without protruding, and therefore offering a aesthetic result superior to other known locking mechanism.

Because there is a total absence or rubbing in the opening and closing maneuvers, the device operates nicely and noiselessly.

In other embodiments, the magnetic lock for doors is characterized in that the part that encompasses the main body with the latch and magnet (magnetic latch) moves linearly, both when moving towards the closed position caused by the magnet attraction towards the ferrous strike plate embedded inside the housing element in the door frame, as when the door is being opened by actuating the handle that causes the opening follower to rotate.

During the opening maneuver, a terminal portion of the oscillating element pushes against a portion of the main body. Said portion comprises, basically, a terminal outwardly extending section.

There are three preferred embodiments for the means used to make the main body travel.

Another characteristic of the present invention is that in the at rest position the magnetic latch is blocked within the housing element by the magnetic action, so it does not stick out over the plane defined by the door's edge.

The blocking device that incorporates an oscillating follower that can be actuated by a second handle from only one side of the door is characterized in that when placed in the lock blocking position said bumper directly blocks, at least, the set comprised by the main body and the magnetic latch, preventing the linear traveling of this main body and magnetic latch set.

In another embodiment, the tilting blocking follower is associated to an elongated part freely connected to an intermediate shaft in such a manner that the larger anterior section of this piece will prevent the set comprised by the main body and magnetic latch acting directly on the latch.

In this first embodiment the lock blocking follower has two stable end positions that are transmitted to the elongated part: one lock blocking position and one releasing position (that releases the main body).

In another embodiment the blocking follower blocks both the main body as well as the mobility of the rocker element.

In this second embodiment, the blocking follower also has two end positions: lock blocking and lock release position, both limited by the bumpers, and the rotation of the follower is facilitated by a spring and a solidarious extension of this blocking follower.

In another embodiment the blocking follower blocks the main body directly.

The lock object of the present invention has the particularity that it can be installed in a standard manner on any surface that has been prepared to receive a standard unified latch. It has no installation restrictions, does not have a handle and therefore it can be installed in left and right opening doors without having to adjust them first.

Once the lock set is installed on both door and frame it does not require further adjustments because it is self-adjusting and finds itself the optimum locking position that does not leave any clearance between the door components. The strike plate or groove box requires very simple tooling to be installed, and once installed on the door frame it does not stick out, offering a superior esthetic result. Due to the total lack of rubbing of the elements the mechanism offers a very nice and silent operation.

Another magnet or ferrous piece can also be installed in the strike plate set in the door frame that would fulfill its function of attracting the magnet located on the latch. Having this possibility is advantageous, because installing only one magnet lowers the cost of the product, since the magnet is an expensive piece and having to install it adds handling time during manufacture as well as possible assembly errors.

Another embodiment incorporates a prism-shaped latch contained inside the housing element of the device in which the latch does not stick out of the frontal plate when the door is in the open position. This embodiment is characterized by how easily the objectives of smooth and precise operation are achieved, by its small size and minimal weight, regardless of the actuating system used to open the door, that is however, normally done by the levers and rocking arms of the opening follower that achieve the linear or angular traveling path of the magnet-carrying latch to keep it hidden in one case and emerging in the other, when it faces the strike plate in the closed door position.

To do this, the latch and the strike plate have neodymium magnets incorporated. Neodymium is a chemical element that can acquire much more powerful magnetic properties than ferrite, the material normally used in this type of applications, since it has four more times remanent induction than ferrite, and subsequently, a smaller magnetized element can achieve the same effects as a larger but weaker magnetized element. This entails a dimensional saving in for the device as a whole, as mentioned above.

In addition, both magnets experience a repulsion effect until they face each other fully. This particularity is achieved using a non-ferrous alloy for the strike plate, and preferably zamac.

The strike plate is also small for the same reasons and therefore it can be installed in shallow door frames.

