LOCK RELEASE MECHANISM

Abstract

A lock release mechanism is disclosed. The lock release mechanism comprises a chassis adapted to receive a first lock comprising a first bolt and a second lock comprising a second bolt, the first and second lock distanced from each other, a linkage mechanism, a connector, a drive mechanism and a lever. The linkage mechanism comprises at least one arm in operative connection with at least one of the first and second lock. The connector has a first position in which the linkage mechanism is engaged and a second position in which the linkage mechanism is disengaged. The drive mechanism is operable to move the connector between the first and second positions. When the connector is in the first position, rotation of the lever causes unitary movement of the first and second bolts, and when the connector is in the second position, rotation of the lever causes movement of the second but not the first bolt.

Claims

1. A lock release mechanism comprising: a chassis adapted to receive a first lock comprising a first bolt and a second lock comprising a second bolt; a linkage mechanism comprising at least one arm in operative connection with at least one of the first lock and the second lock; a connector comprising a first position in which the linkage mechanism is engaged and a second position in which the linkage mechanism is disengaged; a drive mechanism to move the connector between the first position and the second position, and an-actuator, wherein when the connector is in the first position, operation of the actuator causes unitary movement of the first bolt and the second bolt, and when the connector is in the second position, operation of the actuator causes movement of the second bolt but not the first bolt.

2. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the linkage mechanism further comprises a first arm in operative connection with the first bolt and a second arm in operative connection with the second bolt.

3. The lock release mechanism of claim 2 wherein the first position of the connector comprises the first arm and the second arm being engaged and the second position of the connector comprises the first arm and the second arm being disengaged.

4. (canceled)

5. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the connector comprises one or more pin and/or one or more shaft.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism comprises an automated drive mechanism such as, an electrically operated drive mechanism.

9. The lock release mechanism of claim 8 wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor.

10. The lock release mechanism of claim 9 wherein the motor drives movement of the connector between the first and the second position.

11. The lock release mechanism of claim 9 wherein the motor rotates a gear.

12. (canceled)

13. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism comprises one or more of a solenoid; a sprung pin activated by a solenoid; or a motor driven cam.

14. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism is actuated: when a particular event is detected; when a person activates an emergency feature of the building; or by break glass switch.

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a lever or handle.

18. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the connector is manually operable in addition to being operated by the drive mechanism.

19. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 further comprising an actuation sensor to detect actuation or turning of the lock release mechanism.

20. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a monitoring sensor to detect removal of the chassis or actuator.

21. A method of mounting the lock release mechanism of claim 1, the method comprising: inserting the first lock in a first recess within the chassis; inserting the second lock in a second recess within the chassis; affixing the first lock and the second lock to the chassis; and attaching the chassis to the closure.

22. (canceled)

23. A closure comprising a lock release mechanism according to claim 1.

24. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism is internally located.

25. (canceled)

26. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the connector may further comprises a commissioning control.

26. (canceled)

27. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the first lock comprises a deadbolt lock body and the second lock comprises a mortise lock body.

28. The lock release mechanism of claim 2 wherein the deadbolt lock body and the mortise lock body are disposed in the chassis at a distance from each other.

29. The lock release mechanism of claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism is manually activated to move the connector between the first position and the second position.

30. A lock release mechanism comprising: a chassis comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the chassis is adapted to receive a first lock comprising a first bolt and a second lock comprising a second bolt; a first linkage arm in operative connection with the first lock; a second linkage arm in operative connection with the second lock; a button located on the outer surface of the chassis which can be manually engaged to operate a connector, wherein the connector comprises a lock pin which can be moved manually by the button between a first position and a second position; wherein in the lock pin first position the first linkage arm is engaged with the second linkage arm at a linkage; wherein in the lock pin second position the first linkage arm is disengaged from the second linkage arm; and an-actuator, wherein when the lock pin is in the first position, operation of the actuator causes unitary movement of the first bolt and the second bolt, and when the lock pin is in the second position, operation of the actuator causes movement of the second bolt but not the first bolt.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a front view of a locking arrangement for a door, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a partial cross section of the locking arrangement of FIG. 1 showing the drive mechanism.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a side view of the lock of FIG. 1.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a partial cross section of the lock of FIG. 3, showing the drive mechanism and the connector in a first position.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a partial cross section of the lock of FIG. 3, showing the drive mechanism and the connector in a second position.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a locking arrangement for a door, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a side view of the locking arrangement of FIG. 6.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the locking arrangement of FIG. 6 (unmounted).

