EP3262256A1

EP3262256A1 - Universal lock with sliding stop mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP3262256A1
Application number: EP15883531.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Klaus W. Gartner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Mg Tech Center Bv Hodn Lock Technology
Priority date: 2015-02-23
Filing date: 2015-02-23
Publication date: 2018-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-23
Also published as: EP3262256B1; EP3262257B1; EP3262257A4; EP3262256A4; WO2016137539A1; EP3262257A1; WO2016137432A1

Abstract

A lock having a housing defining a cavity with first and second opposing side walls and an opening for receiving a locking bolt, the locking bolt moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is provided. The lock includes a rotary actuator having a rotary output and responsive to entry of an electronic combination input by a user; and a sliding stop mechanism responsive to said rotary output and moveable between a blocking position for blocking said locking bolt in the locked position and an unblocking position for allowing said locking bolt to move into said unlocked position.

Description

UNIVERSAL LOCK WITH SLIDING STOP MECHANISM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an electronic lock having a sliding stop mechanism that prevents a bolt from moving to an unlocked condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Doors of safes, vaults, strong rooms, container and similar security closures (collectively called "safes" in this application) usually have at least one and preferably several safe bolts that reciprocate from a non-locking position to an extended locking position. In the locking position, the safe bolts extend from the safe door into the adjacent safe walls. When the safe has more than one bolt, bolt works connect the bolts. The bolt works include linkages that move the safe bolts simultaneously when a user turns a handle. A locking device cooperates with the bolt works to secure the safe bolts in their extended locking position.

[0003] Swing bolt or rotary bolt locking devices mount a bolt for pivoting between locked and unlocked positions. This application refers to the swing bolt within the locking device as the "bolt," "swing bolt," or "locking bolt." The bolts that secure the safe door to the rest of the safe are called "safe bolts." In the locked position, part of the locking bolt projects out of the housing and interferes with a portion of the mechanical bolt works, thereby preventing the bolt works from moving the safe bolts to the unlocked position. When the user enters the correct combination, the lock mechanism allows the locking bolt to pivot to the unlocked position within the housing, thus allowing the user to open the safe door.

[0004] Rectilinear bolt locking devices operate in a similar manner. In particular, rectilinear bolt locking devices mount a bolt within a housing for moving between locked and unlocked positions. Thus, instead of pivoting like rotary bolts, linear bolts slide into and out of the locking device housing. When the user enters the correct combination, the lock mechanism allows the locking bolt to slide into the housing. For purposes of explanation and example, the remainder of the background discussion will focus on rotary type locking devices. [0005] In general, a handle on the outside of the safe connects to the bolt works. Rotating the handle initiates movement of the bolt works. If the user enters the correct combination which unlocks or releases the locking bolt, the bolt works can pivot the rotary bolt so that the rotary bolt does not project from the housing. This unlocked position permits the bolt works to continue moving the safe bolts to the unlocked condition, allowing the operator to open the safe. If, however, the rotary bolt is locked, the rotary bolt blocks movement of the bolt works, preventing the bolt works from withdrawing the safe bolts.

[0006] The locking mechanism within the lock housing blocks the bolt from pivoting to the unlocked position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,870 and 5,142,890 to Uydeda utilizes a linear solenoid within the housing. Uyeda discloses a solenoid plunger that directly engages the locking bolt. Alternatively, the solenoid plunger engages a locking plate that projects against the bolt. When the plunger or plate engages the bolt, the bolt normally cannot rotate to an unlocked position.

[0007] An electronic combination entry system controls the solenoid. Typically, the user enters the combination through a digital input pad. Internal circuitry senses entry of the correct combination and sends an electrical signal to the solenoid. The signal causes the solenoid to withdraw a plunger, which, in turn, allows the locking plate to disengage the locking bolt. The user rotates a handle which in turn manipulates the bolt works. Part of the bolt works pushes on the locking bolt to rotate the bolt about a shaft to the unlocked position. The bolt works then withdraws the safe bolts.

[0008] One design of a lock assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,519 to Gartner. Gartner discloses a solenoid mounted within a housing and a plunger on the solenoid that engages a locking plate. When the lock is in the locked condition, the locking plate engages the locking bolt, preventing the swing bolt from pivoting. When a user enters the correct combination, the plunger disengages the locking plate so that the latter is free to slide out of its engagement with the locking bolt.

