US20230399873A1 - Electronic lock - Google Patents
Electronic lock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230399873A1 US20230399873A1 US18/238,215 US202318238215A US2023399873A1 US 20230399873 A1 US20230399873 A1 US 20230399873A1 US 202318238215 A US202318238215 A US 202318238215A US 2023399873 A1 US2023399873 A1 US 2023399873A1
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- Prior art keywords
- blocker
- retainer
- lock
- door
- bolt
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/06—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents
- E05B47/0603—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents the detent moving rectilinearly
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
- E05B47/0012—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with rotary electromotors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/06—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents
- E05B47/0607—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents the detent moving pivotally or rotatively
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
- E05B2047/0014—Constructional features of actuators or power transmissions therefor
- E05B2047/0015—Output elements of actuators
- E05B2047/0017—Output elements of actuators with rotary motion
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
- E05B2047/0014—Constructional features of actuators or power transmissions therefor
- E05B2047/0018—Details of actuator transmissions
- E05B2047/002—Geared transmissions
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
- E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
- E05B2047/0014—Constructional features of actuators or power transmissions therefor
- E05B2047/0036—Reversible actuators
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
- E05B65/0021—Locks or fastenings for special use for overhead or roll-up doors, e.g. garage doors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
- E05B65/0075—Locks or fastenings for special use for safes, strongrooms, vaults, fire-resisting cabinets or the like
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
- E05B65/02—Locks or fastenings for special use for thin, hollow, or thin-metal wings
- E05B65/025—Locks or fastenings for special use for thin, hollow, or thin-metal wings for lockers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B9/00—Lock casings or latch-mechanism casings ; Fastening locks or fasteners or parts thereof to the wing
- E05B9/08—Fastening locks or fasteners or parts thereof, e.g. the casings of latch-bolt locks or cylinder locks to the wing
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to door locks and, in particular, to door locks having an electro-mechanical locking system.
- Storage areas such as lockers, safes, rooms, and other storage areas, are known to have mechanical or electro-mechanical locking systems which control access to an interior of the storage container or room through a door.
- a door is lifted upwardly to reveal an access to a storage area.
- the door can be lifted upwardly along a track like a typical “garage door” or the door can be implemented as a roll-up door.
- the present disclosure generally relates to a lock including a blocker (e.g., a bolt) useable to selectively prevent access through a portal such as a door.
- the blocker can be retained in a blocking position to prevent access through the portal by a retainer.
- the blocker can also be retained in an open position to allow access through the portal.
- a retainer can be utilized to retain the blocker in the blocking position preventing access through the portal and can also be utilized, in certain embodiments, to retain the blocker in the open position to allow access through the portal.
- a retainer blocker can be utilized to maintain the retainer in position to retain the blocker (e.g., bolt) in a fixed position.
- An actuator may, in certain alternative embodiments, be employed to position the retainer blocker. In certain embodiments, the actuator is controlled by an electronic controller.
- a storage area comprising: a door, and a lock.
- the lock comprising: a blocker (e.g., a bolt) positioned atop a front side of the door, the blocker moveable between an extended position locking the door and a retracted position unlocking the door along a first direction; and a blocker actuator operable to receive a user input motion along the first direction to actuate the blocker between the extended position and the retracted position; an electronic controller operatively coupled to the lock and actuatable to selectively block movement of the blocker actuator; and an input device, the electronic controller actuatable by the input device.
- a blocker e.g., a bolt
- the lock further comprises: a retainer, selectively positionable to a blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker and selectively positionable to an unblocking position to allow the blocker actuator to actuate the blocker; and a retainer blocker operable to selectively cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker, the electronic controller operatively coupled to the retainer blocker and actuatable to position the retainer blocker to cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position.
- the lock comprises: a blocker; a blocker actuator operable to selectively actuate the blocker; a retainer selectively positionable to a blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker and selectively positionable to an unblocking position to allow the blocker actuator to actuate the blocker; and a retainer blocker operable to selectively cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker.
- the retainer comprises a protrusion positionable in at least one recess in the blocking position of the retainer.
- the lock includes a biasing member biasing the protrusion of the retainer into the at least one recess.
- the blocker actuator includes the at least one recess.
- the at least one recess comprises a first recess positioned to cooperate with the protrusion to hold the blocker in a retracted position, and the at least one recess further comprise a second recess positioned to cooperate with the protrusion to hold the blocker in an extended position.
- the retainer is reciprocatable between the blocking position and the unblocking position along a reciprocation direction
- the retainer blocker comprising a stop insertable along an insertion direction orthogonal to the reciprocation direction into a stop position preventing a movement of the retainer blocker along the reciprocation direction.
- the stop comprises a tab insertable into a recess in the retainer.
- the stop comprises a bearing insertable along the insertion direction to a stop position creating a physical barrier to a reciprocation of the retainer from the blocking position to the unblocking position.
- the lock further comprises, a motor; and an armature linkage moveable by energization of the motor, the armature linkage positioned to selectively position the bearing in the stop position and move the bearing from the stop position.
- a magnet is carried by the armature linkage, a magnetic attraction between the bearing and the magnet capable of effecting, movement of the bearing from the stop position.
- the retainer, the bearing, the motor and the armature linkage are carried by a carriage, the carriage, the retainer, the bearing, the motor and the armature linkage comprising a subassembly securable to the blocker for translation therewith.
- the retainer is rotatable between the blocking position and the unblocking position, the retainer blocker comprising a stop rotatable into a stop position preventing a rotation of the retainer.
- the lock further comprises: at least one stop surface presented by the blocker actuator, in the stop position, the retainer trapped against rotation between the stop and the stop surface.
- the lock further comprises: a worm wheel carrying the stop; a motor; a worm screw rotatable by the motor the worm screw intermeshed with the worm wheel whereby energization of the motor actuates the stop.
- the lock further comprises a biasing element positionable to bias the retainer into the blocking position and further positionable to bias the retainer into the unblocking position, the stop defining a datum for the biasing element.
- the biasing element comprises a torsion spring.
- the lock further comprises: an actuator, operable to selectively move the retainer blocker to the blocking position and to selectively move the retainer blocker from the blocking position; and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the actuator to selectively cause the actuator to move the retainer blocker.
- the retainer comprises a cam.
- the retainer blocker comprises a worm wheel having a radial protrusion positionable to maintain the retainer in the blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker.
- the worm wheel includes an open center and the radial protrusion comprises a radially inward protrusion.
- the blocker and the blocker actuator each form a part of an integral slide.
- the blocker actuator comprises a subassembly.
- the lock further includes a biasing element, the biasing element selectively biasing a cam to move between the blocking position and the unblocking position.
- the biasing element comprises a spring and the lock further comprises a moveable spring datum, the moveable spring datum moveable between a first position corresponding to a neutral position in which the spring cooperates with the moveable spring datum to position the retainer.
- the input device comprises a portable operator device and the electronic controller and the portable operator device communicate over a wireless connection.
- the input device is operable to communicate a credential to the electronic controller and the electronic controller is operable to evaluate the credential to make a determination whether the credential is a valid credential capable of actuating the controller to cease blocking movement of the blocker actuator and thereby allow the user input motion along the first direction to actuate the blocker between the extended position locking the door and the retracted position unlocking the door.
- a door lock for use with a door.
- the door lock comprising a bolt moveable between an extended position and a retracted position along a first direction; a retainer operatively coupled to the bolt and positionable to maintain the bolt in one of the extended position or the retracted position; a blocker operatively coupled to the retainer, the blocker moveable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein when the blocker is in the blocking position the retainer maintains the bolt in one of the extended position and the retracted position and when the blocker is in the release position the retainer is moveable to permit the bolt to move from one of the extended position and the retracted position to the other of the extended position and the retracted position; an actuator operatively coupled to the blocker to move the blocker from the release position to the blocking position: and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the actuator to cause the actuator to move the blocker in the second direction from the release position to the blocking position.
- the retainer is moveable in a second direction angled relative to the first direction.
- the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.
- the blocker is moveable in a third direction to move between the release position and the blocking position, the third direction is angled relative to the second direction.
- the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction.
- the actuator includes an electric motor.
- the electric motor rotates a pinion gear, the pinion gear intermeshed with a gear rack carried by the blocker.
- the bolt extends from a slide, the slide having a first recess and a second recess, a protrusion of the retainer is received in the first recess when the bolt is received in the retracted position and the protrusion of the retainer is received in the second recess when the bolt is in the extended position.
- the door lock further comprises a plurality of biasing members, a first biasing member biases the protrusion of the retainer into one of the first recess or the second recess of the slide.
- a second biasing member biases the bolt to the extended position.
- the door lock further comprises a front mounting bracket positionable over a front side of the door and a rear mounting bracket positionable over a rear side of the door. In a variation thereof, the bolt is captured between the door and the front mounting bracket.
- the door lock is utilized in combination with a door and the bolt is positioned atop a front side of the door, the bolt moveable between the extended position and the retracted position along the front side of the door.
- the door lock further comprising an operator actuatable input operable to receive an input motion along the first direction from a user to move the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.
- a door lock for use with a door.
- the lock comprising: a bolt moveable between an extended position and a retracted position in along a first direction, a retainer operatively coupled to the bolt and positionable to maintain the bolt in one of the extended position or the retracted position; a blocker operatively coupled to the retainer, the blocker moveable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein when the blocker is in the blocking position the retainer maintains the bolt in one of the extended position and the retracted position and when the blocker is in the release position the retainer is moveable to permit the bolt to move from one of the extended position and the retracted position to the other of the extended position and the retracted position; an actuator operatively coupled to the blocker to move the blocker from the release position to the blocking position; and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the actuator to cause the actuator to move the blocker in the second direction from the release position to the blocking position.
- FIG. 1 A illustrates a representative view of a storage container having an enclosed volume which is accessible through a door, the door being secured in a closed position to deny access to the enclosed volume with a door lock having a bolt positioned in an extended position;
- FIG. 1 B illustrates a representative view of the storage container of FIG. 1 A with the door being moveable from the closed position to an open position to permit access to the enclosed volume due to the bolt of the door lock being positioned in a retracted position:
- FIG. 2 A illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary door lock for the storage container of FIGS. 1 A and 1 B and a door of the storage container;
- FIG. 2 B illustrates a front perspective view of the door lock of FIG. 2 A ;
- FIG. 3 A illustrates a rear exploded view of the door lock of FIG. 2 A .
- FIG. 3 B illustrates a partial rear exploded view of the door lock of FIG. 2 A ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a partial sectional view of the door lock of FIG. 2 A with a blocker and a retainer of the door lock cooperating to provide a locked configuration for the door lock wherein a movement of a bolt of the door lock between an extended position and a retracted position is blocked;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a partial sectional view of the door lock of FIG. 2 A with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock cooperating to provide an unlocked configuration for the door lock wherein a movement of the bolt of the door lock between the extended position and the retracted position is permitted,
- FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the door lock and door of FIG. 2 A along lines 6 - 6 in FIG. 2 A with the bolt of the door lock in an extended position
- FIG. 7 illustrates the sectional view of FIG. 6 with the bolt of the door lock transitioning from the extended position to a retracted position
- FIG. 8 illustrates the sectional view of FIG. 6 with the bolt of the door lock in the retracted position
- FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the door lock and door of FIG. 2 A along lines 9 - 9 in FIG. 2 A with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock being in the locked configuration of FIG. 4 and the bolt in the extended position of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 10 illustrates the sectional view of FIG. 9 with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock being in the unlocked configuration of FIG. 5 and the bolt in the extended position of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 11 illustrates the sectional view of FIG. 9 with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock being in the unlocked configuration of FIG. 5 and the bolt transitioning from the extended position of FIG. 6 to the retracted position of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 12 illustrates the sectional view of FIG. 9 with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock being in the locked configuration of FIG. 4 and the bolt in the retracted position of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 13 illustrates a partial sectional view of the door lock of FIG. 2 A with the bolt in the extended position of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 14 illustrates the partial sectional view of FIG. 13 with the bolt in the retracted position of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment lock in accordance with the present disclosure showing the bolt in a retracted position
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 15 , showing the bolt in n extended position;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective, exploded view showing the rear mounting bracket and the bolt carrying slide of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16 ,
- FIG. 18 is a perspective, exploded view of the rear mounting bracket, the bolt carrying slide and the actuation subassembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 - 17 ,
- FIG. 19 is another perspective, exploded view of the rear mounting bracket, the bolt carrying slide and the actuation subassembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 - 18 , with the front access panel of the actuation subassembly removed to reveal the internal components of the actuation subassembly;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective, exploded view of the lock shown assembled in FIGS. 15 and 16 ;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective, exploded view showing the bolt carrying slider, rear mounting bracket and actuation subassembly of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 - 20 ;
- FIG. 22 is an assembled, perspective of the lock shown in FIGS. 15 - 21 ;
- FIG. 23 is a partial perspective of the rear mounting bracket
- FIG. 23 A is a partial perspective view of the lock shown n FIGS. 15 - 22 with the bolt carrying slider assembled to the rear mounting bracket and with the bolt shown in an extended position;
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lock of FIGS. 15 - 23 showing assembly of the actuation subassembly to the slider, with the front access panel of the actuation subassembly removed to reveal the internal components of the actuation subassembly and showing the retainer positioned to retain the bolt in a retracted position, as also shown in FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 25 is a perspective similar to the view of FIG. 24 with the exception that the retainer has undergone an initial actuation from the position of FIG. 24 to allow retraction of the bolt;
- FIG. 26 is a perspective similar to the views of FIGS. 24 and 25 , but showing the bolt in an extended position and the retainer returned to its normally biased position (from the position illustrated in FIG. 25 );
- FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the lock shown in FIGS. 15 - 26 , showing disengagement of the actuation subassembly from the slider and showing the bolt in the extended position;
- FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the lock of FIGS. 15 - 27 taken through a section plane intersecting the tab and slot used to secure the actuation subassembly to the slider for translation therewith;
- FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the lock shown in FIGS. 15 - 28 , showing disengagement of the actuation subassembly from the slider and showing the bolt in the retracted position:
- FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the slider and rear mounting bracket of the lock of FIGS. 15 - 29 , showing the slider in the extended position;
- FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the slider and rear mounting bracket of the lock of FIGS. 15 - 29 , showing the slider in the retracted position;
- FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view illustrating the slider biasing element biasing the slider to an extended position
- FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view illustrating the slider biasing element compressed to allow the slider to maintain a retracted position
- FIGS. 34 and 35 are sectional views through an actuation subassembly of an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIGS. 36 and 37 are, respectively, front and rear perspective views of an alternative embodiment lock of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 38 is a rear exploded view of the door lock shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 and an associated door;
- FIG. 39 is a front perspective, exploded view of the door lock shown in FIGS. 37 - 38 ;
- FIG. 40 is a front perspective, exploded view of the door lock shown in FIGS. 36 - 39 ;
- FIG. 41 is a sectional view through the door lock shown in FIGS. 36 - 40 ;
- FIG. 42 is a partial, exploded view, illustrating the locking assembly used in conjunction with the door lock illustrated in FIGS. 36 - 41 ;
- FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of the locking assembly shown in FIGS. 36 - 42 , with the intermediate mounting bracket removed to reveal the components underneath and showing the locking bolt in the extended position;
- FIG. 44 is a rear, perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 43 , but showing the bolt in the retracted position;
- FIGS. 45 - 53 are partial, elevational views of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 42 , with each of FIGS. 45 - 53 illustrating progressive actuation of the lock illustrated in FIGS. 36 - 44 .
- Coupled means that the two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements wherein the two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., the components are “coupled” via at least a third component), but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
- numeric terminology such as first, second, third, and fourth, is used in reference to various components or features. Such use is not intended to denote an ordering of the components or features. Rather, numeric terminology is used to assist the reader in identifying the component or features being referenced and should not be narrowly interpreted as providing a specific order of components or features.
- Storage container 100 includes an enclosure 102 having a front wall 104 , a top 106 , a right side wall 108 , a floor (not shown), a back wall (not shown), and a left side wall (not shown).
- a door 110 is provided in front wall 104 of storage container 100 .
- Door 110 is hinged to front wall 104 generally along a left side of door 110 such that door 110 may swing open generally in direction 112 . With door 110 in an open position, an interior 114 (see FIG. 6 ) of storage container 100 may be accessed while, with door 110 in a closed position, interior 114 of storage container 100 may not be accessed.
