GB2597056A

GB2597056A - Roller shutter locking apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2597056A
Application number: GB2010178.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Stratton Lawrence
Original assignee: Tvg Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Tvg Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-02
Filing date: 2020-07-02
Publication date: 2022-01-19
Also published as: GB202010178D0

Abstract

A lock securing apparatus for securing a lock comprising a rotating hook with a catch. The lock securing apparatus comprises a hook engaging arm 5 movable between a first position engaging and preventing withdrawal of the hook 3a and a second position disengaged from the hook permitting the hook to move. A stop member 6 is movable between a position preventing movement of the engaging arm 5 and a position which permits the engaging arm to release the hook 5. A latch mechanism 8 retains the engaging arm 5 in the disengaged position, pivoting the hook to locked position abuts and moves the latch/trigger 8 to release the engaging arm. An actuator such as a linear piston controlled electrically/pneumatic/hydraulic moves the stop member. The actuator may be controlled electrically to move the stop member and disengage the arm 5 from the hook 3. The electronic controller may include a timer and/or GPS module to permit unlocking only at predetermined geographic locations. Preferably sensors detect positions of the engaging, stop and latch arms.

Description

Roller Shutter Locking Apparatus

Field for the Invention

The present invention relates to locking mechanisms for roller shutters and in particular to locking mechanisms for roller shutters mounted on truck and trailer bodies.

Background of the Invention

Roller shutters are used widely as a means of securing the entrance to an enclosure such as a building, a container, a truck body, a trailer body, etc. A lock is often provided to secure the roller shutter in a closed configuration.

A common type of lock that is used with roller shutters includes a hook that is mounted at the end of the roller shutter distal from the roller mechanism for rotation about an axis so that the hook may move between a first position in which the hook is engaged with a catch and a second position in which the hook is clear of the catch. The hook has a handle extending from one end thereof. Movement of the handle causes engagement or disengagement of the hook with or from the catch. This type of lock is used very widely with roller shutters of truck and trailer bodies.

It may be desirable to provide a securing means, the purpose of which being to prevent the hook from disengaging from the catch. Disengagement of the hook from the catch may occur inadvertently (for example by vibration of the vehicle or where the hook has not been engaged properly with the hook), by mistake, or by a person who is not authorised to unlock the roller shutter.

Simple solutions to the provision of a securing means may include a pad lock and suitable brackets which together prevent a handle from being moved from a position where the hook is engaged with the catch to a disengaged position. However, such arrangements have disadvantages. The keys to the lock may be lost, separation of responsibility for locking and unlocking of the lock from the vehicle operator is difficult, simple locks my be easy to force open, etc. In the distribution sector there is a growing desire for vehicles to have provisions for monitoring. Operators may wish to know whether a vehicle has been opened between depots and if so, when and where. Operators may for reasons of security wish to provide means which permit only authorised individuals to open vehicles, or for vehicles to be opened only at certain times or at certain locations.

It would be desirable to provide an improved securing arrangement for a roller shutter lock that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages associated with the roller shutter lock securing arrangements known in the art.

Summary of the Invention

According to the Invention there is provide a lock securing apparatus for securing a lock comprising a hook and a catch, the lock securing apparatus comprising: a hook engaging arm configured to engage with the hook when the hook is in locking engagement with the catch when the hook engaging arm is in a first position and moveable to a second position in which the hook engaging arm is disengaged from the hook, wherein in the first position the hook engagement arm secures the hook against movement relative to the catch and in the second position permits movement of the hook relative to the catch; a stop member moveable between a first configuration in which the hook engaging arm may move between its first and second positions, and a second configuration in which movement of the hook engaging arm from the first position to the second position is prevented; a latch mechanism, the latch mechanism comprising a latch element, the latch mechanism having a first state in which the latch element engages with the hook engaging arm when the hook engaging arm is in the second position and a second state in which the latch element is disengaged from the hook engaging arm, and wherein the latch mechanism is moved between the first and second states by engagement of the hook with a component of the latch mechanism when the hook moves into engagement with the catch; and an actuator configured to move the stop member from its second configuration to its first configuration.

