MXPA98002084A - Lock assembly with motorized energy screw - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lock assembly (10) comprises a box (12), lever (14) rotatably fixed to the box (12), the lever (14) has a spindle (18) fixed thereto, a motor (30) secured to the box (12), the motor (30) has an arrow (31), an essentially cylindrical member (40) fixed to the motor shaft (31) and having a helically extending groove, and an interference member (50) threaded and not rotatably with the helically extending groove of the cylindrical member (40). The interference member (50) moves to the closed position to prevent rotation of the lever (14) when the motor shaft (31) rotates in one direction. The interference member (40) moves to the open position to allow rotation of the lever (14) when the motor arrow (31) rotates in an opposite direction.

Description

"LOCK ASSEMBLY WITH MOTORIZED ENERGY SCREW" DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is related to a lock assembly utilizing a motorized lock actuator.

ANTECEDENTS OF THE TECHNIQUE Conventional lock assemblies that utilize motorized lock actuators typically include bevel gears, rack and pinions or clutches. However, these actuators can be bulky, unreliable and expensive. Still, other conventional lock assemblies use solenoids. However, a disadvantage of these assemblies is that the solenoid can be affected by a sudden shock. For example, during a sudden shock, the solenoid can temporarily retract and open the door. In this way, lock assemblies that use solenoids may not be safe. Conventional lock assemblies utilizing motorized lock actuators typically employ plungers or similar devices connected impulsively between a motor and other components of the lock assembly, which effect closure and opening of the lock assembly. However, this configuration can result in forces being exerted on the motor shaft, in order to either dislodge the motor from its assembly or damage the motor. In addition, conventional lock assemblies utilizing motorized lock actuators are typically configured in a spring-loaded configuration. However, this configuration is complicated in design and causes difficulties during the assembly of the lock assembly. In addition, conventional lock assemblies that utilize motorized lock actuators typically have no means to detect when the lock assembly is in the closed or open position. In this way, if the motor is initially energized to configure the lock assembly in the closed position and the components of the lock assembly stop functioning in order to effect the closed position, the user of the lock assembly may not be aware of it. that the lock assembly is not configured in the closed position. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lock assembly utilizing a motorized lock actuator that is simple in design and uses a minimum number of components. Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lock assembly that utilizes a motorized lock actuator that is reliable. A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lock assembly utilizing a motorized lock actuator that is space efficient. Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lock assembly that utilizes a motorized lock actuator and that is inexpensive to manufacture. A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lock assembly utilizing a motorized lock actuator wherein the motor is essentially isolated from the forces caused by the rotation of a lever of the lock assembly. Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lock assembly that utilizes a motorized lock assembly that does not require the use of spring-loaded devices.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved lock assembly utilizing a motorized lock actuator wherein the motor is automatically and constantly re-energized until the lock assembly is configured in the closed position. Still other objects and advantages of the invention will be partly evident and partly apparent from the specification.

