GB2584100A - Lock mechanism - Google Patents

Lock mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2584100A
GB2584100A GB1907107.5A GB201907107A GB2584100A GB 2584100 A GB2584100 A GB 2584100A GB 201907107 A GB201907107 A GB 201907107A GB 2584100 A GB2584100 A GB 2584100A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
deadbolt
lock mechanism
drive
mechanism according
drive unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1907107.5A
Other versions
GB2584100B (en
GB201907107D0 (en
Inventor
Sangha Irundip
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Era Home Security Ltd
Original Assignee
Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Era Home Security Ltd filed Critical Era Home Security Ltd
Priority to GB1907107.5A priority Critical patent/GB2584100B/en
Publication of GB201907107D0 publication Critical patent/GB201907107D0/en
Publication of GB2584100A publication Critical patent/GB2584100A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2584100B publication Critical patent/GB2584100B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B63/00Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
    • E05B63/18Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt or latch in the retracted position
    • E05B63/20Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt or latch in the retracted position released automatically when the wing is closed
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B59/00Locks with latches separate from the lock-bolts or with a plurality of latches or lock-bolts
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05CBOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C9/00Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B63/00Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
    • E05B63/18Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt or latch in the retracted position
    • E05B63/20Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt or latch in the retracted position released automatically when the wing is closed
    • E05B2063/207Automatic deadlocking
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/0001Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B47/0012Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with rotary electromotors

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

A lock mechanism (1) for a locking assembly (10) having a housing (5) containing a deadbolt 3 moveable between retracted and thrown positions and an automatic actuation mechanism to automatically throw the deadbolt. The automatic actuation mechanism has a drive unit and a trigger 2 to initiate movement of the drive unit. Preferably the drive unit includes a drive plate 20 retained by tooth 26 of trigger 2 which when released allows movement of drive plate 20, either under gravity or spring biased, and may drive the deadbolt via a pivot link 32 coupled to the drive plate. The pivot link may be pivoted to housing at pin 34 coupled to the drive plate by pin (31) in a kidney shaped aperture 36. The pivot link may include drive pin 38 located in slot 39 in deadbolt 3 forming a scotch yoke/slotted link mechanism.

Description

Lock Mechanism
Field of Invention
The invention relates to lock mechanisms for windows and doors. Specifically, the invention relates to an automatic deadbolt mechanism for doors.
Background
Multipoint locks (MPLs) are well-known for use in securing doors and windows, and are particularly common in modern extruded PVC doors, although they are also used for timber, metal and composite doors. MPLs have multiple locking bolts which are engaged when the door (and thus the lock mechanism) is locked by a user.
More recently, it has become desirable for the lock mechanisms to engage automatically when the door is closed. An example of such a lock mechanism is described in GB patent application GB1807345.2 by the present Applicant. The lock mechanism has a central gearbox which is connected to remote locking units, which in turn have additional locking bolts which are engaged when the door is closed.
Summary of Invention
One issue with existing automatic lock mechanisms, as described in the prior art, is that one of the deadbolts is still manually operated. For example, in the locking mechanism described in GB1807345.2 the gearbox deadbolt is engaged and disengaged by the user via a key independently of the other locking bolts.
The present invention attempts to resolve or ameliorate one or more of the problems with lock mechanisms for windows and doors, or provide a useful alternative.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lock mechanism for a locking assembly. The lock mechanism may comprise a deadbolt. The deadbolt may be moveable between first and second positions. The lock mechanism may comprise an automatic actuation mechanism. The automatic actuation mechanism may be configured to move the deadbolt. The deadbolt and the automatic actuation mechanism may be located within a housing. The automatic actuation mechanism may comprise a drive unit. The automatic actuation mechanism may comprise a trigger. The trigger may be configured to initiate movement of the drive plate. The automatic actuation mechanism may be configured so that the movement of the drive plate drives the deadbolt from the first to the second position.
The lock mechanism may be a lock mechanism for a multi-point lock. The housing may be a gearbox housing, for example, for a multi-point lock. The drive unit may comprise a drive plate.