- Exemplary storage containers include lockers, safes, and other types of containers, portable or stationary. Other storage containers include rooms in a structure and other bounded areas accessible through a door or gate. In embodiments, storage containers may have one or more solid walls. In embodiments, storage containers may have one or more permeable walls, such as wire mesh or bars. In embodiments, storage containers may have doors pivotably movable, vertically movable (e.g. overhead garage doors or roll-up doors), and/or collapsible doors (e.g. folding doors).
- doors pivotably movable, vertically movable (e.g. overhead garage doors or roll-up doors), and/or collapsible doors (e.g. folding doors).
- Door lock 200 includes an operator actuatable input 202 accessible from an exterior 116 (see FIG. 6 ) of storage container 100 .
- operator actuatable input 202 accessible from an exterior 116 (see FIG. 6 ) of storage container 100 .
- a bolt 204 of door lock 200 is moved From an extended position (see FIGS. 1 A and 6 ) to a retracted position (see FIGS. 1 B and 8 ).
- FIG. 6 when bolt 204 is in the extended position, a first end 208 of bolt 204 is received in a recess 120 in storage container 100 and blocks rotation of door 110 in direction 112 or vertical movement of door 110 .
- FIG. 6 when bolt 204 is in the extended position, a first end 208 of bolt 204 is received in a recess 120 in storage container 100 and blocks rotation of door 110 in direction 112 or vertical movement of door 110 .
- first end 208 of bolt 204 when bolt 204 is in the retracted position, first end 208 of bolt 204 is positioned outside of recess 120 of storage container 100 and does not block rotation of door 110 in direction 112 .
- first end 208 of bolt 204 can be referred to as a “blocker.”
- bolt 204 is positioned adjacent to and actuated along a front side 122 of door 110 to be positioned into and out of recess 120 . This is different from standard deadbolt locks, for example, in which a bolt extends from and is retracted into an aperture formed in the thickness of a door, i.e., between the front and back faces of the door.
- operator actuatable input 202 receives input motion from a user to articulate operator actuatable input 202 along directions 250 , 252 .
- door lock 200 includes a front mounting bracket 220 placed over a front side 122 (see FIG. 6 ) of door 110 and a rear mounting bracket 222 placed over a rear side 124 (see FIGS. 3 A and 6 ) of door 110 .
- Front mounting bracket 220 and rear mounting bracket 222 are secured to door 110 .
- door 110 includes a plurality of apertures 130
- front mounting bracket 220 includes a plurality of apertures 226 aligned with the plurality of apertures 130 of door 110
- rear mounting bracket 222 includes a plurality of apertures 228 also aligned with the plurality of apertures 130 of door 110 .
- Fasteners (not shown) pass through respective aligned sets of apertures 130 , 226 , and 228 to hold front mounting bracket 220 and rear mounting bracket 222 to door 110 .
- Exemplary fasteners include bolts having heads which are positioned on top of front mounting bracket 220 and threaded shafts extending beyond rear mounting bracket 222 .
- the bolts are secured with nuts.
- the shape of the bolt heads prevents a tool being applied exterior to storage container 100 to loosen the nuts from the bolts
- Other exemplary fasteners include weldments, tabs of front mounting bracket 220 which pass through door 110 and are secured to rear mounting bracket 222 and other suitable structures to secure one or both of front mounting bracket 220 and rear mounting bracket 222 to door 110 .
- front mounting bracket 220 includes an elongated aperture 240 which receives operator actuatable input 202 of door lock 200 .
- operator actuatable input 202 and bolt 204 are portions of an integral slide 232 which is captured between a front side 122 (see FIGS. 1 A and 9 ) of door 110 and front mounting bracket 220 .
- operator actuatable input 202 and bolt 204 are separate components coupled to slide 232 or otherwise operatively coupled together such that an actuation of operator actuatable input 202 results in a movement of bolt 204 when door lock 200 is in an unlocked configuration.
- integrated signals that elements are made of one continuous material, as opposed to being formed of discreet components that are secured one to the other in some fashion.
- slide 232 further includes a receiver 240 positioned above a guide 242 .
- receiver 240 is a pin, but other suitable receivers such as a recess are contemplated.
- a first end 244 of a biasing member 246 ( FIG. 3 A ) is placed over receiver 240 and biasing member 246 extends along guide 242 .
- Biasing member 246 is further received in a guide 236 (see FIG. 3 A ) of front mounting bracket 220 and a second end 248 of biasing member 246 contacts a stop 238 (see FIG. 3 A ) of front mounting bracket 220 .
- FIGS. 13 and 14 when bolt 204 is in the extended position (see FIG. 13 ) biasing member 246 is less compressed than when bolt 204 is in the retracted position (see FIG. 14 ). Thus, absent an additional holding force in the retracted position, bolt 204 will be biased by biasing member 246 to the extended position of FIG. 13 when the operator releases operator actuatable input 202 .
- door lock 200 includes a locking assembly 300 which holds bolt 204 in the extended position unless a valid credential is presented to door lock 200 .
- Locking assembly 300 includes a controller 302 , an actuator 304 controlled by the controller 302 , a blocker 306 operatively coupled to actuator 304 , and a retainer 308 selectively coupled to blocker 306 .
- controller 302 is an electronic controller including processing circuits 310 and memory 312 .
- controller 302 is microprocessor-based and memory 312 is a non-transitory computer readable medium which includes processing instructions stored therein that are executable by the microprocessor of controller 302 to control operation of actuator 304 to position blocker 306 in one of a blocking or lock position (see FIG. 9 ) and a release position (see FIG. 10 ).
- Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable mediums include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), or any other tangible medium capable of storing information.
- controller 302 is one of wired or wirelessly coupled to an input device 320 mounted to storage container 100 or received in an interface mounted to storage container 100 .
- Exemplary input devices 320 include keypads, biometric readers, touch screens, removeable electronic keys, and other suitable input devices. At least one of input devices 320 and controller 302 exchanges information with the other of input devices 320 and controller 302 to determine whether the operator has a valid credential to access interior 114 of storage container 100 .
- controller 302 receives information from input devices 320 and makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access)
- input devices 320 receives information from controller 302 and makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access).
- one of input devices 320 and controller 302 is operatively coupled to a remote computing device and the information from one or both of input devices 320 and controller 302 is provided to the remote computing device which makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access).
- a valid credential is required to transition door lock 200 from a locked state (denying access) to an unlocked state (granting access) and from an unlocked state (granting access) to a locked state (denying access).
- controller 302 is wirelessly coupled to a portable operator device 330 .
- portable operator devices 330 include smart phones, fobs, portable computing devices, badges, and other suitable devices that an operator may transport from location to location.
- Portable operator device 330 includes at least one input device 332 , at least one output device 334 , and a controller 336 .
- Exemplary input devices include buttons, dials, switches, touch screens, microphones, scanners, cameras, and other suitable devices which receive an input from an operator.
- Exemplary output devices include displays, touch screens, speakers, vibration devices, and other suitable device which provide a perceivable output to an operator.
- controller 336 is an electronic controller including processing circuits 338 and memory 340 .
- controller 336 is microprocessor-based and memory 340 is a non-transitory computer readable medium which includes processing instructions stored therein that are executable by the microprocessor of controller 336 to control operation of actuator 304 to position blocker 306 in one of a blocking position (see FIG. 9 ) and a release position (see FIG. 10 ).
- Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable mediums include random access memory (RANI), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), or any other tangible medium capable of storing information.
- Controller 302 and portable operator device 330 communicate over a wireless connection, either directly or through one or more networks.
- Exemplary direct wireless connections include BLUETOOTH, BLUETOOTH low energy, near field communication (“NFC”), and other suitable wireless connections.
- Controller 302 and portable operator device 330 each include a respective transceiver 314 and 342 .
- At least one of portable operator device 330 and controller 302 exchanges information with the other of portable operator device 330 and controller 302 to determine whether the operator has a valid credential to access interior 114 of storage container 100 .
- controller 302 receives information from portable operator device 330 and makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access).
- portable operator device 330 receives information from controller 302 and makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access).
- one of portable operator device 330 and controller 302 is operatively coupled to a remote computing device and the information from one or both of portable operator device 330 and controller 302 is provided to the remote computing device which makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access).
- a valid credential is required to transition door lock 200 from a locked state (denying access) to an unlocked state (granting access) and from an unlocked state (granting access) to a locked state (denying access).
- controller 302 controls the flow of electricity from a power source 350 to actuator 304 .
- Exemplary power sources 350 include batteries and other suitable power storage devices.
- Actuator 304 in the illustrated embodiment, is an electric motor 352 having an output shaft rotatable about axis 354 .
- a pinion gear 356 is coupled to and rotates with the output shaft of motor 352 .
- a locking assembly chassis 360 supports electric motor 352 in a cradle 362 .
- motor 352 is glued to cradle 362 , coupled to cradle 362 through one or more fasteners, and/or coupled to cradle 362 in other suitable ways
- a pin 364 is received in an opening 366 of locking assembly chassis 360 and in an end of pinion gear 356 .
- Pin 364 supports an end of pinion gear 356 .
- Controller 302 controls a direction of rotation of the output shaft of electric motor 352 and hence of pinion gear 356 in either direction 370 about axis 354 or direction 372 about 354 .
- Retainer 308 includes a base 380 and a protrusion 382 extending from base 380 . Protrusion 382 of retainer 308 is received in an opening 384 in rear mounting bracket 222 .
- Base 380 is positioned between an upper flange 386 and a lower flange 388 of rear mounting bracket 222 .
- rear mounting bracket 222 is made of sheet metal and upper flange 386 and lower flange 388 are formed as bends in rear mounting bracket 222 .
- Each of upper flange 386 and lower flange 388 include apertures 390 (see FIG. 3 B ) which receive respective pins 392 .
- Pins 392 pass through respective biasing members 396 , illustratively coil portions 394 of torsion springs 398 , as illustrated in FIG. 2 A .
- a portion 400 of the respective torsion springs 398 presses on a rear side 402 of retainer 308 to bias retainer 308 in direction 404 as opposed to direction 406 .
- slide 232 includes a first recess 410 and a second recess 412 .
- protrusion 382 of retainer 308 is received in second recess 412 of slide 232 due to bias of torsion springs 398 in direction 404 .
- protrusion 382 of retainer 308 is received in first recess 410 of slide 232 due to bias of torsion springs 398 in direction 404 .
- Each of protrusion 382 , first recess 410 , and second recess 412 has a sloping profile which permits protrusion 382 to move out of either first recess 410 or second recess 412 as slide 232 moves in one of direction 250 and direction 252 .
- retainer 308 moves in direction 406 against the bias of torsion springs 398 .
- Retainer 308 includes a recess 430 which receives a tab 432 of blocker 306 (see FIG. 2 A ).
- Tab 432 of blocker 306 may be raised in direction 434 or lowered in direction 436 by actuator 304 .
- Blocker 306 includes a base 438 from which tab 432 extends. Base 438 further includes a gear rack 440 .
- Gear rack 440 intermeshes with pinion gear 356 of actuator 304 , as illustrated in FIG. 2 A .
- controller 302 raises blocker 306 relative to retainer 308 to a level that tab 432 is removed from recess 430 of retainer 308 (see FIG.
- controller 302 lowers blocker 306 relative to retainer 308 to a level that tab 432 is received in recess 430 of retainer 308 (see FIG. 4 ) which is a blocking or lock position of blocker 306 due to the inability of retainer 308 to move in direction 406 relative to blocker 306 .
- Recess 430 of retainer 308 is vertically aligned with tab 432 of blocker 306 when protrusion 382 of retainer 308 is received in one of first recess 410 and second recess 412 of slide 232 .
- FIGS. 6 - 12 an operation of door lock 200 is illustrated.
- bolt 204 is in an extended position with protrusion 382 of retainer 308 received in second recess 412 of slide 232 .
- tab 432 of blocker 306 is received in recess 430 of retainer 308 . Due to the blocking or lock position of blocker 306 and retainer 308 , an operator cannot push operator actuatable input 202 in direction 250 because blocker 306 is blocking a movement of retainer 308 in direction 406 .
- controller 302 rotates pinion gear 356 in direction 370 to raise blocker 306 in direction 434 to its release position wherein tab 432 of blocker 306 is removed from recess 430 of retainer 308 as illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- an operator can push operator actuatable input 202 in direction 250 which results in retainer 308 moving in direction 406 against the bias of torsion springs 398 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11 .
- recess 430 of retainer 308 is no longer vertically aligned with tab 432 of blocker 306 .
- protrusion 382 of retainer 308 is received in first recess 410 of integral slide 232 , as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 12 which corresponds to actuator 304 being in the retracted position.
- Controller 302 rotates pinion gear 356 in direction 372 to lower tab 432 of blocker 306 into recess 430 of retainer 308 ; thereby preventing an operator from pushing on operator actuatable input 202 in direction 252 to once again move bolt 204 to the extended position.
- door lock 200 includes at least one sensor such as a position sensor to monitor when protrusion 382 of retainer 308 is fully seated in first recess 410 of slide 232 or in second recess 412 of slide 232 .
- Controller 302 is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor.
- door lock 200 moves slide 232 to the position shown in FIG. 6 . This movement is due to the biasing of slide 232 to the position of FIG. 6 , by biasing member 246 (see FIG. 13 ).
- controller 302 stores an audit trail in memory 312 of the credential and date/time that door lock 200 was actuated to one of the locked configuration (see FIGS. 1 A and 6 ) and the unlocked configuration (see FIGS. 1 B and 8 ),
- the audit trail may be communicated to portable operator device 330 for review or subsequent transmission to a remote computing device.
- FIGS. 15 - 35 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, door lock 200 a is illustrated. Throughout this disclosure, associated elements of the various embodiments are identified with the same reference numeral, but may also include an alphabetic indicator to distinguish between the various embodiments. Elements bearing the same reference numeral (with or without an alphabetic indicator) have similar functionality, but not necessarily identical or even similar structure.
- Door lock 200 a provides the same functionality as door lock 200 , i.e., door lock 200 a controls the ability to move door 110 (when door lock 200 a is installed in place of door lock 200 as shown in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B ) from a closed position to an open position.
- Door lock 200 a includes operator actuatable input 202 a ( FIGS.
- bolt 204 a of door lock 200 a is moved from an extended position ( FIGS. 16 , 22 , 23 A, 26 , 27 , 30 , and 32 ) to a retracted position ( FIGS. 15 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 29 , 31 , and 33 ).
- a first end 208 a of bolt 204 a is received in a recess in storage container 100 to block rotation of door 110 in direction 112 ( FIG. 1 A ) or vertical movement of door 110 .
- a recess operable to cooperate with door lock 200 a in this way is recess 120 illustrated in FIG. 6 in conjunction with door lock 200 .
- first end 208 a of bolt 204 a is positioned outside of a recess, e.g., recess 120 of storage container 100 , and does not block actuation of a door to which it is attached.
- bolt 204 a Based on its ability to alternately block (when extended) and allow movement (when retracted) of a door to which it is attached, bolt 204 a can be referred to as a “blocker.”
- Lock 200 a includes front mounting bracket 220 a and intermediate mounting bracket 221 a as shown, e.g., in FIGS. 15 , 16 , 20 , 22 , and 28 .
- FIG. 28 also illustrates rear mounting bracket 222 a .
- front mounting bracket 220 a can be placed over a front side 122 (see FIG. 6 ) of door 110 and rear mounting bracket 222 a can be placed over a rear side 124 (see FIGS. 3 A and 6 ) of door 110 .
- Front mounting bracket 220 a and rear mounting bracket 222 a can be, in use, secured to door 110 .
- FIG. 1 front mounting bracket 220 a and intermediate mounting bracket 221 a
- FIG. 28 also illustrates rear mounting bracket 222 a .
- front mounting bracket 220 a can be placed over a front side 122 (see FIG. 6 ) of door 110 and rear mounting bracket 222 a can be placed over a rear side 124 (see FIGS. 3 A and 6 ) of
- door 110 includes a plurality of apertures 130
- front mounting bracket 220 a includes a plurality of apertures 226 a ( FIG. 20 ) alignable with the plurality of apertures 130 of door 110
- Intermediate mounting bracket 221 a and rear mounting bracket 222 a each include a plurality of apertures corresponding to apertures 226 a ( FIG. 20 ) and also alignable with the plurality of apertures 130 of door 110
- Fasteners (not shown) pass through respective aligned sets of apertures to hold front mounting bracket 220 and rear mounting bracket 222 to door 110 .
- Exemplary fasteners include bolts having heads which are positioned on top of front mounting bracket 220 a and threaded shafts extending beyond rear mounting bracket 222 a .
- the bolts are secured with nuts.