[0009] Unfortunately, mechanisms such as the one disclosed in '519 to Gartner provide insufficient protection against unauthorized access into the safe. Solutions such as those disclosed by Gartner and Uyeda that utilize linear solenoids to control movement of a plunger into and out of a locking bolt or a locking plate provide insufficient protection against unauthorized entry into a safe. In the locked position, the plunger connected to the linear solenoid is extended such that it engages with, for example, a rotary locking bolt. In the unlocked position, the plunger retracts such that it no longer engages with the locking plate, thereby allowing the locking bolt to freely rotate. A problem arises when the linear solenoid, an electromagnetic device, receives a "shock." Shock can be a result of physical tampering, applied force, vibration, etc. Typically, when a linear solenoid receives a shock, it causes an extended shaft (or in this case, the plunger) to retract in reaction to the shock. This poses a problem because the retraction of the plunger without entering the correct combination would effectively allow unauthorized access into the safe despite the addition of a notch and safety key feature.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for a lock having a blocking device that is simple to assemble, cost efficient, and that can reliably block access under force and shock.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The problems outlined above are addressed by the universal lock having a sliding stop mechanism in accordance with the invention. The present invention solves the foregoing problems by providing a lock including a housing having an opening for a locking bolt, a locking bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an actuator positioned within the housing and a sliding stop mechanism received in the housing. The sliding stop mechanism includes a rotatable substantially D-shaped in cross section cam engagement means, which is received in a substantially U-shaped in cross-section slider. The rotatable cam engagement means translates the rotary movement of the actuator into linear motion of the substantially U-shaped in cross section slider. The rotatable cam engagement means is received within a channel of the blocking member. The rotatable cam engagement means is configured to rotate between a first position corresponding to the locked position of the locking bolt and a second position corresponding to the unlocked position of the locking bolt. Correspondingly, the U-shaped in cross-section blocking device is responsive to the rotation of the cam engagement means and moves linearly between a first position in which the locking bolt is in a locked position and a second position which allows the locking bolt to by-pass the blocking member to the unlocked position.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a lock including a housing defining a cavity with first and second opposing side walls and an opening for receiving a locking bolt moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is provided. The lock includes a rotary actuator having a rotary output and responsive to entry of an electronic combination input by a user; and a sliding stop mechanism responsive to said rotary output and moveable between a blocking position for blocking said locking bolt in the locked position and an unblocking position for allowing said locking bolt to move into said unlocked position, said sliding stop mechanism including cam engagement means having a camming surface and a substantially U-shaped in cross-section slider having a channel for engaging said camming surface and a blocking arm for blocking engagement with said rotary bolt, wherein actuation of the rotary actuator causes the cam engagement means to rotate in said channel to cause linear movement of said U- shaped slider to an unblocking position allowing said locking bolt to move into said unlocked position.

[0013] In a further aspect of the lock in accordance with the invention, the lock includes a housing having an opening for receiving a locking bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a rotary actuator positioned within the housing and energizable between a locked condition for maintaining the locking bolt in the locked position and an unlocked condition that allows the locking bolt to move to the unlocked position; and a sliding stop mechanism received in said housing, said sliding stop mechanism including a cam engagement means having a camming surface and a substantially U-shaped in cross section slider having a channel for engaging said camming surface and a first arm having a blocking portion, said cam engagement means operably coupled to the rotary actuator, said sliding stop mechanism normally biased in a blocking position in which said first arm blocking portion is configured to engage and block said locking bolt from being moved to the unlocked position, wherein upon actuation, the rotary actuator causes said cam engagement means to rotate by a predetermined amount in said channel and cause said U-shaped slider to move linearly to an unblocking position allowing said locking bolt to move into said unlocked position. The cam engagement means also includes a stop portion operably coupled thereto for preventing said cam engagement means from further rotation. The stop portion engages a wall in the cavity of the housing which prevents further rotational movement of the cam engagement means and correspondingly further linear movement of the U-shaped slider.

[0014] A dial operably coupled to the lock includes a key pad having a series of electronic numbers, typically from 1-9 and 0 which, when contacted by a user entering the correct combination, will generate an electronic signal to rotary means. The rotary means, which may be a solenoid, is coupled to the cam engagement means. Upon receiving the electronic signal the solenoid causes the cam engagement means to rotate by a predetermined amount. The camming surface of the cam engagement means is received in a channel in the blocking member such that as the camming surface rotates in the channel it causes the blocking member to move linearly to an unlocked position that enables the locking bolt to by-pass the blocking member allowing the authorized user to open the lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is ail exploded view of the lock in accordance with the invention showing the face plate and housing.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exemplary housing in which the lock is housed showing the face plate and the side walls.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lock in accordance with the invention. [0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of the lock in accordance with the invention showing the lock in the locked position.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cut away illustration showing the blocking member blocking the locking bolt from moving to the unlocked position.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of the lock in accordance with the invention showing the locking bolt in the unlocked position.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cut away illustration showing the blocking member in the unblocking position allowing the locking bolt to move to the unlocked position.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a top view showing an alternative means for biasing the locking bolt in the locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 an exploded view of the lock 10 in accordance with the invention is shown. Lock 10 broadly includes housing 24, locking bolt 70, actuator 60, and sliding stop mechanism 37.