The first position may be a retracted position e.g. wherein the deadbolt is located within the housing, or predominantly within the housing. The second position may be an extended or engaged position e.g. wherein the deadbolt projects or extends from the housing.
In one series of embodiments, the drive unit is moveable in a first linear direction. The first linear direction may be a vertical direction. The deadbolt may be movable in a second linear direction. The deadbolt may move in a linear direction between the first and second positions. The second linear direction may be perpendicular to the first linear direction.
The second linear direction may be horizontal. The lock mechanism may be configured so that movement of the drive unit in the first linear direction causes movement of the deadbolt in the second linear direction.
The automatic actuation mechanism may comprise a linkage connecting the drive unit and the deadbolt. The linkage may comprise at least one link. The linkage may be configured to transfer movement in the first direction to movement in the second direction. The at least one link may comprise a pivot arm.
The linkage may comprise a first connector connecting the pivot arm and drive unit. The first connector may comprise an aperture in the pivot arm. The first connector may comprise a projection receivable within the aperture on the drive unit. The projection may comprise a first pin. The projection may optionally comprise a bearing or bushing. The projection and aperture may be configured so that linear movement of the drive unit causes the pivot arm to rotate. The pivot arm may comprise fixed pivot, around which the arm is configured to rotate. The pivot arm may be configured to rotate about a pivot point. The pivot point may comprise a fixed pivot connected to the housing. The pivot point may comprise a pivot pin and optionally a bearing or bushing. In alternative embodiments, the first connector may be reversed such that the drive unit may comprise the aperture and the pivot arm may comprise the projection receivable within the aperture.
The aperture may have a curved shape. For example, the aperture may have a curved, arcuate or kidney shaped profile. The curved shape may be configured to accommodate the projection as the drive unit moves relative to the pivot point.
The linkage may comprise a second connector connecting the pivot arm and the deadbolt. The second connector may comprise a slot or channel in the deadbolt. The slot or channel may extend in the first direction. The second connector may comprise a drive pin on the pivot arm. The drive pin may be receivable within the slot or channel.
The deadbolt and pivot arm may be configured so that the rotational movement of the pivot arm causes linear movement of the deadbolt. The drive pin may be configured to move in the slot or channel. The drive pin may apply a driving force to the sides or walls of the slot or channel, to thereby move the deadbolt in the second direction. The linkage and the deadbolt may form a scotch yoke/slotted link mechanism.
In some embodiments, the automatic actuation mechanism may be configured to resist the deadbolt being pushed into the housing. In some embodiments, the linkage may be configured to resist the deadbolt being pushed into the housing. For example, the automatic actuation mechanism may be configured to resist a force applied to the deadbolt when in the second position (e.g. the extended or engaged position). Thus the automatic actuation mechanism prevents the lock mechanism from being unlocked or bypassed by an attacker by pushing the bolt back. In some embodiments, the linkage may be configured to resist undesired movement of the deadbolt toward the first position.
In some embodiments, the pivot arm may be configured to resist the deadbolt being retracted. The pivot arm may be configured so that a force applied to the deadbolt is transferred to the pivot arm by the second connector. The pivot arm may be configured so that it is unable to rotate when the deadbolt is in the second (e.g. extended) position. The pivot arm may be prevented from rotating by the first connector.
The linkage may be configured so that when the deadbolt is in the second position, the pivot arm is unable to apply a force in the first linear direction and/or a lifting force to the drive unit. For example, the aperture may be configured to be unable to apply a force in the first linear direction and/or a lifting force to the projection. The aperture may comprise at least one flat surface, configured so that the flat surface is adjacent to the projection of the drive unit when the deadbolt is in the second position. The aperture may be configured so that the flat surface is aligned in the first linear direction when the deadbolt is in the second position.
In such embodiments, the pivot arm may be prevented from rotating by the projection of the drive unit.