- the shape of the bolt heads prevents a tool being applied exterior to storage container 100 to loosen the nuts from the bolts.
- Other exemplary fasteners include weldments, tabs of front mounting bracket 220 a which pass through door 110 and are secured to rear mounting bracket 222 a and other suitable structures to secure one or both of front mounting bracket 220 and rear mounting bracket 222 to door 110 .
- front mounting bracket 220 a includes U-shaped aperture 240 a which receives boss 500 of retainer 308 a .
- Operator actuatable input 202 a is secured to boss 500 and is operable to actuate boss 500 through U-shaped aperture 240 a .
- Boss 500 can be secured to operator actuatable input via an interference fit.
- boss 500 is vertically actuatable in slot 502 of subassembly 504 .
- slot 502 is formed in faceplate 506 of subassembly 504 .
- Slot 502 is sized relative to boss 500 to allow vertical travel of boss 500 through vertically oriented slot 502 while resisting lateral movement of boss 500 .
- Boss 500 extends from subassembly 504 through slot 502 of faceplate 506 and is sufficiently long to extend through U-shaped aperture 240 a of front mounting bracket 220 a and engage operator actuatable input 202 a .
- subassembly 504 With operator actuatable input 202 a secured to boss, subassembly 504 is free to slide laterally, i.e., along directions 250 a and 252 a ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ) when permitted by U-shaped aperture 240 a of front mounting bracket 220 a .
- retainer 308 a is reciprocatable vertically along directions 434 a and 436 a within subassembly 504 .
- Spring 550 biases retainer 308 a vertically along direction 434 a into engagement with upper stop surface 510 of subassembly 504 .
- Spring 550 can be positioned in an aperture (not shown) in retainer 308 a to allow retainer 308 a to be actuated against the spring force until retainer 308 a sits against lower stop surface 508 .
- the spring of this exemplary embodiment is a compression spring that is positioned at one end against retainer 308 a (at the internal end of an internal aperture in certain embodiments) and at the other end against lower stop surface 508 of subassembly 504 .
- subassembly 504 is sized and shaped to translate laterally along directions 250 a and 252 a when sandwiched between front mounting bracket 220 a and intermediate mounting bracket 221 a More particularly, subassembly 504 is sized and shaped to translate along directions 250 a and 252 a within groove 512 of intermediate mounting bracket 221 a . Groove 512 allows lateral movement of subassembly 504 positioned therein, while resisting vertical and rotational movement of subassembly 504 . Translation of subassembly 504 within groove 512 yields extension or retraction of bolt 204 a .
- subassembly 504 Specifically, translation of subassembly 504 along direction 250 a from the position shown in FIGS. 15 and 24 to the position shown in FIGS. 16 and 26 extends bolt 204 a . Conversely, translation of subassembly 504 along direction 252 a from the position shown in FIGS. 16 and 26 retracts bolt 204 a . Translation of subassembly 504 yields translation of bolt 204 a because bolt 204 is secured to subassembly 504 for translation therewith.
- rear mounting bracket 222 includes slot 514 .
- Slot 514 includes vertically oriented entry leg 516 and travel leg 518 .
- Vertically oriented entry leg 516 allows for assembly of slide 232 with intermediate mounting bracket 221 a .
- guide tab 520 of slide 232 a is aligned behind entry leg 516 of slot 514 . From this position, slide 232 is moved relative to intermediate mounting bracket 221 a along direction 404 a ( FIG.
- slide 232 a can translate relative to intermediate mounting bracket 221 a along directions 250 a , 252 a , with guide tab 520 riding in travel leg 518 of slot 514 .
- Slide 232 a is show n at one extreme of travel at a first end of travel leg 518 of slot 514 in FIG. 31 .
- the position shown in FIG. 31 corresponds with a retracted position of bolt 204 a .
- Slide 232 a is shown at the other extreme of travel at a second end of travel leg 518 of slot 514 in FIGS. 23 A and 30 .
- the position shown in FIGS. 23 A and 30 corresponds with an extended position of bolt 204 a.
- subassembly 504 can be operably connected to slide 232 a .
- subassembly 504 includes tab slot 522 sized to receive guide tab 520 securely.
- Tab slot 522 can receive guide tab 520 with a frictional engagement between the walls of subassembly forming tab slot and guide tab 520 . This frictional engagement will allow slight rotational movement of subassembly 504 relative to guide tab 520 as subassembly 504 is rotated into groove 512 during assembly.
- subassembly 504 is positioned relative to the subassembly of intermediate mounting bracket 221 a and slide 232 ( FIG. 23 A ), with tab slot 522 aligned with guide tab 520 of slide 232 a , as shown in FIG. 27 . From this position, subassembly 504 can be moved with leading edge 524 ( FIG. 21 ) moved along direction 406 a ( FIG. 21 ).
- leading edge 524 can ride along curved guide surface 526 of intermediate mounting bracket 221 a and then substantially vertical guide surface 528 of intermediate mounting bracket 221 a until guide tab 520 reaches the mouth of tab slot 522 in subassembly 504 .
- trailing edge 530 of subassembly 504 rests atop curved guide surface 526 .
- Subassembly 504 is then rotated, with tab 520 entering tab slot 522 and trailing edge 530 riding along curved guide surface 526 until achieving the finally seated position of subassembly 504 shown in FIGS. 24 - 26 .
- subassembly 504 substantially fills groove 512 of intermediate mounting bracket 221 a , with sufficient clearance for subassembly 504 to move laterally along directions 250 a and 252 a .
- front mounting bracket 220 a can be operably positioned for securement to intermediate mounting bracket 221 a and rear mounting bracket 222 a , as described above With front mounting bracket 220 a secured to intermediate mounting bracket 221 a , subassembly 504 is sandwiched between front mounting bracket 220 a and intermediate mounting bracket 221 a, with sufficient clearance for the lateral movement of subassembly 504 relative to intermediate mounting bracket 221 a , described above.
- operator actuatable input 202 a can be secured to boss 500 .
- seating of guide tab 520 in tab slot 522 works to retain slide 232 a to the backside of intermediate mounting bracket 221 a .
- slide 232 a is sandwiched between the door and intermediate mounting bracket 221 a .
- Opposing guide surfaces 532 , 534 can be used to guide lateral movement of bolt 204 a along directions 250 a and 252 a . Referring to FIGS.
- intermediate mounting bracket 221 a includes spring stop 536 and slide 232 a includes spring stop 538 , between which spring 540 (shown only in FIGS. 32 and 33 ) is positioned.
- Spring 540 is a biasing member biasing bolt 204 a into the extended position. More particularly, spring 540 is a compression spring that is compressed between spring stops 536 , 538 , with further compression of spring 540 required as bolt 204 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. Spring 540 is guided by intermediate mounting bracket 221 a and spring tab 542 of slide 232 a.
- Actuation of bolt 204 a between the retracted position (see, e.g., FIGS. 15 , 33 and 31 ) and the extended position (see, e.g., FIGS. 16 , 32 and 30 ) is effected by operator actuatable input 202 a moving boss 500 of retainer 308 a from one end of aperture 240 a to the other.
- Retainer 308 a is incapable of lateral movement (i.e., movement along directions 250 a and 252 a ) relative to the remaining components of subassembly 504 ; therefore, lateral movement of boss 500 in aperture 240 a yields lateral movement of subassembly 504 in groove 512 of intermediate mounting bracket 221 a , which, in turn yields lateral movement of bolt 204 a between the retracted and extended positions, owing to the securement of tab 520 of slide 232 a in tab slot 522 of subassembly 504 .
- guide tab 232 a the portion of slide 232 a connecting guide tab 232 a to bolt 204 a , subassembly 504 (including boss 500 ) and operator actuatable input are all “blocker actuators” in that bolt 204 can be termed a “blocker” and these elements cooperate to actuate the blocker. So long as each listed element is operatively connected to bolt 204 , each listed element can itself be termed a “blocker actuator.”
- boss 500 occupies retraction upright 544 of aperture 240 .
- boss 500 occupies extension upright 548 of aperture 240 a .
- Boss 500 travels through lateral displacement base of aperture 240 between retraction upright 544 and extension upright 548 .
- boss 500 is biased upward along direction 434 a ; therefore, if boss 500 occupies retraction upright 544 of aperture 240 , it is forced upward and locked against lateral movement as shown in FIG. 15 .
- boss 500 occupies extension upright 548 of aperture 240 a , it is forced upward and locked against lateral movement as shown in FIG. 16 .
- boss 500 When boss 500 is locked against lateral movement, it is in a blocking position to block actuation of bolt 204 a . When boss 500 is able to move laterally (in displacement base 546 of aperture 240 a ), it is in an unblocking position allowing actuation of the bolt 204 a . To move boss 500 along lateral displacement base 546 of aperture 240 a , boss 500 must be pushed against the biasing force of spring 550 (described above) and into lateral displacement base 546 of aperture 240 a Vertical movement of retainer 308 a is selectively blocked by a retainer blocker taking the form of bearing 552 . In the exemplification illustrated, bearing 552 is a ball bearing, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 , 24 - 27 , 29 , 34 and 35 .
- FIGS. 19 , 24 - 27 and 29 illustrate subassembly 504 with faceplate 506 removed to reveal the components of subassembly 504 contained within the subassembly housing.
- ball bearing 552 is positioned intermediate retainer 308 a and wall 554 of the housing of subassembly 504 to create a physical barrier to a reciprocation of retainer 308 a .
- controller 302 a actuates electric motor 352 a to rotate output shaft 560 in a direction causing armature 556 to withdraw along direction 252 a .
- Electric motor 352 A may be a battery powered electric motor powered by batteries (not shown) housed in battery compartment 564 .
- Armature 556 carries magnet 558 , which creates a magnetic field attracting bearing 552 .
- the magnetic force originating with magnet 558 pulls bearing 552 from the position illustrated in FIG. 34 to the position illustrated in FIG. 35 .
- retainer 308 a is forced downwardly along direction 436 a just prior to actuation of motor 352 a (with armature positioned as shown in FIG. 34 )
- the friction force created when retainer 308 a presses bearing 552 against wall 554 may be sufficient to overcome the magnet attraction between armature 556 and bearing 552 .
- bearing 552 will remain in position blocking actuation of retainer 308 a until the friction force is released by no longer applying a force to boss 500 along direction 436 a .
- bearing 552 will succumb to the force from magnet 558 and travel to the position shown in FIG. 35 .
- retainer 308 a can be moved against the biasing force of spring 550 by operator actuatable input 202 a connected to boss 500 to allow movement of boss 500 through aperture 240 a to actuate bolt 204 a between the retracted and extended positions, as described above.
- Operation of lock 200 a can begin with bolt in the secure state, with bolt 204 a in the extended position, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 , 26 , 27 and 32 , boss 500 occupying the upper most extent of extension upright 548 ( FIG. 16 ) and bearing 552 blocking actuation of retainer 308 a ( FIG. 34 ). From this position, a valid credential is needed to actuate lock 200 a to the unsecure state.
- controller 302 a (which includes the same elements and functionality of controller 302 described above) is connected to input device 320 and portable operator device 330 a .
- the structure and functionality of input device 320 a and portable operator device 330 a is identical to the structure and functionality of input device 320 and portable operator device 330 , except that input device 320 a and portable operator device 330 a are used to control lock 200 a as opposed to lock 200 which is controlled by input device 320 and portable operator device 330 . Therefore, a description of input device 320 a and portable operator device 330 a is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.
- controller 302 a actuates electric motor 352 a to translate armature 556 from the position shown, e.g., in FIG. 34 to the position shown, e.g., in FIG. 35 .
- operator actuatable input 202 a can be used to actuate boss 500 from the position shown in FIG. 16 to the position shown in FIG. 15 to move bolt 204 a from the extended position to the retracted position. In this position, controller 302 will operate motor 352 a to again position armature 556 and bearing 552 in the position shown in FIG. 35 .
- Sensor 562 can be used to signal to controller 302 a that retainer 308 a has returned to its normally biased position against upper stop surface 510 . When this occurs, controller 302 a actuates motor 352 a to again position armature 556 and bearing 552 in the position shown in FIG. 35 . A valid credential will again be needed to actuate motor 352 a and allow lock 200 a to be placed in the locked position, with bolt 204 a in the extended position. This creates an audit trail of the state of lock 200 a .
- Sensor 562 can be, e.g., a proximity sensor or an optical sensor.
- spring 540 will act to bias boss 500 into alignment with extension upright 548 of aperture 240 and then spring 550 will bias boss 500 into the locked position shown in FIG. 16 .
- the biasing forces of springs 540 and 550 can be set so that the operator only needs to press boss 500 (via operator actuatable input 202 a ) into alignment with lateral displacement base 546 of aperture 240 at which point springs 540 and 550 will cooperate to snap boss 500 into the position shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIGS. 36 - 53 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, door lock 200 b is illustrated.
- Door lock 200 b provides the same functionality as door locks 200 and 200 a , i.e., door lock 200 b controls the ability to move door 110 (when door lock 200 b is installed in place of door lock 200 as shown in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B ) from a closed position to an open position
- Door lock 200 a includes operator actuatable input 202 b accessible from an exterior of storage container 100 . Through an actuation of operator actuatable input 202 b (which will be further described hereinbelow), bolt 204 b of door lock 200 b is moved from an extended position ( FIGS. 36 - 38 , 41 and 43 ) to a retracted position ( FIG. 44 ).
- first end 208 b of bolt 204 b When bolt 204 b is in the extended position, a first end 208 b of bolt 204 b is received in a recess in storage container 100 to block rotation of door 110 in direction 112 ( FIG. 1 A ) or vertical movement of door 110 .
- a recess operable to cooperate with door lock 200 b in this way is recess 120 illustrated in FIG. 6 in conjunction with door lock 200 .
- first end 208 b of bolt 204 b is positioned outside of a recess, e.g., recess 120 of storage container 100 , and does not block actuation of a door to which it is attached.
- bolt 204 a Based on its ability to alternately block (when extended) and allow movement (when retracted) of a door to which it is attached, bolt 204 a can be referred to as a “blocker.”
- Lock 200 b includes front mounting bracket 220 b and intermediate mounting bracket 221 b as shown, e.g., in FIGS. 36 - 38 .
- FIG. 38 also illustrates rear mounting bracket 222 b .
- front mounting bracket 220 b can be placed over a front side 122 b (see FIG. 38 ) of door 110 b and rear mounting bracket 222 b can be placed over a rear side 124 b of door 110 b .
- Front mounting bracket 220 b and rear mounting bracket 222 b can be, in use, secured to door 110 b .
- FIG. 38 Similar to the arrangement of lock 200 shown in FIGS. 2 A and 2 B , front mounting bracket 220 b can be placed over a front side 122 b (see FIG. 38 ) of door 110 b and rear mounting bracket 222 b can be placed over a rear side 124 b of door 110 b .
- Front mounting bracket 220 b and rear mounting bracket 222 b can be, in use, secured to
- door 110 b includes a plurality of apertures 130 b
- front mounting bracket 220 b includes a plurality of apertures 226 b ( FIG. 39 ) alignable with the plurality of apertures 130 b of door 110 b
- rear mounting bracket 222 b includes a plurality of apertures 228 b ( FIG. 38 ) also alignable with the plurality of apertures 130 b of door 110 b
- Bolts 600 pass through respective aligned sets of apertures 130 b , 226 a , and 228 a to hold front mounting bracket 220 and rear mounting bracket 222 to door 110 .
- Intermediate mounting bracket 221 b includes a corresponding set of apertures 602 ( FIG. 39 ) allowing bolts 600 to pass.
- bolt 204 b is, in use, positioned adjacent to and actuated along the front side of door 110 b to be positioned into and out of a recess similar recess 120 shown in FIG. 6 .
- This is different from standard deadbolt locks, for example, in which a bolt extends from and is retracted into an aperture formed in the thickness of a door, i.e., between the front and back faces of the door.
- operator actuatable input 202 b receives input motion from a user to articulate operator actuatable input 202 b along directions 250 b , 252 b.
- FIG. 41 illustrates slide 232 b positioned between intermediate mounting bracket 221 b and front mounting bracket 220 b .
- slide 232 b is able to reciprocate along directions 250 b , 252 b between the extended position of bolt 204 b and the retracted position of bolt 204 b , respectively.
- a user can grasp operator actuated bolt input 202 b to move slide 232 b along one of directions 250 b , 252 b
- Such reciprocation of slide 232 b can be guided by a longitudinal channel formed in locking assembly housing 604 into which slide 232 b is received.
- Slide 232 b can also be received between opposing guide surfaces 532 b , 534 b of front mounting bracket 220 b to guide reciprocation of slide 232 b .
