WO2008094472A2

WO2008094472A2 - A type of main lock structure and a door lock comprising such a main lock structure

Info

Publication number: WO2008094472A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/001016
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stanley Chung
Original assignee: Stanley Chung
Priority date: 2007-01-26
Filing date: 2008-01-25
Publication date: 2008-08-07
Also published as: EP2271812A2; CN101008297B; WO2008094472A3; CN101008297A

Abstract

A lock assembly includes a lock cylinder (17) with a rotatable lock tongue driveblock (171), a lock tongue (14) defining a lock tongue lever groove (144), a limit block (13), and a spring-loaded adjustment block movably mounted on the lock tongue. The adjustment block engages the limit block to secure the lock tongue in a first position. When the lock tongue lever rotates, it pushes up against the adjustment block to clear it over the limit block. Around the same time, the lock tongue lever engages the lock tongue lever groove to translate the lock tongue to a second position. Further rotated, the lock tongue releases the adjustment block so the adjustment block engages the limit block to secure the lock tongue in a second position.

Description

A TYPE OF MAIN LOCK STRUCTURE AND THE COMBINATION DOOR LOCK THAT

USES SUCH A MAIN LOCK STRUCTURE

Stanley Chung

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Application No. 200710066912.9 filed on January 26, 2007 with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a type of locks, in particular, it relates to a main lock structure and the combination door lock that uses such a main lock structure.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Locks are an indispensable anti -theft tool in people's lives. Installation of locks on doors and windows prevents thieves from entering a house and committing burglary. There are many ypes of existing door locks, from single door locks, double safe, multiple safe to electronic ilarmed locks, etc. The various types of door locks mentioned above all have different structures ind functions, with simple ones, complex ones, ones with single function and ones with multiple functions. Presently, in the structures of some of the current multifunction door locks, since the locking range of the lock tongues of the main locks is rather long, the key needs to make two aims to completely lock them. Their use is not convenient and rather time-consuming, and in addition, they are also rather complex in structure.

SUMMARY

[0004] The technical issue to be resolved by the present invention is to provide a main lock structure with a relatively simple structure that can quickly drive the main lock tongue and a combination door lock that uses such a main lock structure. [0005] The technical solution used by the present invention to resolve the aforementioned technical issue is: a lock assembly including a lock cylinder with a rotatable lock tongue lever, a lock tongue defining a lock tongue lever groove, a limit block, and a spring-loaded adjustment block movably mounted on the lock tongue. The adjustment block engages the limit block to secure the lock tongue in a first position. When the lock tongue lever rotates, it pushes up against the adjustment block to clear it over the limit block. Around the same time, the lock tongue lever engages the lock tongue lever groove to translate the lock tongue to a second position. Further rotated, the lock tongue releases the adjustment block so the adjustment block engages the limit block to secure the lock tongue in a second position.

[0006] The lock assembly further includes an upper lock, a lower lock, and a secondary lock. The upper lock has an upper drive rod with an upper gear rack. The lower lock has a lower drive rod having with a lower gear rack. A gear between the upper and the lower gear racks causes the upper and the lower drive rods to translate in opposite directions. The secondary lock includes a a first spindle, a second spindle coaxially coupled to the first spindle, a spring locking body, a rocker plate placed between the spring locking body and the first spindle, and a locking spring body. When the first spindle rotates, its arm rotates the rocker plate, and the rocker plate retracts the locking spring body. The second spindle has its arm coupled to the lower drive rod. The rotation of the first spindle causes the second spindle to rotate and retract the lower drive rod, which in turn retracts the upper drive rod.

[0007] The lower drive rod defines a rectangular opening with a locking block. The rectangular opening receives the lock tongue. The lock tongue defines an "L" shaped locking groove that receives the locking block. When the lower drive rod is extended, the locking block travels down the vertical portion of the locking groove to reach the horizontal portion of the locking groove. At this point, the locking tongue can be extended as the locking block can travel along the horizontal portion of the locking groove.

