WO2005026479A1 - Locking mechanism - Google Patents

Locking mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005026479A1
WO2005026479A1 PCT/GB2004/003662 GB2004003662W WO2005026479A1 WO 2005026479 A1 WO2005026479 A1 WO 2005026479A1 GB 2004003662 W GB2004003662 W GB 2004003662W WO 2005026479 A1 WO2005026479 A1 WO 2005026479A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
axis
actuator
engaged
locking device
positions
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/003662
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Simon Powel
Original Assignee
Pbt (Ip) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pbt (Ip) Limited filed Critical Pbt (Ip) Limited
Publication of WO2005026479A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005026479A1/en

Links

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
    • E05B47/0001—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B47/0011—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with piezoelectric actuators
    • 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
    • E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/20—Means independent of the locking mechanism for preventing unauthorised opening, e.g. for securing the bolt in the fastening position
    • E05B17/2007—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position
    • E05B17/203—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position not following the movement of the bolt
    • E05B17/2034—Securing, deadlocking or "dogging" the bolt in the fastening position not following the movement of the bolt 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
    • E05B47/0009—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with thermo-electric actuators, e.g. heated bimetals

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrically controllable lock mechanism and in particular to such a mechanism using a piezo-electric actuator.
  • a linear member such as when bolting a door or changing the behaviour of a mechanism and to do this automatically, using some form of transducer.
  • Traditional methods of securely locking such mechanisms tend to be expensive in terms of energy usage and are therefore not well suited to battery operation or application in areas subject to explosions.
  • Typical methods include solenoids and motors with gearboxes, although in industrial situations pneumatic and hydraulic actuators can also be deployed.
  • Mechanisms for locking tend to be massive and to rely upon heavy springs to ensure the parts move even when worn or contaminated.
  • Solid engagement of the locking parts has also meant that low energy devices, such as piezoelectric elements have not been able to provide a cost-effective solution.
  • the present invention provides a device comprising: a first member arranged to be moveable along a first axis; a second member arranged to pivot about a second axis between a lock position in which a portion of said second member is engaged with said first member to prevent its movement along said first axis and an unlock position in which it is not so engaged; a third member arranged to move along a third axis generally parallel to the second axis between a first position in which a portion of said third member engages a portion of the second member to prevent its movement into one of said lock and unlock positions and a second position which it is not so engaged; and a piezo-electric actuator element arranged upon actuation to apply a force directed to move said third member from one of said first and second positions to the other.
  • the piezo-electric actuator is a cantilever type actuator having a free end which moves upon flexing of the actuator, the actuator being arranged such that the free end moves said third member.
  • the elements are arranged such that the cantilever portion extends in a direction parallel with the first axis.
  • electrical actuation may either permit or prevent either locking or unlocking of the first member.
  • the device advantageously utilizes a relatively low force piezo-electric device to provide a secure mechanical locking force to said first member.
  • a single first member may have associated with it two, or more, lock mechanisms. These may be orthogonally positioned around the first member. They may be similarly configured to provide a more secure function. They may be differently configured to provide electrical control over more than one function.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a piezo-electric actuator forming part of the preferred embodiment
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking member of the preferred embodiment
  • Fig. 3 is a side view which illustrates the interaction of the locking member with the linear member to be locked in the preferred embodiment
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a piezo-electric actuator forming part of the preferred embodiment
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking member of the preferred embodiment
  • Fig. 3 is a side view which illustrates the interaction of the locking member with the linear member to be locked in the preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view to assist understanding of the intention of the parts shown in fig.3; According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a means by which a an electrically controlled actuator device controls the behaviour of a locking mechanism that can solidly prevent or permit the motion of a linear component without the need for high forces from the actuating device.
  • the electrically controlled actuator device is in the form of a piezoelectric bender is made by the bonding of a suitable ceramic material to a suitable substrate, which is a well-known process.
  • a folded form of actuator such as that described in UK Patent 98/00670 an increased movement is obtained.
  • a preferred form of actuator (71) is made where the folding is achieved by joining one end of two metal plates (70a, 70b) such that the join (72) continues beneath ceramic plates (75a, 75b), improving coupling and stiffness.
  • a linking feature (76) permits the actuator to be loosely connected to the general mechanism at an action point (78) which is shown more clearly in fig. 7. Preferably this is done loosely so as to permit some relative movement between the actuator and the general mechanism.
  • the free end (73) of the actuator plates (70a) is mounted to a rigid platform of appropriate material and dimensions, but this is not shown.
  • the part to be controlled can be a round, rectangular or square section bar, and is characterised by having a constant section for the stroke that is going to be controlled.
  • FIG. 3 For the sake of convenience, the illustration shows in fig. 3 a round bar (10).
  • a receiving feature (20) comprising a bracing face (22), an exit angle (24) and an optional clearance angle (26).
  • a locking pawl (30) is rotably on a pivot (40) mounted at a position located at a distance from the bar (10) such that, when rotated, a locking face (32) interferes with the space occupied by the bar, most specifically falling into the receiving feature (20).
  • a suitable spring which is not shown, generates a torque around the pivot (40), urging the locking face (32) against the bar's outer surface.
  • the locking pawl (30) extends beyond the locking face (32) to provide a lever tip (35) that can be used to impede the rotation of the locking pawl under the action of the spring.
  • This action is performed by the key piece (90), which is connected to the actuator (71) via the connection (76).
  • the key piece (90) is shown more clearly in fig. 7 and slides in a suitable aperture that is parallel to the axes of the pivot of the locking pawl (40) under the control of the alternator (71) which is not shown in fig. 7.
  • the key piece has a slot (90) cut into it and positioned such that when the actuator (71) is relaxed, the (92) slot does not align with the thickness of the locking pawl (30) and so prevents rotation of the pawl.
  • the pawl is forced above the key piece (90) by the surface of the bar (10) and so only attempts to rotate when the locking face (32) is aligned with the receiving feature (20).
  • the bar (10) is free to slide because the pawl (30) rests in the key piece (90) with the locking face (32) not of the receiving feature (20).
  • the actuator (71) When the actuator (71) is energised, it draws the key piece (90) transversely of the direction of sliding of the bar (10) so that the slot (92) is in the key piece (90) aligns with the width of the locking pawl (30) which results in the pawl (90) being capable of being forced into the receiving feature (20) under the action of the spring when the bar (10) is in the correct position i.e. held to the left as viewed in fig. 4.

