GB2608340A

GB2608340A - Locking assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2608340A
Application number: GB2214009.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Walker Rob; Sangha Irundip
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-04
Filing date: 2018-05-04
Publication date: 2022-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-04
Also published as: EP3619382A1; GB201807345D0; GB202214009D0; GB201707144D0; EP3619382B1; WO2018203080A1; GB2608340B; GB2564225B; GB2564225A; GB2564225A9; CN212249572U

Abstract

A locking assembly for a door, having a keep with a latch bolt recess 207 and a locking bolt recess 205, and a lock body having a latch bolt and a locking bolt and an automatic actuation mechanism for actuating the locking bolt. The automatic actuation mechanism has a trigger and a contact surface 213 215 on the keep, such that the trigger is only compressed when the lock body is aligned with the keep and the latch bolt has engaged with the latch bolt recess – i.e. once the door is fully closed. The contact surface may include a trigger recess 215 that the trigger slides though while the door is closing and then a ramp 213 which then engages the trigger and throws the locking bolt. The ramp surface 213 may be aligned and/or adjacent to the latch bolt recess. The trigger recess ensures that the locking bolt is only thrown when the door is shut. The locking assembly has a snib mechanism which prevents accidental actuation of the lock bolts.

Description

Locking Assembly

Technical Field

The invention relates to locking systems for windows and doors. Specifically, the invention relates to an automatic locking, multi-point locking assembly for doors.

Background

Multipoint locks are well-known for use in securing doors, and are particularly common in modern extruded PVC doors, although they are also used for timber, metal and composite doors. Mulfipoint locks have locking bolts which are drivable by a handle unit. Because the locks have multiple locking bolts connecting the door and frame, they provide a high level of security.

It is desirable to have a locking assembly which provides the increased security of a mulfipoint lock with an increased ease of use. Automatic locks have been developed wherein the locking bolts are automatically fired to secure a door once it has closed. Existing systems are often electronic, which provides difficulties in either providing power to the system, or for when power is cut.

Without electronic motor assistance, it can be difficult for a user to disengage the lock bolts to unlock the door. Often this either requires the use of a handle unit, or requires a user to apply sufficient force to the system through the key alone.

It is also desirable to provide a locking assembly which reduces the chance of a user accidentally engaging the locking assembly.

The present invention attempts to resolve or ameliorate one or more of the problems with lock assemblies for windows and doors, or provide a useful alternative.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a locking assembly for a door. The locking assembly may comprise a lock body. The lock body may comprise at least one locking bolt. The lock body may comprise an automatic actuation mechanism for engaging the locking bolt. The locking assembly may comprise a keep configured to engage with the locking bolt. The automatic actuation mechanism may comprise a compressible trigger. The compressible trigger may be provided on the lock body. The compressible trigger may be for triggering the automatic actuation mechanism. The locking assembly may comprise a contact surface. The contact surface may be provided on the keep. The contact surface may be configured to compress the compressible trigger as or when the lock body is brought into alignment with the keep.

The trigger may be mechanical. The trigger may be non-electronic. The trigger may be non-magnetic.

The automatic actuation mechanism may comprise one or more springs. The one or more springs may be configured to bias the locking bolt into an engaging position. The automatic actuation mechanism may be gravity assisted. The one or more springs may be configured to bias the locking bolt into an intermediate position, wherein the locking bolt moves into the engaging position under power of gravity. Actuating the locking bolt may comprise moving the locking bolt. E.g. actuating the locking bolt may comprise moving the locking bolt into an engaging position.

As used herein, a locking bolt is any form of bolt selectively movable between engaging and retracted positions. The locking bolt may comprise a hook bolt. Engaging the locking bolt may comprise rotating the hook bolt to engage a keep.

In some embodiments, the keep comprises a recess and the lock body and keep may be aligned when the locking bolt can project into the recess without contacting the edges thereof.

The locking assembly may further comprise at least one latch bolt. As used herein, a latch bolt is a conventional term of art, as would be understood by the skilled person.

Typically, latch bolts may comprise a biasing mechanism such as a spring to bias it into an engaging position, and may be retracted using a handle, but do not comprise a locking mechanism to prevent their retraction.

The automatic actuation mechanism may be configured to engage the locking bolt after the latch bolt has engaged the keep. The trigger and/or the at least one latch bolt may be displaced relative to a central axis of the lock body and/or gearbox.

The lock body may be movable relative to the keep in a movement axis. The lock body may be movable in a movement direction during a closing operation of the locking assembly. The trigger may be displaced relative to the at least one latch bolt in the movement direction. The trigger may be located behind the at least one latch bolt in the movement direction.

The at least one latch bolt may be provided adjacent to the locking bolt.

The latch bolt may comprise an insert comprising a low friction material. The low friction material may be a coating. The low friction material may be a plastics material,

for example, PTFE.

The lock body may comprise a plurality of automatically engageable locking bolts. The lock body may comprise a plurality of latch bolts. Two or more of the latch bolts may each be provided adjacent to one or more of the automatically engageable locking bolts. Optionally, each of the automatically engageable locking bolts is provided with an adjacent latch bolt. The lock body may comprise a plurality of locking units, each unit comprising at least one locking bolt and at least one latch bolt. The automatic actuation mechanism may be configured to engage more than one, or optionally all, of the locking bolts. The compressible trigger may trigger more than one, or optionally all, of the automatically engageable locking bolts.

The lock body may comprise a gearbox for housing a portion of the automatic actuation mechanism. The locking bolt may be spaced apart from the gearbox. In embodiments comprising multiple locking bolts, some or all of the locking bolts may be spaced apart from the gearbox.