[0025] Housing 24 of lock 10 includes faceplate 26 and first and second opposing side walls 80, 82 including opening 84 for receiving a locking bolt 70. The universal lock is mounted to a wall (not shown) which is representative of the door of a container, a safe or security room, or portions of a wall adjacent to such doors. A dial is mounted on a forward side of the wall. The dial is capable of accepting an electronic entry combination or a manual entry combination.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, a locking bolt 70 mounts in housing 24. In the present embodiment, locking bolt 70 is a rotary bolt having a generally D- shape in cross-section. However, it should be understood that various other shapes of locking bolt 70 are contemplated and within the intended scope of the present invention. A shaft receiving opening 42 is positioned near the center of rotary bolt 70. Shaft receiving opening 42 is configured to receive a shaft or axle 40 that mounts within the housing 24. Shaft 40 mounts in first and second sleeves (not shown) located on the inside walls of housing 24. Shaft receiving opening 42 is generally round and has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of shaft 43. Shaft receiving opening 42 of locking bolt 40 fits onto shaft 40, allowing locking bolt 70 to rotate about the shaft. Thus, a bearing means is formed between opening 42 of locking bolt 70 and shaft 40, which remains generally stationary as locking bolt 70 rotates.

[0027] As seen in FIG. 1, a leaf spring 86 is positioned between the bolt and the housing and biases the locking bolt 70 in the locked position. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 8, a compression spring 88 stretches from a pin 89 that is located on the inside wall of housing 24 to another pin 90 positioned on the back side of locking bolt 70. In each case, tension from the springs 86, 88 biases locking bolt 70 counterclockwise with extended portion 44 of bolt 70 in the locked position extended outside the housing 24.

[0028] Locking bolt 70 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in a locked position. In the locked position, extended portion 44 of locking bolt 70 extends outside locking bolt opening 46. Locking bolt opening 46 is an indentation in the top wall of housing 24 that is typically formed when the housing is cast. In operation, locking bolt 70 rotates to an unlocked position in which extended portion 44 of locking bolt 70 retracts within housing 24. The movement of locking bolt 70 between the locked and unlocked positions will be described in more detail hereinafter.

[0029] Actuator 60 mounts inside housing 24. Many different types of actuators may be used including, but not limited to, motors, rotary solenoids, electronic and mechanical rotary devices, and electromagnetic rotary devices. For purposes of example, actuator 60 will be described as a rotary solenoid throughout the remainder of this disclosure. Rotary solenoid 60 mounts in a cavity 64 within housing 24, which is formed by several walls extending upward from the inside wall of housing 24, as best seen in FIG. 1. The walls forming cavity 64 are typically part of the casting that forms housing 24. Rotary solenoid 60 includes rotary shaft 62 that is rotatably coupled to receiving shaft 114 of cam engagement means 1 10 as hereinafter described. Leaf spring 36 is received by rotary shaft 62 and acts to bias cam engagement means 1 10 in the blocking position as best seen in FIG. 4. [0030] Sliding stop mechanism 100 broadly includes cam engagement means 1 10 having camming surface 1 12, shaft 114 including shaft receiving lumen 1 15, stop 116 operably coupled to a surface of cam engagement means and U-shaped in cross-section slider. Cam engagement means 1 10 is rotatably received by rotary shaft 62 into shaft receiving lumen 1 15. U-shaped in cross section slider includes first arm 122 and second arm 124. First arm 122 has a length that is longer than the length of second arm 124 to create a blocking portion 125 that blocks locking bolt from retracting into housing 24. Arms 122, 124 form channel 126 which operably receives cam engagement means 1 10. Camming surface 1 12 of cam engagement means 110 rotatably rests in channel 126. Stop 116 is depicted as being triangular in shape but those of skill in the art will appreciate that stop 1 16 may be any shape such as rectangular, cylindrical, square, etc. so long as it functions to prevent further movement of the cam engagement means 1 10.

[0031] In operation, a user enters the correct combination on electronic key pad on a dial pad located outside the safe or other container door. Electronic circuitry signals solenoid 60 to rotate cam engagement means by a predetermined amount. As a result, the cam engagement means 1 10, which is responsive to the rotary output of solenoid 60 rotates as the camming surface 112 engages channel 126 of U-shaped slider 120. As the camming surface 112 continues to move in channel 126 it disengages from first arm 122 and commences to rotatably engage second arm 124 which causes U-shaped slider 120 to move linearly. As U-shaped slider 120 moves linearly first arm 122 disengages lip 38 of locking bolt 70. After rotating by the predetermined amount of rotary output, stop 1 16 of cam engagement means 110 prevents further movement of cam engagement means 110 by contacting an inner wall of cavity 64 in housing 24 as best seen in FIG. 4.