The lock securing apparatus may further comprise biasing means arranged to bias the hook engaging arm to its first position, and/or biasing means arranged to bias the stop member into its second configuration, and/or biasing means arranged to bias the latch mechanism into its first state.

The biasing means ay be a resilient member and/or gravity.

The lock securing apparatus may further comprise at least one sensor, the at least one sensor provided for sensing the position of the hook engaging arm.

The at least one sensor may be provided by a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors associated with a selected one of the hook engaging arm, the stop member and the latch mechanism.

Preferably, the plurality of sensors includes three sensors, one associated with the hook engaging arm, one with the stop member and one with the latch mechanism.

Advantageously, the or each sensor provides a logic 0 or 1 output.

The lock securing apparatus may further comprise an electronic controller.

The lock securing may further comprising and a warning indicator, wherein the or each sensor is connected to the controller and the electronic controller activates the warning indicator when a false lock condition is detected.

The lock securing apparatus may further comprise a frame, each of the hook engaging arm, the stop member and the latch mechanism mounted for rotation relative to the frame.

The lock securing apparatus is preferably enclosed in a secure enclosure. The frame may form part of the secure enclosure.

Preferably, the actuator is controlled electronically. The actuator may be powered electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically or manually. The actuator may be a linear actuator such as a piston and cylinder or a worm gear drive, or a rotary actuator.

The electronic controller may be configured to receive a remote signal, which remote signal causes the actuator to move the stop member from its first and second configurations.

The electronic controller may include a timer and wherein the timer is configurable such that the signal causing the actuator to move the stop member from its first and second configurations may only be issued within one a specified time window or within specified time windows.

The electronic controller may include a GPS module and wherein the electronic controller is configurable such that the signal causing the actuator to move the stop member from its first and second configurations may only be issued at pre-determined geographic locations or within pre-determined geographic areas.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of a roller shutter, the roller shutter having a hook and catch associated therewith and a lock securing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a container having at least one opening, the at least one opening provided with a roller shutter according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided vehicle comprising a container according to the third aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the Drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a trailer having a roller shutter and roller shutter locking apparatus; Figure lb is a rear view of the trailer illustrated in Figure la; Figure 2 is an end view of an embodiment of a roller shutter locking apparatus; Figure 2a is a detailed view of parts of the roller shutter locking apparatus illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 3 illustrates the locking apparatus in a fully locked configuration; Figure 4 illustrates the locking apparatus in an unlocked configuration; Figure 5 illustrates the locking apparatus as it is locking; and Figure 6 illustrates the locking apparatus in a false lock state.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to Figures la and lb, there is shown a semi-trailer 1 having a roller shutter 2. The roller shutter 2 is provided with a typical roller shutter lock 3, which is itself known in the prior art and used widely. Located adjacent the locks is a lock securing apparatus 4.

Figures 2 and 2a illustrates the lock securing apparatus 4 in greater detail. The lock 3 includes a hook 3a having an end 3a' mounted on a collar 3c. A handle 3d is also attached to the collar 3c. The collar 3f is mounted on a shaft 3f. The connection of the hook 3a and handle 3d to the collar Sc and the mounting thereof on the shaft 3f provide that rotation of the handle 3d in the clockwise direction causes the hook 3a to disengage from a catch 3b, and rotation in the anticlockwise direction causes the hook 3a to disengage from the catch 3b. The catch 3b is formed in a plate 3b' which is fastened securely to a structural component of the trailer 1. The function of the lock securing apparatus 4 is to permit or prevent movement of the hook 3a between the locked and unlocked configurations.

The lock securing apparatus 4 comprises a frame 4a which is attachable to a structural element of the trailer 1 adjacent the roller shutter 2. A hook engaging arm 5 is attached to the frame 4a by means of a shaft Sc which provides for rotation thereabout by the hook engaging arm 5. The hook engaging arm 5 has an upper surface 5a which is shaped so as to engage with a surface the hook 3a. The shape of the hook 3a and therefore the shape of surface 5a ensure that with the hook engaging arm 5 in the position shown in Figure 2 the hook 3a is blocked against rotation about the shaft 31. Further, the surface 5a includes a part 5a' which engages with a part 3a" of the hook 3a and which by virtue of the shapes of parts 5a and 3a" cause the hook engaging arm 5 to rotate anti-clockwise when the part 3a" of hook 3a rides over part 5a' of surface 5aa when the hook 3a is rotated anti-clockwise to release the hook 3a from catch 3b.

