JPS62242073A - Clutch mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates generally to electronic locks, and more specifically to a clutch mechanism suitable for use in electronic locks.

[Conventional technology]

The advent of microprocessor logic circuits and their ability to operate with very low power have combined to create a vast number of applications for remote control where power supply other than by batteries is not feasible. In such operations, it is essential to conserve power draw and thereby extend the life of the microprocessor's decision-making capabilities.

One such application has been found in reprogrammable combination electronic locks. Eliminates the need for wired doors by using a battery-powered microprocessor,
To make such locks available in remote locations where power is not readily available. The problem in the past has been with the amount of power required to engage the locking mechanism when the microprocessor determines that it is appropriate to engage the locking mechanism.

US Pat. No. 1.52&256 discloses a clutch mechanism of which the present invention may be considered an improvement.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

It is an object of the present invention to provide a clutch mechanism that requires a minimum amount of current to operate upon receiving a decision command to operate the clutch.

A further object of the invention is to provide a simple, reliable and economical clutch mechanism.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a clutch mechanism that can be used in conjunction with microprocessor logic circuits for many applications.

Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a clutch mechanism for use with a combination electronic lock that can be powered by a battery.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention utilizes a clutch mechanism that requires very low current draw by utilizing in part mechanically applied power to assist in engagement, and a motion sensor that functions to actuate after a period of time. and a novel combination with a shutter that is set and released by a latching solenoid.

The above and other objects include a first rotary clutch element mounted for free rotation about and relative to a main axis and having a first trailing element; and a second clutch element having a second jaw element that is rotationally mounted in common with the clutch element and that is engageable with the first jaw element, wherein one of the two clutch elements engages the other clutch element. means configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the clutch element, further comprising means inserted between the two clutch elements to normally maintain the two clutch elements in a spaced apart arrangement; and means for engaging the two rear elements. means for elastically pressing one clutch element toward the other clutch element in response to rotation of the one clutch element to cause the clutch element to rotate;
means for selectively inhibiting movement of one clutch element toward the other clutch element;
and a clutch mechanism used in an electronic lock or the like, in which the second jaw element engages with each other and prevents the one clutch element from rotating even if the second jaw element rotates the other clutch element. This is achieved by a clutch mechanism characterized in that it comprises latching means in the means for selectively inhibiting the movement of the clutch, timing means for releasing the latching means, and movement sensing means for alternately releasing the latching means. .

〔Example〕

1-4 illustrate a clutch mechanism according to the invention embodied in a door lock mechanism. This door locking mechanism is contemplated for use with a microprocessor or other logic sequence or decision mechanism that activates a latching solenoid, such as solenoid 15 shown in FIG.

The power requirements necessary to operate solenoid 15 are considered to be minimal. It is also considered that the clutch mechanism that engages the outer handle with the main shaft derives its operating energy mainly from the rotation of the outer handle. Furthermore, it is contemplated that engagement of this clutch mechanism would allow the lock operating shaft to be rotated by the outer handle. The lock may be of any convenient conventional configuration using a manually energized spindle to actuate the latching mechanism.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the clutch mechanism according to the invention consists of an outer clutch plate 1 mounted for rotation about a cylindrical portion of an outer main shaft 7. In the installed state, the outer clutch plate 1 is not free to translate along the axis of the outer main shaft 7.

An outer lever handle 5 is shown attached to the outer clutch plate 1 and rotating therewith by means not shown. It should be understood that the outer nozzle may be fabricated as part of the outer clutch plate 1 or may be attached to the outer clutch plate by any convenient means.

The outer clutch plate 1 comprises a pair of opposed outer jaws 5 and an actuating cam 21 arranged around the outer periphery of the outer clutch plate 1.

A cooperating inner clutch plate 2 is mounted on the inner main shaft 8 of square cross section. The inner clutch plate 2 rotates with the main shaft 8 and is free to translate along the axis of the main shaft from an inner position in which the cooperating female jaw member 4 engages the outer jaw member 5 .

Rotation of the outer handle and outer clutch plate does not rotate the outer main shaft, and the inner main shaft does not rotate until the inner clutch plate is moved outwardly and the two cooperating jaws of the clutch are engaged. When the two jaws engage, the inner main shaft F! can be rotated by the outer knob 5.

A coil spring IO is arranged around the outer main shaft 7 and is partially received in a recess 50 formed in the surface of the outer clutch plate 10. The purpose of the coil spring 10 is to elastically push the inner clutch plate 2 out of engagement with the outer clutch plate 1. The mounting plate 9 forms a positioning base used for the locking mechanism.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the mechanism according to the invention, in which, when assembled, the outer clutch plate 10 face 31 is very close to or in contact with the outer surface of the mounting plate 9, and the jaws of the outer clutch are in contact with the outer surface of the mounting plate 9. It is concentric with the hole 32 and extends partially into the hole. The inner clutch plate is slightly smaller than the diameter of this outer periphery so that it fits into the hole 32' so that the two jaws can engage.