The pivot arm and/or the aperture may be configured so that when the deadbolt is in the second position, the aperture is unable to apply a force in the first linear direction and/or a lifting force to the projection. The aperture may be configured so that the flat surface applies a force on the projection in the second linear direction only. Since the second linear direction is perpendicular to the first linear direction, the aperture thus cannot provide a lifting force to the drive unit, and the projection restricts movement of the pivot arm. Subsequently, the second connector of the linkage may prevent the movement of the deadbolt.
The lock mechanism may further comprise an electric drive means. The electric drive means may be configured to drive the deadbolt from the second to the first position (e.g. to retract the deadbolt). The electric drive means may comprise an electric motor, linear actuator or other suitable means. The electric drive means may be connected to the drive unit by a drive bar.
The electric drive means may be configured to apply a force in the first linear direction and/or a lifting force to the drive unit (e.g. in the opposite direction to the automatic actuation mechanism). Thus, by moving the drive unit in the opposite direction, the projection of the drive unit applies a force to the aperture in the opposite direction. The movement of the automatic actuation mechanism and/or the linkage may thus be reversed and returns the deadbolt to the first (retracted) position.
The lock mechanism may further comprise a mechanical drive means. The mechanical drive means may be configured to drive the deadbolt from the second to the first position (e.g. to retract the deadbolt). In embodiments comprising an electric drive means, the mechanical drive means may be an override or back-up mechanism. The mechanical drive means may comprise a lock cylinder.
The mechanical drive means may comprise an actuator configured to apply a force in a or the first linear direction to the drive unit. The actuator may be drivable by a cam of a lock cylinder. The actuator may comprise an actuator arm. The actuator and/or actuator arm may be configured to apply a force in the second direction to the deadbolt. The actuator arm may be configured to apply a force (e.g. a lifting force) in the first linear direction to the drive unit. The actuator may be configured to apply the force in the first linear direction prior to applying the force in the second linear direction. The actuator may be configured to lift the drive unit to an intermediate position, wherein the projection of the drive unit is no longer immediately adjacent to the flat surface of the aperture.
Thus, by first lifting the drive unit, the projection no longer prevents rotation of the pivot arm and thus the retraction of the deadbolt. The mechanical drive means may be configured so that further movement of the deadbolt drives the automatic actuation mechanism in reverse, thus lifting the drive unit.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a locking assembly for a door or window, comprising: a lock mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims; at least one locking unit comprising a locking bolt; and a drive bar operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to operate the at least one locking bolt of the at least one locking unit.
The locking assembly may comprise a first and second locking unit. Each locking unit may be operatively connected to the lock mechanism by respective drive bar. The lock mechanism may be located between the first and second locking units. The or each drive bar may connected to the drive unit of the lock mechanism.
The locking assembly may further comprise an electric drive means. The electric drive means may be an electric drive means as previously described above. The electric drive means may be configured to engage with and to drive the drive bar or at least one of the drive bars in embodiments comprising more than one.
Brief Description
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a first side view of a lock mechanism; Figure 1B is a first side view of a lock assembly; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a lock mechanism wherein the housing is partially disassembled; Figure 3 is a rear side view of a lock mechanism in a first state and wherein the housing is partially disassembled; Figure 4 is a rear side view of a lock mechanism in a second state wherein the housing is partially disassembled; Figure 5 is a zoomed in view of the region A of Figure 4, with components removed for clarity; and Figures 6A and 6B are zoomed in views of the region A of Figure 4, with components removed for clarity.
Specific Description
It will be understood that the use of terms such as vertical, horizontal, left, right etc. are for descriptive purposes only to aid comprehension, and thus do not preclude alternative orientations or configurations of the disclosed invention.
Turning now to Figures 1A and 1B, there is shown a lock mechanism 1. The lock mechanism has a housing 5, which is a cuboidal box configured to be recessed into the edge of a door. The housing 5 houses a deadbolt 3, a conventional sprung latch bolt 4 and a trigger 2 which is connected to an automatic actuation mechanism housed within the housing 5. The lock mechanism 1 can be used as a gearbox for a locking assembly (Figure 1B), which is further provided with a pair of locking units 11, 12 and connected to the lock mechanism 1 via a face plate 13 and a pair of drive bars (not shown). The trigger 2 is configured so that it is depressed by a strike plate/keep located within an adjacent door frame when the locking assembly is installed in a door or window leaf.