- locking assembly housing 604 and slide 232 b form an electromechanical subassembly useable with a variety of mounting brackets having a variety of hole patterns matching alternative door hole patterns.
- Battery door 676 can be secured relative to front mounting bracket 220 b via battery door screw 678 and may carry auxiliary PCBA 680 , which is connected to header 682 automatically upon final seating of battery door 676 . Header 682 connects auxiliary PCBA to the main PCBA carrying controller 302 b . In this way, the battery compartment door can be swapped out to add an alternative auxiliary PCBA adding functionality such as, new radios, sensors, or user interfaces. While battery door screw 678 is exposed, access to the battery compartment does not allow access to the locking mechanism or main PCBA. Battery door screw 678 may be designed for actuation only by a specialized tool. In all embodiments of the disclosure, controller 302 , 302 a , or 302 b controls actuation of electric motor 352 , 352 a , or 352 b by electrically connecting the electric motor to the batteries of the respective embodiment.
- Locking assembly 200 b can, alternatively, be utilized to maintain bolt 204 b in one of the extended position or the retracted position.
- Slide 232 b includes dumbbell shaped cutout 606 formed therein.
- Retainer 308 including cam 608 , can selectively be used to maintain the position of the body of slide 232 b between operator actuatable input 202 b and bolt 204 b , which can also aptly be termed a blocker actuator in that it is capable of actuating bolt 204 b (a “blocker”) between the retracted and extended positions.
- cam 608 can be positioned in either bulbous end 612 , 614 of dumbbell shaped cutout 606 and oriented such that cam longitudinal axis 610 is orthogonal to directions 250 b , 252 b (as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 ) to prevent actuation of slide 232 b along either of directions 250 b and 252 b
- cam longitudinal axis 610 must be positioned substantially parallel with directions 250 b , 252 b to allow cam 608 to travel through lateral displacement channel 616 of dumbbell shaped cutout 606 .
- cam 608 is positioned to fit within the depth of slide 232 b .
- a top surface of cam 608 is substantially coplanar with a top surface of slide 232 b surrounding dumbbell shaped cutout 606 and a bottom surface of cam 608 is similarly substantially coplanar with a bottom surface of slide 232 b surrounding dumbbell shaped cutout 606 .
- cam 608 can act as a retainer selectively positionable to a blocking position (see, e.g., FIGS.
- blocking assembly 3001 further includes worm wheel 618 having an open center 620 into which radial protrusion 622 extends.
- Cam drive shaft 624 is centrally positioned within open center 620 of worm wheel 618 .
- Cam drive shaft 624 includes spaced stop plates 626 , 628 keyed for rotation therewith. More particularly, central apertures 630 , 632 have a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of cam drive shaft 624 .
- torsion spring 634 Located between lower stop plate 626 and upper stop plate 628 is torsion spring 634 . Specifically, torsion spring 634 is positioned about cam drive shaft 624 with cam drive shaft 624 positioned through central aperture 638 of torsion spring 634 .
- torsion spring 634 may be utilized to facilitate spacing of lower stop plate 626 from upper stop plate 628 .
- torsion spring pin 640 Secured between lower stop place 262 and upper stop plate 628 is torsion spring pin 640 .
- Torsion spring pin 640 may be interference fit within aperture 642 , 644 of stop plates 626 , 628 .
- Torsion spring pin 640 may incorporate a radial flange at each end thereof to further facilitate proper spacing of lower stop plate 626 from upper stop plate 628 along directions 404 a , 406 a .
- spacer 636 may be positioned between lower stop place 626 and upper stop plate 628 to further effect proper spacing thereof along directions 404 a , 406 a.
- lower stop plate 626 , upper stop plate 628 as well as the components positioned therebetween are positioned within open center 620 of worm wheel 618 and are rotatable with cam drive shaft 624 about longitudinal axis 646 of worm wheel 618 .
- Drive shaft 560 b of electric motor 352 b is arranged an intermeshing relationship with teeth 648 of worm wheel 618 such that actuation of electric motor 352 b causes rotation of worm wheel 618 about longitudinal axis 646 of worm wheel 618 .
- Upper torsion spring arm 650 and lower torsion spring arm 652 are, in construction, rotated relative to each other about longitudinal axis 646 of worm wheel 618 until torsion spring 634 is preloaded and torsion spring arms 650 , 652 abut torsion spring pin 640 and radial protrusion 622 of worm wheel 618 , as illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 46 .
- Cam 608 is rotatable within bulbous ends 612 , 614 within the limits set by stop surfaces 654 , 656 , 658 , 660 .
- cam 608 is rotated into abutting contact with lock stop surface 658 of extension bulbous end 614 , slide 232 b is locked in an extended position. This arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 46 . From this position, cam 608 can be rotated away from abutting contact with lock stop surface 658 about longitudinal axis 646 of worm wheel 618 and into abutting contact with unlock stop surface 660 , as illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48 .
- cam 608 when cam 608 occupies retraction bulbous end 612 , cam 608 can be positioned in abutting contact with lock stop surface 654 to retain slide 232 b , and therefore bolt 604 b in the retracted position.
- This arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 53 .
- Cam 608 can be rotated out of abutting contact with lock stop surface 654 by rotation about longitudinal axis 646 of worm wheel 618 . More particularly, cam 608 can be rotated away from lock stop surface 654 and into abutting contact with unlock stop surface 656 to allow translation of slide 232 b relative to cam 608 .
- Operation of lock 200 b can begin with bolt 204 b in the secure state, with bolt 204 a in the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 36 , 37 , 41 , and 43 and with cam 608 abutting stop lock surface 658 of extension bulbous end 614 . From this position, a valid credential is needed to actuate lock 200 b to the unsecure state.
- controller 302 b is carried by the main PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly). Controller 302 b includes the same elements and functionality of controllers 302 , 302 a described above and; therefore, the structure and functionality of controller 302 b is not now described in detail for the sake of brevity. Controller 302 b is connected to input device 320 b and portable operator device 330 b .
- the structure and functionality of input device 320 b and portable operator device 330 b is identical to the structure and functionality of input device 320 and portable operator device 330 , except that input device 320 b and portable operator device 330 b are used to control lock 200 b as opposed to lock 200 which is controlled by input device 320 and portable operator device 330 . Therefore, a detailed description input device 320 b and portable operator device 330 b is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.
- controller 302 b can actuate motor 352 b to position cam 608 with its longitudinal axis 610 aligned with direction 252 b as shown, e.g., in FIGS. 47 and 48 to allow bolt 204 b to be retracted.
- Locking bolt 204 b in the extended position is effected by placing cam 608 in abutting relationship with lock stop surface 658 of extension bulbous end 614 , as described above.
- worm wheel 618 can be rotated into the position shown in FIG. 45 .
- torsion spring 634 exerts differing biases on cam 608 .
- torsion spring 634 biases cam 608 into abutting relationship with lock stop surface 658 ( FIG. 42 ).
- this spring bias is continually decreased.
- the biasing force of torsion spring 634 must be overcome to rotate cam 608 to the position illustrated in FIG. 47 .
- radial protrusion 622 rotates torsion spring arm 652 from the position illustrated in FIG. 46 to the position illustrated in FIG. 47 .
- torsion spring arm 650 acts, with the biasing force of torsion spring 634 against torsion spring pin 640 to rotate cam drive shaft 624 (which is keyed to stop plates 626 , 628 ) into the position illustrated in FIG. 47 .
- cam 608 is placed in abutting relationship with unlock stop surface 660 of extension bulbous end 614 .
- actuation of motor 352 b continues, with radial protrusion 622 of worm wheel 618 rotating the against the biasing force of torsion spring 634 .
- sensor 672 may be positioned about an end of cam drive shaft 624 opposite cam 608 and through the main PCBA carrying controller 302 b . In this position, sensor 672 can be utilized to sense the rotary position of retainer 308 and, therefore, the position of cam 608 .
- Sensor 672 can be, e.g., an optical sensor.
- cam 608 With the spring loaded as illustrated in FIG. 48 , cam 608 is biased for a further 90° of rotation which is; however, prevented by contact of cam 608 with unlock stop surface 660 .
- operator actuatable input 202 b can be grasped by an operator to laterally actuate bolt 204 b from the extended position to the retracted position. This actuation begins with movement of slide 232 b along direction 252 b from the position showing in FIG. 48 to the position shown in FIG. 49 .
- FIG. 48 As shown in FIG.
- cam 608 As cam 608 is laterally displaced from abutting contact with unlock stop surface 660 , it is transitioned into lateral displacement channel 616 of dumbbell shaped cutout 606 , as shown in FIG. 49 . In this position, the opposing walls forming lateral displacement channel 616 prohibit rotation of cam 608 . Therefore cam 608 travels from the position illustrated in FIG. 48 through the position illustrated in FIGS. 49 , 50 , and 51 (by actuation of operator actuatable input 202 b ) with torsion spring 634 supplying a biasing force to cam 608 . As cam 608 disengages from the walls forming lateral displacement channel 616 , this biasing force automatically actuates cam 608 from the position illustrated in FIG.
- a valid credential will again be needed to actuate motor 352 b and allow lock 200 b to be placed in the locked position, with bolt 204 b in the extended position. This creates an audit trail of lock 200 b .
- presentation of a valid credential will activate motor 352 b to rotate worm wheel 618 from the position shown in FIG. 53 , through the position shown in FIG. 52 and finally to a position with cam 608 abutting unlock stop surface 656 of retraction bulbous end 612 and with a 900 spring preload caused by rotation of worm wheel 618 against torsion spring arm 650 . While this position is not illustrated, it mirrors the position shown in FIG. 48 .
- operator actuatable input 202 b can be utilized to extend bolt 204 b until cam 608 occupies extension bulbous end 614 and the biasing force of torsion spring 634 causes cam 608 to be positioned in abutting contact with lock stop surface 658 .
- a sensor may be utilized to signal full extension of bolt 204 b and thereafter actuate motor 352 b into the position illustrated in FIG. 45 , with radial protrusion 622 abutting lock stop surfaces 662 and 664 and cam 608 fully constrained from a rotation in either direction about longitudinal axis 646 of worm wheel 618 .
- Spring 674 ( FIGS. 43 and 44 ) may be utilized to bias bolt 204 b into an extended position similar to the biasing arrangements described above with respect to locks 200 , 200 a.
Abstract
The present disclosure generally relates to a lock including a blocker (e.g., a bolt) useable to selectively prevent access through a portal such as a door. The blocker can be retained in a blocking position to prevent access through the portal by a retainer. In alternative embodiments, the blocker can also be retained in an open position to allow access through the portal. A retainer can be utilized to retain the blocker in the blocking position preventing access through the portal and can also be utilized, in certain embodiments, to retain the blocker in the open position to allow access through the portal. A retainer blocker can be utilized to maintain the retainer in position to retain the blocker (e.g., bolt) in a fixed position. An actuator may, in certain alternative embodiments, be employed to position the retainer blocker. In certain embodiments, the actuator is controlled by an electronic controller.
Description
- This application is a 371 national stage application of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US20/26762, filed Apr. 4, 2020, titled ELECTRONIC LOCK which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/872,121, filed Jul. 9, 2019, docket BAS-2019502-02-US, titled ELECTRONIC LOCK and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/829,778, filed Apr. 5, 2019, docket BAS-2019502-01-US, titled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL STORAGE DOOR LOCK, the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- The present disclosure relates to door locks and, in particular, to door locks having an electro-mechanical locking system.
- Storage areas, such as lockers, safes, rooms, and other storage areas, are known to have mechanical or electro-mechanical locking systems which control access to an interior of the storage container or room through a door. In certain circumstances, a door is lifted upwardly to reveal an access to a storage area. In these circumstances, the door can be lifted upwardly along a track like a typical “garage door” or the door can be implemented as a roll-up door.
- The present disclosure generally relates to a lock including a blocker (e.g., a bolt) useable to selectively prevent access through a portal such as a door. The blocker can be retained in a blocking position to prevent access through the portal by a retainer. In alternative embodiments, the blocker can also be retained in an open position to allow access through the portal. A retainer can be utilized to retain the blocker in the blocking position preventing access through the portal and can also be utilized, in certain embodiments, to retain the blocker in the open position to allow access through the portal. A retainer blocker can be utilized to maintain the retainer in position to retain the blocker (e.g., bolt) in a fixed position. An actuator may, in certain alternative embodiments, be employed to position the retainer blocker. In certain embodiments, the actuator is controlled by an electronic controller.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage area is provided. The storage area comprising: a door, and a lock. The lock comprising: a blocker (e.g., a bolt) positioned atop a front side of the door, the blocker moveable between an extended position locking the door and a retracted position unlocking the door along a first direction; and a blocker actuator operable to receive a user input motion along the first direction to actuate the blocker between the extended position and the retracted position; an electronic controller operatively coupled to the lock and actuatable to selectively block movement of the blocker actuator; and an input device, the electronic controller actuatable by the input device.
- In an example thereof, the lock further comprises: a retainer, selectively positionable to a blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker and selectively positionable to an unblocking position to allow the blocker actuator to actuate the blocker; and a retainer blocker operable to selectively cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker, the electronic controller operatively coupled to the retainer blocker and actuatable to position the retainer blocker to cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position.
- In further examples thereof, the lock comprises: a blocker; a blocker actuator operable to selectively actuate the blocker; a retainer selectively positionable to a blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker and selectively positionable to an unblocking position to allow the blocker actuator to actuate the blocker; and a retainer blocker operable to selectively cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker. In further examples thereof, the retainer comprises a protrusion positionable in at least one recess in the blocking position of the retainer. In further examples thereof, the lock includes a biasing member biasing the protrusion of the retainer into the at least one recess. In further examples thereof, the blocker actuator includes the at least one recess. In certain examples thereof, the at least one recess comprises a first recess positioned to cooperate with the protrusion to hold the blocker in a retracted position, and the at least one recess further comprise a second recess positioned to cooperate with the protrusion to hold the blocker in an extended position.
- In further examples, the retainer is reciprocatable between the blocking position and the unblocking position along a reciprocation direction, the retainer blocker comprising a stop insertable along an insertion direction orthogonal to the reciprocation direction into a stop position preventing a movement of the retainer blocker along the reciprocation direction. In certain examples thereof, the stop comprises a tab insertable into a recess in the retainer. In certain examples thereof, the stop comprises a bearing insertable along the insertion direction to a stop position creating a physical barrier to a reciprocation of the retainer from the blocking position to the unblocking position.
- In examples thereof, the lock further comprises, a motor; and an armature linkage moveable by energization of the motor, the armature linkage positioned to selectively position the bearing in the stop position and move the bearing from the stop position. In certain examples thereof, a magnet is carried by the armature linkage, a magnetic attraction between the bearing and the magnet capable of effecting, movement of the bearing from the stop position. In examples thereof, the retainer, the bearing, the motor and the armature linkage are carried by a carriage, the carriage, the retainer, the bearing, the motor and the armature linkage comprising a subassembly securable to the blocker for translation therewith.
- In examples thereof, the retainer is rotatable between the blocking position and the unblocking position, the retainer blocker comprising a stop rotatable into a stop position preventing a rotation of the retainer. In further examples thereof, the lock further comprises: at least one stop surface presented by the blocker actuator, in the stop position, the retainer trapped against rotation between the stop and the stop surface. In additional examples, the lock further comprises: a worm wheel carrying the stop; a motor; a worm screw rotatable by the motor the worm screw intermeshed with the worm wheel whereby energization of the motor actuates the stop. In examples thereof, the lock further comprises a biasing element positionable to bias the retainer into the blocking position and further positionable to bias the retainer into the unblocking position, the stop defining a datum for the biasing element. In examples thereof, the biasing element comprises a torsion spring.
- In examples thereof, the lock further comprises: an actuator, operable to selectively move the retainer blocker to the blocking position and to selectively move the retainer blocker from the blocking position; and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the actuator to selectively cause the actuator to move the retainer blocker.
- In examples thereof, the retainer comprises a cam. In further examples the retainer blocker comprises a worm wheel having a radial protrusion positionable to maintain the retainer in the blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker. In examples thereof, the worm wheel includes an open center and the radial protrusion comprises a radially inward protrusion.
- In further examples of the lock, the blocker and the blocker actuator each form a part of an integral slide.
- In further examples of the lock, the blocker actuator comprises a subassembly.
- In examples thereof, the lock further includes a biasing element, the biasing element selectively biasing a cam to move between the blocking position and the unblocking position. In examples thereof, the biasing element comprises a spring and the lock further comprises a moveable spring datum, the moveable spring datum moveable between a first position corresponding to a neutral position in which the spring cooperates with the moveable spring datum to position the retainer.