EXHIBITION OF THE INVENTION The objects and advantages above and others that will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to, in a first aspect, a lock assembly comprising a box, a lever rotatably fixed to the box where the lever has a spindle fixed thereto. A motor secured in the housing wherein the motor has an arrow, an essentially cylindrical member fixed to the motor shaft and having a helically extending groove, and an interference member bolted and non-rotatably with the groove extending helically of the cylindrical member. The interference member moves between a closed position and an open position. The interference member moves to the closed position to prevent rotation of the lever when the arrow of the motor rotates in one direction. The interference member moves to the open position to allow rotation of the lever when the motor arrow rotates in an opposite direction. The essentially cylindrical member comprises a core having an external surface. The helically extending groove comprises a helically extending wall extending from the outer surface of the core. The helically extending wall comprises a pair of opposite substantially flat wall sections. The opposite wall sections are preferably vertical or nearly vertical having an angle sufficiently pronounced towards the axis of rotation of the power screw to ensure that the tabs of the interference member, when coupled in the helically extending slot, can not march up the wall sections and lock the operation of the interference member. The essentially cylindrical member further comprises a pair of stops. Each stop is positioned at a respective end of the cylindrical member to adjust a maximum distance where the interference member can move. Each stop comprises an essentially flat wall extending radially from the core and transverse to the helically extending slot. Since the wall of each stop is vertical or radial with respect to the axis of rotation of the essentially cylindrical member, the tabs of the interference member can not march up the walls and disengage from the slot when the tabs are brought into contact with the walls. walls of the top. In this manner, the opposite vertical wall sections of the helically extending wall and the vertical walls of each stop cooperate to effect complete stopping of the interference member without blocking the operation of the interference member or dislodging the interference member from the interference member. slot that extends helically. In a related aspect, the present invention is directed to a lock assembly comprising: a) a box; b) a lever fixed rotatably to the box, the lever having a spindle fixed thereto; c) a motor secured to the box, the motor has an arrow; d) an essentially cylindrical member fixed to the motor shaft and having a helically extending groove and a core having an outer surface, the helically extending groove comprises a helically extending wall extending from the outer surface of the core, the helically extending wall comprises a pair of opposite substantially flat wall sections, each wall section forming an angle away from the other wall section and with respect to a reference line radial to the axis of rotation of the member essentially cylindrical; e) a coupled interference member screwed and not rotatably with the groove of the cylindrical member, the interference member moves between a closed position and an open position, the interference member moves towards the closed position to prevent rotation of the lever when the arrow of the motor rotates in one direction, the interference member moving to the open position to allow rotation of the lever when the motor arrow rotates in an opposite direction; the wall sections of the helically extending wall being sufficiently angled to prevent interlocking of the interference member; and f) a plug fixed to the spindle for rotation therewith, the plug includes a radially extending pair of teeth defining a notch, the interference member being positioned within the slot when in the closed position to prevent rotation of the slot. plug, the interference member being positioned outside the notch when in the open position to allow rotation of the plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features of the invention are believed to be novel and the characteristic elements of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and have not been drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as regards its organization and method of operation, can be better understood by reference to the detailed description given below that is taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of the lock assembly of the present invention. Figure 2 is a view taken along the line 2--2 in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a view taken on line 3--3 in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a view taken on line 4-4 in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a closure tail illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a side elevational view of an energy screw illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 7 is an end view of the screw of energy with a broken portion to show a top of the energy screw. Figure 8 illustrates the tooth profile of the energy screw illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a motor assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to Figures 1 to 9 of the drawings wherein the numbers refer to similar features of the invention. The lock assembly of the present invention may be referred to as an "output device" wherein the inner handle is typically always open, but the outer handle may be closed or open. In this way, the closing function of the output device affects only the outer handle.