[0061] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the locking arrangement of FIG. 6.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a close up view of the area circled and labelled “A” in FIG. 9.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the locking arrangement of FIG. 6.

[0064] FIG. 12 is a close up view of the area circled and labelled “B” in FIG. 11.

[0065] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view showing the wires to connect the locking arrangement to a power supply.

[0066] FIGS. 14A; 14B; 14C; 14D and 14E show various views of an embodiment comprising a solenoid according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14A shows a rear perspective view with some components removed; FIG. 14B shows a rear perspective view; FIG. 14C shows a close up, rear perspective view of a locking arrangement in a normal state with no power and engaged; FIG. 14D shows a close up, rear perspective view in a power on, disengaged state; and FIG. 14E shows a close up, rear perspective view in a power not connected, disengaged state.

[0067] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an actuation sensor according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0068] FIG. 16 is schematic diagram showing a monitoring sensor to detect tampering according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0069] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0071] Typical deadbolt locks and mortise locks are depicted for example in the discussion of prior art deadbolt and mortise locks in Australian Patent Application No. 2018247281 incorporated above (FIGS. 1 and 2 of that application). A typical deadbolt lock comprises a body and faceplate from which a bolt may protrude, the bolt being engaged by turning a knob or a key in a keyway (in contrast to lock bolts or latches that operate based on a spring action). A typical mortise lock comprises a mortise lock body, a keyway, a faceplate and a latch, and can be opened from the inside by turning a lever or knob but can only be opened from the outside with a key in the keyway. A mortise lock may include a non-locking sprung latch operated by a door handle.

[0072] Doors normally require at least one lock so that the door can be secured in the closed position. Many doors have two locks a latch lock (such as a mortise lock) and a deadbolt lock for security which are typically located adjacent the closing edge of the door. Fire and/or security doors are usually configured so that both locks can be simply and quickly manually operated by a handle, simultaneously unlocking both locks. As the handle is moved, a latch hook or bolt disengages with a strike that is attached to the frame, thus releasing the door. A strike is a plate attached to a door frame with one or more holes for removably receiving a latch or bolt from a lock.

[0073] FIG. 1 is a front view of a lock release mechanism 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. Although lock release mechanism 100 will be described with reference to locking arrangement 101, it may be implemented with other locking arrangements. According to an embodiment of the present invention, locking arrangement 101 is adapted to include a first lock 102, in the form of a deadbolt lock, and a second lock 104, in the form of a mortise lock. These locks 102, 104 are mounted together to form multi-lock locking arrangement 101 substantially as described in Australian Patent Application No. 2018247281.

[0074] A Table of Parts is provided in Table 1 below.

[0075] The locking arrangement 101 has two functions a primary latching function and a deadbolt function. The locking arrangement 101 includes an actuator 120, which in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is a lever, in the form of a handle, on the front of the chassis 110; in some embodiments, handles may be provided on both sides of a door 300 (not shown). The handle is mounted on chassis 110, which is adapted to receive two locks bodies, first lock body 106 and second lock body 108, illustrated in the form of a deadbolt lock body and a mortise lock body, respectively. As will be appreciated from, for example, FIG. 3 of Australian Patent Application No. 2018247281, each lock 102, 104 comprises a respective bolt 116 (not shown) and latch 118 (not shown), and a strike plate 400 (not shown) is mounted on a door frame or door jamb 500 and has recesses for removably receiving the bolt 116 and latch 118.

[0076] In other embodiments, actuator 120 may take the form of a lever. Such a lever or handle may be rotated or be pushed to be actuated.

[0077] The lock bodies 106, 108 are spaced apart and at either end of a linkage mechanism 180 carried on chassis 110, substantially as described in Australian Patent Application No. 2018247281. The chassis 110 also includes pre-drilled mount holes for mounting in a closure such as door 300 and is affixed using screws or other convenient fixing means. Regular rectangular cut outs are made in the door 300 to accept chassis 110, making mounting straightforward.

[0078] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8, linkage mechanism 180 comprises a first linkage arm 184 in operative connection with first lock 102 and a second linkage arm 190 in operative connection with second lock 104. As will be readily appreciated by the skilled person, Australian Patent Application No. 2018247281 refers to a “first linkage arm 17” which is associated with the lower lock, the first lock, which is a mortise lock, and a “second linkage arm 18” which is associated with the upper lock, the second lock, which is a deadbolt lock. While the names of the first linkage arm 182 and second linkage arm 190 are switched, with respect to the names used in Australian Patent Application No. 2018247281, their interaction may be the same.