- In examples thereof, the input device comprises a portable operator device and the electronic controller and the portable operator device communicate over a wireless connection.
- In examples thereof, the input device is operable to communicate a credential to the electronic controller and the electronic controller is operable to evaluate the credential to make a determination whether the credential is a valid credential capable of actuating the controller to cease blocking movement of the blocker actuator and thereby allow the user input motion along the first direction to actuate the blocker between the extended position locking the door and the retracted position unlocking the door.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a door lock for use with a door is provided. The door lock comprising a bolt moveable between an extended position and a retracted position along a first direction; a retainer operatively coupled to the bolt and positionable to maintain the bolt in one of the extended position or the retracted position; a blocker operatively coupled to the retainer, the blocker moveable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein when the blocker is in the blocking position the retainer maintains the bolt in one of the extended position and the retracted position and when the blocker is in the release position the retainer is moveable to permit the bolt to move from one of the extended position and the retracted position to the other of the extended position and the retracted position; an actuator operatively coupled to the blocker to move the blocker from the release position to the blocking position: and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the actuator to cause the actuator to move the blocker in the second direction from the release position to the blocking position.
- In an example thereof, the retainer is moveable in a second direction angled relative to the first direction.
- In an example thereof, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In another example thereof the blocker is moveable in a third direction to move between the release position and the blocking position, the third direction is angled relative to the second direction. In a variation thereof, the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In another variation thereof, the actuator includes an electric motor. In yet a further variation thereof, the electric motor rotates a pinion gear, the pinion gear intermeshed with a gear rack carried by the blocker.
- In a further example thereof, the bolt extends from a slide, the slide having a first recess and a second recess, a protrusion of the retainer is received in the first recess when the bolt is received in the retracted position and the protrusion of the retainer is received in the second recess when the bolt is in the extended position. In a variation thereof, the door lock further comprises a plurality of biasing members, a first biasing member biases the protrusion of the retainer into one of the first recess or the second recess of the slide. In a further variation thereof, a second biasing member biases the bolt to the extended position. In still another example, the door lock further comprises a front mounting bracket positionable over a front side of the door and a rear mounting bracket positionable over a rear side of the door. In a variation thereof, the bolt is captured between the door and the front mounting bracket.
- In further examples, the door lock is utilized in combination with a door and the bolt is positioned atop a front side of the door, the bolt moveable between the extended position and the retracted position along the front side of the door. In examples, the door lock further comprising an operator actuatable input operable to receive an input motion along the first direction from a user to move the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.
- In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, a door lock for use with a door is provided. The lock comprising: a bolt moveable between an extended position and a retracted position in along a first direction, a retainer operatively coupled to the bolt and positionable to maintain the bolt in one of the extended position or the retracted position; a blocker operatively coupled to the retainer, the blocker moveable between a blocking position and a release position, wherein when the blocker is in the blocking position the retainer maintains the bolt in one of the extended position and the retracted position and when the blocker is in the release position the retainer is moveable to permit the bolt to move from one of the extended position and the retracted position to the other of the extended position and the retracted position; an actuator operatively coupled to the blocker to move the blocker from the release position to the blocking position; and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the actuator to cause the actuator to move the blocker in the second direction from the release position to the blocking position.
- The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein
-
FIG. 1A illustrates a representative view of a storage container having an enclosed volume which is accessible through a door, the door being secured in a closed position to deny access to the enclosed volume with a door lock having a bolt positioned in an extended position; -
FIG. 1B illustrates a representative view of the storage container ofFIG. 1A with the door being moveable from the closed position to an open position to permit access to the enclosed volume due to the bolt of the door lock being positioned in a retracted position: -
FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary door lock for the storage container ofFIGS. 1A and 1B and a door of the storage container; -
FIG. 2B illustrates a front perspective view of the door lock ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 3A illustrates a rear exploded view of the door lock ofFIG. 2A , -
FIG. 3B illustrates a partial rear exploded view of the door lock ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a partial sectional view of the door lock ofFIG. 2A with a blocker and a retainer of the door lock cooperating to provide a locked configuration for the door lock wherein a movement of a bolt of the door lock between an extended position and a retracted position is blocked; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a partial sectional view of the door lock ofFIG. 2A with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock cooperating to provide an unlocked configuration for the door lock wherein a movement of the bolt of the door lock between the extended position and the retracted position is permitted, -
FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the door lock and door ofFIG. 2A along lines 6-6 inFIG. 2A with the bolt of the door lock in an extended position, -
FIG. 7 illustrates the sectional view ofFIG. 6 with the bolt of the door lock transitioning from the extended position to a retracted position; -
FIG. 8 illustrates the sectional view ofFIG. 6 with the bolt of the door lock in the retracted position; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the door lock and door ofFIG. 2A along lines 9-9 inFIG. 2A with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock being in the locked configuration ofFIG. 4 and the bolt in the extended position ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 10 illustrates the sectional view ofFIG. 9 with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock being in the unlocked configuration ofFIG. 5 and the bolt in the extended position ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 11 illustrates the sectional view ofFIG. 9 with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock being in the unlocked configuration ofFIG. 5 and the bolt transitioning from the extended position ofFIG. 6 to the retracted position ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 12 illustrates the sectional view ofFIG. 9 with the blocker and the retainer of the door lock being in the locked configuration ofFIG. 4 and the bolt in the retracted position ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a partial sectional view of the door lock ofFIG. 2A with the bolt in the extended position ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 14 illustrates the partial sectional view ofFIG. 13 with the bolt in the retracted position ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment lock in accordance with the present disclosure showing the bolt in a retracted position; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lock ofFIG. 15 , showing the bolt in n extended position; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective, exploded view showing the rear mounting bracket and the bolt carrying slide of the embodiment ofFIGS. 15 and 16 , -
FIG. 18 is a perspective, exploded view of the rear mounting bracket, the bolt carrying slide and the actuation subassembly of the embodiment ofFIGS. 15-17 , -
FIG. 19 is another perspective, exploded view of the rear mounting bracket, the bolt carrying slide and the actuation subassembly of the embodiment ofFIGS. 15-18 , with the front access panel of the actuation subassembly removed to reveal the internal components of the actuation subassembly; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective, exploded view of the lock shown assembled inFIGS. 15 and 16 ; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective, exploded view showing the bolt carrying slider, rear mounting bracket and actuation subassembly of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 15-20 ; -
FIG. 22 is an assembled, perspective of the lock shown inFIGS. 15-21 ; -
FIG. 23 is a partial perspective of the rear mounting bracket; -
FIG. 23A is a partial perspective view of the lock shown nFIGS. 15-22 with the bolt carrying slider assembled to the rear mounting bracket and with the bolt shown in an extended position; -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lock ofFIGS. 15-23 showing assembly of the actuation subassembly to the slider, with the front access panel of the actuation subassembly removed to reveal the internal components of the actuation subassembly and showing the retainer positioned to retain the bolt in a retracted position, as also shown inFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 25 is a perspective similar to the view ofFIG. 24 with the exception that the retainer has undergone an initial actuation from the position ofFIG. 24 to allow retraction of the bolt; -
FIG. 26 is a perspective similar to the views ofFIGS. 24 and 25 , but showing the bolt in an extended position and the retainer returned to its normally biased position (from the position illustrated inFIG. 25 ); -
FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the lock shown inFIGS. 15-26 , showing disengagement of the actuation subassembly from the slider and showing the bolt in the extended position; -
FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the lock ofFIGS. 15-27 taken through a section plane intersecting the tab and slot used to secure the actuation subassembly to the slider for translation therewith; -
FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the lock shown inFIGS. 15-28 , showing disengagement of the actuation subassembly from the slider and showing the bolt in the retracted position: -
FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the slider and rear mounting bracket of the lock ofFIGS. 15-29 , showing the slider in the extended position; -
FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the slider and rear mounting bracket of the lock ofFIGS. 15-29 , showing the slider in the retracted position; -
FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view illustrating the slider biasing element biasing the slider to an extended position; -
FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view illustrating the slider biasing element compressed to allow the slider to maintain a retracted position; -
FIGS. 34 and 35 are sectional views through an actuation subassembly of an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIGS. 36 and 37 are, respectively, front and rear perspective views of an alternative embodiment lock of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 38 is a rear exploded view of the door lock shown inFIGS. 36 and 37 and an associated door; -
FIG. 39 is a front perspective, exploded view of the door lock shown inFIGS. 37-38 ; -
FIG. 40 is a front perspective, exploded view of the door lock shown inFIGS. 36-39 ; -
FIG. 41 is a sectional view through the door lock shown inFIGS. 36-40 ; -
FIG. 42 is a partial, exploded view, illustrating the locking assembly used in conjunction with the door lock illustrated inFIGS. 36-41 ; -
FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of the locking assembly shown inFIGS. 36-42 , with the intermediate mounting bracket removed to reveal the components underneath and showing the locking bolt in the extended position; -
FIG. 44 is a rear, perspective view similar to the view ofFIG. 43 , but showing the bolt in the retracted position; and -
FIGS. 45-53 are partial, elevational views of the locking mechanism shown inFIG. 42 , with each ofFIGS. 45-53 illustrating progressive actuation of the lock illustrated inFIGS. 36-44 . - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
- For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding pails throughout the several views.
- The terms “couples”, “coupled”, “coupler” and variations thereof are used to include both arrangements wherein the two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements wherein the two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., the components are “coupled” via at least a third component), but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
- In some instances throughout this disclosure and in the claims, numeric terminology, such as first, second, third, and fourth, is used in reference to various components or features. Such use is not intended to denote an ordering of the components or features. Rather, numeric terminology is used to assist the reader in identifying the component or features being referenced and should not be narrowly interpreted as providing a specific order of components or features.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , anexemplary storage container 100 is illustrated.Storage container 100 includes anenclosure 102 having afront wall 104, a top 106, a right side wall 108, a floor (not shown), a back wall (not shown), and a left side wall (not shown). Adoor 110 is provided infront wall 104 ofstorage container 100.Door 110 is hinged tofront wall 104 generally along a left side ofdoor 110 such thatdoor 110 may swing open generally indirection 112. Withdoor 110 in an open position, an interior 114 (seeFIG. 6 ) ofstorage container 100 may be accessed while, withdoor 110 in a closed position,interior 114 ofstorage container 100 may not be accessed. - Exemplary storage containers include lockers, safes, and other types of containers, portable or stationary. Other storage containers include rooms in a structure and other bounded areas accessible through a door or gate. In embodiments, storage containers may have one or more solid walls. In embodiments, storage containers may have one or more permeable walls, such as wire mesh or bars. In embodiments, storage containers may have doors pivotably movable, vertically movable (e.g. overhead garage doors or roll-up doors), and/or collapsible doors (e.g. folding doors).
- The ability to move
door 110 from a closed position to an open position is controlled by adoor lock 200.Door lock 200 includes anoperator actuatable input 202 accessible from an exterior 116 (seeFIG. 6 ) ofstorage container 100. Through an actuation ofoperator actuatable input 202, abolt 204 ofdoor lock 200 is moved From an extended position (seeFIGS. 1A and 6 ) to a retracted position (seeFIGS. 1B and 8 ). As shown inFIG. 6 , whenbolt 204 is in the extended position, afirst end 208 ofbolt 204 is received in arecess 120 instorage container 100 and blocks rotation ofdoor 110 indirection 112 or vertical movement ofdoor 110. As shown inFIG. 8 , whenbolt 204 is in the retracted position,first end 208 ofbolt 204 is positioned outside ofrecess 120 ofstorage container 100 and does not block rotation ofdoor 110 indirection 112. Based on this functionality,first end 208 ofbolt 204 can be referred to as a “blocker.” As illustrated inFIG. 6 ,bolt 204 is positioned adjacent to and actuated along afront side 122 ofdoor 110 to be positioned into and out ofrecess 120. This is different from standard deadbolt locks, for example, in which a bolt extends from and is retracted into an aperture formed in the thickness of a door, i.e., between the front and back faces of the door. To actuatebolt 204 alongdirections 250, 252 (FIGS. 4 & 5 ) atop first side ofdoor 110,operator actuatable input 202 receives input motion from a user to articulateoperator actuatable input 202 alongdirections - Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 2B ,door lock 200 includes afront mounting bracket 220 placed over a front side 122 (seeFIG. 6 ) ofdoor 110 and arear mounting bracket 222 placed over a rear side 124 (seeFIGS. 3A and 6 ) ofdoor 110.Front mounting bracket 220 and rear mountingbracket 222 are secured todoor 110. In the illustrated embodiment as shown inFIG. 3A ,door 110 includes a plurality ofapertures 130, front mountingbracket 220 includes a plurality ofapertures 226 aligned with the plurality ofapertures 130 ofdoor 110, and rear mountingbracket 222 includes a plurality ofapertures 228 also aligned with the plurality ofapertures 130 ofdoor 110. Fasteners (not shown) pass through respective aligned sets ofapertures bracket 220 and rear mountingbracket 222 todoor 110. - Exemplary fasteners include bolts having heads which are positioned on top of front mounting
bracket 220 and threaded shafts extending beyond rear mountingbracket 222. The bolts are secured with nuts. The shape of the bolt heads prevents a tool being applied exterior tostorage container 100 to loosen the nuts from the bolts Other exemplary fasteners include weldments, tabs of front mountingbracket 220 which pass throughdoor 110 and are secured to rear mountingbracket 222 and other suitable structures to secure one or both of front mountingbracket 220 and rear mountingbracket 222 todoor 110. - Referring to
FIG. 2B , front mountingbracket 220 includes anelongated aperture 240 which receivesoperator actuatable input 202 ofdoor lock 200. Referring toFIG. 3A ,operator actuatable input 202 and bolt 204 are portions of anintegral slide 232 which is captured between a front side 122 (seeFIGS. 1A and 9 ) ofdoor 110 and front mountingbracket 220. In other embodiments,operator actuatable input 202 and bolt 204 are separate components coupled to slide 232 or otherwise operatively coupled together such that an actuation ofoperator actuatable input 202 results in a movement ofbolt 204 whendoor lock 200 is in an unlocked configuration. For the purposes of this document, “integral” signals that elements are made of one continuous material, as opposed to being formed of discreet components that are secured one to the other in some fashion. - Referring to