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the lock assembly 10 of the present invention generally comprises a box 12, a lever or handle 14 (partially shown) and a plug 16. The lever 14 is fixed to the spindle 18. spindle 18 is coupled with other components (not shown) such as latching bolts, etc. The box 12 comprises a wall 12a-d, a front side 20 and an open interior area 22 formed by the side 20 and the walls 12a-d of the box. The ribs 13 and 15 are integral with the box 12 and therefore provide structural support. The ribs 17a and 17b are also integral with the box 12. In a preferred embodiment, the box 12 is made of a metallic material, for example, brass. Referring to Figures 1 and 9, the bracket 24 of the engine is fixed to the ribs 17a and 17b through the fasteners or screws 26 that are inserted through the openings 28. The bracket 24 is preferably made of a material electrically non-conductive In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 24 is made of plastic. The motor 30 is positioned within the area 100 defined by the walls 102, 104 and 106. The motor 30 is fixed to the bracket 24 through the fasteners or screws that are inserted through the openings 108 in the wall 106. The motor 30 includes an arrow 31 (see Figure 2) extending almost parallel to the longitudinal axis 33 of the case 12. Preferably the engine 30 is a dc engine (direct current) low power. Referring to Figures 1 and 9, the switch-sensor 32 is fixed to the assembly 110 through protrusions 112, 114 extending upwardly from the assembly 110 and inserted into the corresponding openings in the switch-sensor 32. The switch -sensor 32 is placed on the surface 111 between the edges 113 and 115. The bracket 24 includes barriers 116 and 118 that extend from the wall 106. The object of the barriers 116 and 118 will be discussed below. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in power cable 29 it is electrically coupled to the motor contacts 34 and the switch-sensor 32. The connector 36 is electrically coupled to the cable 29 and couples a control system, the controller or power source (not shown) with the cable 29. The switch-sensor 32 includes a contact arm 38 and an oppressive actuator (not shown) which is controlled by the position of the contact arm 38. This feature will be discussed in more detail below. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the energy screw 40 is coaxially fixed at and rotates with the arrow 31. In a preferred embodiment, the energy screw 40 is snapped into the arrow 31. Referring to Figures 6 at 8, the power screw 40 comprises an essentially cylindrical member having a bore 42 therethrough to receive the arrow 31 of the motor and a spirally or helically extending slot or gear rail 44. The slot 44 is formed by the teeth 46 and the outer surface of the core 48. The teeth 46 extend radially from the core 48. Referring to Figure 8, each tooth 46 includes substantially flat and opposite wall sections 46a contiguous with the upper portion 46b. The opposite wall sections 46a are preferably vertical or nearly vertical having an angle of sufficient depth with respect to the axis of rotation of the energy screw 40 to ensure that the projections 60 and 62, when coupled with the slot 44 as will be discussed Then, they can not march up the wall sections 46a and lock the operation of the closure tail 50 (which will be discussed below). The opposing wall sections 46a are slightly angled away from each other and with respect to the dotted reference line A. The dotted reference lines A are radial to the axis of rotation of the energy screw 40. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at any point along each wall section 46a, each wall section 46a is at an angle with respect to an angle T between about 0o and 10 ° with respect to the reference line A. The object of this configuration of the teeth 46 will be discussed below. In a preferred embodiment, the edges 49 and 51 of the ends 40a and 40b, respectively, are chamfered. The energy screw 40 is fixed to the arrow 31 in such a way that the end 40a is adjacent to the motor 30. The power screw 40 is made of an electrically non-conductive material. In a preferred embodiment, the energy screw 40 is made of plastic. Referring to Figure 6, the slot 44 is limited by essentially planar walls 45 and 47 (shown in silhouette). The wall 45 is formed at the end of the slot 44 which is adjacent the end 40a of the screw 40, extends radially from the core 48 and is transverse to the slot 44. The wall 47 is formed at the end of the slot 44 which it is adjacent the end 40b of the screw 40, extends radially from the core 48 and is transverse to the slot 44. The verticality of the wall 45 ensures that the projection 62 can not march up the wall 45 when the projection 62 is placed in contact with the wall 45. Similarly, the verticality of the wall 47 ensures that the projection 60 can not march up the wall 47 when the projection 60 comes into contact with the wall 47. In this way, the walls 45 and 47 radially or vertically cooperate with the almost vertical wall sections 46a to provide substantially square shaped stops. The essentially square shape of each stop effects the complete stopping of the closing tail 50 (which will be discussed below) when the tabs 60 and 62 come into contact with the walls 47 and 45, respectively, without dislodging the tabs 60 and 62 of the slot 44 and without locking the tabs 60 and 62. It is evident that the interlocking or dislodging of the closing tail 50 would also result in the interlocking of the low power motor 30. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the configurations of the wall sections 46a and the walls 4547, not only prevent the locking of the closing tail 50, but also prevent the locking of the low-power motor 30. Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the closure tail or interference member 50 is essentially "U" shaped and comprises portions 52, 54 and 56. In a preferred embodiment, the closure tail 50 is made of metal , for example made of stainless steel. The portions 52, 54 and 56 are configured to define a notch or space 58.