[0032] A user then turns the handle on the safe door (or other container being secured) which retracts the locking bolt 44 into housing 24 to permit access to the inside of the safe. The user then turns the handle on the safe door to move the locking bolt back into the locked position. Leaf spring 26 which biases the sliding stop mechanism 100 in the locked position causes U-shaped sliding mechanism to move back to the blocking position. [0033] As may also be seen in FIG. 8 the locking bolt may include an optional tamper resistant mechanism comprising a plurality of teeth 45 in the locking bolt 70 and a plurality of corresponding teeth 47 in the housing 24. Attempting to forcibly rotate the locking bolt 70 from the locked position, as best seen in FIG. 10, to the unlocked position while the actuator is in the locked condition causes the plurality of teeth on the locking bolt to engage with the teeth 47 in the housing 24 preventing unauthorized entry.

[0034] Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain aspects and embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A lock comprising:

a housing having an opening for receiving a locking bolt movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;

a rotary actuator positioned within the housing and energizable between a locked condition for maintaining the locking bolt in the locked position and an unlocked condition that allows the locking bolt to move to the unlocked position; and

a sliding stop mechanism received in said housing, said sliding stop mechanism including a cam engagement means having a camming surface and a substantially U-shaped in cross section slider having a channel for engaging said camming surface and a first arm having a blocking portion , said cam engagement means operably coupled to the rotary actuator, said sliding stop mechanism normally biased in a blocking position in which said first arm blocking portion is configured to engage and block said locking bolt from being moved to the unlocked position,

wherein upon actuation, the rotary actuator causes said cam engagement means to rotate by a predetermined amount in said channel and cause said U- shaped slider to move linearly to an unblocking position allowing said locking bolt to move into said unlocked position.

2. The lock of claim 1 wherein said locking bolt is a rotary locking bolt.

3. The lock of claim 1 wherein said rotary actuator is a rotary electromagnetic device.

4. The lock of claim 3 wherein said rotary electromagnetic device is a rotary solenoid.

5. The lock of claim 1 further comprising a first spring coupled to said housing and said locking bolt for biasing said locking bolt in said locked condition.

6. The lock of claim 1 further comprising a second spring positioned between the rotary actuator and the sliding stop mechanism for biasing the sliding stop mechanism in the blocking position.

7. The lock of claim 1 wherein in the blocking position said first arm is in blocking contact with said locking bolt.

8. The lock of claim 1 further comprising a stop portion coupled to said cam engagement means for preventing said cam engagement means from further rotation.

9. A lock comprising:

a housing having a cavity with first and second opposing side walls and an opening for receiving a locking bolt, the locking bolt moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position;

a rotary actuator having a rotary output and responsive to entry of an electronic combination input by a user; and

a sliding stop mechanism responsive to said rotary output and moveable between a blocking position for blocking said locking bolt in the locked position and an unblocking position for allowing said locking bolt to move into said unlocked position, said sliding stop mechanism including cam engagement means having a camming surface and a substantially U-shaped in cross-section slider having a channel for engaging said camming surface and a blocking arm for blocking engagement with said rotary bolt,

wherein actuation of said rotary actuator causes said cam engagement means to rotate in said channel to cause linear movement of said U-shaped slider to an unblocking position allowing said locking bolt to move into said unlocked position.

10. The lock of claim 9 further comprising a stop coupled to said cam engagement means for stopping said cam engagement means from further rotation.

11. The lock of claim 9 wherein said actuator is a rotary solenoid.

12. The lock of claim 9 wherein said locking bolt is a rotary locking bolt.

13. The lock of claim 9 wherein said sliding stop mechanism is biased in the blocking position.

14. The lock of claim 9 further comprising a first spring coupled to said housing and said locking bolt for biasing said locking bolt in said locked condition.

15. The lock of claim 1 further comprising a second spring positioned between the rotary actuator and the sliding stop mechanism for biasing the sliding stop mechanism in the blocking position.

16. The lock of claim 1 wherein the locking bolt further comprises a tamper resistant mechanism comprising a plurality of teeth in the locking bolt and a plurality of corresponding teeth in the housing, wherein attempting to forcibly rotate the locking bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position while the actuator is in the locked condition causes the plurality of teeth on the locking bolt to engage with the teeth in the housing thereby preventing unauthorized entry.

17. The lock of claim 9 wherein the locking bolt further comprises a tamper resistant mechanism comprising a plurality of teeth in the locking bolt and a plurality of corresponding teeth in the housing, wherein attempting to forcibly rotate the locking bolt from the locked position to the unlocked position while the actuator is in a locked condition causes the plurality of teeth on the locking bolt to engage with the teeth in the housing thereby preventing unauthorized entry.