FIG. 3B , slide 232 further includes areceiver 240 positioned above aguide 242. Illustratively,receiver 240 is a pin, but other suitable receivers such as a recess are contemplated. Afirst end 244 of a biasing member 246 (FIG. 3A ) is placed overreceiver 240 and biasingmember 246 extends alongguide 242.Biasing member 246 is further received in a guide 236 (seeFIG. 3A ) of front mountingbracket 220 and asecond end 248 of biasingmember 246 contacts a stop 238 (seeFIG. 3A ) of front mountingbracket 220. - An operator will contact
operator actuatable input 202 and pushoperator actuatable input 202 indirection 250 to movebolt 204 also indirection 250 towards a retracted position of bolt 204 (seeFIGS. 1B and 8 ). Similarly, an operator will contactoperator actuatable input 202 and pushoperator actuatable input 202 indirection 252 to movebolt 204 also indirection 252 towards an extended position of bolt 204 (seeFIGS. 1A and 6 ). Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14 , whenbolt 204 is in the extended position (seeFIG. 13 ) biasingmember 246 is less compressed than whenbolt 204 is in the retracted position (seeFIG. 14 ). Thus, absent an additional holding force in the retracted position, bolt 204 will be biased by biasingmember 246 to the extended position ofFIG. 13 when the operator releasesoperator actuatable input 202. - Referring to
FIG. 3B ,door lock 200 includes a lockingassembly 300 which holdsbolt 204 in the extended position unless a valid credential is presented todoor lock 200. Lockingassembly 300 includes acontroller 302, anactuator 304 controlled by thecontroller 302, ablocker 306 operatively coupled toactuator 304, and aretainer 308 selectively coupled toblocker 306. - Referring to
FIG. 2A ,controller 302 is an electronic controller includingprocessing circuits 310 andmemory 312. In embodiments,controller 302 is microprocessor-based andmemory 312 is a non-transitory computer readable medium which includes processing instructions stored therein that are executable by the microprocessor ofcontroller 302 to control operation ofactuator 304 to positionblocker 306 in one of a blocking or lock position (seeFIG. 9 ) and a release position (seeFIG. 10 ). Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable mediums include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), or any other tangible medium capable of storing information. - In embodiments,
controller 302 is one of wired or wirelessly coupled to aninput device 320 mounted tostorage container 100 or received in an interface mounted tostorage container 100.Exemplary input devices 320 include keypads, biometric readers, touch screens, removeable electronic keys, and other suitable input devices. At least one ofinput devices 320 andcontroller 302 exchanges information with the other ofinput devices 320 andcontroller 302 to determine whether the operator has a valid credential to access interior 114 ofstorage container 100. In embodiments,controller 302 receives information frominput devices 320 and makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access) In embodiments,input devices 320 receives information fromcontroller 302 and makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access). In embodiments, one ofinput devices 320 andcontroller 302 is operatively coupled to a remote computing device and the information from one or both ofinput devices 320 andcontroller 302 is provided to the remote computing device which makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access). In the illustrated embodiment ofdoor lock 200, a valid credential is required to transitiondoor lock 200 from a locked state (denying access) to an unlocked state (granting access) and from an unlocked state (granting access) to a locked state (denying access). - In embodiments,
controller 302 is wirelessly coupled to aportable operator device 330. Exemplaryportable operator devices 330 include smart phones, fobs, portable computing devices, badges, and other suitable devices that an operator may transport from location to location.Portable operator device 330 includes at least oneinput device 332, at least oneoutput device 334, and acontroller 336. Exemplary input devices include buttons, dials, switches, touch screens, microphones, scanners, cameras, and other suitable devices which receive an input from an operator. Exemplary output devices include displays, touch screens, speakers, vibration devices, and other suitable device which provide a perceivable output to an operator. - Referring to
FIG. 2A ,controller 336 is an electronic controller includingprocessing circuits 338 andmemory 340. In embodiments,controller 336 is microprocessor-based andmemory 340 is a non-transitory computer readable medium which includes processing instructions stored therein that are executable by the microprocessor ofcontroller 336 to control operation ofactuator 304 to positionblocker 306 in one of a blocking position (seeFIG. 9 ) and a release position (seeFIG. 10 ). Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable mediums include random access memory (RANI), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), or any other tangible medium capable of storing information. -
Controller 302 andportable operator device 330 communicate over a wireless connection, either directly or through one or more networks. Exemplary direct wireless connections include BLUETOOTH, BLUETOOTH low energy, near field communication (“NFC”), and other suitable wireless connections.Controller 302 andportable operator device 330 each include arespective transceiver - At least one of
portable operator device 330 andcontroller 302 exchanges information with the other ofportable operator device 330 andcontroller 302 to determine whether the operator has a valid credential to access interior 114 ofstorage container 100. In embodiments,controller 302 receives information fromportable operator device 330 and makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access). In embodiments,portable operator device 330 receives information fromcontroller 302 and makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access). In embodiments, one ofportable operator device 330 andcontroller 302 is operatively coupled to a remote computing device and the information from one or both ofportable operator device 330 andcontroller 302 is provided to the remote computing device which makes a determination whether the information indicates a valid credential (granting access) or an invalid credential (denying access). In the illustrated embodiment ofdoor lock 200, a valid credential is required to transitiondoor lock 200 from a locked state (denying access) to an unlocked state (granting access) and from an unlocked state (granting access) to a locked state (denying access). - Referring to
FIG. 3B ,controller 302 controls the flow of electricity from a power source 350 toactuator 304. Exemplary power sources 350 include batteries and other suitable power storage devices.Actuator 304, in the illustrated embodiment, is anelectric motor 352 having an output shaft rotatable aboutaxis 354. Apinion gear 356 is coupled to and rotates with the output shaft ofmotor 352. - A locking
assembly chassis 360 supportselectric motor 352 in acradle 362. In embodiments,motor 352 is glued to cradle 362, coupled tocradle 362 through one or more fasteners, and/or coupled tocradle 362 in other suitable ways Apin 364 is received in anopening 366 of lockingassembly chassis 360 and in an end ofpinion gear 356.Pin 364 supports an end ofpinion gear 356.Controller 302 controls a direction of rotation of the output shaft ofelectric motor 352 and hence ofpinion gear 356 in eitherdirection 370 aboutaxis 354 ordirection 372 about 354. -
Retainer 308 includes abase 380 and aprotrusion 382 extending frombase 380.Protrusion 382 ofretainer 308 is received in anopening 384 inrear mounting bracket 222.Base 380 is positioned between anupper flange 386 and alower flange 388 of rear mountingbracket 222. In certain embodiments, rear mountingbracket 222 is made of sheet metal andupper flange 386 andlower flange 388 are formed as bends inrear mounting bracket 222. - Each of
upper flange 386 andlower flange 388 include apertures 390 (seeFIG. 3B ) which receiverespective pins 392.Pins 392 pass through respective biasingmembers 396,illustratively coil portions 394 of torsion springs 398, as illustrated inFIG. 2A . Aportion 400 of the respective torsion springs 398 presses on arear side 402 ofretainer 308 to biasretainer 308 in direction 404 as opposed todirection 406. - Returning to
FIG. 3B , slide 232 includes afirst recess 410 and asecond recess 412. Whenbolt 204 is in the extended position ofFIGS. 1A and 6 ,protrusion 382 ofretainer 308 is received insecond recess 412 ofslide 232 due to bias of torsion springs 398 in direction 404. Whenbolt 204 is in the retracted position ofFIGS. 1B and 8 ,protrusion 382 ofretainer 308 is received infirst recess 410 ofslide 232 due to bias of torsion springs 398 in direction 404. Each ofprotrusion 382,first recess 410, andsecond recess 412 has a sloping profile which permitsprotrusion 382 to move out of eitherfirst recess 410 orsecond recess 412 asslide 232 moves in one ofdirection 250 anddirection 252. Asprotrusion 382 moves out of eitherfirst recess 410 orsecond recess 412,retainer 308 moves indirection 406 against the bias of torsion springs 398. -
Retainer 308 includes arecess 430 which receives atab 432 of blocker 306 (seeFIG. 2A ).Tab 432 ofblocker 306 may be raised indirection 434 or lowered indirection 436 byactuator 304.Blocker 306 includes a base 438 from whichtab 432 extends.Base 438 further includes agear rack 440.Gear rack 440 intermeshes withpinion gear 356 ofactuator 304, as illustrated inFIG. 2A . By rotatingpinion gear 356 indirection 370,controller 302 raisesblocker 306 relative toretainer 308 to a level thattab 432 is removed fromrecess 430 of retainer 308 (seeFIG. 5 ) which is a release position ofblocker 306 due to the ability ofretainer 308 to move indirection 406 relative toblocker 306. By rotatingpinion gear 356 indirection 372,controller 302 lowersblocker 306 relative toretainer 308 to a level thattab 432 is received inrecess 430 of retainer 308 (seeFIG. 4 ) which is a blocking or lock position ofblocker 306 due to the inability ofretainer 308 to move indirection 406 relative toblocker 306. Recess 430 ofretainer 308 is vertically aligned withtab 432 ofblocker 306 whenprotrusion 382 ofretainer 308 is received in one offirst recess 410 andsecond recess 412 ofslide 232. - Referring to
FIGS. 6-12 , an operation ofdoor lock 200 is illustrated. As illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 9 ,bolt 204 is in an extended position withprotrusion 382 ofretainer 308 received insecond recess 412 ofslide 232. Further,tab 432 ofblocker 306 is received inrecess 430 ofretainer 308. Due to the blocking or lock position ofblocker 306 andretainer 308, an operator cannot pushoperator actuatable input 202 indirection 250 becauseblocker 306 is blocking a movement ofretainer 308 indirection 406. - If a valid credential is determined to have been presented by one of
input device 320 or portable operator device 330 (which can also generically be referred to as an “input device” in that it is capable of providing an input to electronic controller 302),controller 302 rotatespinion gear 356 indirection 370 to raiseblocker 306 indirection 434 to its release position whereintab 432 ofblocker 306 is removed fromrecess 430 ofretainer 308 as illustrated inFIG. 10 . Withtab 432 ofblocker 306 removed fromrecess 430 ofretainer 308, an operator can pushoperator actuatable input 202 indirection 250 which results inretainer 308 moving indirection 406 against the bias of torsion springs 398 as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 11 . As shown inFIG. 11 ,recess 430 ofretainer 308 is no longer vertically aligned withtab 432 ofblocker 306. - As the operator continues to move
operator actuatable input 202 indirection 250,protrusion 382 ofretainer 308 is received infirst recess 410 ofintegral slide 232, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 12 which corresponds to actuator 304 being in the retracted position.Controller 302 rotatespinion gear 356 indirection 372 tolower tab 432 ofblocker 306 intorecess 430 ofretainer 308; thereby preventing an operator from pushing onoperator actuatable input 202 indirection 252 to once again movebolt 204 to the extended position. - In embodiments,
door lock 200 includes at least one sensor such as a position sensor to monitor whenprotrusion 382 ofretainer 308 is fully seated infirst recess 410 ofslide 232 or insecond recess 412 ofslide 232.Controller 302 is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor. - If an operator moves slide 232 only part way as shown in
FIG. 7 and releasesoperator actuatable input 202,door lock 200 moves slide 232 to the position shown inFIG. 6 . This movement is due to the biasing ofslide 232 to the position ofFIG. 6 , by biasing member 246 (seeFIG. 13 ). - In embodiments,
controller 302 stores an audit trail inmemory 312 of the credential and date/time thatdoor lock 200 was actuated to one of the locked configuration (seeFIGS. 1A and 6 ) and the unlocked configuration (seeFIGS. 1B and 8 ), The audit trail may be communicated toportable operator device 330 for review or subsequent transmission to a remote computing device. -
FIGS. 15-35 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly,door lock 200 a is illustrated. Throughout this disclosure, associated elements of the various embodiments are identified with the same reference numeral, but may also include an alphabetic indicator to distinguish between the various embodiments. Elements bearing the same reference numeral (with or without an alphabetic indicator) have similar functionality, but not necessarily identical or even similar structure.Door lock 200 a provides the same functionality asdoor lock 200, i.e.,door lock 200 a controls the ability to move door 110 (when door lock 200 a is installed in place ofdoor lock 200 as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B ) from a closed position to an open position.Door lock 200 a includesoperator actuatable input 202 a (FIGS. 18, 20-22, and 28 ) accessible from an exterior ofstorage container 100. Through an actuation ofoperator actuatable input 202 a (which will be further described hereinbelow), bolt 204 a ofdoor lock 200 a is moved from an extended position (FIGS. 16, 22, 23A, 26, 27, 30, and 32 ) to a retracted position (FIGS. 15, 23, 24, 25, 29, 31, and 33 ). When bolt 204 a is in the extended position, afirst end 208 a ofbolt 204 a is received in a recess instorage container 100 to block rotation ofdoor 110 in direction 112 (FIG. 1A ) or vertical movement ofdoor 110. A recess operable to cooperate withdoor lock 200 a in this way isrecess 120 illustrated inFIG. 6 in conjunction withdoor lock 200. Similar to the arrangement ofdoor lock 200 shown inFIG. 8 , whenbolt 204 a oflock 200 a is in the retracted position,first end 208 a ofbolt 204 a is positioned outside of a recess, e.g.,recess 120 ofstorage container 100, and does not block actuation of a door to which it is attached. Based on its ability to alternately block (when extended) and allow movement (when retracted) of a door to which it is attached, bolt 204 a can be referred to as a “blocker.” - Lock 200 a includes front mounting
bracket 220 a andintermediate mounting bracket 221 a as shown, e.g., inFIGS. 15, 16, 20, 22, and 28 .FIG. 28 also illustrates rear mounting bracket 222 a. Similar to the arrangement oflock 200 shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B , front mountingbracket 220 a can be placed over a front side 122 (seeFIG. 6 ) ofdoor 110 and rear mounting bracket 222 a can be placed over a rear side 124 (seeFIGS. 3A and 6 ) ofdoor 110.Front mounting bracket 220 a and rear mounting bracket 222 a can be, in use, secured todoor 110. In the illustrated embodiment as shown inFIG. 3A ,door 110 includes a plurality ofapertures 130, front mountingbracket 220 a includes a plurality ofapertures 226 a (FIG. 20 ) alignable with the plurality ofapertures 130 ofdoor 110. Intermediate mountingbracket 221 a and rear mounting bracket 222 a (FIG. 28 ) each include a plurality of apertures corresponding toapertures 226 a (FIG. 20 ) and also alignable with the plurality ofapertures 130 ofdoor 110. Fasteners (not shown) pass through respective aligned sets of apertures to hold front mountingbracket 220 and rear mountingbracket 222 todoor 110. - Exemplary fasteners include bolts having heads which are positioned on top of front mounting
bracket 220 a and threaded shafts extending beyond rear mounting bracket 222 a. The bolts are secured with nuts. The shape of the bolt heads prevents a tool being applied exterior tostorage container 100 to loosen the nuts from the bolts. Other exemplary fasteners include weldments, tabs of front mountingbracket 220 a which pass throughdoor 110 and are secured to rear mounting bracket 222 a and other suitable structures to secure one or both of front mountingbracket 220 and rear mountingbracket 222 todoor 110. - Referring to
FIGS. 15, 16, and 28 , front mountingbracket 220 a includes U-shaped aperture 240 a which receivesboss 500 ofretainer 308 a.Operator actuatable input 202 a is secured toboss 500 and is operable to actuateboss 500 through U-shaped aperture 240 a.Boss 500 can be secured to operator actuatable input via an interference fit. Referring toFIG. 20 ,boss 500 is vertically actuatable inslot 502 ofsubassembly 504. As illustrated inFIGS. 24-27, and 29 ,slot 502 is formed infaceplate 506 ofsubassembly 504.Slot 502 is sized relative toboss 500 to allow vertical travel ofboss 500 through vertically orientedslot 502 while resisting lateral movement ofboss 500. -
Boss 500 extends fromsubassembly 504 throughslot 502 offaceplate 506 and is sufficiently long to extend through U-shaped aperture 240 a of front mountingbracket 220 a and engageoperator actuatable input 202 a. Withoperator actuatable input 202 a secured to boss,subassembly 504 is free to slide laterally, i.e., alongdirections FIGS. 15 and 16 ) when permitted by U-shaped aperture 240 a of front mountingbracket 220 a. In the position shown, e.g., inFIGS. 15 and 24 ,retainer 308 a is reciprocatable vertically alongdirections 434 a and 436 a withinsubassembly 504. Spring 550 (FIGS. 34 and 35 )biases retainer 308 a vertically along direction 434 a into engagement withupper stop surface 510 ofsubassembly 504.Spring 550 can be positioned in an aperture (not shown) inretainer 308 a to allowretainer 308 a to be actuated against the spring force untilretainer 308 a sits againstlower stop surface 508. The spring of this exemplary embodiment is a compression spring that is positioned at one end againstretainer 308 a (at the internal end of an internal aperture in certain embodiments) and at the other end againstlower stop surface 508 ofsubassembly 504. - Referring primarily to
