WO2009109970A1

WO2009109970A1 - Lock mechanism blocking device

Info

Publication number: WO2009109970A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000244
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ilan Goldman
Original assignee: Knock N'lock Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-03-03
Filing date: 2009-03-03
Publication date: 2009-09-11
Also published as: KR20100120310A; RU2010138945A; CN102016205A; EP2265782A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a blocking device (10) for incorporating in a locking mechanism (12, 100) of the kind comprising a reciprocating lock member (20, 104) that reciprocates along a first axis (Al) between open and locked states of the locking mechanism (12, 100). The blocking device (10) comprises a reciprocating blocking member (16), an electrically-driven blocking mechanism (30) switchable between two operative states including an unblocked state and a blocked state of the blocking device (10), whereby when the blocking device (10) is incorporated in the locking mechanism (12, 100), the blocking member (16) engages the locking mechanism (12,100) such that in the blocked state the movement of the reciprocating lock member (20, 104) of the locking mechanism (12, 100) towards the open state thereof is prevented.

Description

LOCK MECHANISM BLOCKING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device that can be incorporated into a locking mechanism for keeping it in a locked position. The device of the invention is electrically driven.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a device that can be incorporated into a locking mechanism for keeping it in a locked position. The device of the invention is electrically driven. In the device of the invention all moving elements linearly reciprocate along axes that are parallel to one another and to the axis of reciprocation of a lock member of the locking mechanism. The device has an elongated blocking member that can directly or indirectly engage the locking member. The device has a blocked state in which the movement of the blocking member is blocked thereby blocking the movement of the lock member. A device embodying features of the invention may be incorporated in wide range of locking mechanisms having at least one reciprocating lock member, e.g. a locking arm or the like. The invention is thus not limited to use with a specific type of a lock.

The invention discloses a device for incorporating in a locking mechanism of the kind comprising a reciprocating lock member that reciprocates along a first axis between open and locked states of the locking mechanism. The device comprises an elongated blocking member and an electrically-driven mechanism, typically housed in a housing. When the device is incorporated in the locking mechanism, the blocking member reciprocates in a second axis which is substantially parallel to said first axis, the reciprocation being between an extended position and a retracted position. Where the device includes a housing, the front portion of the blocking member in its extended position extends out of said housing. The blocking member is biased by a spring arrangement towards said extended position. The electrically-driven mechanism is switchable between two operative states including an unblocked state and a blocked state of the device, in said blocked state said mechanism blocks the blocking member in the extended position. Thus, when the device is incorporated in the locking mechanism, said blocking member engages the locking mechanism such that in said blocked state the movement of the reciprocating lock member of the locking mechanism towards the open state thereof is prevented.

By a typical, however non-limiting configuration, the blocking member engages the reciprocating member of the locking mechanism via a pivotal arm.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the rear portion of the blocking member includes a recess that is adapted to engage with a bearing element displaceable in a direction normal to said second axis between a first position in which it engages said recess and a second position. In the blocked state of the electrically- driven mechanism, the bearing element is in said first position and in the unblocked state said bearing can move into said second position disengaging the blocking member. The bearing may be of a circular cross-section, e.g. a sphere.

By an embodiment of the device, the electrically-driven mechanism may be a solenoid-based mechanism. It typically comprises a plunger driven for movement between a retracted and an extended position along a third axis substantially parallel said second axis. The movement from the retracted to the extended position is in a first direction. The mechanism also comprises a coupling element movable along said third axis and being associated with a spring that urges it to move in a second direction opposite the first. The coupling element includes a groove that is adapted for partial engagement of the bearing element when said coupling element is in an alignment position in which the groove is aligned with said bearing element. Upon switching from the blocked to the unblocked state, the plunger moves in said first direction causing the coupling element to move in the same direction until its alignment position thus allowing the bearing element to move into its second position being at least partially received in the groove.

The invention also discloses a locking mechanism comprising a device as described above.