[0008] Compared with the existing technology, the advantages of the present invention are that it is safe and reliable, with a relatively simple structure, and it is easy to use. Since a flexible mechanism is placed between the lock tongue of the main lock and the adjusting block, when locking a door, the key only needs to turn less than 270° to spring out the lock tongue. A relatively short locking range is rather convenient and also saves some time. Also, since the arm of the second spindle in the secondary lock and the drive rods in the upper and lower locks are interconnected, they cause the secondary lock and upper and lower locks to be locked and unlocked at the same time. Furthermore, a locking mechanism used to lock the upper and lower locks is directly placed on the lock tongue of the main lock, and the upper and lower locks fit each other. The main lock can be locked only when the secondary lock and upper and lower locks are locked at the same time. Otherwise, the main lock can only be in an unlocked state, avoiding being locked by mistake. In addition, when various locks are interlocked, no additional parts need to be added. Thus, the structure is relatively simple. At the same time, there are multiple safety functions, adding to the reliability of the door lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic structural sketch of a main lock structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 is an overall schematic structural sketch of a combination lock in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3A is a structural schematic sketch of the secondary lock of the combination lock of Figure 2 in one embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Figure 3B is an exploded structural schematic sketch of the secondary lock of the combination lock of Figure 2 in one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 4A is a structural schematic sketch of the main lock of the combination lock of Figure 2 in one embodiment of the invention.

[0014] Figure 4B is an exploded structural schematic sketch of the main lock of the combination lock of Figure 2 in one embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Figure 5 is a structural schematic sketch of the main lock of the combination lock of Figure 2 in different directions in one embodiment of the invention. [0016] Figure 6 is an exploded structural schematic sketch of the upper and lower locks and the base of the combination lock of Figure 2 in one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Figure 7 is an exploded structural schematic sketch of the upper and lower locks of the combination lock of Figure 2 in one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Figure 8 is an overall schematic structural sketch of the combination lock of Figure 2 where the secondary lock tongue, the upper lock, and the lower lock are extended in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 9 is an overall schematic structural sketch of the combination lock of Figure 2 where the secondary lock tongue, the upper lock, and the lower lock are retracted in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 10 is an overall schematic structural sketch of the combination lock of Figure 2 where the main lock is substantially extended in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 11 is an overall schematic structural sketch of the combination lock of Figure 2 where the main lock is fully extended in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Following is a more detailed description of the present invention in combination with the embodiments with figures.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 1, a type of main lock structure, including lock tongue 14, lock cylinder 17 and limit block 13. A lock tongue lever 171 is coaxially connected to lock cylinder 17. Lock tongue 14 defines a lock tongue lever groove 144 that receives lock tongue lever 171. An adjustment block 16 is placed on lock tongue 14. An upper stopping plate 164 and a lower stopping plate 165 are integrally formed on adjusting block 16. Upper stopping plate 164 is inserted into the upper end of lock tongue 14. Lower stopping plate 165 is inserted into lock tongue lever groove 144. An adjusting spring 15 is placed between lock tongue 14 and the upper end surface of lower stopping plate 165. Adjustment block 16 has an upper end that defines a limit groove 166 that receives limit block 13.

[0025] The lock structure of Fig. 1 operates as follows. To lock a door, a user inserts a key into lock cylinder 17 and turns the key 360 degrees counterclockwise. This causes lock tongue drive block 171 to rotate 360 degrees counterclockwise. Lock tongue drive block 171 initially pushes up against lower stopping plate 165 to vertically clear limit groove 166 of adjusting block 16 over a right vertical face of limit block 13. Once limit groove 166 clears the right vertical face of limit block 13, lock tongue drive block 171 pushes left against a block 14A of lock tongue 14 to extend the lock tongue to the left. When lock tongue 14 is fully extended, limit groove 166 travels past a left vertical face of limit block 13 and extends downward to prevent lock tongue 14 from being retracted.

[0026] To unlock the door, the user turns the key 360 degrees clockwise. This causes lock tongue drive block 171 to rotate 360 degrees clockwise. Lock tongue drive block 171 initially pushes up against lower stopping plate 165 to vertically clear limit groove 166 of adjusting block 16 over the left vertical face of limit block 13. Once limit groove 166 clears the left vertical face of limit block 13, lock tongue drive block 171 pushes right against a block 14B of lock tongue 14 to retract the lock tongue to the right. When lock tongue 14 is fully retracted, limit groove 166 travels past the right vertical face of limit block 13 and extends downward to prevent lock tongue 14 from being extended.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figs. 2 to 7, a type of combination door lock includes a base 24, a cover plate 21, and a side cover plate 19. A limit block 13 is fastened onto base 24. A first directional posts 142 and a spring post 143 are integrally formed on lock tongue 14.