A shutter 11 is shown attached to a mounting plate 9 by a shutter bin 12. This mounting plate allows the shutter 11 to rotate around the bin 120. Mounting plate 9
a stop pin 1 fixed to and projecting outward from the plate;
6 protrudes into a rectangular hole 33 formed in the shutter 11 to restrict rotation of the shutter 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the shutter is in a released or uppermost position where the inner clutch plate can contact the outer clutch plate.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shutter can be rotated counterclockwise to a position where the shutter partially blocks the hole 32 and prevents the inner clutch plate from entering the hole 32, as shown in FIG.

The position of the shutter 11 is adjusted by a solenoid 15'. The position shown in FIG. 1 is the activated or released position. When the flenoid 1da is not activated, the solenoid spring 17 forces the shutter 11 counterclockwise into the blocked or locked position. A solenoid plunger is connected to the shutter 11 by a solenoid pin.

The mechanism for urging the inner clutch plate toward the outer clutch plate consists essentially of five parts: cam follower 20, follower block 23, bias spring 211, bias arm 23, and spool 26. Each of the foregoing parts is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in their cooperative assembled relationship.

The spool 26 is attached to the inner clutch plate 2 and can freely translate along the axial direction of the main shaft 8.

Cam follower 20 includes a camshaft 22 extending into a bearing hole extending through cam follower 20 .

Cam follower 20 may be retained by any suitable means attached to camshaft 22, such as a snap ring.

Although the camshaft 22 is free to rotate within the bearing in the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that there is no need to rotate the cam follower other than as a means of reducing friction to facilitate operation. It is.

The cam follower 20 is disposed within the cam 21 and rotates the handle 5 with a device for rotating the follower block 23 when the cam follower 20 is disengaged from the forced busy cam 21 and rests on the outer clutch plate 10 circumferential diameter. It has an indicator means for The follower block 23 includes a pair of bias springs 2
It is equipped with 4. In Figure 1, only the spring on the right side is visible.

A corresponding spring is arranged on the left side of the follower block 23.

Bias arm 25 is mounted to common mounting bin 27 for rotation about follower block 23 . In the case of a bias spring 2II inserted between the follower block 23 and the bias arm 25, the movement of the cam follower and therefore of the follower block creates a force pressing against the bias spring 214, causing the bias arm to It should be clear to those skilled in the art that rotation to the right as seen on the left side of FIG.

The follower block 25 and bias arm 25 are mounted to the mounting plate 9 on the U-shaped saddle 2B using the mounting pins 27 shown. Rotation of the knob 5 causes the bias arm to rotate clockwise, and the bias arm cooperates within the spool 26 to force the inner clutch plate toward the outer clutch plate.

It should also be seen that when the shutter 11 is in its blocking position, the relative movement between the follower block 23 and the biasing arm 25 is absorbed by the biasing spring 24. This allows the outer handle 5 to rotate without rotation of the main shaft 8 and operation of the lock.

When the solenoid 15 is activated by some activation means, the shutter 11 is rotated to a position where its length interferes with the inner clutch plate, and the bias arm moves the inner clutch plate with the outer clutch plate when the handle is turned. Press into engagement. As a result, the inner and outer jaw members 4 and the rear are engaged with each other. Therefore, when the nozzle 5 is further turned, the main shaft 8 is rotated. If the main shaft g serves as the operating element in the lock, its rotation can be used to operate the lock or its mechanism.

The inner handle 6 directly engages the main shaft 8 and can be used to rotate the main shaft directly at any time without engagement of the clutch plate.

Up to this point, other than the use of a latching solenoid 15, the function of the clutch mechanism has been described in U.S. Pat.
, 25G.

The present invention significantly reduces power demand by reducing the time required to energize the solenoid.

In addition to reducing power demand, lock security is improved by providing motion sensing means in combination with a latching solenoid and timing means.

This combination can be used to detect lock functionality and warn about tampering with the lock.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an electronic motion sensing device, such as an optical scanner+IO, conveniently attached to mounting plate 9 by rivets 41+. A target 112 or identification symbol is shown attached to the outer clutch plate l. During assembly and operation, the optical scanner reads or detects in a known manner the passage of the target plate 142 through a square slot II3 cut in the mounting plate 1 for that purpose.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the interrelated functions of the elements of the invention.