Landscapes

  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

An electrically controllable locking device comprises a first member (10) arranged to be moveable along a first axis; a second member (30) arranged to pivot about a second axis (40) between a lock position in which a portion of said second member is engaged with said first member to prevent its movement along said first axis and an unlock position in which it is not engaged; a third member (90) arranged to move along a third axis generally parallel to the second axis between a first position in which a portion (92) of said third member (90) engages a portion (35) of the second member (30) to prevent its movement into one of said lock and unlock positions and a second positions which it is not so engaged; and an electrically controlled piezo-electric actuator element (71) arranged upon actuation to apply a force directed to move said third member from one of said first and second positions to the other.

Description

LOCKING MECHANISM
The present invention relates to an electrically controllable lock mechanism and in particular to such a mechanism using a piezo-electric actuator. There are many circumstances wherein it is desirable to provide the immobilisation of a linear member, such as when bolting a door or changing the behaviour of a mechanism and to do this automatically, using some form of transducer. Traditional methods of securely locking such mechanisms tend to be expensive in terms of energy usage and are therefore not well suited to battery operation or application in areas subject to explosions. Typical methods include solenoids and motors with gearboxes, although in industrial situations pneumatic and hydraulic actuators can also be deployed. Mechanisms for locking tend to be massive and to rely upon heavy springs to ensure the parts move even when worn or contaminated. Solid engagement of the locking parts has also meant that low energy devices, such as piezoelectric elements have not been able to provide a cost-effective solution. The present invention provides a device comprising: a first member arranged to be moveable along a first axis; a second member arranged to pivot about a second axis between a lock position in which a portion of said second member is engaged with said first member to prevent its movement along said first axis and an unlock position in which it is not so engaged; a third member arranged to move along a third axis generally parallel to the second axis between a first position in which a portion of said third member engages a portion of the second member to prevent its movement into one of said lock and unlock positions and a second position which it is not so engaged; and a piezo-electric actuator element arranged upon actuation to apply a force directed to move said third member from one of said first and second positions to the other. Preferably, the piezo-electric actuator is a cantilever type actuator having a free end which moves upon flexing of the actuator, the actuator being arranged such that the free end moves said third member. In a particularly compact arrangement, the elements are arranged such that the cantilever portion extends in a direction parallel with the first axis. It will be appreciated that the second and third members mentioned above together with the piezo-electric actuator together form an electrically actuable lock mechanism for said first member. Depending on the configuration of the various parts, electrical actuation may either permit or prevent either locking or unlocking of the first member. In any event, the device advantageously utilizes a relatively low force piezo-electric device to provide a secure mechanical locking force to said first member. Within the invention, a single first member may have associated with it two, or more, lock mechanisms. These may be orthogonally positioned around the first member. They may be similarly configured to provide a more secure function. They may be differently configured to provide electrical control over more than one function. A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described below by way of example with reference to accompanying figures, in which Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a piezo-electric actuator forming part of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking member of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 3 is a side view which illustrates the interaction of the locking member with the linear member to be locked in the preferred embodiment; and Fig. 4 is a plan view to assist understanding of the