[0079] The first lock 102 comprising the deadbolt lock body 106 and the second lock 104 comprising the mortise lock body 108 are shown to be disposed in the chassis 110 at a distance from each other. The position of one or both the deadbolt lock body 106 and the mortise lock body 108 is adjustable within the chassis. The position of the deadbolt lock body 106 and the position of the mortise lock body 108 may be adjustable independently.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, there is provided a button 142 which can be manually pushed or pulled to operate a connector 150. The push and/or pull button 142 can move connector 150 comprising a floating ball lock pin 152 between a first position in which the first linkage arm 184 and second linkage arm 190 are engaged at linkage 182 and a second position in which the first linkage arm 184 and second linkage arm 190 are disengaged. The push and/or pull button 142 is located on the outer surface of the chassis 110 and in the interior of a room and allows a user to select independent lever operation of one lock, second lock 104, or unitary lever operation of both locks 104, 106.

[0081] For example, when the multi-lock locking arrangement 101 of the invention is used on an emergency exit, a user can push the button 142 (engaging both locks) and operate the lower mortise lock 104 to open door 300. Thus, the user may operate door 300 and both locks 104, 106 simultaneously with single handed operation.

[0082] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the linkage mechanism 180 of the locking arrangement 101 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 in greater detail. FIG. 4 shows button 142 pushed or depressed so that the handle 120 operates both locks 102, 104 simultaneously as it is operated in a conventional fashion. FIG. 5 shows button 142 pulled out, or not pushed in, so that the handle 120 operates only second lock 104.

[0083] Also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is drive mechanism 130, which forms part of the lock release mechanism 100, and which moves connector 150 between the first position and the second position. In the embodiment shown, drive mechanism 130 comprises a motor 132 (see FIG. 13) to drive movement of the connector 150 between the first and second position. Motor 132 rotates gear 134, and gear 134 may be engaged with a toothed rack 136 attached or connected to pin 152.

[0084] The invention may comprise various electrically or electromechanically operated drive mechanisms 130 for connector 150. In other embodiments, solenoid 138 (not shown), a sprung pin 139 (not shown) activated by a solenoid 138, or other motor driven cam arrangements may be utilised to operate connector 150.

[0085] FIGS. 14A; 14B; 14C; 14D and 14E show another embodiment of drive mechanism 130 in the form of a solenoid 138. FIG. 14A shows a rear perspective view with some components removed to more easily observe the operation of the solenoid 138.

[0086] The solenoid 138 actuates a shaft 154 between a first, extended position shown in close up view in FIG. 14B and a second, retracted position shown in close up view in FIG. 14C. As shown in FIG. 14B, when shaft 154 is extended, the linkage mechanism 180 is engaged at linkage 184 so that the two locks 102, 104 may be operated at the same time. When the shaft 154 is in the retracted position, the linkage mechanism 180 is disengaged so that the two locks 102, 104 operate independently.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 14C, when shaft 156 is retracted, the linkage mechanism 180 is disengaged so there is no linkage.

[0088] FIGS. 14DC, 14D and 14E show a commissioning control 200 according to one embodiment of the invention. The commissioning control 200 comprises a locking tab 202 which can be moved between an inactive position and a commissioned position. In the inactive position shown in FIG. 14D, locking tab 202 extends in the direction of a flange 181, so that locking tab 202 engages with the surface of the flange 181, such that shaft 154 is prevented from adopting the extended position. To move to the commissioned position, a fastener 204 is unfastened, and locking tab 202 is rotated so that it does not engage with flange 181. The commissioned state is also shown in FIG. 14C.

[0089] Advantageously, the commissioning control 200 allows the door 300 to be installed and opened before the building has been powered up or commissioned. This is of significant advantage because in some cases a door 300 may be installed weeks or even months before all power connections are available and the door 300 fully operational.

[0090] Solenoid 138 is one example of a drive mechanism 130 disposed inside chassis 110. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 14A; 14B; 14C; and 14D, the solenoid 138 is also an example of a drive mechanism 130 disposed within the linkage mechanism 180 so that solenoid 138 may act directly on the actuator or handle 120.