The gearbox may be located approximately centrally of the length of the lock body. The locking assembly may comprise a first and second locking unit. The first and second locking unit may be located at or adjacent a first and second end of the lock body.

The compressible trigger may be located on the gearbox. The locking assembly may further comprise a key operated deadbolt. The key operated deadbolt may be located in the gearbox.

The actuation mechanism may be operable to retract the automatically engageable locking bolts. The actuation mechanism may be configured to retain the locking bolts in a non-engaging position until triggered. For example, until the trigger is compressed.

The automatic actuation mechanism may further comprise a lock cylinder. The locking bolts may be retractable by rotating the lock cylinder with a key.

The keep may comprise one or more recesses for receiving one or more locking bolts and/or latch bolts. The keep may comprise a recess per locking bolt and/or per latch bolt. The keep may comprise one or more keep plates. The keep plates may comprise one or more recesses. The locking assembly may comprise a keep plate per locking unit. The locking assembly may comprise a keep plate for the gearbox.

The or each recess may comprise a bearing in an edge thereof. The bearing may be for reducing the friction of a bolt sliding past the edge of the recess. The bearing may be cylindrical and/or tubular. The bearing may comprise a low friction material. The low friction material may be a coating. The low friction material may be a plastics material, for example, PTFE. Alternatively, the bearing may comprise a hard wearing material, for example, brass.

In some embodiments, the recesses configured to receive a latch bolt may comprise the bearing in an edge thereof. The bearing may be configured to reduce the force required to retract a latch bolt.

The bearing may be movable relative to the recess to widen or narrow the width of the recess.

The bearing may be provided on an edge of a bearing plate. The bearing plate may comprise at least one fixing slot for adjustably fixing the bearing plate to the keep. For example, the bearing plate may comprise a pair of slots. The slots may be configured to receive mechanical fasteners, such as screws. The slots may extend away from the recess. Thus, the bearing plate can be moved in the axis of the slots before the mechanical fasteners are tightened to provide adjustability. When attached to the keep, the edge of the bearing plate may forms an edge of the recess.

The bearing may be provided on the trailing edge of the recess. The trailing edge of the recess is the edge adjacent the trailing edge of the latch bolt.

The bearing plate may be movable relative to the contact surface.

The contact surface in the keep may comprise a ramp. The trigger may be configured to ride up the ramp as the lock body and keep are brought into alignment. Alternatively, the contact surface may comprise a ridge or step, and the trigger may comprise an angled surface. The contact surface and/or the recess may be displaced relative to a central axis of the keep.

The lock body may be movable relative to the keep in the movement axis. The contact surface may be displaced relative to the recess in the keep in the movement direction. The contact surface may be located behind the recess in the keep in the movement direction.

The latch bolt, trigger, recess and the contact surface may all be relatively located in the movement axis such that the latch bolt engages the recess prior to the contact surface compressing the trigger, during a closing operation of the locking assembly.

The keep may comprise a leading edge. The leading edge is the edge of the keep which encounters the lock body first during a closing operation of the locking assembly. The recess may be located close to the leading edge of the keep than the contact surface.

The lock body may comprise a leading edge. The leading edge is the edge of the lock body which encounters the keep first during a closing operation of the locking assembly. The latch bolt may be located closer to the leading edge than the trigger.

The locking assembly may comprise a snib mechanism. The snib mechanism may comprise any conventional snib mechanism, or a snib mechanism as described herein.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a door assembly comprising a locking assembly as described above. The door assembly may comprise a door and a door frame. The door and door frame may be connected by one or more hinges. The lock body may be located in or on the door, and the keep may be located in or on the door frame. In some embodiments, the locations of the lock body and keep are reversed.

The locking assembly may be configured so that during a closing operation of the door, the automatic actuation mechanism is triggered when the door is aligned with the door frame. The door may be aligned with the door frame when the door is closed and/or when the lock body is aligned with the keep, and/or when the locking bolt is aligned with a recess in the keep. In one series of embodiments, the automatic actuation mechanism is configured so that the trigger is compressed when the door is closed.

The contact surface and the recess in the keep may be relatively positioned so that the latch bolt or bolts engage the recess before the contact surface compresses the trigger during closing of the door. When the door is closing, the leading end face of the door moves relative to the door frame. In the final stages of closing, this movement is approximately linear and can be considered a movement axis. The keep may be configured so that the contact surface and the recess are displaced relative to each other in the movement axis of the door. The contact surface may be located behind the recess in the direction of travel of the door. The trigger and the latch bolt may be displaced in the movement axis of the door. For example, the trigger may be located behind the latch bolt in the direction of travel of the door.

The door assembly may be configured so that as the door is closed the lock body is moved toward the keep. The latch bolt or bolts may be configured to retract under a compression force by motion past the edge of the keep. As the latch bolt is brought into alignment with the recess in the keep, it may engage the recess. The latch bolt may be configured to bear upon an edge or surface of the keep and bias the lock body into alignment. The contact surface may be configured so that once the latch bolt has engaged the recess, the contact surface compresses the trigger. The contact surface may be configured so that the trigger is partially compressed when the latch bolts are compressed by the keep.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a locking assembly comprising at least one latch bolt and/or locking bolt, and a snib mechanism for selectively retaining the at least one latch bolt and/or locking bolt in a retracted position, the snib mechanism comprising a two-stage switch configured to be operable in a release operation and an actuation operation to engage and/or disengage the snib mechanism.

An operating portion may be provided. The release operation may cause the operating portion to move between a locked configuration, in which the actuation operation of the snib mechanism cannot occur, and a release configuration in which the actuation operation can be operated.

The locking assembly may comprise a locking assembly as described previously.