The lock securing apparatus further comprise a stop arm 6 mounted pivotably on a shaft 6a that is attached to the frame 4a. A threaded end piece 6b is mounted on one end of the stop arm 6, the arm having a correspondingly threaded part 6e so that the distance from the length of the stop arm may be adjusted to ensure that when the stop arm is in the position shown in Figure 2 the end piece 6b engages with the hook engaging arm 5. A position setting nut 6f ensures that the end piece 6b remains in the position it is set to.

The lower part of the stop arm 6 is attached to two components. The first is an actuator 7, which in the illustrated embodiment is a linear actuator. The actuator 7 comprises a piston 7a which is attached to the stop arm 6 by means of a pin which extends through aligned holes in the piston and the stop arm. The second component to which the lower part of the stop arm is attached is a bracket 4b which forms part of the frame 4a. A spring Si extends between the bracket 4b and a pin 6d which is attaches to the stop arm 6. The spring Si is a tension spring. Hence the spring Si exerts a force which biases the stop arm 6 into the configuration shown in Figure 1, that is a position in which the stop arm 6 stops the hook engaging arm from rotating about the shaft Sc.

Also mounted on the frame 4a is a latch mechanism 8 which comprises a bracket 8a fastened in fixed relationship to a claw 8b. The claw 8b is mounted for rotation on a shaft 8c. The end of the bracket 8a is attached to one end of a tension spring S3, the other end of the tension spring being attached to a bracket 4c of the frame 4. The function of the latch mechanism 8 will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

Figure 3 to 6 illustrate the different states of the locks and the lock securing apparatus 4. In Figure 3 the roller shutter lock 3 is locked and the lock securing apparatus 4 is configured to prevent the lock 3 from moving from its locked condition. The lock securing apparatus comprises three sensors, 20, 30 and 40. Each sensor comprises two parts 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b and 40a, 40b. The parts 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b and 40a, 40b may be two parts of a switch or a proximity sensor for example. In fact any sensor which provides a first type of signal when the sensor is in a first configuration and a different type of signal when the sensor is in second configuration is suitable.

Sensor 20 is associate with the hook engaging arm 5, the sensor 30 is associated with the latch mechanism 8, and the sensor 30 is associated with the stop arm 6.

In Figure 3 the parts 20a, 20b of sensor 20 are adjacent each other and the sensor 20 gives a logic output of 1. This indicates that the hook engaging arm 5 is engaged with the hook 3a so that it may not be released. The parts 30a, 30b of sensor 30 are separated from each other and the sensor 30 gives a logic output of 0. This indicates that the latch mechanism is in the position where it is not engaged with the hook engagement arm. The parts 40a, 40b of sensor 40 are adjacent each other and the sensor 40 gives a logic output of 1. This indicates that the stop arm 6 is in the position where it stops the hook engaging arm 5 disengaging from the hook 3a.

In Figure 4 the piston 7a of the actuator 7 is retracted which causes the stop arm 6 to rotate about shaft 6a and against the force of spring Si. As the stop arm 6 rotates out of engagement with the hook engagement arm 5 the spring S2 causes the arm 5 to rotate anticlockwise and out of engagement with the hook 3a as the hook is rotated clockwise out of engagement with catch 3b. The end 3a' of hook 3a moves out of engagement with the claw 8b of the latch mechanism 8. This allows the bracket 8a and attached claw 8b to rotate anticlockwise about shaft 8d under the force of spring S3. In this unlocked state the parts 20a, 20b of sensor 20 are spaced apart from each other and the sensor 20 gives a logic output of 0. This indicates that the hook engaging arm 5 is disengaged from the hook 3a so that the hook may be released. The parts 30a, 30b of sensor 30 are adjacent each other and the sensor 30 gives a logic output of 1. This indicates that the latch mechanism is in the position where it is engaged with the hook engagement arm and is primed for locking of the hook 3a to catch 3b. The parts 40a, 40b of sensor 40 are separated from each other and the sensor 40 gives a logic output of 0. This indicates that the stop arm 6 is in the position where the hook engaging arm 5 is disengaging from the hook 3a and does not interfere with rotation of the hook 3a about shaft 31.