The tongues or projections 60 and 62 are positioned opposite one another, if all are within the notch 58 and are fixed to the portions 52 and 56, respectively. The tabs 60 and 62 are engaged with the slot 44 of the energy screw 40 and are brought into contact with the vertical wall sections 46a. The closure tail 50 is movably positioned between the barriers 116 and 118 of the assembly 24 (see Figure 9) which act as guides for the closure tail 50. The barriers 116 and 118 essentially eliminate the lateral movement (in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 33 of the box 12) of the closing tail 50 as it traverses through the energy screw 40. The verticality of the wall sections 46a of the teeth 46 prevents the tabs or projections 60 and 62 from marching up the sections 46a of the wall and dislodging from the slot 44. Therefore, the verticality of the sections 46a of wall prevent the interlocking of the operation of the closing tail 50. The barriers 116, 118 cooperate with the vertical wall sections 46a to effect a uniform linear movement of the closure tail 50 without movement in any other direction. With reference to Figure 1, the internal walls 64 and 66 extend from the walls 12b and 12c of the box, respectively, and are separated by the passage 67. The passage 67 has a width slightly greater than the thickness T (see Figure 4) of the closure tail 50 and therefore allows the closure tail 50 to move through the passage 67. The internal walls 64 and 66 prevent the rotation of the closure tail 50 during rotation of the arrow 31 of the engine. The internal walls 64 and 66 also guide the closure tail 50 as it moves. When the closing tail 50 has traversed the maximum distance in the energy screw 40, the considerable portion of the closure tail 50 is not placed between the barriers 116 and 118. In this way, the closure tail 50 has a slight degree of lateral movement in such a way that it can be brought into contact with the internal walls 64 and / or 66. Therefore, essentially all the forces exerted on the closing tail 50 are transferred to the internal walls 64 and / or 66 and not to the bracket 24 of the engine or to the engine 30. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the base 68 is integrally formed in the box 12 and has an opening 70 for receiving the spindle 18. The plug 16 is supported by the base 68 and has an opening 71 aligned coaxially with the opening 70 in the base 68 to receive the spindle 18. The plug 16 is fixed to the spindle 18 through a nut 72. The spindle 18 is fixed to the handle or lever 14 (shown partially). In this way, when the handle or lever 14 is rotated, the plug 16 and the spindle 18 rotate as well. The screw 74 (see Figure 1) is screwed into place with a threaded inlet (not shown) formed in the base 68 to prevent rotation of the plug 16 beyond a predetermined angle. The member 76 is pivotally fixed to the post 77a which is attached to the plug 16. The spring 79 is fixed between the member 76 and the post 77c. The member 76 and the spring 79 cooperate to maintain a constant rotational force in the plug 16 in order to return the lever 14 to its original or initial position after it is actuated. The screw 74, the member 76 and the spring 79 cooperate to allow rotation in the left-hand direction of the plug 16. If the left-handed rotation of the plug 16 is desired, then the screw 74 can be inserted into the threaded inlet 75, the member 76 can be fixed to the post 77b and the spring 79 can be fixed between the member 76 and the post 77d. Referring to Figure 1, the plug 16 includes radially extending teeth 78 and 80 that it defines in the notch or space 82. The notch 82 is dimensioned to receive the closure tail 50. The closing tail 50 is normally placed within the notch 82. This is referred to as the "closing position". When the closing tail 50 is placed within the notch 82, the plug 16 is prevented from rotating thus preventing the spindle 18, and therefore the lever 14 from rotating. In this way the door to which the output device is fixed would be closed from the outside. When the closing tail 50 is in the closed position, essentially all the