The snib mechanism may be configured to selectively retain the at least one latch bolt and/or locking bolt in a retracted position.

The release operation may comprise overcoming a barrier, resistance, or biasing force or disengaging a catch. The release operation may comprise moving the switch in a first direction. The first direction may be a linear direction. Alternatively, the first direction may be a rotational direction, for example, a clockwise or anticlockwise rotation. The first direction may be longitudinally or lengthwise of the locking assembly, or the first direction may have a component thereof in a longitudinal or lengthwise direction.

The actuation operation may comprise moving a restrictor portion into a restricting position. The restrictor portion may comprise a block or tooth. The restricting portion may be configured to engage a portion of an actuation mechanism, for example, a drive bar. The restricting portion may be configured to prevent movement of an actuation mechanism.

The actuation operation may comprise moving the switch in a second direction. The second direction may be a linear direction. Alternatively, the second direction may be a rotational direction, for example, a clockwise or anticlockwise rotation. The second direction may be laterally or widthwise of the locking assembly, or the second direction may have a component thereof in a lateral or widthwise direction.

The second direction may be different to the first direction. The second direction may be angled relative to the first direction. The second direction may be transverse to the first direction, or have a component thereof in a transverse direction relative to the first direction. The first and second directions may comprise an angle therebetween. The angle may be substantially 90°. The angle may be less than 900.

The switch may be movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

The snib mechanism may be configured so that when the switch is in the engaged position the snib mechanism prevents at least one latch bolt and/or at least one locking bolt from being moved into an engaging position. The engaging position for a latch bolt and/or locking bolt may be the position where the latch bolt or locking bolt would engage with a keep. The locking assembly may comprise a lock body, and the latch bolt and/or locking bolt may be in the engaging position when they project or extend from the lock body. The snib mechanism may be configured so that when the switch is in the disengaged position, the at least one latch bolt and/or at least one locking bolt operate normally. The switch may be movable in the reverse of the first and second directions to disengage the snib mechanism.

Optionally, the snib mechanism may be configured so that the two-stage switch is operable in a release operation and an actuation operation to engage the snib mechanism, and the two-stage switch is operable in a release operation and an actuation operation to disengage the snib mechanism. The snib mechanism may be configured so that the switch is operable in a release operation, an actuation operation to engage and/or disengage the snib mechanism, and a retaining operation. The retaining operation may comprise the opposite of a release operation. For example, applying or moving behind a barrier, resistance, or biasing force or engaging a catch.

The locking assembly may comprise a plurality of latch bolts and/or locking bolts. The snib mechanism may be configured to retain a plurality of latch bolts and/or locking bolts in a retracted position when the snib mechanism is engaged. The snib mechanism may be configured to retain all of said latch bolts and/or locking bolts in a retracted position, e.g. when the snib mechanism is engaged.

The locking assembly may comprise an automatic actuation mechanism for engaging the at least one latch bolt and/or locking bolt. The snib mechanism may be configured to retain all of the latch bolts and all of the automatically actuated locking bolts in the retracted position when the snib mechanism is engaged. In some embodiments, engaging the snib mechanism may comprise disengaging the automatic actuation mechanism. The automatic actuation mechanism may comprise a trigger, and optionally the snib mechanism may deactivate the trigger when the snib mechanism is engaged.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further comprises one or more key-operated deadbolts.

In some embodiments, the switch may be movable in a third direction. The third direction may be parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction and/or opposite to the first direction.

The switch may comprise a slider. The slider may comprise a plate. The slider may comprise a connector for connecting the slider to the locking assembly. The locking assembly may comprise a first aperture for receiving the connector and thus constraining the movement of the slider. The switch may comprise a restricting portion. The locking assembly may comprise a pathway for receiving the restricting portion and constraining the movement of the slider. The restricting portion may be configured so that when in the engaging position, it engages with a portion of an actuation mechanism.

The slider may be slidable in the first direction and/or the second direction. Optionally, the slider may be slidable in the third direction. The third direction may correspond to a retaining operation.

The first direction and second direction, and optionally third direction, may define a switch path. The switch path may have a U-shape or inverted U-shape.

The snib mechanism may be configured so that, to engage the snib mechanism, the switch must be moved in a first vertical direction, and then moved in a second horizontal direction. Moving the switch in the second, horizontal direction may comprise the actuation operation. The first vertical direction may comprise moving the switch upwards. The snib mechanism may be configured to move in a third, downwards direction.

The locking assembly may further comprise a knob or handle configured to retract the at least one latch bolt and/or at least one locking bolt.

The locking assembly may be configured to be located in the leading edge end face of a door. The locking assembly may be configured so that the first or second direction is transverse to the movement of the door during a closing operation of the door. This is advantageous for door assemblies which comprise seals or gaskets which contact the leading end face of the door, since the seal or gasket may accidentally engage the snib mechanism if the switch is moveable in the same axis as the movement direction of the door.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a door assembly comprising a door leaf and a locking assembly according to the third aspect of the invention.

The door assembly may be configured so that the locking assembly is located on the leading end face of the door leaf. The locking assembly may have a length defined by the longest dimension of the locking assembly. The door assembly may be configured so that the length of the locking assembly is substantially upright.

The first direction may be in a vertical direction, or have a component thereof in a vertical direction. The second direction may be in a horizontal direction, or have a component thereof in a horizontal direction. In one series of embodiments, the first direction is in a horizontal axis and the second direction is in a vertical axis.