Figure 5 illustrates the apparatus as the hook 3a is locking with the catch 3b but is not fully locked. The components are all in the same configuration as shown in Figure 4 except for the hook 3a, which has rotated anti-clockwise until the end 3a' of hook 3a is in engagement with the end of lever 8a of latch mechanism 8. The sensors 20, 30 and 40 are in the same configuration and give the same logic output as in Figure 4. Continued rotation of the hook 3a causes the end 3a' of the hook 3a to push against the lever 8a of latch mechanism 8, causing rotation thereof about the shaft 8d against the force of spring S3. This disconnects the claw 8b from engaging with the protrusion 5d of hook engaging arm 5, allowing the hook engaging arm 5 to rotate anticlockwise under the force exerted thereon by spring 52 and as permitted by the shapes of surface 5a and the surface of hook 3a.

It is possible for the whole apparatus to find itself in a false locking configuration. It is desirable to be able to detect when a false locking situation arises. Figure 6 illustrates a false locking condition. It can be seen that the hook 3a is in the unlocked position (as shown in Figure 4) but the hook engaging arm 5 is in the same position as shown in Figure 2 and is held in that position by the stop arm 6, which is also in the same position as shown in Figure 2. The hook 3a cannot move to the locking and locked positions because the lock engaging arm 5 is in the way. However, in this configuration the protrusion 5d of the lock engaging arm 5 is in engagement with claw 8b of the latch mechanism. Hence, the logic signal from sensor 30 is 1. The sensor logic in the false lock configuration is therefore different and distinguishable from the fully locked configuration. If a false lock is detected the actuator 7 is retracted so that the apparatus may be reset.

Table 1 below indicates the possible logic outputs of the sensors Si to 53.

Sensors Status Action Communication to Tracker/ External ECU Si S2 S3 0 0 0 Fault Detected No Action Poll Fault Code 0 0 1 Fault Detected No Action Poll Fault Code 0 1 0 Unlocked Poll Unlocked 0 1 1 Fault Detected Poll Fault Code 1 0 0 Fault Detected Poll Fault Code 1 0 1 Locked Poll Locked 1 1 0 Fault Detected Poll Fault Code 1 1 1 False Lock Sound Buzzer then Poll False Lock Code Open In use, from the unlocked configuration shown in Figure 4, the roller shutter is closed, the handle 3d and hence the hook 3a are rotated anti-clockwise about shaft 3f. The end 3a' contacts the lever 8a of the latch mechanism 8, as shown in Figure 5, causing the lever 8 and attached claw 8b to rotate clockwise, causing the claw 8b to become disconnected from protrusion 5d. The force exerted by spring S2 on the hook engaging arm 5 causes clockwise rotation thereof. The force exerted by the spring Si causes the stop arm 6 to move into the position shown in Figure 3 in which the stop member 6 prevents anti-clockwise rotation of the hook engagement arm 5.

In order to move allow the hook 3a to be disengaged from the catch 3b and hence the roller shutter 2 opened it is necessary for the position 7a of the actuator 7 to be retracted. In the illustrated example the actuator 7 is an electrically powered linear actuator. Hence, the actuator 7 can only be retracted when electric power is delivered thereto. In this way the security of a vehicle provided with the apparatus of the invention can be significantly enhanced, since the means of controlling electrical power to the actuator can be controlled. For example, an electronic key may be stationed at warehouses, a driver may be provided with an electronic key. The lock securing apparatus typically includes an electronic controller for controlling operation of the actuator 7. The electronic controller and/or the electronic key may be provided a timer and/or a positioning system such as GPS. In this way the lock securing system may be programmed such that operation of the actuator and hence release of the roller shutter lock may only occur at certain times and/or certain locations. For example, a driver may have a delivery route that will take 6 hours to complete and on that route deliveries may be spaced to occur at 1 hour, 3 hours and 4 hours into the 6 hour time window. The controller and/or the key may be programmed such that the roller shutter may only be opened for a ten minute window either side of the anticipated arrival time. Where a positioning system is provided, the electronic controller and/or the electronic key may be programmed such that the roller shutter may only be opened at certain locations. This is known as geo-fencing.