The invention also provides means to regulate the position of the magnet installed inside the strike plate once the lafter has been mounted on the door frame. These alignment means allow the two magnets to be positioned so they face each other perfectly, absorbing any mounting irregularities and achieving the functional advantages object of the invention.

To achieve this state, the frontal plate joins the strike plate body proper by sliding, rather than being solidarious as is the usual arrangement. To engage and block in the chosen position, is done by tightening two screws which heads protrude from the frontal plat like the heads of the two screws that hold the frontal plate together and are located on both of its end, as is already known.

These screws located more towards the interior part of the device are threaded to the corresponding nuts that are housed in ample holes located in the rear part of the strike plate body where the magnet is also housed. These screws go through mounting holes that allow the desired sliding movement that can be achieved when the screws are loose, then, when the correct position has been attained he screws can be tightened.

The object of the invention is further described in the next section in reference to the drawings to better illustrate it but not limit it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1.-Shows a view of the magnetic lock for doors, object of the invention.

Figures 2 to 4.-Show other views of the latch represented in Figure 1.

Figure 5.-Shows a view of the magnetic lock for doors with a embodiment different from that represented in previous Figures.

Figures 6 to 8.-Show other views of the latch represented in Figure 5.

Figure 9.-Shows a similar view to that represented in Figure 5, with a different manner to attain the traveling path of the latch.

Figures 10 to 12.-Show other views of the latch represented in Figure 9.

Figure 13 to 16.-Show view of the magnetic latch with a embodiment different from the previous ones.

Figures 17 to 20.-Show other embodiments of the latch object of the invention.

Figures 21 to 24.-Show another embodiment of the latch.

Figures 25 to 28.-Show other views of other embodiment of the latch.

Figures 29 to 34.-Show another embodiment of the lock that has incorporated a magnetically actuated locking mechanism between magnets of different polarity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In terms of the numbering system adopted in Figures 1 to 4, this first embodiment of the magnetic lock for doors entails a main body made of an oscillating support element 5 that turns around a fixed shaft 3 towards housing element 1 and has magnet 4 located in latch 2 that is solidarious with the oscillating support element5. In Figurel (closed door position) the latch 2 that emerges from the frontal plate 6 is inside grooved recess 7 having already been attracted by its magnet 8.

To open de closed door and for it to adopt the position shown in Figure 2, the oscillating support element 5 is actuated by the turn of an opening follower 9 against the action of a lever and by means of a rocking arm 11 that rotates in a central point of said lever around shaft 12.

The opening follower 9 has a radial extension 13 on which lever 10 rests, exerting pressure for the position shown in Figure 1 to be occupied, that is, having a bumper 14 on one end of the groove 15 that marks the end position of the angular traveling path of opening follower 9 when it is turned by the square key that is not represented in the Figures. It also has a second radial extension 16 that serves to push one arm 17 of the rocker element 11.

Turning the opening follower 9 in clockwise, causes the rocker element 11 to turn counter clockwise and one of its arms 18 to press against the radial extension 19 of the oscillating support element 5 causing it to turn in the door opening direction or latch 2 retraction, that then occupies the door opening position with the handle turned as shown in Figure 2.

With this conditions fulfilled the door is opened and we can let go of the handle, the opening follower 9 recovers its original at rest position assisted by its associated spring 10. Figure 3 shows this arrangement where latch 2 is kept retracted to not prevent the door closing operation. This is achieved by magnet 4 being attracted by the metal walls of the housing element in the area surrounding opening 20.

Reference n 21 is the spring that drives the rocker element 11 towards making contact with opening follower 9, that also collaborates in recovering the opening handle.

When the open door is being closed, going from the position shown in Figure 3 to the position shown in Figure 1, when the magnetic latch 5 faces grooved recess 7 installed on the door frame, said latch is magnetically attracted and goes into the hole box.