It is understood that any one or more of the features from any aspect of the invention may be combined with other feature from any aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a locking assembly; Figures 2A to 20 are close up photographs of portions of a locking assembly; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a keep according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a keep according to an embodiment; Figure 5A is a cutaway of a locking unit according to an embodiment; Figures 5B and 50 are cutaways of the locking unit of Figure 5A during a retraction operation; Figures 6A and 63 are cutaway views of a gearbox according to an embodiment; Figure 6C is a cutaway views of the gearbox of Figures 6A-B during a retraction operation; Figure 6D is a cutaway view of the gearbox of Figures 6A-C from the opposite side; Figures 7A and 73 are cutaway views of a gearbox according to an embodiment; and Figure 8A and 8B are perspective views of a gearbox.

Specific Description of the Figures

Turning now to Figure 1 a locking assembly will be described. Although locking assemblies for doors which are configured to automatically fire one or more deadbolts when the door is closed are known, they suffer from a number of disadvantages. Firstly, these often require complex electronic or magnetic trigger assemblies to ensure correct actuation. Secondly, due to the complex assemblies, they often require a large force to retract all of the locking and latch bolts in order to open the door. While this is attainable with a door handle, a desirable modern styling point is to have no exterior door handle. Thus, in embodiments, it may be desirable that the mechanism is operable via only a key.

Figure 1 shows a lock body 10 for use in a locking assembly according to the claims.

The lock body 10 has a gearbox 11 and two locking units 12, 13 located away from the gearbox 11. The gearbox 11 is located approximately centrally of the lock body 10, although in other variants the position of the gearbox 11 can be moved closer to either locking unit 12, 13.

The gearbox 11 and locking units 12, 13 are connected via a face plate 14 which extends continuously between the two locking units 12, 13. The lock body 10 is configured to be received within a groove provided in the leading end face of a door leaf (not shown). Located behind the faceplate 14 is a drive bar 15 which operatively connects the gearbox 11 with the two locking units 12, 13. The gearbox 11 is provided with a first latch bolt 16A. Each locking unit 12, 13 is provided with a further latch bolt 16B, 160. The locking units 12, 13 also comprise locking bolts 17B, 17C in the form of hooks.

Turning now to Figures 2A to 20, the gearbox 11 and locking units 12, 13 will be further described.

The locking units 12, 13 each comprise a locking unit housing 120, 130 which is directly connected to the faceplate 14 by mechanical fasteners 122, 132. The terminal ends of the faceplate 14 are provided with screw holes 124 and 134 for fixing the faceplate 14 and thus the lock body 10 to a door leaf. The locking units 12, 13 each comprise a portion of an automatic actuation mechanism (not shown) configured to engage the locking bolts 17B, 17C.

The gearbox 11 is has a gearbox housing 110 directly connected to the faceplate 14 via a pair of mechanical fasteners 112, typically either machine screws or bolts. The housing 110 has a lock aperture 114 which is configured to receive a lock cylinder (not shown). The lock aperture 114 has a profile configured to receive a lock cylinder as described in the present Applicant's application GB14742578.9. An optional lock aperture insert 116 is fitted in the lock aperture 114 to allow the use of a conventional euro profile within the gearbox 11.

The gearbox 11 also has a deadbolt 118 configured to be operated by a cylinder lock (not shown) fitted within the lock aperture 114. The gearbox 11 is also provided with a spindle aperture 117 which has a conventional square cross-section for receiving a spindle from a conventional door handle assembly (not shown). The gearbox 11 is designed so that the latch bolt 16A is retracted when the handle is operated, thereby rotating the cam 119 in the conventional fashion.

Adjacent to the latch bolt 16A is a trigger 113, for triggering the automatic actuation mechanism which engages the locking bolts 17B, 17C. Lastly, the gearbox 11 is provided with a slider 115 for engaging a snib mechanism (not shown). The trigger and snib mechanism which will be described further below.

Turning now to Figure 3, there is shown a keep plate 200 which forms part of a keep of the locking assembly. The keep plate 200 is configured to be provided in a door frame and located opposite to the gearbox 11 of the lock body 10. The plate 200 comprises an elongate body 201 which has its longest dimension lengthwise (e.g. in direction X).

A series of countersunk fixing holes 203 are arranged lengthwise along the body 201 for receiving screws (not shown) and fixing the keep plate 200 to a door frame (not shown).

Toward one end is a deadbolt recess 205, which extends away from the body 201 in the direction Y. The deadbolt recess 205 has a cross-section designed to correspond with that of the deadbolt 118, in this case rectangular.

Toward the other end of the body 201 is provided a latch bolt recess 207. The latch bolt recess 207 also extends away from the body 201 in the direction Y, and extends across the width of the body (in the direction Z) so as to form an approximately cuboidal recess. The rear face 209 is angled relative to the body 201, so that they do not lie parallel. This is to accommodate the angled surface of the latch bolt 16A.

Adjacent to the latch bolt recess 207 is the contact surface 211. The contact surface 211 is a portion of the body 201. The body is provided with a ramp 213, which connects the contact surface 211 with the trigger recess 215. The trigger recess 215 is a plate offset from the surface of the body 201 in the direction Y. In use, the lock body 10 will move relative to the keep 200, which is fixed to a door frame. When the lock body 10 and keep 200 are very close, the relative movement is approximately linear, and can be estimated as being along the direction Z. This can be considered the movement direction. During a closing movement of the door leaf, the lock body 10 would be moving approximately in the direction Z. As the trigger 113 is brought toward to the keep 200, the trigger enters the trigger recess 215. As it continues in the direction Z, it encounters the ramp 213. Since the ramp 213 and the trigger 113 are both angled, the movement of the trigger 113 in the direction Z causes the trigger 113 to ride up the ramp 213 until it contacts the contact surface 211. During this motion, the trigger 113 is compressed in the direction opposite to direction Y. This compression is used to trigger the automatic actuation mechanism as described below.