In a simpler version of the apparatus, the actuator 7 may be a manually operated actuator, such as an over-centre lever. The actuator 7 may be hydraulic or pneumatic. Electronic control of such actuators may be achieved by the provision of appropriate valves and control devices which are themselves well known in the art. Hence, whether the actuator 7 is powered electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or manually, a similar level of security may be built into the apparatus. Where electronically activated access is not required, a simpler means of delivering power to the actuator may be provided.

Claims

Claims 1. A lock securing apparatus for securing a lock comprising a hook and a catch, the lock securing apparatus comprising: a hook engaging arm configured to engage with the hook when the hook is in locking engagement with the catch when the hook engaging arm is in a first position and moveable to a second position in which the hook engaging arm is disengaged from the hook, wherein in the first position the hook engagement arm secures the hook against movement relative to the catch and in the second position permits movement of the hook relative to the catch; a stop member moveable between a first configuration in which the hook engaging arm may move between its first and second positions, and a second configuration in which movement of the hook engaging arm from the first position to the second position is prevented; a latch mechanism, the latch mechanism comprising a latch element, the latch mechanism having a first state in which the latch element engages with the hook engaging arm when the hook engaging arm is in the second position and a second state in which the latch element is disengaged from the hook engaging arm, and wherein the latch mechanism is moved between the first and second states by engagement of the hook with a component of the latch mechanism when the hook moves into engagement with the catch; and an actuator configured to move the stop member from its second configuration to its first configuration.
2. A lock securing apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising biasing means arranged to bias the hook engaging arm to its first position, and/or biasing means arranged to bias the stop member into its second configuration, and/or biasing means arranged to bias the latch mechanism into its first state.
3. A lock securing apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the biasing means is a resilient member and/or gravity.
4. A lock securing apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one sensor, the at least one sensor provided for sensing the position of the hook engaging arm.
5. A lock securing apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the at least one sensor is provided by a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors associated with a selected one of the hook engaging arm, the stop member and the latch mechanism.
6. A lock securing apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the plurality of sensors includes three sensors, one associated with the hook engaging arm, one with the stop member and one with the latch mechanism.
7. A lock securing apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the or each sensor provides a logic 0 or 1 output.
8. A lock securing apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an electronic controller.
9. A lock securing apparatus according to Claim 8, further comprising and a warning indicator, wherein the or each sensor is connected to the controller and the electronic controller activates the warning indicator when a false lock condition is detected.
10. A lock securing apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a frame, each of the hook engaging arm, the stop member and the latch mechanism mounted for rotation relative to the frame.
11. A lock securing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is controlled electronically.
12. A lock securing apparatus according to Claim 11 when dependent on Claim 8, wherein the electronic controller is configured to receive a remote signal, which remote signal causes the actuator to move the stop member from its first and second configurations.
13. A lock securing apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the electronic controller includes a timer and wherein the timer is configurable such that the signal causing the actuator to move the stop member from its first and second configurations may only be issued within one a specified time window or within specified time windows.
14. A lock securing apparatus according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the electronic controller includes a GPS module and wherein the electronic controller is configurable such that the signal causing the actuator to move the stop member from its first and second configurations may only be issued at pre-determined geographic locations or within pre-determined geographic areas.
15. The combination of a roller shutter, the roller shutter having a hook and catch associated therewith and a lock securing apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 14;
16. A container having at least one opening, the at least one opening provided with a roller shutter according to Claim 15.
17. A vehicle comprising a container according to Claim 16.