FIGS. 15 and 20 ,subassembly 504 is sized and shaped to translate laterally alongdirections bracket 220 a andintermediate mounting bracket 221 a More particularly,subassembly 504 is sized and shaped to translate alongdirections groove 512 ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a.Groove 512 allows lateral movement ofsubassembly 504 positioned therein, while resisting vertical and rotational movement ofsubassembly 504. Translation ofsubassembly 504 withingroove 512 yields extension or retraction ofbolt 204 a. Specifically, translation ofsubassembly 504 alongdirection 250 a from the position shown inFIGS. 15 and 24 to the position shown inFIGS. 16 and 26 extendsbolt 204 a. Conversely, translation ofsubassembly 504 alongdirection 252 a from the position shown inFIGS. 16 and 26 retracts bolt 204 a. Translation ofsubassembly 504 yields translation ofbolt 204 a becausebolt 204 is secured to subassembly 504 for translation therewith. - Referring primarily to
FIGS. 17 and 20 , rear mountingbracket 222 includesslot 514.Slot 514 includes vertically orientedentry leg 516 andtravel leg 518. Vertically orientedentry leg 516 allows for assembly ofslide 232 withintermediate mounting bracket 221 a. Withslide 232 separate from intermediate mountingbracket 221 a, as shown inFIGS. 17, 20 and 21 ,guide tab 520 of slide 232 a is aligned behindentry leg 516 ofslot 514. From this position, slide 232 is moved relative tointermediate mounting bracket 221 a along direction 404 a (FIG. 21 ) until guide tab of slide 232 a is positioned throughentry leg 516 ofslot 514 and slide 232 a is flush with the backside ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a as shown inFIG. 31 . In this position, slide 232 a can translate relative tointermediate mounting bracket 221 a alongdirections guide tab 520 riding intravel leg 518 ofslot 514. - Slide 232 a is show n at one extreme of travel at a first end of
travel leg 518 ofslot 514 inFIG. 31 . The position shown inFIG. 31 corresponds with a retracted position ofbolt 204 a. Slide 232 a is shown at the other extreme of travel at a second end oftravel leg 518 ofslot 514 inFIGS. 23A and 30 . The position shown inFIGS. 23A and 30 corresponds with an extended position ofbolt 204 a. - With
guide tab 520 of slide 232 a operably positioned inslot 514, as described above,subassembly 504 can be operably connected to slide 232 a. Referring toFIG. 27 ,subassembly 504 includestab slot 522 sized to receiveguide tab 520 securely.Tab slot 522 can receiveguide tab 520 with a frictional engagement between the walls of subassembly forming tab slot and guidetab 520. This frictional engagement will allow slight rotational movement ofsubassembly 504 relative to guidetab 520 assubassembly 504 is rotated intogroove 512 during assembly. - To assemble subassembly to
intermediate mounting bracket 221 a andslide 232,subassembly 504 is positioned relative to the subassembly ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a and slide 232 (FIG. 23A ), withtab slot 522 aligned withguide tab 520 of slide 232 a, as shown inFIG. 27 . From this position,subassembly 504 can be moved with leading edge 524 (FIG. 21 ) moved along direction 406 a (FIG. 21 ). More particularly, leadingedge 524 can ride alongcurved guide surface 526 ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a and then substantiallyvertical guide surface 528 ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a untilguide tab 520 reaches the mouth oftab slot 522 insubassembly 504. At this point, trailingedge 530 ofsubassembly 504 rests atopcurved guide surface 526.Subassembly 504 is then rotated, withtab 520 enteringtab slot 522 and trailingedge 530 riding alongcurved guide surface 526 until achieving the finally seated position ofsubassembly 504 shown inFIGS. 24-26 . - In the finally seated position,
subassembly 504 substantially fillsgroove 512 ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a, with sufficient clearance forsubassembly 504 to move laterally alongdirections bracket 220 a can be operably positioned for securement tointermediate mounting bracket 221 a and rear mounting bracket 222 a, as described above With front mountingbracket 220 a secured tointermediate mounting bracket 221 a,subassembly 504 is sandwiched between front mountingbracket 220 a andintermediate mounting bracket 221 a, with sufficient clearance for the lateral movement ofsubassembly 504 relative tointermediate mounting bracket 221 a, described above. Lateral movement ofsubassembly 504 is guided by the walls ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a forminggroove 512, includingcurved guide surface 526 and substantiallyvertical guide surface 528 and well as the undersurface of front mountingbracket 220 a positioned atopsubassembly 504. - With
subassembly 504 operably seated, as shown inFIG. 15 ,operator actuatable input 202 a can be secured toboss 500. Withsubassembly 504 operably positioned, seating ofguide tab 520 intab slot 522 works to retain slide 232 a to the backside ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a. Withintermediate mounting bracket 221 a secured atop a door, slide 232 a is sandwiched between the door andintermediate mounting bracket 221 a. Opposing guide surfaces 532, 534 can be used to guide lateral movement ofbolt 204 a alongdirections FIGS. 30-33 , intermediate mountingbracket 221 a includesspring stop 536 and slide 232 a includesspring stop 538, between which spring 540 (shown only inFIGS. 32 and 33 ) is positioned.Spring 540 is a biasingmember biasing bolt 204 a into the extended position. More particularly,spring 540 is a compression spring that is compressed between spring stops 536, 538, with further compression ofspring 540 required asbolt 204 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position.Spring 540 is guided by intermediate mountingbracket 221 a andspring tab 542 of slide 232 a. - Actuation of
bolt 204 a between the retracted position (see, e.g.,FIGS. 15, 33 and 31 ) and the extended position (see, e.g.,FIGS. 16, 32 and 30 ) is effected byoperator actuatable input 202 a movingboss 500 ofretainer 308 a from one end of aperture 240 a to the other.Retainer 308 a is incapable of lateral movement (i.e., movement alongdirections subassembly 504; therefore, lateral movement ofboss 500 in aperture 240 a yields lateral movement ofsubassembly 504 ingroove 512 ofintermediate mounting bracket 221 a, which, in turn yields lateral movement ofbolt 204 a between the retracted and extended positions, owing to the securement oftab 520 of slide 232 a intab slot 522 ofsubassembly 504. Therefore, guide tab 232 a, the portion of slide 232 a connecting guide tab 232 a to bolt 204 a, subassembly 504 (including boss 500) and operator actuatable input are all “blocker actuators” in thatbolt 204 can be termed a “blocker” and these elements cooperate to actuate the blocker. So long as each listed element is operatively connected to bolt 204, each listed element can itself be termed a “blocker actuator.” - In the retracted position of
bolt 204 a,boss 500 occupies retraction upright 544 ofaperture 240. In the extended position ofbolt 204 a,boss 500 occupies extension upright 548 of aperture 240 a.Boss 500 travels through lateral displacement base ofaperture 240 between retraction upright 544 andextension upright 548. As will be further described below,boss 500 is biased upward along direction 434 a; therefore, ifboss 500 occupies retraction upright 544 ofaperture 240, it is forced upward and locked against lateral movement as shown inFIG. 15 . Similarly, ifboss 500 occupies extension upright 548 of aperture 240 a, it is forced upward and locked against lateral movement as shown inFIG. 16 . Whenboss 500 is locked against lateral movement, it is in a blocking position to block actuation ofbolt 204 a. Whenboss 500 is able to move laterally (indisplacement base 546 of aperture 240 a), it is in an unblocking position allowing actuation of thebolt 204 a. To moveboss 500 alonglateral displacement base 546 of aperture 240 a,boss 500 must be pushed against the biasing force of spring 550 (described above) and intolateral displacement base 546 of aperture 240 a Vertical movement ofretainer 308 a is selectively blocked by a retainer blocker taking the form ofbearing 552. In the exemplification illustrated, bearing 552 is a ball bearing, as illustrated inFIGS. 19, 24-27, 29, 34 and 35 . -
FIGS. 19, 24-27 and 29 illustrate subassembly 504 withfaceplate 506 removed to reveal the components ofsubassembly 504 contained within the subassembly housing. In the stop position shown inFIG. 34 ,ball bearing 552 is positionedintermediate retainer 308 a andwall 554 of the housing ofsubassembly 504 to create a physical barrier to a reciprocation ofretainer 308 a. To move ball bearing 552 from the position illustrated inFIG. 34 ,controller 302 a actuateselectric motor 352 a to rotateoutput shaft 560 in adirection causing armature 556 to withdraw alongdirection 252 a.Output shaft 560 ofelectric motor 352 a is threaded intoarmature 556 andarmature 556 is prevented from rotating by the internal walls of the housing ofsubassembly 504, includingfaceplate 506; therefore, rotating ofoutput shaft 560 ofelectric motor 352 a causes linear displacement ofarmature 556 alongdirection 252 a. Electric motor 352A may be a battery powered electric motor powered by batteries (not shown) housed inbattery compartment 564. - Armature 556 carries
magnet 558, which creates a magneticfield attracting bearing 552. Whenarmature 556 is moved alongdirection 252 a from the position shown inFIG. 34 to the position illustrated inFIG. 35 , the magnetic force originating withmagnet 558 pulls bearing 552 from the position illustrated inFIG. 34 to the position illustrated inFIG. 35 . Ifretainer 308 a is forced downwardly alongdirection 436 a just prior to actuation ofmotor 352 a (with armature positioned as shown inFIG. 34 ), then the friction force created whenretainer 308 a presses bearing 552 againstwall 554 may be sufficient to overcome the magnet attraction betweenarmature 556 andbearing 552. If this should happen, then bearing 552 will remain in position blocking actuation ofretainer 308 a until the friction force is released by no longer applying a force toboss 500 alongdirection 436 a. When the friction force is released, bearing 552 will succumb to the force frommagnet 558 and travel to the position shown inFIG. 35 . With bearing 552 maintaining the position shown inFIG. 35 ,retainer 308 a can be moved against the biasing force ofspring 550 byoperator actuatable input 202 a connected toboss 500 to allow movement ofboss 500 through aperture 240 a to actuatebolt 204 a between the retracted and extended positions, as described above. - Operation of
lock 200 a can begin with bolt in the secure state, withbolt 204 a in the extended position, as illustrated inFIGS. 16, 26, 27 and 32 ,boss 500 occupying the upper most extent of extension upright 548 (FIG. 16 ) andbearing 552 blocking actuation ofretainer 308 a (FIG. 34 ). From this position, a valid credential is needed to actuatelock 200 a to the unsecure state. - As shown in
FIG. 34 ,controller 302 a (which includes the same elements and functionality ofcontroller 302 described above) is connected to inputdevice 320 andportable operator device 330 a. The structure and functionality ofinput device 320 a andportable operator device 330 a is identical to the structure and functionality ofinput device 320 andportable operator device 330, except thatinput device 320 a andportable operator device 330 a are used to controllock 200 a as opposed to lock 200 which is controlled byinput device 320 andportable operator device 330. Therefore, a description ofinput device 320 a andportable operator device 330 a is not repeated here for the sake of brevity. - If a valid credential is determined to have been presented by one of
input device 320 a orportable operator device 330 a, thencontroller 302 a actuateselectric motor 352 a to translatearmature 556 from the position shown, e.g., inFIG. 34 to the position shown, e.g., inFIG. 35 . With the retainer blocker, i.e., bearing 552 removed from blocking position blocking actuation ofretainer 308 a,operator actuatable input 202 a can be used to actuateboss 500 from the position shown inFIG. 16 to the position shown inFIG. 15 to movebolt 204 a from the extended position to the retracted position. In this position,controller 302 will operatemotor 352 a to again positionarmature 556 and bearing 552 in the position shown inFIG. 35 . -
Sensor 562 can be used to signal tocontroller 302 a thatretainer 308 a has returned to its normally biased position againstupper stop surface 510. When this occurs,controller 302 aactuates motor 352 a to again positionarmature 556 and bearing 552 in the position shown inFIG. 35 . A valid credential will again be needed to actuatemotor 352 a and allowlock 200 a to be placed in the locked position, withbolt 204 a in the extended position. This creates an audit trail of the state oflock 200 a.Sensor 562 can be, e.g., a proximity sensor or an optical sensor. - When moving from the extended position of
bolt 204 a to the retracted position, the biasing force of spring 550 (FIGS. 34 and 35 ) as well as the biasing force of spring 540 (FIGS. 32 and 33 ) must be overcome Onceboss 500 is aligned with retraction upright 544 ofaperture 240,spring 550 will urgeboss 500 into the locked position shown inFIG. 15 . When moving from the retracted position ofbolt 204 a to the extended position ofbolt 204 a, only the biasing force ofspring 550 must be overcome. Onceboss 500 travels from retraction upright 544 ofaperture 240 into alignment withlateral displacement base 546 ofaperture 240, then spring 540 will act tobias boss 500 into alignment with extension upright 548 ofaperture 240 and then spring 550 will biasboss 500 into the locked position shown inFIG. 16 . The biasing forces ofsprings operator actuatable input 202 a) into alignment withlateral displacement base 546 ofaperture 240 at which point springs 540 and 550 will cooperate to snapboss 500 into the position shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIGS. 36-53 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly,door lock 200 b is illustrated.Door lock 200 b provides the same functionality as door locks 200 and 200 a, i.e.,door lock 200 b controls the ability to move door 110 (whendoor lock 200 b is installed in place ofdoor lock 200 as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B ) from a closed position to an openposition Door lock 200 a includesoperator actuatable input 202 b accessible from an exterior ofstorage container 100. Through an actuation ofoperator actuatable input 202 b (which will be further described hereinbelow),bolt 204 b ofdoor lock 200 b is moved from an extended position (FIGS. 36-38, 41 and 43 ) to a retracted position (FIG. 44 ). - When
bolt 204 b is in the extended position, afirst end 208 b ofbolt 204 b is received in a recess instorage container 100 to block rotation ofdoor 110 in direction 112 (FIG. 1A ) or vertical movement ofdoor 110. A recess operable to cooperate withdoor lock 200 b in this way isrecess 120 illustrated inFIG. 6 in conjunction withdoor lock 200. Similar to the arrangement ofdoor lock 200 shown inFIG. 8 , whenbolt 204 b oflock 200 b is in the retracted position,first end 208 b ofbolt 204 b is positioned outside of a recess, e.g.,recess 120 ofstorage container 100, and does not block actuation of a door to which it is attached. Based on its ability to alternately block (when extended) and allow movement (when retracted) of a door to which it is attached, bolt 204 a can be referred to as a “blocker.” -
Lock 200 b includes front mountingbracket 220 b andintermediate mounting bracket 221 b as shown, e.g., inFIGS. 36-38 .FIG. 38 also illustrates rear mountingbracket 222 b. Similar to the arrangement oflock 200 shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B , front mountingbracket 220 b can be placed over a front side 122 b (seeFIG. 38 ) of door 110 b and rear mountingbracket 222 b can be placed over a rear side 124 b of door 110 b.Front mounting bracket 220 b and rear mountingbracket 222 b can be, in use, secured to door 110 b. In the illustrated embodiment as shown inFIG. 38 , door 110 b includes a plurality of apertures 130 b, front mountingbracket 220 b includes a plurality ofapertures 226 b (FIG. 39 ) alignable with the plurality of apertures 130 b of door 110 b, and rear mountingbracket 222 b includes a plurality ofapertures 228 b (FIG. 38 ) also alignable with the plurality of apertures 130 b of door 110 b.Bolts 600 pass through respective aligned sets ofapertures 130 b, 226 a, and 228 a to hold front mountingbracket 220 and rear mountingbracket 222 todoor 110. Intermediate mountingbracket 221 b includes a corresponding set of apertures 602 (FIG. 39 ) allowingbolts 600 to pass. - Similar to the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 6 , bolt 204 b is, in use, positioned adjacent to and actuated along the front side of door 110 b to be positioned into and out of a recesssimilar recess 120 shown inFIG. 6 . This is different from standard deadbolt locks, for example, in which a bolt extends from and is retracted into an aperture formed in the thickness of a door, i.e., between the front and back faces of the door. To actuatebolt 204 b alongdirections FIGS. 41 & 42 ) atop first side of a door,operator actuatable input 202 b receives input motion from a user to articulateoperator actuatable input 202 b alongdirections -
FIG. 41 illustratesslide 232 b positioned between intermediate mountingbracket 221 b and front mountingbracket 220 b. In this position, slide 232 b is able to reciprocate alongdirections bolt 204 b and the retracted position ofbolt 204 b, respectively. To effect such reciprocation, a user can grasp operator actuatedbolt input 202 b to moveslide 232 b along one ofdirections slide 232 b can be guided by a longitudinal channel formed in lockingassembly housing 604 into which slide 232 b is received.Slide 232 b can also be received between opposing guide surfaces 532 b, 534 b of front mountingbracket 220 b to guide reciprocation ofslide 232 b. In alternative embodiments, lockingassembly housing 604 and slide 232 b form an electromechanical subassembly useable with a variety of mounting brackets having a variety of hole patterns matching alternative door hole patterns. -
Battery door 676 can be secured relative to front mountingbracket 220 b viabattery door screw 678 and may carryauxiliary PCBA 680, which is connected to header 682 automatically upon final seating ofbattery door 676. Header 682 connects auxiliary PCBA to the main PCBA carrying controller 302 b. In this way, the battery compartment door can be swapped out to add an alternative auxiliary PCBA adding functionality such as, new radios, sensors, or user interfaces. Whilebattery door screw 678 is exposed, access to the battery compartment does not allow access to the locking mechanism or main PCBA.Battery door screw 678 may be designed for actuation only by a specialized tool. In all embodiments of the disclosure,controller electric motor - Locking