[0028] An adjustment block 16 defines a spring groove 161 an adjustment groove 162 that receives first directional post 142. Spring pin 143 threads through spring groove 161 and is connected to adjustment spring 15. One end of adjustment spring 15 is supported at the bottom of spring groove 161. Adjustment block 16 has an upper end with a limit block 163 that fits limit block 13. [0029] A lock cylinder 17 is placed below lock tongue 14. Lock cylinder 17 is fastened between base 24 and cover plate 21. The cylinder plug of lock cylinder 17 is equipped with a lock tongue drive block 171. Lock tongue 14 has a lock tongue drive groove 144 that fits lock tongue drive block 171.

[0030] First directional grooves 25 are respectively placed on base 24 and cover plate 21. First directional post 142 and a first direction post 142 A on opposite sides of lock tongue 14 fit in first directional grooves 25. An "L" shaped locking groove 141 is integrally formed on lock tongue 14. Lower drive rod 12A defines a second rectangular opening 121. A locking block 122 is integrally formed on the inside of second rectangular opening 121. Lock tongue 14 threads through second rectangular opening 121 and side cover plate 19. The width of second rectangular opening 121 is greater than the total sum of the width of lock tongue 14 and the height of "L" shaped locking groove 141. "L" shaped locking groove 141 and locking block 122 fit each other.

[0031] A roller 2 is axially connected to secondary lock tongue 3 through roller pin 1. A spring 4 is placed on one end of secondary lock tongue 3. Spring 4 is fastened onto base 24 through a spring pin 5. Second directional posts 31 are integrally formed on secondary lock tongue 3. Second directional ribs 23 are respectively placed on base 24 and cover plate 21. Second directional posts 31 and second directional ribs 23 fit each other.

[0032] A rocker plate 6 is placed between secondary lock tongue 3 and a spindle 8. Spindle 8 includes a drive shaft, a tongue on the face of the drive shaft, and an arm extending from the drive shaft. Rocker plate 6 is axially connected to base 24 through fit pin 7. A spindle 9 includes a hollow shaft, a groove formed on the face of the hollow shaft, and an arm extending from the drive shaft. A fork 91 is integrally formed on the distal end of the arm of spindle 9. The drive shaft of spindle 8 is coupled coaxially to the drive shaft of spindle 9 so that the tongue of spindle 8 fits within the groove of spindle 9. Fork 91 is fastened onto one end of lower drive rod 12.

[0033] Upper drive rod 10 defines a first rectangular opening 101. Secondary lock tongue 3 threads through first rectangular opening 101 and side cover plate 19. The width of first rectangular opening 101 is greater than the total sum of the width of secondary lock tongue 3 and the height of "L" shaped locking groove 141.

[0034] An upper gear rack is placed on one end of upper drive rod 10. A lower gear rack is placed on the other end of lower drive rod 12. A reverse gear 11 is placed between the upper gear rack and the lower gear rack. Reverse gear 11 is axially connected between base 24 and cover plate 21. Round projections 28 are respectively placed on the other ends of upper drive rod 10 and lower drive rod 12.

[0035] A first fastening block 22 is placed on base 24. The upper end of side cover plate 19 is fastened and connected to first fastening block 22 through a screw. The lower end of side cover plate 19 is fastened and connected to lock cylinder 17 through a long screw 18. A lower drive rod limit block 26 is fastened between base 24 and cover plate 21.

[0036] Lower drive rod 12 defines a lower drive rod directional groove 123. A directional screw 20 is placed on the lower end of side cover plate 19. Directional screw 20 and lower drive rod directional groove 123 fit each other.

[0037] Third directional posts 27 are respectively and integrally placed on the two sides of upper drive rod 10 and lower drive rod 12. Base 24 and cover plate 21 respectively define third directional grooves 29. Third directional post 27 and third directional groove 29 fit each other.

[0038] In addition to the aforementioned structures, main lock structure of the combination lock in embodiment 2 may also use the main lock structure in embodiment.