Both Figure 4 and Figure 1 show the closed door position. In Figure 4 the key is actuating on the blocking follower 22 while being assisted by spring 23 that serves, as mentioned, to determine the two end positions of the turning path. Its radial extension 24 prevents the oscillating support element 5 (main body) from turning clockwise and the magnetic latch 2 cannot exit grooved recess 7. In Figurel and also in Figures 2 and 3 this turning motion is allowed because the blocking follower 22 is set in the non-interference or release position.

An extension 25 of the blocking follower 22 serves to stop the traveling path of radial extension 19 of the oscillating support element 5 when the mechanism is set in the position shown in Figure 3, preventing it from turning towards the lock blocking position of the blocking follower 22.

Figure 4 shows the position in which extension 25 is released and allows blocking follower 22 to turn counter clockwise until it reaches the position shown in this Figure, at which the whole mechanism is blocked.

Extension 25 of blocking follower 22 also acts as a limiting end of the turning path of the oscillating support element 5.

Figures 5 to 8 show a second embodiment in which the lock comprises a housing element 1, inside which a main body 5a describes a linear sliding movement together with its magnetic latch 2 that contains its corresponding magnet 4. The latch is essentially prism-shaped rather than drop latch type and therefore does not required a beveled sliding plane.

Figure 5 shows the at rest position of the device, in the opened door position, in which latch 2 is retracted inside housing element 1 to allow the movement that will effect the open door to be closed at the instance that it faces strike plate or grooved recess 7 and magnet 4 is attracted by the monocomponent material of electrolytic finished iron plate of the strike plate 7.

This is the material used in the preferred embodiment.

The opening follower 9a has radial extensions 13a and 16a; the first is used to move directly the set of main body 5a and latch 2 during the door opening action, and the second is used to move angularly the rocker element 11 that rotates at the paracentral fixed point 12. This rocker element 11 is assisted by spring 21 that drives it clockwise to enable the opening follower 9a to adopt its initial at rest position as shown in Figure 5. This position is limited by the end of bumper 14 that engages groove 15 when it reaches its left end.

Guiding the traveling path of main body 5a and its latch 2 is done as shown in Figures 5 to 8. The main body 5a has a lateral extension 26 provided with two bumpers 27 and 28 that move in the respective grooves 29 and 30 of the housing element 1 that act in turn as limiting ends for the traveling path of the main body 5a.

In this example of the embodiment, the guiding process is optimized because there is yet another extension 31 positioned below main body 5a of latch 2, that is provided with another bumper 32 that moves in groove 33.

When closing the open door and the latch moves to face strike plate 7 (position shown in Figure 6) the latch 2 is magnetically attracted and the motion makes it enter and engage strike plate 7 (position shown in Figure 6), in a silent and smooth movement that does not rub against other elements.

To open the door when the device is in the position shown in Figure 6, latch 2 must retract when the opening follower 9a is turned with the corresponding handle (see Figure 7). When this movement is initiated, radial extension 1 3a of the opening follower 9a abuts against bumper 28 of lateral extension 26 of the main body 5a of latch 2 and drags it overcoming the magnetic force and the tension of spring 21 that serves to help opening follower 9a recover its initial position.

The set of Figures 5 to 7 show how the positions of at rest, closed, and onset of opening are achieved with only the intervention of the lock and without the blocking device -which is in a position of allowing it-prevent it. The components of the blocking device are: the blocking follower 22a with its radial extension 24a and its stable positioning tooth 34 with the cooperation of spring 23, and oscillating lever 35 that can turn around fixed point 36.

Figure 8 shows the lock blocking position once blocking follower 22a has been turned to its other position in which radial extension 24a has lifted angularly oscillating lever 35 bringing it closer to the end of the free arm of the rocker element 11, a position in which opening follower 9a cannot turn.