forces exerted therein due to the lever 14 are translated to the internal walls 64 and 66 and not to the energy screw 40, the engine bracket 24 or the 30. When the closing tail 50 is not placed within the notch 82 (the "open position"), the plug 16 is free to rotate thereby allowing the spindle 18 and the lever 14 to rotate. The dotted line 84 represents the position of the edge of the closing tail 50 when the closing tail 50 is in the open position. When it is desired to open the output device, ie to allow the lever 14 on the outer side of the door to rotate, the motor 30 is energized with a first predetermined direct current voltage to cause rotation of the power screw 40 in a first direction that brings the retraction of the closing tail 50 from the notch 82 in such a manner that the end of the closing tail 50 is placed on the dotted line 84. The energy screw 40 continues to rotate until the projection or tab 60 contacts the wall 45 of the power screw 40. When the projection 60 comes into contact with the wall 45, the closing tail 50 is retracted completely from the notch 82 thereby allowing the plug 16 to rotate so as to allow the outer handle to be rotated to open the door from the outside of the door. When it is desired to close or close the output device again, the motor 30 is energized with a second predetermined direct current voltage to cause rotation of the energy screw 40 in a second direction which effects the insertion or placement of the tail 50 of closing within notch 82 (the "closed position"). The energy screw 40 continues to rotate until the projection 62 comes into contact with the wall 47. When the projection 62 comes into contact with the wall 47, the closure tail 50 is fully inserted into or positioned within the notch 82. , thus preventing the plug 16 (and spindle 18) from rotating. The first direction of rotation is opposite to the second direction of rotation. The rotation in the first and second directions is achieved by changing the polarity of the direct current voltage. In this way, when the power screw 40 rotates in the first direction, the direct current voltage applied to the motor 30 has a first polarity and when the power screw 40 turns in the second direction, the direct current voltage applied to the motor 30 has a second polarity opposite to that of the first polarity. As described above, the switch-sensor 32 includes a contact arm 38. The contact arm 38 is resilient and in a preferred embodiment, it is made of spring metal. As the closing tail 50 is retracted from the notch 82, the closing tail 50 contacts the contact and force arm 38 or pushes the contact arm 38 towards the motor 30. When the tail 50 of closing moves to a predetermined distance towards the motor 30, the contact arm 38 presses the actuator of the switch-sensor 32. If it is desired to close the output device from the outside, the electrical energy is transmitted through the cable 29 to energize the motor 30 for effecting rotation of the energy screw 40 in the first direction in order to place the closure tail 50 within the notch 82. If the closure tail 50 can not return to the "closed position" and remains stationary, the contact arm 38 holds the switch-sensor actuator 32 in a depressed state. If the control system (not shown) detects the actuation of the switch-sensor actuator 32 when it is desired to place the closure tail 50 in its closed position, the control system re-energizes or drives the motor 30 until the closing tail 50 is moved towards the notch 82. In this way, the sensor switch 32 and the contact arm 38 monitor the "open position" of the closing tail 50, thus ensuring that motor 30 is re-energized if: (i) closing tail 50 is locked or (ii) plan 14 is rotated thereby preventing tail 50 from closure between notch 82. Although the present invention has been described with particularity in relation to a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art by virtue of the foregoing description. It is therefore proposed that the appended claims encompass any of those alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (21)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N E S:

1. A lock assembly comprising: a box; a lever fixed rotatably to the box, the lever has a spindle fixed thereto; a motor secured to the box, the motor has an arrow; an essentially cylindrical member fixed to the motor shaft and having a helically extending groove; and a threaded engagement member threaded and not rotatably with the helically extending groove of the cylindrical member, the interference member moves between a closed position and an open position; the interference member moves to the closed position to prevent rotation of the lever when the motor arrow rotates in one direction and the interference member moves to the open position to allow rotation of the lever when the motor arrow rotates in an opposite direction.

The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the essentially cylindrical member comprises a core having an outer surface.

The lock assembly of claim 2, wherein the helically extending slot comprises a helically extending wall extending from the outer surface of the core.

The lock assembly of claim 3, wherein the helically extending wall comprises a pair of substantially flat and vertical opposed wall sections that are deep enough to prevent interlocking of the interference member.

The lock assembly of claim 3, wherein the helically extending wall comprises a pair of substantially flat and vertical opposed wall sections, each wall section being angled away from the other wall section and with respect to a reference line radial to the axis of rotation of the essentially cylindrical member, the wall sections being sufficiently angled to prevent interlocking of the interference member.

The lock assembly of claim 5, wherein the degree of angulation of the wall sections is between about 0 ° and 10 °.

7. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the essentially cylindrical member further comprises a pair of stops, each of which is positioned at a respective end of the essentially cylindrical member to adjust a maximum distance at which the interference member can move. .

The lock assembly of claim 7, wherein each stop comprises an essentially planar wall extending radially from the core and traversing toward the helically extending slot.

The lock assembly of claim 8, wherein the essentially cylindrical member comprises a core and the helically extending groove comprises a helically extending wall, the helically extending wall comprising a pair of opposite wall sections the deep enough to prevent interlocking of the interference member, the wall sections and wall of each stop cooperate to provide the stops with an essentially square shape.

The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the movement of the interference member between the closed and open position is essentially linear.

The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the interference member comprises a substantially "U" shaped body portion that includes opposite sides and a closed end connecting the sides.

The lock assembly of claim 11, wherein the opposite sides and the closed end define a space sized to receive the essentially cylindrical member.

The lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the sides of the interference member are provided at their free ends with inwardly extending projections to engage with the slot extending helically on opposite sides of the essentially cylindrical member.

14. The lock assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plug fixed to use for rotation therewith, the plug includes a radially extending pair of teeth defining a sample, the interference member being positioned within the slot when in the closed position to prevent rotation of the plug, the interference member being positioned outside the notch when in the open position to allow rotation of the plug.

15. The lock assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting the position of the interference member, the sensor sends a signal indicating the position of the interference member.

16. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the motor is electrically isolated from the case.

17. The lock assembly of claim 16, further comprising a bracket attached to the housing for supporting the motor, the bracket is made of an electrically non-conductive material.

The lock assembly of claim 17, wherein the bracket further comprises a pair of opposing barriers extending from the bracket and parallel to the axis of the essentially cylindrical member, the barriers defining a space therebetween, the member of interference between barriers.

The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the box includes a side wall and a pair of internal walls extending from the side wall and being separated by a passage, the interference member being moveable within the passageway. .

The lock assembly of claim 18, wherein the passage is dimensioned such that when the interference member is in the closed position, essentially all the forces exerted on the interference member due to the lever are translated to the pair of internal walls.

21. The lock assembly comprising: a box; a lever fixed rotatably to the box, the lever has a spindle fixed thereto; a motor secured to the box, the motor has an arrow; an essentially cylindrical member fixed to the motor shaft and having a helically extending groove and a core having an outer surface, the helically extending groove comprises a helically extending wall extending from the outer surface of the core , the helically extending wall comprises a pair of essentially flat opposite sides, each side being placed at an angle away from the other side, each side at any point thereof, being at an angle with respect to a radial reference line to the axis rotation of the essence-cylindrical member; a threaded interference member threaded and not rotatably with the helically extending slot of the cylindrical member, the interference member moves between a closed position and an open position, the interference member moves to the closed position to prevent rotation of the the lever when the arrow of the engine rotates in one direction, and the interference member moves to the open position to allow the rotation of the lever when the arrow of the motor moves in the opposite direction, the sides of the wall extending helically, they have a sufficient angle to prevent interlocking of the interference member; and a plug fixed to the spindle for rotation therewith, the plug includes a radially extending pair of teeth defining a notch, the interference member being positioned within the notch when the closed position is to prevent rotation of the plug, the interference member being positioned outside the notch when in the open position to allow rotation of the plug.