assembly 200 b can, alternatively, be utilized to maintainbolt 204 b in one of the extended position or the retracted position.Slide 232 b includes dumbbell shapedcutout 606 formed therein.Retainer 308, includingcam 608, can selectively be used to maintain the position of the body ofslide 232 b between operatoractuatable input 202 b and bolt 204 b, which can also aptly be termed a blocker actuator in that it is capable of actuatingbolt 204 b (a “blocker”) between the retracted and extended positions. Specifically,cam 608 can be positioned in eitherbulbous end cutout 606 and oriented such that camlongitudinal axis 610 is orthogonal todirections FIGS. 43 and 44 ) to prevent actuation ofslide 232 b along either ofdirections slide 232 b, camlongitudinal axis 610 must be positioned substantially parallel withdirections cam 608 to travel throughlateral displacement channel 616 of dumbbell shapedcutout 606. - An arrangement of cam
longitudinal axis 610 oriented substantially parallel todirections FIGS. 47-51 . In construction,cam 608 is positioned to fit within the depth ofslide 232 b. Stated another way, a top surface ofcam 608 is substantially coplanar with a top surface ofslide 232 b surrounding dumbbell shapedcutout 606 and a bottom surface ofcam 608 is similarly substantially coplanar with a bottom surface ofslide 232 b surrounding dumbbell shapedcutout 606. In this way,cam 608 can act as a retainer selectively positionable to a blocking position (see, e.g.,FIGS. 43 and 44 ) to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker, i.e., bolt 204 b, and is also positionable in an unblocking position (see,FIGS. 47-51 ) to allow the blocker actuator to actuate the blocker. - Referring to
FIG. 42 , blocking assembly 3001) further includesworm wheel 618 having anopen center 620 into whichradial protrusion 622 extends.Cam drive shaft 624 is centrally positioned withinopen center 620 ofworm wheel 618.Cam drive shaft 624 includes spacedstop plates central apertures 630, 632 have a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape ofcam drive shaft 624. Located betweenlower stop plate 626 andupper stop plate 628 istorsion spring 634. Specifically,torsion spring 634 is positioned aboutcam drive shaft 624 withcam drive shaft 624 positioned throughcentral aperture 638 oftorsion spring 634. In certain embodiments,torsion spring 634 may be utilized to facilitate spacing oflower stop plate 626 fromupper stop plate 628. Secured between lower stop place 262 andupper stop plate 628 istorsion spring pin 640.Torsion spring pin 640 may be interference fit withinaperture 642, 644 ofstop plates Torsion spring pin 640 may incorporate a radial flange at each end thereof to further facilitate proper spacing oflower stop plate 626 fromupper stop plate 628 along directions 404 a, 406 a. Optionally,spacer 636 may be positioned betweenlower stop place 626 andupper stop plate 628 to further effect proper spacing thereof along directions 404 a, 406 a. - When operably assembled,
lower stop plate 626,upper stop plate 628 as well as the components positioned therebetween (torsion spring pin 640,torsion spring 634, and, optionally, spacer 636) are positioned withinopen center 620 ofworm wheel 618 and are rotatable withcam drive shaft 624 aboutlongitudinal axis 646 ofworm wheel 618. Driveshaft 560 b ofelectric motor 352 b is arranged an intermeshing relationship with teeth 648 ofworm wheel 618 such that actuation ofelectric motor 352 b causes rotation ofworm wheel 618 aboutlongitudinal axis 646 ofworm wheel 618. Uppertorsion spring arm 650 and lowertorsion spring arm 652 are, in construction, rotated relative to each other aboutlongitudinal axis 646 ofworm wheel 618 untiltorsion spring 634 is preloaded andtorsion spring arms torsion spring pin 640 andradial protrusion 622 ofworm wheel 618, as illustrated, e.g., inFIG. 46 . -
Cam 608 is rotatable within bulbous ends 612,614 within the limits set bystop surfaces cam 608 is rotated into abutting contact withlock stop surface 658 of extensionbulbous end 614, slide 232 b is locked in an extended position. This arrangement is illustrated inFIGS. 45 and 46 . From this position,cam 608 can be rotated away from abutting contact withlock stop surface 658 aboutlongitudinal axis 646 ofworm wheel 618 and into abutting contact withunlock stop surface 660, as illustrated inFIGS. 47 and 48 . Similarly, whencam 608 occupies retractionbulbous end 612,cam 608 can be positioned in abutting contact withlock stop surface 654 to retainslide 232 b, and therefore bolt 604 b in the retracted position. This arrangement is illustrated inFIGS. 52 and 53 .Cam 608 can be rotated out of abutting contact withlock stop surface 654 by rotation aboutlongitudinal axis 646 ofworm wheel 618. More particularly,cam 608 can be rotated away fromlock stop surface 654 and into abutting contact withunlock stop surface 656 to allow translation ofslide 232 b relative tocam 608. - Operation of
lock 200 b can begin withbolt 204 b in the secure state, withbolt 204 a in the extended position illustrated inFIGS. 36, 37, 41, and 43 and withcam 608 abuttingstop lock surface 658 of extensionbulbous end 614. From this position, a valid credential is needed to actuatelock 200 b to the unsecure state. - As shown in
FIG. 41 , controller 302 b is carried by the main PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly). Controller 302 b includes the same elements and functionality ofcontrollers input device 320 andportable operator device 330, except that input device 320 b and portable operator device 330 b are used to controllock 200 b as opposed to lock 200 which is controlled byinput device 320 andportable operator device 330. Therefore, a detailed description input device 320 b and portable operator device 330 b is not repeated here for the sake of brevity. - If a valid credential is determined to have been presented by one of input device 320 b or portable operator device 330 b, then controller 302 b can actuate
motor 352 b to positioncam 608 with itslongitudinal axis 610 aligned withdirection 252 b as shown, e.g., inFIGS. 47 and 48 to allowbolt 204 b to be retracted. Lockingbolt 204 b in the extended position is effected by placingcam 608 in abutting relationship withlock stop surface 658 of extensionbulbous end 614, as described above. To prohibitcam 608 from rotating away from abutting contact withlock stop surface 658,worm wheel 618 can be rotated into the position shown inFIG. 45 . In this position,radial protrusion 622 ofworm wheel 618 abuts lock stop surfaces 662, 664 ofstop plates FIG. 45 . In this position, rotation ofcam 608 aboutlongitudinal axis 646 ofworm wheel 618 is prohibited. When a valid credential is presented withcam 608 positioned as shown inFIG. 45 ,motor 352 b will actuateworm wheel 618 from the position shown inFIG. 45 , through the positions shown inFIGS. 46 and 47 until reaching the position shown inFIG. 48 . - During the transition from the position shown in
FIG. 45 to the position shown inFIG. 48 ,torsion spring 634 exerts differing biases oncam 608. InFIG. 45 ,torsion spring 634biases cam 608 into abutting relationship with lock stop surface 658 (FIG. 42 ). Asworm wheel 618 rotates aboutlongitudinal axis 646 90° from the position shown inFIG. 45 to the position shown inFIG. 46 , this spring bias is continually decreased. Withworm wheel 618 in the position illustrated inFIG. 46 , the biasing force oftorsion spring 634 must be overcome to rotatecam 608 to the position illustrated inFIG. 47 . Asworm wheel 618 is rotated an additional 90° from the position illustrated inFIG. 46 to the position illustrated inFIG. 47 ,radial protrusion 622 rotatestorsion spring arm 652 from the position illustrated inFIG. 46 to the position illustrated inFIG. 47 . During this rotation,torsion spring arm 650 acts, with the biasing force oftorsion spring 634 againsttorsion spring pin 640 to rotate cam drive shaft 624 (which is keyed to stopplates 626, 628) into the position illustrated inFIG. 47 . In this position,cam 608 is placed in abutting relationship withunlock stop surface 660 of extensionbulbous end 614. From this position, actuation ofmotor 352 b continues, withradial protrusion 622 ofworm wheel 618 rotating the against the biasing force oftorsion spring 634. Actuation ofmotor 352 b and; therefore,radial protrusion 622 ofworm wheel 618 ceases whenradial protrusion 622 abuts return stop surfaces 668, 670 ofstop plates FIG. 48 . Referring toFIG. 41 ,sensor 672 may be positioned about an end ofcam drive shaft 624opposite cam 608 and through the main PCBA carrying controller 302 b. In this position,sensor 672 can be utilized to sense the rotary position ofretainer 308 and, therefore, the position ofcam 608.Sensor 672 can be, e.g., an optical sensor. - With the spring loaded as illustrated in
FIG. 48 ,cam 608 is biased for a further 90° of rotation which is; however, prevented by contact ofcam 608 withunlock stop surface 660. With an appropriate credential having been presented andelectric motor 352 b actuated to the position shown inFIG. 48 ,operator actuatable input 202 b can be grasped by an operator to laterally actuatebolt 204 b from the extended position to the retracted position. This actuation begins with movement ofslide 232 b alongdirection 252 b from the position showing inFIG. 48 to the position shown inFIG. 49 . As shown inFIG. 49 , ascam 608 is laterally displaced from abutting contact withunlock stop surface 660, it is transitioned intolateral displacement channel 616 of dumbbell shapedcutout 606, as shown inFIG. 49 . In this position, the opposing walls forminglateral displacement channel 616 prohibit rotation ofcam 608. Thereforecam 608 travels from the position illustrated inFIG. 48 through the position illustrated inFIGS. 49, 50 , and 51 (by actuation ofoperator actuatable input 202 b) withtorsion spring 634 supplying a biasing force tocam 608. Ascam 608 disengages from the walls forminglateral displacement channel 616, this biasing force automatically actuatescam 608 from the position illustrated inFIG. 51 to the position illustrated inFIG. 52 , withcam 608 abuttinglock stop surface 654 of retractionbulbous end 612 to lockslide 232 b in the retracted position. In this way, a single actuation ofmotor 352 b can be utilized to unlocklatch bolt 204 b to allow its retraction and further to locklatch bolt 204 b in the retracted position. For lock security, a sensor (not shown) may be utilized to signal thatcam 608 has achieved the position illustrated inFIG. 52 . From this position,motor 352 b may be further actuated into the position shown inFIG. 53 , withradial protrusion 622 rotated into abutting contact with return stop surfaces 668, 670 ofstop plates FIG. 53 . - A valid credential will again be needed to actuate
motor 352 b and allowlock 200 b to be placed in the locked position, withbolt 204 b in the extended position. This creates an audit trail oflock 200 b. Withcam 608 andworm wheel 618 positioned as shown inFIG. 53 , presentation of a valid credential will activatemotor 352 b to rotateworm wheel 618 from the position shown inFIG. 53 , through the position shown inFIG. 52 and finally to a position withcam 608 abutting unlockstop surface 656 of retractionbulbous end 612 and with a 900 spring preload caused by rotation ofworm wheel 618 againsttorsion spring arm 650. While this position is not illustrated, it mirrors the position shown inFIG. 48 . From this position,operator actuatable input 202 b can be utilized to extendbolt 204 b untilcam 608 occupies extensionbulbous end 614 and the biasing force oftorsion spring 634 causescam 608 to be positioned in abutting contact withlock stop surface 658. As with retraction ofbolt 204 b, a sensor may be utilized to signal full extension ofbolt 204 b and thereafter actuatemotor 352 b into the position illustrated inFIG. 45 , withradial protrusion 622 abutting lock stop surfaces 662 and 664 andcam 608 fully constrained from a rotation in either direction aboutlongitudinal axis 646 ofworm wheel 618. Spring 674 (FIGS. 43 and 44 ) may be utilized tobias bolt 204 b into an extended position similar to the biasing arrangements described above with respect tolocks - While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.
Claims (10)
1. A storage area, comprising:
a door;
a lock, comprising:
a blocker positioned atop a front side of the door, the blocker moveable between an extended position locking the door and a retracted position unlocking the door along a first direction; and
a blocker actuator operable to receive a user input motion along the first direction to actuate the blocker between the extended position and the retracted position;
an electronic controller operatively coupled to the lock and actuatable to selectively block movement of the blocker actuator;
an input device, the electronic controller actuatable by the input device;
a retainer, selectively positionable to a blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker and selectively positionable to an unblocking position to allow the blocker actuator to actuate the blocker; and
a retainer blocker operable to selectively cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker, the electronic controller operatively coupled to the retainer blocker and actuatable to position the retainer blocker to cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position, wherein the retainer is reciprocatable between the blocking position and the unblocking position along a reciprocation direction, the retainer blocker comprising a stop insertable along an insertion direction orthogonal to the reciprocation direction into a stop position preventing a movement of the retainer blocker along the reciprocation direction and wherein the stop comprises a bearing insertable along the insertion direction to a stop position creating a physical barrier to a reciprocation of the retainer from the blocking position to the unblocking position.
2. The lock of claim 1 , further comprising:
a motor; and
an armature linkage moveable by energization of the motor, the armature linkage positioned to selectively position the bearing in the stop position and move the bearing from the stop position.
3. The lock of claim 2 , further comprising:
a magnet carried by the armature linkage, a magnetic attraction between the bearing and the magnet capable of effecting movement of the bearing from the stop position.
4. The lock of claim 3 , wherein the retainer, the bearing, the motor and the armature linkage are carried by a carriage, the carriage, the retainer, the bearing, the motor and the armature linkage comprising a subassembly securable to the blocker for translation therewith.
5-14. (canceled)
15. A lock, comprising:
a blocker;
a blocker actuator operable to selectively actuate the blocker;
a retainer selectively positionable to a blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker and selectively positionable to an unblocking position to allow the blocker actuator to actuate the blocker; and
a retainer blocker operable to selectively cooperate with the retainer to maintain the retainer in the blocking position to block the blocker actuator from actuating the blocker, wherein the retainer is reciprocatable between the blocking position and the unblocking position along a reciprocation direction, the retainer blocker comprising a stop insertable along an insertion direction orthogonal to the reciprocation direction into a stop position preventing a movement of the retainer blocker along the reciprocation direction and wherein the stop comprises a bearing insertable along the insertion direction to a stop position creating a physical barrier to a reciprocation of the retainer from the blocking position to the unblocking position.
16. The lock of claim 15 , further comprising:
a motor; and
an armature linkage moveable by energization of the motor, the armature linkage positioned to selectively position the bearing in the stop position and move the bearing from the stop position.
17. The lock of claim 16 , further comprising:
a magnet carried by the armature linkage, a magnetic attraction between the bearing and the magnet capable of effecting movement of the bearing from the stop position.
18. The lock of claim 17 , wherein the retainer, the bearing, the motor and the armature linkage are carried by a carriage, the carriage, the retainer, the bearing, the motor and the armature linkage comprising a subassembly securable to the blocker for translation therewith.
19-26. (canceled)
Priority Applications (1)
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US18/238,215 US20230399873A1 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2023-08-25 | Electronic lock |
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US201962829778P | 2019-04-05 | 2019-04-05 | |
US201962872121P | 2019-07-09 | 2019-07-09 | |
PCT/US2020/026762 WO2020206388A1 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2020-04-04 | Electronic lock |
US202117419682A | 2021-06-29 | 2021-06-29 | |
US18/238,215 US20230399873A1 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2023-08-25 | Electronic lock |
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US17/419,682 Division US11920378B2 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2020-04-04 | Electronic lock |
PCT/US2020/026762 Division WO2020206388A1 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2020-04-04 | Electronic lock |
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US20230399873A1 true US20230399873A1 (en) | 2023-12-14 |
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US17/419,682 Active US11920378B2 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2020-04-04 | Electronic lock |
US18/238,215 Pending US20230399873A1 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2023-08-25 | Electronic lock |
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EP (1) | EP3927920A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113631786A (en) |
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US11821236B1 (en) | 2021-07-16 | 2023-11-21 | Apad Access, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for electronic dynamic lock assembly |
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-
2020
- 2020-04-04 EP EP20783828.5A patent/EP3927920A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2020-04-04 CA CA3130819A patent/CA3130819A1/en active Pending
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- 2020-04-04 US US17/419,682 patent/US11920378B2/en active Active
- 2020-04-04 BR BR112021015729A patent/BR112021015729A2/en unknown
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- 2023-08-25 US US18/238,215 patent/US20230399873A1/en active Pending
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CN113631786A (en) | 2021-11-09 |
EP3927920A1 (en) | 2021-12-29 |
CA3130819A1 (en) | 2020-10-08 |
AU2020253566A1 (en) | 2021-09-23 |
US20220042349A1 (en) | 2022-02-10 |
US11920378B2 (en) | 2024-03-05 |
AU2020253566B2 (en) | 2023-07-20 |
WO2020206388A1 (en) | 2020-10-08 |
BR112021015729A2 (en) | 2021-11-23 |
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Owner name: DORMAKABA USA INC, INDIANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BARNETT, STREET ANTHONY, III;ALLEN, BRENDON;SNODGRASS, JOHN ANDREW;SIGNING DATES FROM 20190405 TO 20190409;REEL/FRAME:064971/0171 Owner name: DORMAKABA USA INC, INDIANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BARNETT, STREET ANTHONY, III;ALLEN, BRENDON;STRULLMYER, SHAINE;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20190710 TO 20190715;REEL/FRAME:064970/0977 |