Figures 9 a 12 show another way to guide the main body 5b and its latch 2 by means of the two articulated arms 37 and 38 of equal lengths that serve to articulate from a lower point fixed points 39 and 40. The other ends of these articulated arms 37 and 38 are connected to the paired points 41 and 42 of the lower lateral extension 43 of the main body 5b that is solidarious with latch 2. In this case, opening follower 22 does not act directly on the set formed by main body 5b and latch 2, but acts through the exchange of rocker element 11 that engages the lateral extension 44 of one of said arms, arm 38, of the articulated parallelogram. Starting from the position shown in Figure 10 (door closing position) when the closed door is opened (Figure 11) by turning the opening follower 22, rocker element 11 rotates, making arms 37 and 38 rotate around fixed points 39 and 40, which causes latch 2 and its main body 5b to move linearly in the direction of retraction, in a similar manner as that shown for the first embodiment of the invention. Additional spring 10 has been engaged to recover the initial position of the opening follower 22. Additional spring 10 acts directly over its radial extension 13 as in the previous embodiment.

Figures 9 to 11 show that the blocking follower 22 is set in the position that dos not prevent the main body 5b and its latch 2 from retracting, however, in Figurel2 (showing the lock blocking position) radial extension 24 belonging to follower 22 is an obstacle to the traveling path when lateral elongation 44 of parallel arm 38 abuts against it and thus prevents the turning of the opening follower 9.

Figures 13 to 16 show other embodiments in which housing element 1 contains a blocking follower 9c, 9d that can be actuated trhough a handle that is not shown in the Figures, against the resistance presented by a helicoidal spring lOc, an intermediate tilting arm 45c, 45d, 45e that links rotating body 9c, 9d to a main body 5c, 5d, 5e that is solidarious with magnetic latch 2 that is positioned facing the door closing position with the grooved recess 7 on the door frame, in such a manner that inside this grooved recess 7 there is another magnetic body 8 that attracts latch 2 linearly during the door closing process until latch 2 is introducedinside said grooved recess 7, ensuring the door closing action.

However, when the action is exerted on the handle which turns the rotating body in the appropriate direction to open the door the set comprising main body 5c, 5d, 5e, and magnetic latch 2 is also caused to move linearly and backwards until is positioned inside hole 20c of housing element 1, where it remains in a stable manner thanks to magnetic attraction.

The set comprising main body 5 and latch 2 travels directed by a central guide 46 of housing element 1 and also in an opening 47 located in the platen of frontal plate 6 of said housing element 1.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 16 opening follower 9c has a radial extension 1 3c that contacts a staggered portion 48 of the intermediate arm 45c, at the same time that a terminal projection of intermediate arm 45c faces a protruding end 49 of the main body 5c to move said body backwards during the door opening process. Opening follower 9c also has another radial extension 1 6c that is made to abut spring 1 Dc.

In this embodiment, the blocking device is determined from an elongated part 50 that is coupled in an articulated manner through and intermediate point to shaft 51, in such a manner that when it is in the blocking position its anterior and longer section raises upwards until it abuts latch 2 preventing it from moving backwards and therefore preventing the opening of the door.

Elongated piece 50 has a lower recess 52 which profile is associated to a blocking follower 22c that is actuated by a second handle that is not represented in the Figures to set said elongated part 50 to either the lock blocking or unblocking positions.

In another embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 20, the rotating body 9d has a cylindrical bumper 53 that abuts with an elbowed part 54 before engaging the intermediate arm 45d, which in turns has a sinuous profile 55 that is in contact with a terminal portion 49d of the main body 5d to engage it during door opening operations.

In this embodiment, blocking follower 22d set in the lock blocking position directly prevents the simultaneous traveling of intermediate arm 45d and of the main body 5d. To do this, is provided with two terminal appendages 24d and 25d. In turn, the end blocking and unblocking positions are attained by means of end bumpers 56 and 57 assisted by spring 23 and the lower* extension 34 that is in contact with spring 23.

In another embodiment shown Figures 21 to 24, the means that associate the main body 5e and the magnetic latch 2 are practically the same as those of the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 16, with a slight change in the manner in which the central guiding mechanism guides said main body 5e.