The latch recess 207 has four edges. The edges 217 and 219 extend in the direction Y, and are thus substantially transverse to the movement direction Z. Since the edge 217 is reached by the latch bolt 16A before the opposite edge 219, the edge 217 is the leading edge 217 of the latch recess 207. The opposite edge 219 is thus the trailing edge 219. The body 201 at the leading edge 217 extends in the direction Z so as to provide a projecting portion 221. The projecting portion 221 is provided with a bearing plate 223 which is coupled to the projecting portion 221 by a pair of bolts or screws 225 received within slots 227. The slots 227 extend in the direction Z, i.e. in the movement direction. The bearing plate 223 is thus movable in the direction Z, i.e. the movement direction. The bearing plate 223 comprises a bearing edge 229 which overlaps the leading edge 217 of the latch bolt recess 207. The bearing edge is provided with a bearing 231 therein. The bearing is typically formed from brass or other hardwearing material. In use, when the latch bolt 16A is retracted, it bears upon the bearing 231 rather than the leading edge 217 of the latch bolt recess 207 (as would be the case in existing locking assemblies). The bearing thus reduces the resistance exerted upon the latch bolt 16A and makes it easier for a user to retract the latch bolt 16A and open a door.

The bearing edge thus forms the effective edge of the latch bolt recess 207. By moving the bearing plate 223 in the direction Z, it is possible to adjust the width (in the direction Z) of the latch bolt recess. More importantly, since the latch bolt 16A would ride over the bearing plate 223 and leading edge 217 of the recess 207 before being biased into the latch bolt recess 207, moving the bearing plate 223 effectively moves the location of the latch bolt recess 207 in the direction Z. By moving the bearing plate 223, it is possible to adjust the relative positions of the latch bolt recess 207 and the contact surface 211 in the movement direction of the door leaf and lock body 10. It is thus possible to configure the keep plate 200 to ensure that the latch bolt 16A is received within the latch bolt recess 207 before the trigger 113 fully rides up the ramp 213 and is compressed by the contact surface 211.

Turning now to Figure 4, there is shown a second keep plate. The second keep plate 250 has essentially the same structure as the keep plate 200, and description of identical features will not be repeated. The keep plate comprises a locking bolt recess 255, for receiving one of the locking bolts 17B, 17C. The locking bolt recess is substantially the same as the deadbolt recess 205.

The significant difference between the keep plate 250 and the keep plate 200 of Figure 3 is the absence of a contact surface, ramp or trigger recess. The trigger 113 in the lock body 10 is configured to trigger the automatic actuation mechanism for the entire lock body, as discussed in more detail below, so further triggers adjacent to each locking bolt 173, 17C are unnecessary.

The trigger and automatic actuation mechanisms will now be described with reference to figures 5A-C, 6A and 6B.

Turning now to Figure 5A, the interior of a locking unit 12 is shown. The locking unit is substantially identical to locking unit 13, and thus the current description includes both units. References to locking bolt 17B and latch bolt 163 are intended to refer equally to locking bolt 17C and latch bolt 16C. The housing 120 contains the locking bolt 17B, the latch bolt 16B, and a portion of the automatic actuation mechanism.

The locking bolt 17B is hook shaped, and shown in an engaging, projecting position.

The locking bolt 17B has a pivot point 301 to which it is pivotally coupled. In use, it can rotate about pivot point 301. A first torsion spring 303 is provided to bias the locking bolt 17B into the engaging position as shown in Figure 5. In order to retract the locking bolt 17B, the force of the first torsion spring 303 must be overcome. A trailing edge of the locking bolt 17B is provided with a guide block 305 which projects from the surface of the locking bolt 17B.

An anti-jemmy lever 307 is provided and pivotally coupled to the pivot point 307A. A second torsion spring 309 is provided and configured to bias the anti-jemmy lever 307 into the engaging position as shown in Figure 5A. The anti-jemmy lever 307 is configured to prevent the locking bolt 173 being forcibly pushed back into the locking unit 12. For example, and attacker may insert a tool between the door and the door frame and apply an upward force in an attempt to lift the locking bolt 17B and thus retract the locking bolt 17B sufficiently that it no longer engages the locking bolt recess 255. Should this occur, the rear surface 306 of the locking bolt 17B would contact the leading end 307C of the anti-jemmy lever 307, which would be pushed into the corner formed by the rear surface 306 and guide block 305 and thus prevent the locking bolt 17B from retracting further.

With additional reference to Figures 5B and 5C, to correctly retract the locking bolt 17B, a user actuates the mechanism at the gearbox 11 (see below) and the locking bolt 17B is pushed backwards into the housing 120. This is achieved via one or more drive bars (15, omitted from Figured 5A-C) extending from the gearbox 11. The drive bars 15 are coupled to a drive plate 313 within the housing 120 by either of the drive bar connectors 331, 332. The drive bar connectors 331, 332 are provided at opposite ends of the locking units 12, 13 and are connectable to an end of the drive bar 15. In the example of locking unit 12 in Figures 1 and 5A-C, since the locking unit 12 is located below the gearbox 11, the drive bar 15 enters through upper channel 333 and is connected to drive bar connector 332. In the case of locking unit 13, the drive bar 15 extends through lower channel 334 and is connected to drive bar connector 331. Thus, the locking units 12, 13 are interchangeable, simplifying manufacture and minimising the number of unique components required. Since the drive plates 313 in both locking units 12, 13 are connected to the one or more drive bars 15, the drive plates 313 are both simultaneously moved by the mechanism within the gearbox 11.