Also disclosed by the invention is locking mechanism comprising: a reciprocating lock member that reciprocates along a first axis between open and locked states of the locking mechanism; and a blocking member, engageable with said lock member and independently capable of reciprocating movement along a second axis which is substantially parallel to said first axis, said blocking member can be blocked in an extended position thereof by an associated electrically-driven mechanism to thereby block the lock member of the locking mechanism to keep it in the locked state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates device according to an embodiment of the present invention configured and operable for blocking a locking mechanism;

Fig. 2A illustrates an example of a locking mechanism incorporating the blocking device having the features of that disclosed in Fig. 1;

Fig. 2B illustrates another example of a locking mechanism incorporating the blocking device having the features of that disclosed in Fig. 1

Figs. 3 A, 4 A and 5 A are longitudinal cross-sectional views through the device of Fig. IA in three operative states;

Figs 3B, 4B and 5B are cross-sections through lines IH-III in Fig. 3A, 4A and 5A, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made to Figs. 1 and 2A and 2B. Fig. 1 is a perspective illustration of blocking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention for use with a locking mechanism for blocking the locking mechanism in a locked position. Fig. 2A exemplifies a relevant portion 12 of a locking mechanism incorporating the device 10. Fig. 2B exemplifies another locking mechanism incorporating the device 10.

The device 10 is accommodated in a housing 14, and has an elongated blocking member 16 reciprocatable between an extended position thereof in which a front portion 16A thereof extends out of the housing (as shown in Fig. 1) and a retracted position (not shown in this figure). In manner to be described below the device has a blocked state in which the blocking member is locked in the position shown in Fig. 1 and an unblocked state in which member 16 is free to reciprocate between the extended and the retracted positions.

The locking mechanism is of the type having one or more reciprocating lock members, one such lock member 20 being shown in the example of Fig. 2A. The lock member 20 reciprocates along a first axis Al between an open state of the locking mechanism in which the lock member 20 shifts in the direction Dl, and a locked position as shown in Fig. 2A. The reciprocating blocking member 16 of the blocking device 10 is engageable with the locking member 20 and is independently capable of reciprocating along a second axis A2 which is substantially parallel to the first axis. When the device 10 is incorporated in the locking mechanism 12, the front portion 16A of the elongated blocking member 16 engages the lock member 20 such that in the blocked state of the device 10 (extracted position of the blocking member 16) the movement of the lock member 20 towards the open state thereof is prevented. The blocking member 16 is blocked in the extended position thereof by an associated electrically-driven mechanism.

In the example shown in Fig. 2 A, the blocking device 10 is mounted on a body 18 of the locking mechanism 12, such that the front portion 16A of the blocking member engages the lock member 20 via a pivotal arm 22. The latter is at its one end 22A attached to the body 18 via pivot point 24 and at its opposite, free end 22B is coupled to the lock member 20. In this specific, but not limiting example, the lock member 20 is formed with a longitudinal slot 26, and the free end portion 22B of the pivotal arm 22 is received in this slot 26 for relative sliding movement along the slot. As can be appreciated, as long as the blocking member 16 is locked in its extended position as shown in Fig. 2A the movement of the lock member 20 in the direction Dl is prevented. Once the blocking device 10 switches from its blocked to the unblocked state, lock member 20 can move in the direction Dl from the locked position to the open position thereof in correspondence to the locked and open states of the locking mechanism.

A locking mechanism of another embodiment incorporating a blocking device of the invention is illustrated schematically in Fig. 2B. The locking mechanism 100 that is illustrated is of the multi-arm type having a central rotatable knob 102 that is linked to a plurality of elongated lock members, three lock members 104, 106 and 108 in this example. Through clockwise rotation as represented by arrow Rl, and in a manner know per se, the three arms 104, 106 and 108 are moved in respective directions Dl, D2 and D3 from the closed to the open state of the lock. The locking mechanism 100 is switched to the locked state by a counter-clockwise rotation of knob 102 is which the three arms 104, 106 and 108 are moved in respective opposite directions to Dl, D2 and D3 from the open to the closed state of the lock.

Blocking device 10 is incorporated into the locking mechanism 100 adjacent arm 104 such that the axis A2 of reciprocation of blocking member 16 is substantially parallel arm 104. Arm 104 is fitted with an appendage 110 with a side 112 that in the closed state as illustrated in Fig. 2B touches or is proximal the front end 16A of blocking member 16. As long as the blocking member 16 of device 10 is in its blocked state, movement of arm 104 in the direction Dl is prevented and hence the opening of lock mechanism 100 through clockwise rotation of knob 102 is prevented. Movement of arm 104 in the direction Dl and hence opening of the lock becomes possible once the device 10 switches to the unblocked state and blocking member 16 is then free to move towards its retracted position, in a manner to be described below.