Turning now to Figure 2, there is shown the lock mechanism 1 with part of the housing 5 removed. The deadbolt 3 is shown in its retracted position within the housing 5, and the automatic actuation mechanism has been set ready for use. The automatic actuation mechanism comprises a series of components, including the trigger 2 and the drive unit.
In the embodiment shown, the drive unit is provided by a drive plate 20, which is engaged with the deadbolt 3 as will be described with reference to later figures. The housing has a lock aperture 22 in which a lock cylinder, such as a euro-profile cylinder (not shown) can be located. Above the lock aperture is an actuator 24 which is configured to engage with a cam provided in a lock cylinder located within the lock aperture 22.
The automatic actuation mechanism will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In Figures 3 and 4 the lock mechanism 1 has been rotated through 180 DEGREES, relative to Figure 2, to show the opposite (rear) face. Part of the housing 5 has been removed to clearly show the internal workings. In Figure 3, the mechanism is primed ready for actuation. Figure 4 shows the mechanism after it has been actuated and the deadbolt 3 is moved into a position wherein it projects from the housing 5.
The trigger 2 is provided with a tooth 26 on its rear end. The tooth 26 engages a shoulder 28 provided in the drive plate 20. The trigger 2 comprises a spring (not shown) which biases the trigger into the primed position as shown. The tooth 26 prevents the drive plate 20 from moving downwards (i.e. in the direction Y). When the trigger 2 is depressed (e.g. by a strike plate/keep as described above), the trigger 2 and thus the tooth 26 are pushed back into the housing 5. I.e. the trigger and tooth 26 move in the direction X. Once the tooth 26 is moved beyond the shoulder 28, the drive plate 20 is no longer prevented from moving. The drive plate 20 then drops in the direction Y. The drive plate falls under the power of gravity, although equally there may be provided a biasing mechanism such as a spring for example, mounted to the housing 5 or something fixed relative thereto, and the drive plate 20, to bias the drive plate 20 into the position shown in Figure 4, in which the deadbolt is automatically deployed. The movement of the drive plate 20 drives the locking units 11, 12 in the conventional manner, for example as described in GB patent application GB1807345.2 by the present Applicant. Furthermore, the movement of the drive plate 20 can also be used to actuate the deadbolt 3.
The drive plate is provided with an arm 30 which is provided with a projection 31. The projection extends perpendicular to the plane of the drive plate and toward the deadbolt 3. As shown, the projection 31 is a pin. Adjacent and connected to the arm 30 is a linkage, formed of a pivot arm 32. The pivot arm 32 has a pivot point at a first end, which comprises a pivot pin 34 connected to the shell of the housing (not shown). The pivot pin 34 is thus fixed in position relative housing 5, and in comparison with the pivot arm 32 and drive plate 20 which are moveable. The pivot arm 32 has an aperture 36 which received the projection 31 of the arm 30 of the drive plate 20. The aperture 36 has a curved shape, e.g. an approximate kidney shape, as shown in Figure 5. At the opposite end of the pivot arm 32 to the pivot pin 34 (although in other embodiments, it may simply be displaced from the pivot axis of the pivot pin) there is provided a drive pin 38, which extends perpendicularly to the plane of the pivot arm 32. The drive pin extends towards the deadbolt 3 and is received within a slot 39 in the rear end of the deadbolt 3.