intention of the parts shown in fig.3; According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a means by which a an electrically controlled actuator device controls the behaviour of a locking mechanism that can solidly prevent or permit the motion of a linear component without the need for high forces from the actuating device. An embodiment is now described with the aid of Figures 1-4 The electrically controlled actuator device is in the form of a piezoelectric bender is made by the bonding of a suitable ceramic material to a suitable substrate, which is a well-known process. By using a folded form of actuator, such as that described in UK Patent 98/00670 an increased movement is obtained. A preferred form of actuator (71) is made where the folding is achieved by joining one end of two metal plates (70a, 70b) such that the join (72) continues beneath ceramic plates (75a, 75b), improving coupling and stiffness. A linking feature (76) permits the actuator to be loosely connected to the general mechanism at an action point (78) which is shown more clearly in fig. 7. Preferably this is done loosely so as to permit some relative movement between the actuator and the general mechanism. In order to transmit the force to the action point, the free end (73) of the actuator plates (70a) is mounted to a rigid platform of appropriate material and dimensions, but this is not shown. The part to be controlled can be a round, rectangular or square section bar, and is characterised by having a constant section for the stroke that is going to be controlled. For the sake of convenience, the illustration shows in fig. 3 a round bar (10). At the position to be locked there is provided a receiving feature (20), comprising a bracing face (22), an exit angle (24) and an optional clearance angle (26). A locking pawl (30) is rotably on a pivot (40) mounted at a position located at a distance from the bar (10) such that, when rotated, a locking face (32) interferes with the space occupied by the bar, most specifically falling into the receiving feature (20). A suitable spring, which is not shown, generates a torque around the pivot (40), urging the locking face (32) against the bar's outer surface. The locking pawl (30) extends beyond the locking face (32) to provide a lever tip (35) that can be used to impede the rotation of the locking pawl under the action of the spring. This action is performed by the key piece (90), which is connected to the actuator (71) via the connection (76). The key piece (90) is shown more clearly in fig. 7 and slides in a suitable aperture that is parallel to the axes of the pivot of the locking pawl (40) under the control of the alternator (71) which is not shown in fig. 7. The key piece has a slot (90) cut into it and positioned such that when the actuator (71) is relaxed, the (92) slot does not align with the thickness of the locking pawl (30) and so prevents rotation of the pawl. The pawl is forced above the key piece (90) by the surface of the bar (10) and so only attempts to rotate when the locking face (32) is aligned with the receiving feature (20). In operation, and assuming that the mechanism is in the condition show in fig. 4 and that the actuator is initially un-energised, the bar (10) is free to slide because the pawl (30) rests in the key piece (90) with the locking face (32) not of the receiving feature (20). When the actuator (71) is energised, it draws the key piece (90) transversely of the direction of sliding of the bar (10) so that the slot (92) is in the key piece (90) aligns with the width of the locking pawl (30) which results in the pawl (90) being capable of being forced into the receiving feature (20) under the action of the spring when the bar (10) is in the correct position i.e. held to the left as viewed in fig. 4. Further movement to the left is prevented by the locking face of the pawl (30) engaging the bracing face (22) It can be seen from the figures that it is a simple matter to move the mounting point of the actuator (71) such that the slot aligns when the device is unenergised and to apply power to force the key piece (90) to interfere with the motion of the locking pawl. The mechanism is reset by the application of an axial force in the opposite direction to the locking motion, so that the exit angle (24) rotates the locking pawl (30) against the spring until the lever tip (35) is above the key piece (90). The actuator is discharged and so returns the key piece to its rest position. The force used to slide the bar (10) can be either manual or it can be generated in some other manner e.g. electrical.