In principle, the lock blocking device comprises an oscillating device 22e that has a staggered recess 58 that when set in the blocking position abuts a complementary vertice of the main body 5e.

In another embodiment shown in Figures 25 to 28, the intermediate rocking arm 45e has a curvoconvex portion that abuts against a extending end 49 of the main body 5c while it travels backward during the door opening operation.

In turn, rocking arm 45e has a terminal extension 59 below main body 5c that is linked to an oscillating part 60 that is associated to a rotating cam 22e.

In this embodiment the blocking device keeps the blocking position by * 30 means of blocking follower 22e that prevents the main body 5c from traveling because terminal extension 59 will abut with rotating cam 22e preventing arm 45e from oscillating. In addition, magnetic latch 2 will also abut against a section of oscillating part 60 preventing any attempt at opening the door unless the blocking device that turns blocking follower 22e to the lock unbiocking position is first released. Oscillating piece 60 can maintain its blocking position assisted by blocking follower 22e.

Figures 29 to 34 show another embodiment that contemplates a magnetic set comprised by a neodymium magnet 4' located in the core of latch 2 that slides linearly inside housing element 1 of the latch. In Figure 29 the latch is inside the strike plate or grooved recess 7 that carries the other neodymium magnet 8'.

Frontal plate 6 of latch is the piece of the lock that has to be fastened to the door's edge.

In this example of this embodiment, latch 2 slides linearly towards and against the bumpers or protrusions 28 that move inside groove 29 of the walls of the housing element 1-of whish only the rear one is shown so the functional elements located inside the latch can be seen -. Turning follower 9f clockwise from a starting closed door position (Figure 29) causes this condition when it presses its nose or its radial extension 16f on one of the arms 18 of the rocker element 11. The other arm 17 of the rocker element 11 drags bumper 61 of the axial extension 62 of latch 2 incorporated in the main body 5, overcoming the magnetic resistance of magnets 4' and 8'. This "opening de door" position is shown in Figure 30.

When the handle is released in the door is now open, spring 10 returns the mechanism to its initial position by assisting opening follower 9f unless latch 2 remains retracted (see Figure 31).

When the open door is closed (Figure 32) and the neodymium magnet 4' of latch 2 is facing precisely the neodymium magnet 8' set in the strike plate 7, the latch can only be displaced by magnetic action, the length of said traveling path being determined by the length of grooves 29 inside which bumpers 28 of latch 2 move. -1 7-

Because the type of latch shown in the drawings includes a conventional lock blocking device, Figures 29 to 31 show the device not operative, while Figure 32 shows the lock blocking position preventing follower 9f from turning.

In fact, blocking follower 22f after being actuated by the square key, as shown in Figure 32 has raised lever 63 in an angular path and nose 64 prevents any movement from happening. Figures 29 and 30 show the angular traveling path of opening follower 9f and that of rocker element 11, when they are not prevented from moving by the blocking follower 22f.

Figures 33 and 34 show a preferred embodiment for the strike plate 7' that has been provided with means to regulate the position of magnet 8' of strike plate 7' so it can easily and comfortably reach the most suitable position for magnet 8' and magnet 4' of latch 2 to face each other.

To do this, the body of strike plate 7' is joined to its frontal plate 65 in an adjustable manner by two screws 66 that go through the latter and thread on their corresponding nuts 67 that can move within their corresponding and ample hole boxes 68 located in the rear part of the strike plate 7', as shown in the blown up detail of Figure 34 that is a view in the direction signaled by arrow B of this Figure 34.

An advantage is that once the strike plate has been installed in the door frame and the frontal plate 65 has been secured with through screws going trhough their respective trhough holes 69, the lock adjustment is only done horizontally by moving strike plate 7' towards the left or the right as needed, since both the frontal plate 65 and the mobile body of the strike plate are equipped with complementary guides 70 and hole boxes 71 to allow said horizontal movement, which ensures the perfect alignment of magnets 4' and 8' when the technician installs and regulates the device.