In the prior art, the clutch mechanism includes a lock logic circuit 50.
was activated to open in response to a command by. Solenoid 15 is energized for a convenient period of time determined by timer 55, for example 8 seconds. If the operator is not quick enough, the operator is timed out and "rekeyed" the lock again for a second function cycle.
There will be a need. During the 4 second cycle, the solenoid is fully energized and drawing power from the battery.

In the present invention, the DC solenoid 1da is pulsed with current or energized for a short period of time sufficient to retract the plunger and magnetically latch it in the open position. To accomplish this, a positive voltage is applied, for example, to terminal A of solenoid 1da. At this point, timer 55 and motion detector 40 are activated and one of two options occurs. If the lock handle is not rotated to rotate the outer clutch plate 1, the timer applies a positive voltage to terminal B for a period sufficient to unlatch the solenoid after a relatively long period of time (e.g. 15 seconds). Reset the lock by adding. The motion detector is also turned off. In the second option, the lock handle is turned to open the lock, the motion detector 40 detects sufficient rotation to open the lock, and then by briefly applying a positive voltage to terminal B. The lock is reset again.

Those skilled in the art will then appreciate that the amount of time required for solenoid 17' to be energized can be reduced from, for example, eight seconds to perhaps less than one second. If the motion detector 40 is busy and the lock handle is turned without proper "keying" of the lock function, the alarm 60 will sound for a predetermined period of time to alert the occupant that someone is attempting to gain entry. Warning.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations of the clutch mechanism described above and many other applications for the clutch mechanism that derives a portion of the operating power of the clutch from the input drive mechanism upon selected commands will become apparent.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a clutch mechanism according to the invention as applied to a lock; FIG. 2 is a diagram of the inner clutch plate, cam follower, follower block, bias spring, and bias arm shown in solid lines; In the drawn inverted view, the bias arm is shown engaged with the inner clutch plate, and the cam follower and follower block are shown in a cammed arrangement within the dashed outline; The figure is an elevation view from the left side of FIG. 2, with the inner clutch plate shown in phantom only, and FIG. 4 showing the timed latching and motion sensing functions of the present invention. 2 shows an electronic circuit diagram illustrating the interrelationships between.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A motion detection means having a clutch mechanism engaged by a solenoid activated by a logic device, and placed in close proximity to the clutch mechanism to detect a function of a portion of the clutch mechanism. (40, 42), a latching solenoid (15) enabling the solenoid to engage the clutch mechanism (3, 4);
The solenoid (15) is used in an electronic lock or the like, characterized in that the solenoid (15) is unlatched to disengage the clutch mechanism (3, 4) when the motion detector detects the end of its function. Low power usage clutch device. 2. A patent characterized in that the clutch device further comprises timing means for unlatching the solenoid (15) so as to disengage the clutch mechanism (3, 4) in response to a predetermined lapse of time. A clutch device according to claim 1. 3. a first rotary clutch element (1) mounted around the main shaft (8) for free rotation relative to the main shaft and having a first jaw element (3) and said main shaft (7, 8); said first clutch element is mounted for translation along and rotation therewith and for causing one of said clutch elements (2) to rotate in response to rotation of said other clutch element (1). a second jaw element (
4); and means (11) inserted between said two clutch elements for maintaining said clutch elements in a normally spaced arrangement.
), and in response to the rotation of one (2) of the two clutch elements,
means (20, 21, 22, 23) for engaging the two jaw elements by elastically pressing the one clutch element so as to move it toward the other (1) of the two clutch elements;
, 24, 25) and means (11, 15) for selectively inhibiting movement of said one clutch element (2) towards said other clutch element (1), thereby comprising said first ( 3) and the second (4) jaw element engage each other and are restrained from rotating the one clutch element (2) even when the other clutch element (1) is rotated. A clutch mechanism such as an electronic lock further characterized in that latching means (
15); timing means (55) for releasing said latching means (15); and movement sensing means (4) for alternately releasing said latching means (11, 15) depending on the selected lock function.
0,42). 4. The latching means (15) is a latching solenoid which is de-energized after functioning so that the lock can continue to function without drawing power. Clutch mechanism as described. 5. Clutch mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that said timing means (55) applies electric power to unlatch said latching means (11, 15) after a predetermined time. 6. Claims characterized in that when the movement detection means (40, 42) detects selected movement associated with operation and opening of the lock, power is applied to unlatch the latching means. Clutch mechanism according to item 4. 7. said movement sensing means (40, 42) detecting an unauthorized attempt to activate the lock by sensing movement of said first rotary clutch element (1);
The clutch mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that it sounds an alarm (60). 8. The clutch device according to claim 6, wherein the motion detection means is a direction scanner (40, 42).