[0039] The operation of the combination door lock is explained hereafter. Referring to Fig. 8, secondary lock tongue 3 is normally extended into a door strike to keep a door closed. In this state, a user can also extend upper and lower shootbolts connected to upper drive rod 10 and lower drive rod 12 to further secure the door. To do so, the user turns a door handle counterclockwise (e.g., by 53 degrees). This causes spindle 8 to rotate counterclockwise, which in turns causes spindle 9 to rotate counterclockwise. As fork 91 of spindle 9 is coupled to block 270 of lower drive rod 12, the rotation of spindle 9 extends lower drive rod 12 downwards. When lower drive rod 12 extends downwards, gear 11 extends upper drive rod 10 upwards. Note that the door handle can be return to its neutral position without retracting upper drive rod 10 and lower drive rod 12 because the tongue on the drive shaft of spindle 8 is located in a corresponding groove on the shaft of spindle 9 that is larger in dimension.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 9, the user turns the door handle clockwise (e.g., by 53 degrees) to open the door. This causes the arm of spindle 8 to push up against rocker plate 6, which rotates the rocker plate clockwise. The distal end of rocker plate 6 pulls against secondary lock tongue 3 to retract the secondary lock tongue into the lock body.

[0041] Turning the door handle also causes spindle 8 to rotate spindle 9 clockwise. As fork 91 of spindle 9 is coupled to block 270 of lower drive rod 12, the rotation of spindle 9 retracts lower drive rod 12 upwards. When lower drive rod 12 retracts upwards, gear 11 retracts upper drive rod 10 downwards. The result is that the upper and the lower shootbolts are retracted.

[0042] Note that when lower drive rod 12 is retracted, a locking groove 125 in second rectangular opening 121 engages a corresponding locking groove 145 on locking tongue 14. This prevents lock tongue 14 from being extended while upper drive rod 10 and lower drive rod 12 are retracted.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 10, the user can lock the door by inserting a key into lock cylinder 17 and turning the key 360 degrees counterclockwise. This causes lock tongue drive block 171 to rotate 360 degrees counterclockwise. Lock tongue drive block 171 initially pushes adjusting block 16 upwards to vertically clear limit block 163 on adjusting block 16 over a right edge of limit block 13. Lock tongue drive block 171 then engages lock tongue drive groove 144 and starts to push against lock tongue 14 to extend the lock tongue to the left. When lock tongue drive block 171 disengages lock tongue drive groove 144, limit block 163 has traveled over an upper step of limit block 13 and now sits on a lower step of limit block 13. In this state, lock tongue is substantially but not fully extended (e.g., 15 mm).

[0044] Note that when lower drive rod 12 is extended, locking groove 125 releases locking groove 145 on locking tongue 14, and locking block 122 travels down the vertical section of "L" shaped locking groove 141 of lock tongue 14 to reach the beginning of a horizontal section of the "L" shape locking groove. This allows lock tongue 14 to be extended while upper drive rod 10 and lower drive rod 12 are extended. Once lock tongue 14 is extended, locking block 122 is located in the horizontal section of "L" shaped locking groove 141 and lower drive rod 12 (and therefore upper drive rod 10) cannot be retracted.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 11, the user further turns the key 180 degrees counterclockwise to fully extend lock tongue 14. This causes lock tongue drive block 171 to pushes against back of adjusting block 16 and fully extends lock tongue 14 (e.g., 20 mm). When lock tongue 14 is fully extended, limit block 163 has travels past the lower step of limit block 13 and then extends downward to prevent lock tongue 14 from being retracted.

[0046] To unlock the door, the user turns the key 360 degrees clockwise. This causes lock tongue drive block 171 to rotate 360 degrees clockwise. As it rotates, lock tongue drive block 171 engages lock tongue drive groove 144 to push limit block 163 upward over the lower and the upper steps of limit block 13 and to fully retract lock tongue 14. Once limit block 163 travels past the upper step of limit block 13, it extends downward to prevent lock tongue 14 from being extended.

[0047] Various other adaptations and combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed are within the scope of the invention. Numerous embodiments are encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 : A lock assembly, comprising:

a lock cylinder;

a lock tongue lever coaxially connected to the lock cylinder, the lock tongue lever being rotatable;

a lock tongue movable between positions, the lock tongue defining a lock tongue lever groove for receiving the lock tongue lever;

a first limit block; and

a spring-loaded adjustment block movably mounted on the lock tongue, the adjustment block engaging the first limit block to secure the lock tongue in one of the positions.

Claim 2: The lock assembly of Claim 1, wherein:

the adjustment block comprises an upper stopping plate and a lower stopping plate, the upper stopping plate being inserted into a slot on an upper end of the lock tongue, the lower stopping plate being inserted into to the lock tongue lever groove;

the lock assembly further comprises an adjustment spring placed between the lock tongue and a top surface of the lower stopping plate; and

an upper end of the adjustment block defines a limit groove, the limit groove vertically clearing the first limit block when the adjustment block is extended, the upper end abutting a first side of the limit block when the lock tongue is at a retracted position and abutting a second side of the limit block when the lock tongue is at an extended position.