Claims

1. A locking device comprising a first member (10) arranged to be moveable along a first axis; a second member (30) arranged to pivot about a second axis (40) between a lock position in which a portion of said second member is engaged with said first member to prevent its movement along said first axis and an unlock position in which it is not engaged; a third member (90) arranged to move along a third axis generally parallel to the second axis between a first position in which a portion (92) of said third member (90) engages a portion (35) of the second member (30) to prevent its movement into one of said lock and unlock positions and a second positions which it is not so engaged; and an electrically controlled actuator element (71) arranged upon actuation to apply a force directed to move said third member from one of said first and second positions to the other.
2. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator element is a piezo-electric actuator.
3. A locking device according to claim 2, wherein the piezo-electric actuator is a cantilever type actuator having a free end arranged to move third member.
4. A locking device according to claim 3, wherein the elements are arranged such that the cantilever portion extends in a direction parallel with the first axis.
5. An electrically actuable door lock mechanism comprising a locking device according to any one of the proceeding claims.
PCT/GB2004/003662 2003-09-12 2004-08-26 Locking mechanism WO2005026479A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0321439A GB0321439D0 (en) 2003-09-12 2003-09-12 Locking mechanism
GB0321439.2 2003-09-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005026479A1 true WO2005026479A1 (en) 2005-03-24

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/003662 WO2005026479A1 (en) 2003-09-12 2004-08-26 Locking mechanism

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WO (1) WO2005026479A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007049040A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-05-03 Pbt (Ip) Limited Low power lock mechanism
US7823993B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2010-11-02 Carefusion 303, Inc. Piezo actuated slide latching mechanism

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT386859B (en) * 1987-04-13 1988-10-25 Grundmann Gmbh Geb Magnetic sliding lock
US5090222A (en) * 1990-08-01 1992-02-25 Supra Products, Inc. Electronic lock box and retention mechanism for use therein
EP0757145A2 (en) * 1995-08-01 1997-02-05 GEZE GmbH & Co. Electrically actuated blocking device for a door or window and use of a piezoelectric actuator and/or magnetostrictive actuator and/or a memory-shape actuator
WO1998040917A1 (en) * 1997-03-07 1998-09-17 Greenbrook Electrical Plc Low component count release mechanism
US5819563A (en) * 1991-10-21 1998-10-13 Bianco; James S. Intelligent lock system
US6622534B1 (en) * 1997-02-10 2003-09-23 Lockmasters, Inc. Dead bolt system having multiple security features

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT386859B (en) * 1987-04-13 1988-10-25 Grundmann Gmbh Geb Magnetic sliding lock
US5090222A (en) * 1990-08-01 1992-02-25 Supra Products, Inc. Electronic lock box and retention mechanism for use therein
US5819563A (en) * 1991-10-21 1998-10-13 Bianco; James S. Intelligent lock system
EP0757145A2 (en) * 1995-08-01 1997-02-05 GEZE GmbH & Co. Electrically actuated blocking device for a door or window and use of a piezoelectric actuator and/or magnetostrictive actuator and/or a memory-shape actuator
US6622534B1 (en) * 1997-02-10 2003-09-23 Lockmasters, Inc. Dead bolt system having multiple security features
WO1998040917A1 (en) * 1997-03-07 1998-09-17 Greenbrook Electrical Plc Low component count release mechanism

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007049040A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-05-03 Pbt (Ip) Limited Low power lock mechanism
US7823993B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2010-11-02 Carefusion 303, Inc. Piezo actuated slide latching mechanism
US8096628B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2012-01-17 Carefusion 303, Inc. Piezo actuated slide latching mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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