The arm 30, along with the drive plate 20, are restricted to moving in a linear direction only (i.e. back and forth in the direction Y). As the arm 30 moves downwards in the present embodiment (i.e. in the Y direction), the projection 31 bears on the internal edge of the aperture 36. Since the aperture 36 is spaced apart from the fixed pivot point provided by the pivot pin 34, the linear movement of the drive plate 20 causes the pivot arm 32 to rotate about the pivot pin 34. Subsequently, the rotation of the pivot arm 32 means the drive pin 38 moves through an arc, from the position shown in Figure 3 to the position shown in Figure 4. The slot 39 is aligned with direction Y (the vertical axis in the present embodiment) and allows the drive pin 38 to move vertically relative to the deadbolt. However, relative lateral motion of the drive pin 38 and the deadbolt 3, in the direction X, is prevented. Thus, as the pivot arm 32 rotates through an arc, the drive pin 38 bears on the internal surface of the slot 39 and drives the deadbolt in the direction X. The drive pin 38 and the slot 39 effectively form a scotch yoke/slotted link mechanism.
Overall, the pivot arm 32 is configured to convert the linear motion of the drive plate 20 in a first linear direction to linear motion of the deadbolt 3 in a generally perpendicular, linear direction.
Turning now to Figure 5, there is shown a zoomed in view of region A of Figure 4. Some components have been omitted for clarity. When the deadbolt 3 is in the engaged position, it is locked and prevented from returning back into the housing 5 by the automatic actuation mechanism. The aperture 36 has a flat surface 36a which is aligned vertically and adjacent to the projection 31. If an attacker tries to push the deadbolt 3 back into the housing, the pivot arm 32 is prevented from rotating by the projection 31.
Since the flat surface 36a of the aperture 36 is adjacent to the projection 31, the force applied by the pivot arm 32 upon the projection 31 is lateral only. The drive plate 20 and the projection 31 are only able to move in the first linear direction, i.e. the vertical direction in the present embodiment, and since the flat surface 36a cannot provide any lifting force, the arrangement locks up and prevents retraction of the deadbolt 3.
In electronic versions of locking assembly, an electric motor can be provided (not shown) which is configured to drive the motion of the drive plate 20 and disengage the locking mechanism 1. The electric motor can be provided within the housing 5 or alternatively it may be positioned outside of the housing 5. For example, the electric motor may be provided in a separate housing and connected to the drive plate by a drive bar, such as the drive bars which connect the locking mechanism 1 to the locking units 11, 12. The user may then instruct the lock to disengage, through for example a control panel, key fob, or computer application, and the electric motor will drive the drive plate 20 (and optionally drive bars) upwards i.e. opposite to the direction Y. The trigger 2 can retain the drive plate 20 in the primed position, and prevent the deadbolt from firing until the trigger is actuated, by the tooth 26 engaging the shoulder 28 as described previously. The lifting movement of the electric motor can retract any locking bolts and latch bolts in the locking units 11, 12 and the locking mechanism 1 as described in GB1807345.2. To retract the deadbolt 3, the rising drive plate 20 means that the projection 31 bears on the internal surface of the aperture 36 and causes it to rotate in the opposite direction. The rotation of the pivot arm 32 and the drive pin 38 thus pulls the deadbolt 3 back into the housing 5.
Some embodiments of the invention may not be provided with an electric motor and may be mechanical only. In both cases it is necessary to have a manual mechanism to retract the locks to act as an override should the electric motor or the electronic controls fail. The mechanical retraction of the deadbolt 3 will be described with additional reference to Figures 6a and 6B. In Figure 6B the drive plate has been made semi-transparent to aid comprehension.
In use, a cylinder lock (not shown) will be located within the lock aperture 22. Adjacent to the lock aperture is an actuator 24, comprising a slider 241 and a detainer 242. The slider 241 is fitted within a curved track 243 (Figure 4) and able to slide relative to the track 243. As the deadbolt 3 is fired, the actuator 24 is picked up and slides into the position shown in Figure 6A. The slider 241 has a leg 244 which is configured to engaged the cam of a locking cylinder in the conventional manner. The curve of the track 243 is thus configured to keep the leg 244 engaged with the cam as the cam undergoes a rotation as shown by the curved dashed arrow.