Claim 3: The lock assembly of Claim 1, wherein:

the lock tongue comprises a first directional post and a spring post;

the adjustment block defines (1) an adjustment groove for receiving the first directional post and (2) a spring groove for receiving the spring post; the lock assembly further comprises an adjustment spring, the adjustment spring having (1) a first end connected to the spring lock threaded through the spring groove and (2) a second end supported against a bottom of the spring groove; and

an upper end of the adjusting block comprises a second limit block that abuts against (1) a first side of the first limit block when the lock tongue is at a retracted position and (2) a second side of the first limit block when the lock tongue is at an extended position.

Claim 4: The lock assembly of Claim 1, further comprising:

a base;

a cover plate;

a side cover plate;

a main lock between the base and the cover plate, the main lock comprising the lock cylinder, the lock tongue lever, the lock tongue, the first limit block, and the adjustment block; and

a secondary lock between the base and the cover plate, the secondary lock comprising upper and lower locks.

Claim 5: The lock assembly of Claim 4, wherein:

the lock tongue comprises a first directional post and a spring post;

the adjustment block defines (1) an adjustment groove for receiving the first directional post and (2) a spring groove for receiving the spring post;

the lock assembly further comprises an adjustment spring, the adjustment spring having (1) a first end connected to the spring lock threaded through the spring groove and (2) a second end supported against a bottom of the spring groove; and

Claim 6: The lock assembly of Claim 5, wherein:

the lock tongue defines an "L" shaped locking groove;

the upper lock comprises an upper drive rod having a proximate end with an upper gear rack;

the lower lock comprises a lower drive rod having a proximate end with a lower gear rack;

a gear between the upper and the lower gear racks, wherein an axel of the gear is connected between the base and the cover plate;

the secondary lock further comprises:

a first spindle comprising a first shaft and a first arm extending from the first shaft;

a second spindle comprising a second shaft and a second arm extending from the second shaft and coupled to the lower drive rod, wherein the first and the second spindles are coaxially coupled by a tongue and groove coupling between end faces of the first and the second shafts;

a spring locking body;

a rocker plate placed between the spring locking body and the first spindle;

a first rectangular opening on the upper drive rod, the spring locking body threads through the first rectangular opening and the side cover plate;

a second rectangular opening on the lower drive rod; and

a locking block on the second rectangular opening, the lock tongue threads through the second rectangular opening and the side cover plate, the "L" shaped locking groove engaging the locking block. Claim 7: The lock assembly of Claim 6, wherein:

the spring locking body includes a secondary lock tongue and roller mounted to the secondary lock tongue with a roller pin;

a spring on an other end of the secondary lock tongue, the spring being mounted to the base through a spring pin;

the secondary lock tongue comprising second directional posts;

the base and the cover plate defining second directional ribs, the second directional posts being received between the second directional ribs;

the lock tongue further comprising first directional posts; and

the base and the cover plate defining first directional grooves for receiving the first directional posts on the lock tongue.

Claim 8: The lock assembly of Claim 7, wherein:

a width of the first rectangular opening is greater than a total sum of a width of the secondary lock tongue and a height of the "L" shaped locking groove; and

a width of the second rectangular opening is greater than a total sum of a width of the lock tongue and the height of the "L" shaped locking groove.

Claim 9: The lock assembly of Claim 4, wherein:

the base comprises a first fastening block;

an upper end of the side cover plate is fastened onto the first fastening block with a first screw; and

a lower end of the side cover plate is fastened onto the lock cylinder through a second screw.

Claim 10: The lock assembly of Claim 6, further comprising: a lower drive rod limit block mounted to the base and the cover plate;

a directional screw on an lower end of the side cover plate, the directional screw being inserted in a lower drive rod directional groove defined in the lower drive rod;

wherein:

the upper and the lower drive rods comprising third directional post; and

the base and the cover plate defining third directional grooves, the third directional grooves receiving the third directional posts.

Claim 11 : The lock assembly of Claim 1 , wherein:

the lock tongue comprises a first directional post and a spring post;

an upper end of the adjusting block comprises a second limit block that abuts against (1) a first side of the upper step when the lock tongue is at a retracted position, (2) a second side of the upper step when the lock tongue is at a partially extended position, and (3) against a side of lower step the lock tongue is at a fully extended position.