To retract the locking bolt 17B, the mechanism within the gearbox is actuated (e.g. with a key) to drive the drive bars 15 upwards. This upwards movement is thus transferred to the drive plates 313 within the locking units 12, 13. The drive plate 313 is coupled to a drive cam 315 which acts on the underside of the locking bolt 17B. Thus, as the drive plate 313 is driven upwards, so too is the drive cam 315, which pushes the locking bolt 173 in the clockwise direction (as pictured) against the torsion spring 303 until retracted as shown in Figure 5B. In order to prevent the anti-jemmy lever 307 from obstructing the movement of the locking bolt 17B as described above, an upper edge 317 of the drive plate 313 is configured to push the head 307B of the anti-jemmy lever 307 upwards so that the leading end 307C is lifted above the locking bolt 173 which passes underneath unobstructed. The anti-jemmy lever 307 can then rest on the upper surface 308 of the locking bolt 173 as shown in Figures 53 and 5C. The locking bolt 17B is retained in the retracted position by the drive cam 315 on the drive plate 313, which is held in the position shown in Figure 5B by the drive bar and the mechanism within the gearbox.

The configuration pictured in Figure 5B shows the locking bolt 173 in a retracted position and wherein the trigger mechanism is primed, but the latch bolt 163 is still engaged and projecting from the locking unit 12. Thus to open the door, the latch bolt 16B must also be retracted.

The latch bolt 163 is coupled to a third spring 319 for biasing the latch bolt 163 into an engaging/projecting position. The latch bolt 16B is also coupled to a pivot arm 321, which is approximately L-shaped and has a first arm 321A and a second arm 3213. The drive plate 313, adjacent to the drive bar connector 331, is further provided with a drive block 322. As shown in Figure 5A, the drive block 332 is spaced apart from the second arm 3213 of the pivot arm 321. As the drive bar 15 and drive plate 313 is raised, thereby retracting the locking bolt 17B, the latch bolt tooth 322 is also lifted to a position contacting or immediately adjacent to the second arm 321B. In a second stage, the drive bars 15 and drive plate 313 are actuated by the gearbox mechanism and lifted further. Thus, as the drive bar 15 is moved upward, the latch bolt tooth 322 drives the second arm 3213 upwards and rotates the pivot arm 321. The first arm 321A is thus driven to the right (as pictured) and drives the rear block 163 to the right against the biasing force of third spring 319. The rear block 163 is connected via a shaft 165 to the latch bolt 16B, which is driven into the locking unit 12 as shown in Figure 5C. No catch is provided to keep the drive plate 313 in the raised position shown in Figure 5C, and thus the latch bolt 16B is retained in the fully retracted position shown in Figure 5C temporarily. When the biasing force from the mechanism in the gearbox and the drive bars 15 is released, the 16B are biased by third spring 319 back into the projecting position shown in Figure 53.

The latch bolt 163 has an insert 161. The insert 161 is made of a low-friction material, such as PTFE. The insert 161 is located so that, in use, it contacts and rides against the bearing 231 in the bearing plate 223. The combination of the bearing 231 and low-friction insert 161 minimises the friction force acting against the retraction of the latch bolt 16B. The same insert 161 is provided in each of the latch bolts 16A, 16B, 16C.

Turning now to Figures 6A to 6C, the gearbox 11 is shown in three configurations: pre-triggering or primed (Fig 6A), post triggering (Fig 6B), and fully retracted (Fig 6C). The trigger 113 has a slanted face 140 on an exterior end and a tooth 141 on the opposite end located within the gearbox housing 120. The tooth 141 is receivable in a cut-out 143 in a gearbox plate 145. The gearbox plate 145 extends lengthwise of the gearbox 11 and is connected at each end to a drive bar 15. The opposite ends of the drive bars 15 are connected to the drive bar connectors 331, 333. The gearbox plate 145 is connected to a series of cams within the gearbox 11 in the conventional fashion to drive the actuation of the locking mechanism via the rotation of a lock cylinder (not shown) which would be retained within the lock aperture 114.

In Figure 6A, the pre-triggering or primed configuration corresponds with the configuration of the locking unit 12 shown in Figure 5B, wherein the locking bolt 17B is retracted, but the latch bolt 16B engaged. When the trigger 113 is compressed as described above, the trigger 113 is moved backwards, into the gearbox housing 120. While engaged, the gear plate 145 is prevented from moving lengthwise of the gearbox housing 120 by the tooth 141. When pushed backwards, as shown in Figure 6B, the tooth 141 is moved out of engagement with the upper end of the cut-out 143, and the gear plate 145 can move within the gearbox housing 120 in the direction of the arrow (i.e. downwards), preferably either dropping under the power of gravity or additionally or alternatively by a biasing mechanism (not shown).

When the gear plate 145 drops, it drives or pulls the drive bars 15 downwards also.

Since the drive bars 15 move downwards, the drive plates 313 in the locking units 12, 13 and the drive cam 315 drops also. Without the drive cam 315 in the raised position to retain the locking bolt 17B in the retracted position in Figure 5B, it is biased by the first torsion spring 303 and further by its weight under gravity into the projecting position as shown in Figure 5A. The anti-jemmy lever 307 which has been resting on top of the locking bolt 17B can then drop into place behind the locking bolt 17B to prevent retraction.

The mechanism to reset the trigger mechanism and automatic actuation mechanisms will now be described with additional reference to Figure 6D. To rest the trigger mechanism and automatic actuation mechanism, it is necessary to lift the gear plate 145. From the internal side of the door, this can be achieved by a handle connected via a spindle (not shown) to the spindle aperture 150. The spindle aperture 150 is connected to a spindle lever 151. The spindle lever 151 drives a spindle block 152 which projects from the gear plate 145 (on the opposite surface from the angle of Figure 6A-C), and thus rotating a handle in a conventional manner lifts the gear plate 145. In some embodiments, a handle may also be provided on the external side of the door to actuate the mechanism.