The detainer 242 is movable relative to the slider 241. As the lock cylinder cam rotates it bears upon the lower surface 245 of the detainer 242 and slides it upwards, in the direction shown by the straight double ended arrow. As shown in Figure 6B, the detainer 242 has a detainer arm 246 which engages the lower edge of the arm 30 of the drive plate 20 and lifts it upwards. This first motion is sufficient to lift the projection 31 out of alignment with the flat surface 36a of the aperture 36 in the pivot arm 32. Because the projection 31 has been lifted from a position aligned with the flat surface 36a of the aperture 36, the projection is now adjacent a curved portion of the aperture perimeter. The aperture 36 is thus able to provide an (at least partially) upward force upon the projection 31.
As the cam of the cylinder lock continues to rotate, it engages the leg 244 of the slider 241, and moves the slider to the left (in the view shown). The detainer arm 246 engages deadbolt 3 and/or the pivot arm 32 (depending on configuration) and pulls the assembly to the left. The curved internal surface of the aperture 36 thus continues to lift the projection 31 and the drive plate 20, permitting the full retraction of the deadbolt 3. If the detainer arm 246 did not lift the drive plate 20, then the mechanism would be locked and the deadbolt 3 prevented from retracting as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.
The detainer 242 is configured so that once the deadbolt is fully retracted, the cam disengages the leg 244. The cam rotation can be continued, and the second rotation can be used to lift the drive plate 20 further by the cam engaging the lifting arm 250 as described in GB1807345.2.
The locking mechanism described is particularly advantageous, since it provides a simple mechanism by which a deadbolt, and especially a central deadbolt, can be fired and retracted purely mechanically. The same lock mechanism can be used within a larger multi-point lock without requiring significant modification other than connecting to drive bars for transferring the mechanism to remote locking units.
A further benefit is that the lock mechanism can be converted into an electronic lock mechanism without requiring significant modification. As discussed above, all that is required is an electronic motor connected to a drive bar (or one of the drive bars if part of an MPL. This means that a user can enjoy all the benefits of electronic locking systems while still having the security of a full deadbolt and a key backup or override.
Although multi-point locks with gearbox deadbolts are well known, this has not yet been achieved with automatically firing locking assemblies. In existing products the deadbolt is still key actuated, omitted entirely or alternatively the deadbolt may be replaced with an additional hook bolt. Hook bolt are often less secure than deadbolts, and are more difficult to immobilise once fired. Since rotational movement is required to fire/retract the hook bolts, and it is difficult to immobilise the lock and prevent an attacker from pushing the bolts back into the housing manually. In comparison, the automatic actuation mechanism disclosed herein immobilises the deadbolt once fired and is thus more secure than existing products, which sacrifice the additional security in favour of greater automatic functionality.
Additionally, since the automatic actuation mechanism is primarily gravity driven, when retracting the deadbolt it is not necessary for a user to overcome biasing mechanisms or springs used to drive the actuation. This is more pleasant and easy to for a user to achieve and can be done using only a key without requiring assistance from a door handle. The present invention may thus find use within door and window designs and configurations which are handle-free or which have fixed (non-rotating) handles. The invention thus has greater functionality than known mechanisms and can be used within a wider range of systems and designs.

Claims (23)

  1. CLAIMS: 1. A lock mechanism for a locking assembly, the lock mechanism comprising: a deadbolt moveable between first and second positions; an automatic actuation mechanism configured to move the deadbolt; the deadbolt and the automatic actuation mechanism being located within a housing; wherein the automatic actuation mechanism comprises: a drive unit; and a trigger to initiate movement of the drive unit; wherein the automatic actuation mechanism is configured so that the movement of the drive unit drives the deadbolt from the first to the second position.
  2. 2. The lock mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit is moveable in a first linear direction, and wherein the deadbolt is movable in a second linear direction, perpendicular to the first.
  3. 3. The lock mechanism according to either preceding claims, wherein the first direction is substantially vertical and the drive unit moves in the first direction due to gravity.
  4. 4. The lock mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the automatic actuation mechanism is configured to resist the deadbolt being pushed into the housing.