With this arrangement, if magnet 8' has not been correctly centered once the strike plate set has been mounted due to a misalignment between door and frame, all that needs to be done to correct the situation is to loosen the two screws 66 that are visible on the fontal plate to release the rear part of the -1 8-strike plate 7' to move it until the correct position is found, and then the screws can be retightened to secure the set.

The mobile part of the lock that carries the magnet of the strike plate, is also made in fiber contain nylon.

Claims

CLAIMS

1.-A magnetic lock for doors, of the type of lock that has a housing element containing a closure latch that emerges from the frontal plate opening, said latch being prism-shaped and belonging to a main body that is coupled inside the housing element and actuated by the turn of a key that actuates an opening follower turning it in the opening direction, having a lock blocking mechanism or device that prevents the!ock from being open from the outside by activating a lock blocking follower and retaining the latch inside a hole box, this being possible because both element are equipped with corresponding magnets; characterized in that the opening follower (9, 9a, 9c, 9d, 90 has two radial extensions (13, 13a, 13c, 13d, 13f and 16, 16a, 16c, 16d, 16f), one of them associated to the oscillating body that actuates the latch-carrying main body when the opening follower is rotated, including also means to limit the opening follower when the opening follower is turned, the deice also includes limiting means for the opening follower turn.

2.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting means for the opening follower turn (9, 9a 9f), comprises a bumper solidarious with the radial extension (13, 13a and 130 that moves within the confines of a groove (15) in the housing element (1).

3.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening follower (9, 9c, 9d and 90 is assisted by a spring (10) which resistance must be overcome when turning said follower in one direction.

4.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 1, characterized in that the radial extension (16) of the opening follower (9) abuts the end of an rocker element (11) at a paracentral point which other end abuts a radial extension (19) of the main closure latch (2) carrying oscillating body (5) and assisted by the end arm (18) of the rocker element (11) by a compression spring (21) that keeps it driven towards the radial extension (16) of the opening follower (9).

5.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 4, characterized in that the rocker element (11) when turned by the opening follower (9) presses over the radial extension (19) of the main oscillating body (5) to cause the latch (2) to retract overcoming the n)agnetic force and allow the opening maneuver.

6.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure latch (2) and its main.body (5a) can travel linearly on guides (27-29, 28-17, 43-37-38) to engage the strike plate (7) when its internal magnet (8) is retracted through the attraction of the metal of the strike plate (7) and exiting it during the door opening stage when the magnetic action is overcome when the opening follower (9, 9a).

7.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 6, characterized in that the latch (2) includes a lateral extension (26) in the linear direction of movement provided with guiding means defined by bumpers (27 and 28) which movement are confined to slanted grooves (29 and 30) of the housing element (1) that serve to define the end positions, and one o the radial extension (13a) of the opening follower (9a) acting directly over a bumper(28) of the main body (5a) that includes the latch (2) to allow the latter to retract.

8.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 7, characterized in that it has other additional means of lateral guidance defined by another lateral extension (33) extending parallel to the latter and provided with a bumper (32) that moves within the confines of the corresponding groove (31) of the housing element (1).

9.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 6, characterized in that the latch (2) describes a linear movement by means of two parallel arms (37 and 38) that are connected in a rotating manner by one of their end to a lateral extension (43) of the latch (2), and by their other paired ends to fixed points (39 and 40) of the housing element (1) configuring an articulated parallelogram, and another radial extension (16) or nose of the opening follower (9) acting on a rocker element (11) that in turn presses on a lateral elongation (44) of one of the two parallel arms (38) of the articulated parallelogram, to retract the latch (2).

10.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a second protuberance or nose (16) of the opening follower (9) is pressed upon by one of the arms of a rocker element (11) which other arm or branch is linked to an oscillating lever (35) of the lock blocking mechanism, that is located between said other branch and a radial extension (24a) of the blocking follower (22a), preventing the rocker element (11) from turning to the lock blocking position.