[0091] The drive mechanism 130 may be controlled electronically by an electronic control 220. FIG. 14B shows one embodiment of an electronic control 220 in the form of a printed circuit board 222. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select other suitable electronic controls such as, a programmable logic controller or other type of computer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14B, electronic control 220 is disposed inside the chassis 110. In other embodiments, the electronic control 220 may be eternal to the chassis 110 or door. Advantageously, drive mechanism 220 may be connected or connectable to a main door or building access controller.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic or electromechanical mechanisms, such as motor 132 and/or solenoid 138 may draw power from a power supply to which it is connected. When not powered the button 142 can still be operated manually.

[0093] FIGS. 6 to 13 show another embodiment, of a lock release mechanism 100 according to the invention in which button 142 is absent. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 13, lock release mechanism 100, and thereby motor 132, is activated by a standard manual alarm activation such as, a break glass switch positioned adjacent to a door 300. While the manual push button 142 is absent, a drive mechanism housing 140 still houses the motor 132 and rack 136 to be operated when the break glass switch is activated. The housing 140, with or without button 142, may be fitted to a door 300 in which locks 102, 104 are already installed.

[0094] The lock release mechanism 100 may comprise an advisory sign 160 comprising instructions on use.

[0095] Advantageously, drive mechanism 130 may be actuated when a particular event is detected. For example, drive mechanism 130 may be actuated when a person activates an emergency feature of a building such as a break glass switch, which may be situated near door 300 comprising lock release mechanism 100 mounted thereon. Tying the operation of the drive mechanism 130 to emergency features of the door 300 and/or building means that in an emergency situation, the door 300 can advantageously be operated solely using handle 120.

[0096] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the first position of the pin 152. In this first position, the first linkage arm 184 and second linkage arm 190 are engaged and move as a single unit so that the two locks 102, 104 may be operated at the same time. FIG. 11 depicts the second position of pin 152, when the first arm 184 and the second arm 190 of the linkage mechanism 180 are disengaged and operate independently so that each of the two locks 102, 104 may be separately operated.

[0097] FIGS. 10 and 12 are close up views of the areas circled and labelled “A” and “B” in FIGS. 9 and 11, respectively.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 15, when in the form of a deadbolt lock, first lock body 106, may further comprise an actuation sensor 122 to detect actuation or turning of the lock mechanism. The actuation sensor 122 may detect rotation of a rotatable disk or turn snib 124. The sensor 122 may comprise a limit switch. From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to select other suitable actuation sensors 122 for one or both of the first lock body 106 and the second lock body 108.

[0099] FIG. 16 shown a monitoring sensor 126 to detect removal of chassis 110 or actuator 120. In the embodiment show, monitoring sensor 126 is a button which compresses when the chassis 110 is installed on door 300. Should the chassis 110 or actuator 120 be removed, the button will decompress or expand to activate monitoring sensor 126, alerting that the chassis 110 or actuator 120 has been tampered with.

[0100] Advantageously, chassis 110 may be retrofitted to existing doors 300 because the cut-out required in the door panel will encompass the previously existing (now unnecessary) openings.

[0101] One of the advantages of the invention is that it does not need to include a device designed to defeat ‘under the door’ attacks. ‘Under the door’ attacks consist of simply passing a special tool, typically configured from wire, under the door and grabbing the handle from the inside. Such an attack cannot succeed when the floating ball lock pin 152 is disengaged because the locks operate independently. The wire would only operate the lower mortise lock 104.

[0102] The components of the lock release mechanism 100 may all be formed from steel, although different materials may be used for different applications. The components may be formed as castings or mouldings, extrusions, and/or may be machined to take their final shape for installation.

[0103] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0104] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE Table 1: Table of Parts 100 lock release mechanism 101 locking arrangement 102 first lock 104 second lock 106 first lock body 108 second lock body 110 chassis 116 bolt (not shown) 118 latch (not shown) 120 actuator 122 actuation sensor 124 rotatable disk or turn snib 126 monitoring sensor 130 drive mechanism 132 motor 134 gear 136 rack 138 solenoid (not shown) 139 sprung pin (not shown) 140 drive mechanism housing 141 push button base plate 142 push/pull button 143 angled cut profile pin 144 spring 145 cam 146 locating screws 148 fixing screws 150 connector 152 engaging pin 154 shaft 156 spring 160 advisory sign 180 linkage mechanism 181 flange 182 linkage 184 first linkage arm 186 guide slot in first linkage arm 190 second linkage arm 192 guide slot in second linkage arm 194 extension to second linkage arm 196 secondary guide pin 200 commissioning control 202 locking tab 204 fastener 220 electronic control 222 circuit board 300 door (not shown) 302 door panel (not shown) 400 strike plate (not shown) 500 door frame jamb (not shown)