  5. 5. The lock mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the automatic actuation mechanism comprises a linkage connecting the drive unit and the deadbolt.
  6. 6. The lock mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the linkage comprises a pivot arm.
  7. 7. The lock mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the pivot arm comprises an aperture and the drive unit comprises a projection receivable within the aperture, and configured so that the linear movement of the drive unit causes the pivot arm to rotate about a pivot point.
  8. 8. The lock mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the aperture has a curved, arcuate or kidney shaped profile.
  9. 9. The lock mechanism according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the aperture comprises at least one flat surface, and wherein the pivot arm is configured so that when the deadbolt is in the second position, the flat surface is adjacent to the projection.
  10. 10. The lock mechanism according to claims 2 and 9, wherein when the deadbolt is in the second position, the flat surface is aligned in the first linear direction.
  11. 11. The lock mechanism according to claim 10, wherein when the deadbolt is in the second position, the projection prevents rotation of the pivot arm.
  12. 12. The lock mechanism according to claim 10 or 11, configured so that when the deadbolt is in the second position, the aperture is unable to apply a force in the first linear direction and/or a lifting force to the projection.
  13. 13. The lock mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the deadbolt comprises a slot or channel and the pivot arm comprises a drive pin receivable within the slot or channel, and configured so that the rotational movement of the pivot arm causes linear movement of the deadbolt.
  14. 14. The lock mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electric drive means configured to drive the deadbolt from the second to the first position.
  15. 15. The lock mechanism according to claim 14 wherein the electric drive means is configured to apply a force in the first linear direction and/or a lifting force to the drive unit, and wherein the movement of the automatic actuation mechanism is reversed to return the deadbolt to the first position.
  16. 16. The lock mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mechanical drive means configured to drive the deadbolt from the second to the first position.
  17. 17. The lock mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the mechanical drive means comprises an actuator configured to apply a force in a or the first linear direction to the drive unit.
  18. 18. The lock mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the actuator is drivable by a cam of a lock cylinder, and is configured to apply a force in the second direction to the deadbolt.
  19. 19. The lock mechanism according to claim 18, wherein the actuator is configured to apply the force in the first linear direction to the drive unit prior to applying the force in the second linear direction to the deadbolt.
  20. 20. A locking assembly for a door or window, comprising: a lock mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims; at least one locking unit comprising a locking bolt; and a drive bar operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to operate the at least one locking bolt of the at least one locking unit.
  21. 21. The locking assembly according to claim 20, comprising a first and second locking unit, each operatively connected to the lock mechanism by respective drive bar, wherein the lock mechanism is located between the first and second locking units.
  22. 22. The locking assembly according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the or each drive bar is connected to the drive unit of the lock mechanism.
  23. 23. The locking assembly according to any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising an electric drive means configured to engage with and is configured to drive the or at least one of the drive bars.
GB1907107.5A 2019-05-20 2019-05-20 Lock mechanism Active GB2584100B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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GB201907107D0 GB201907107D0 (en) 2019-07-03
GB2584100A true GB2584100A (en) 2020-11-25
GB2584100B GB2584100B (en) 2023-06-07

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4068228A1 (en) 2021-04-01 2022-10-05 ERA Home Security Limited Improved door lock

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US6125670A (en) * 1997-01-20 2000-10-03 Eff-Eff Fritz Fuss Gmbh & Co., Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Self-locking lock
WO2001069022A1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2001-09-20 Henri Rochmann Adjustable safety lock device, for doors with multiple bolts, with delayed automatic locking
US20060123859A1 (en) * 2004-12-13 2006-06-15 Gonzalez Fermin G Mortise lock with automatic projection of dead bolt
EP2543802A2 (en) * 2011-07-06 2013-01-09 MACO Technologie GmbH Lock
WO2014019562A2 (en) * 2012-08-01 2014-02-06 Eldomat Innovative Sicherheit Gmbh Self-locking closing device having a multiple locking drive
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EP4068228A1 (en) 2021-04-01 2022-10-05 ERA Home Security Limited Improved door lock

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