11.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 9, characterized in that the lateral extension (44) of one of the parallel arms (37 and 38) of the articulated parallelogram, is placed between said rocker element (11) and a radial extension (24) of the blocking follower (22) preventing it from turning into the lock blocking position.

12.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 1, characterized in that the set formed by the main body (5c, 5d) and the latch (2) describes a linear movement during the door opening and closing operations guided over the central guide (46) and an opening (47) located in the platen of the frontal plate (6) of the housing element (1).

13.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 12, characterized in that the opening follower (9c, 9d) is linked to the main body trhough a rocking arm (45c; 45d), a portion of which abuts the opening follower (9c, 9d), that oscillates against the resistance of a spring (lOc), said arm (45c, 45d) having another portion that faces the extended end (49c, 49d) of the main body (5c, 5d) that during the movement of said main body to the latch (2) opening position contacts with said extended end (49c, 49d).

14.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 13, characterized in that the opening follower (9c) has an extension (13c) that abuts an staggered end (48) of the rocking arm (45c) to transmit it its oscillating movement.

15.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 13, characterized in that the opening follower (9d) has an end bumper (53) that abuts an elbowed portion (54) to transmit it its oscillating movement.

16.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to any of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the portion of the rocking arm (45d) that abuts the protruding end of the main body (5d) has a curved profile (55).

17.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to any of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the blocking device has an elongated part (50) that is articulated to a shaft (51) at an intermediate point associated to said elongated part (50) through a rotating element (20c) that works like a cam that rotates manually, so that when located in he end position the cam places the end portion of said part (50) so it faces the magnetic latch (2) preventing it from returning, while in the other end position said part is located in a lower position from which it is possible for the magnetic latch to return.

18.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 17, characterized in that the cam element (22c) abuts, when rotating, with a curved recess (52) of the elongated part (50).

19.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to any of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the blocking device comprises a rotating element (22d) that rotates manually and that includes two terminal appendages (24d and 25d) that when in the active position are abutted by the main body (5d) and also by the rocking arm (45d) preventing the set comprised by the the main body and the latch from returning as well as the oscillation of said arm (45d); and linked to the rotating arm (22d) through a spring (23) that said arm (22d) abuts, and also a lower extension (34) of the rotating element (22d).

20.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 19, characterized in that rotating element (22d) abuts when it reaches its end positions bumpers (56 and 57) that are solidarious with the housing element (1).

21.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to any of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the blocking device comprises a rotating element (22e) having an staggered recess (58) that when in the retention or lock blocking position reaches a position in which a vertice of the main body (5e) abuts against said staggered recess (58) preventing the return of the main body (5e) and therefore preventing it from opening.

22.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to any of claims from 12 to 16, characterized in that the blocking device comprises a rotating element (22e) that when in the retention or lock blocking position reaches a position in which it abuts a terminal extension (59) of the intermediate arm (45e) preventing it from oscillating, while there is also an oscillating part (60) associated o the rotating cam (22e) that keeps said part (60) in a position in which it prevents the return of the latch (2) by abutting said part (60).

23.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the magnet (4') of the latch is made of neodymium and provokes a repulsion effect on the other neodymium magnet (8') set in the strike plate (7, 7') until both magnets are fully facing each other allowing the attraction effect to cause the door to close, the material used to build the strike plate (7, 7') is a non-ferrous alloy such as zamac.

24.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 23, characterized in that the strike plate (7') is joined to its frontal plate (65) in a sliding manner to regulate the position of the neodymium magnet once it has been installed on the door frame.

25.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claim 24, characterized in that the frontal plate has two through orifices for the corresponding screws (66) that are affixed to nuts (67) housed in corresponding and ample hole boxes (68) located in the mobile rear section of the strike plate (4').

26.-A magnetic lock for doors, according to claims 24 or 25, characterized in that the frontal plate (65) of the strike plate (7') include horizontal guides (70) that run through complementary hole boxes (71) located in the body of the strike plate (7').