From the external side, it is desirable to retract the deadbolt 118, locking bolts 17B and latch bolts 16B, and thus reset the trigger mechanism and automatic actuation mechanism using only a key (although a handle may be provided in some embodiments). A cylinder lock 114A, such as a euro-profile cylinder lock is provided in the lock aperture 114. The gearbox has a conventional two stage mechanism used in multi-point locks, drivable by the revolving cam 114B of the lock cylinder.

The two stage mechanism typically comprises rotating the key within the barrel of the lock cylinder twice. From the locked position, the first rotation (clockwise, as pictured) of the revolving cam 114B drives a deadbolt slider 171, which is connected to the deadbolt 118. In Figure 6D this first rotation has been completed, and the deadbolt slider 171 and deadbolt 118 have been driven to the retracted position. The mechanism further comprises a first arm 173 which is connected to the deadbolt 118. Thus, as the deadbolt 118 is driven to the right hand side as shown, the arm 173 is moved in the same direction to the position shown in Figure 6D, adjacent to the cylinder lock 114A. To engage the deadbolt 118 from the position shown in Figure 6d, a key is inserted into the cylinder lock 114A and rotated anti-clockwise to drive the deadbolt slider 171 from right to left.

In the second stage, the subsequent rotation of the revolving cam 114B (clockwise, as pictured) lifts the first arm 173. When the deadbolt 118 is retracted, the first arm 173 is aligned with the second arm 175. As the first arm 173 is lifted by the revolving cam 114B, it lifts the second arm 175. The second arm 175 is L-shaped, and has a projection 176 received within a slot 146 in the gear plate 145. Thus rotating the revolving cam 114B lifts the gear plate 145. The rising gear plate 145 thus retracts the locking bolts 17B and latch bolts 16B and resets the automatic actuation mechanism.

As the gear plate 145 is lifted, i.e. in the direction of the arrow in Figure 60, the cut out 143 (Figures 6A-C) is lifted until it becomes aligned with the tooth 141 of the trigger 113. The tooth 141 is biased under a small spring (not shown), into the cut out 143, and thus blocks the gear plate 145 from dropping back downwards. Thus, the trigger 113 effectively retains the gear plate 145 in the primed position as shown in Figure 6A, and similarly the drive plate 313 is retained in the primed position as shown in Figure 5B.

As shown in Figure 60, by continuing the rotation of the revolving cam 114B, the gear plate 145 is driven further upwards. The tooth 141 rides within the cut out 143 until it reaches the bottom of the cut out 143, at which stage further upward movement of the gear plate 145 is prevented. The gear plate 145 is connected to an L-shaped lever 165 which retracts the latch bolt 16A in the same manner as the retraction of latch bolts 16B, 160 described previously. Thus, all of the latch bolts 16A-C are retracted simultaneously. When the force applied to the key, and thus to the gear plate 145 is removed, the gear plate 145 drops until the tooth 141 contacts the upper end of the cut out 143 as shown in Figure 6A and further movement is prevented. Thus the retraction of the latch bolts 16A-C is temporary and dependent upon a user applying a force either via a key or a handle in the conventional manner.

Thus, a simple triggering mechanism is achieved by which to actuate the locking bolts 17B, 170. Furthermore, since the gear plate 145 is retained in place by the tooth 141, the locking bolts 17B, 170 are prevented from firing unless the trigger is compressed. By using a single trigger to trigger the mechanism within each locking unit remotely, rather than individual trigger mechanisms within each locking unit, the number of components is minimised. The single trigger also means a reduction in the number of springs and biasing mechanisms within the automatic actuation assembly. Thus, in order to retract the locking bolts 17B, 17C against the force of the biasing mechanisms, the force required is lessened.

The inventors have found that the force required to retract all of the locking bolts and latch bolts is lessened to such an extent that they can be operated with a conventional key within an acceptable force range which has been found to be lower or comparable to competitors.

Turning now to Figures 7A to 8B, the snib mechanism will be described. Figures 7A and B show the gearbox in cutaway with the snib mechanism in a non-engaging configuration and engaging configuration respectively. Figures 8A and B show a perspective exterior view of the snib mechanism in a non-engaging configuration and engaging configuration respectively.

A variety of snib mechanisms are known in the art and typically vary depending on the locking assembly to which they are applied. For a conventional nightlatch, a snib mechanism may have a button which can be pressed once the latch bolt is retracted to retain the latch bolt in the retracted position. For locking assemblies which automatically engage locking bolts when the door is shut, it is necessary to provide a snib mechanism which can selectively prevent the locking bolts engaging as well as any latch bolts.

Snib mechanisms are desirable for when a user wishes to close but not lock a door to which the locking assembly is fitted. For example, in domestic applications, users may wish spend time in the garden without requiring the door to be locked. Some users will engage the locking bolts while the door is open, and thus prevent the door from shutting properly, but this risks damaging the locking bolts should the door swing violently.

The inventors have found that the second aspect of the invention is advantageous to prevent the snib mechanism being accidentally engaged. Should the snib mechanism become accidentally engaged, a user may not realise that the door is not locked, and thus this presents a security risk. By requiring a switch be moved in a first and subsequent second direction, the accidental engaging of the snib mechanism (for example, by a user knocking or brushing the switch) is reduced.

The snib mechanism 400 of an embodiment of the invention has a two-stage switch 401 in the form of a slider 115. The slider 115 comprises a flat plate held against the exterior face of faceplate 14. The faceplate 14 is provided with a first snib slot 403 and a second snib slot 405. The first slot 403 is linear, whereas the second snib slot 405 is convoluted. The second snib slot 405 has an inverted U-shape. A first end of the slider 115 is provided with a first mushroom shaped projection 407 received within the first snib slot 403. The opposite end of the slider 115 is provided with a second mushroom-shaped projection 409 received within the second snib slot 405.

The slider 115 is thus movable in two discrete movements. A first lengthwise movement D1 as shown in Fig 8A, in which the slider is moved lengthwise of the lock body 10, and the first and second mushroom shaped projections are moved directly lengthwise/upwards. This movement is a release operation, since due to the shape of the second snib slot, the walls of the slot prevent the slider from moving in an actuation operation until the top of the slot is reached.

The slider 115 is then movable in a second direction D2. Since the first snib slot 403 is linear, the first mushroom-shaped projection 407 is limited to axial movement only. The second projection 409 is capable of lateral movement in the direction D2, causing the upper end of the slider 115 to slide laterally. The slider 115 thus rotates about the first mushroom-shaped projection 407. By moving the second mushroom-shaped projection laterally, it can be brought into engagement with an arm 411 in the gear plate 145, and prevent the arm 411 from moving downwards past the projection 409. This is thus an actuation operation, since it moves the projection from a non-engaging to an engaging position.

In use, when the user turns a handle to retract the locking bolts and latch bolts, they drive the gear plate 145 upwards to the position shown in Figure 6C. In this configuration, the arm 411 is raised above the second mushroom-shaped projection 409. When the slider 115 is moved into the engaging position, the arm 411 and gear plate can no longer fall back to their starting position, and thus the actuation mechanism cannot be triggered. Thus, when the user engages the snib mechanism, the automatic actuation mechanism is disabled. The user thus does not have to worry about accidentally locking themselves on the exterior side of the door.

Further advantageously, some door assemblies comprise seals and gaskets which contact the side end face of the door on the opposite side of the door to the hinge side, (i.e. the end of the door which faces the keep). This is particularly problematic when the snib is provided on the side end face of the door to which the locking assembly is fitted. These seals and gaskets may contact the snib switch and accidentally engage the snib mechanism. Thus, a user is unaware that the door would not lock automatically. Similarly, and potentially more importantly, depending on the orientation of the snib mechanism, upon closing of the door, the seals and gaskets may accidentally disengage the snib mechanism. On closing of the door, the actuation mechanism may be triggered, the bolts engaged and the user will be unintentionally locked out.

With the embodiment in the figures, in the embodiment in Figures 7 and 8, this accidental engagement of the snib mechanism is prevented since the release operation requires moving the switch in a lengthwise direction. Any end facing seals or gaskets would pass the snib mechanism in a transverse and/or widthwise direction. Thus, any force applied to the switch would bias the switch in the incorrect direction to carry out the release operation, and the snib cannot be accidentally engaged or disengaged.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A locking assembly for a door, comprising: a keep comprising at least one latch bolt recess; a lock body comprising: at least one locking bolt for engaging the keep, at least one latch bolt for engaging the at least one latch bolt recess; and an automatic actuation mechanism for actuating the locking bolt and comprising: a compressible trigger provided on the lock body for triggering the automatic actuation mechanism; and a contact surface provided on the keep, and configured to compress the compressible trigger once the latch bolt has engaged the latch bolt recess.
2. A locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface and the at least one latch bolt recess are relatively positioned such that the contact surface compresses the compressible trigger once the at least one latch bolt has engaged the at least one latch bolt recess.
3. A locking assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact surface is located adjacent to the at least one latch bolt recess.
4. A locking assembly according any preceding claim, wherein the at least one latch bolt recess comprises a bearing in an edge thereof for reducing the friction of the at least one latch bolt when the at least one latch bolt slides past the edge of the at least one latch bolt recess.
5. A locking assembly according to claim 4, wherein the bearing is movable relative to the at least one latch bolt recess to widen or narrow the width of the recess.
6. A locking assembly according to claim 5, wherein movement of the bearing relative to the at least one latch bolt recess causes adjustment of the relative positions of the latch bolt recess and the contact surface.
7. A locking assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the contact surface in the keep comprises a ramp.
8. A locking assembly according to claim 7, wherein the compressible trigger is configured to ride up the ramp until it is compressed by the contact surface such that the automatic actuation mechanism is triggered.
9. A locking assembly according to claim 8, wherein the at least one latch bolt recess is positioned relative to the contact surface such that the at least one latch bolt is received within the at least one latch bolt recess before the compressible trigger fully rides up the ramp and is compressed by the contact surface.
10. A locking assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a gearbox for housing at least a portion of the automatic actuation mechanism, and wherein the at least one locking bolt is spaced apart from the gearbox.
11. A locking assembly according to claim 10, wherein the gearbox is located approximately centrally of the length of the locking assembly, and wherein the locking assembly comprises a first locking unit comprising at least one locking bolt and at least one latch bolt, and a second locking unit comprising at least one locking bolt and at least one latch bolt.
12. A locking assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the compressible trigger is located on the gearbox.
13. A locking assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the keep comprises one or more keep plates.
14. A door assembly comprising: a door; a door frame; and a locking assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
15. A door assembly according to claim 14, wherein the lock body is located in or on the door and the keep is located in or on the door frame, and wherein the automatic actuation mechanism is configured such that the trigger is compressed when the door is closed.
16. A door assembly according to claim 15, wherein the contact surface and the at least one latch bolt recess are relatively positioned so that the at least one latch bolt engages the at least one latch bolt recess before the contact surface compresses the trigger during closing of the door.