Reference is made to Figs. 3A-3B, 4A-4B and 5A-5B illustrating more specifically an example of the configuration of the blocking device 10, and showing the device in three operative states. Figs. 3A-3B show cross-sectional views of the device 10 in the extracted, blocked state, corresponding to the illustration in Fig. IB. Figs. 4A- 4B show the same while in the extracted, unblocked state and Figs. 5A-5B show the device in the retracted open state thereof.

With reference to Figs. 3B-3B, included with the housing 14 are inter alia the blocking member 16 and an electrically-driven blocking mechanism, generally designated 30. Mechanism 30 includes a solenoid-based drive 40 with a plunger 42 having an associated urging spring 44, and movable along a thirds axis A3 (substantially parallel second axis A2) between its extended position shown in Figs. 3A and 5A and a retracted position shown in Fig. 4A; a coupling element 46, mounted on a shaft 48 and slidabale along the shat against the urging force of a spring 50; and includes a bearing 52.

The rear end portion 16B of the blocking member 16 has a recess 54 configured to partially receive bearing element 52. The bearing has preferably, but not exclusively, a circular cross-section as shown, e.g. a ball-like or cylindrical bearing. Bearing element 52 is movable within bore 56 toward and away the blocking member 16, in and out of recess 54. In the state shown in Fig. 3 A, the bearing element 52 is blocked from moving out of the recess and consequently blocks the member 16 in the extracted, blocking position.

In the state shown in Fig. 3A plunger 42 is in a retracted position. Coupling element is urged by spring 50 towards plunger 42 and engages it. In this state, bearing element 52 is blocked from moving out of its engagement with recess 54 by coupling element 46. Coupling element 46 has a groove 60 that is configured for partially receiving bearing element 52. When the grove 60 is aligned with the bearing 52, the bearing can move to be partially received by grove 60 to thereby disengage recess 54.

The solenoid is typically a bi-stable solenoid. The solenoid is driven by a command module (in response to user input, through a time-based mechanism, and others) known per se and will not be elaborated herein. When the solenoid is activated, it induces the plunger 42 to move from its retracted position to its extended position, as shown in Fig. 4A, while displacing the coupling element 46 to move into an alignment position in which groove 60 is aligned with bearing bore 56, thereby allowing displacement of the bearing 52 into the grove 60, thus disengaging the recess 54 in the blocking member 16. In this state the blocking member 16 is disengaged and free to move from its extracted to its retracted position in the direction Dl, as shown in Fig. 5A, and may be urged to move in this direction by the operative, opening movement of the lock member 20 which is shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. Thus, in this disengaged state of the blocking member 16, the locking mechanism is unblocked.

As can be seen in Figs. 3B, 4B and 5B, the blocking member 16, is coupled to a hollow member 70 via a notch connector 72, member 72 movable along shaft 74 against the tension of spring 76. Through this arrangement the movement blocking member along axis A2 is spring biased. As will be appreciated this is but an example of a biasing arrangement for the sliding movement of the blocking member.

Upon command, the solenoid drive retracts the plunger, as shown in Fig. 5A. Spring 50 urges coupling element to move in direction Dl towards the plunger. Once blocking member shifts to its extracted position by the urging force of spring 76, the bearing element, can then move out of bore 56 and partially engage recess 54, permitting movement of the coupling element towards the plunger into the position as shown in Fig. 3A. The movement of the blocking element from its retracted to its extracted position is coupled to the switching of the locking mechanism from the open to the locked state.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for incorporating in a locking mechanism of the kind comprising a reciprocating lock member that reciprocates along a first axis between open and locked states of the locking mechanism, the device comprising: a reciprocating blocking member, which when the device is incorporated in the locking mechanism, reciprocates in a second axis which is substantially parallel said first axis, the reciprocation being between an extended position, the blocking member being biased by a spring arrangement towards said extended position; an electrically-driven mechanism switchable between two operative states including an unblocked state and a blocked state of the device, in said blocked state said mechanism blocks the blocking member in the extended position; whereby when the device is incorporated in the locking mechanism, said blocking member engages the locking mechanism such that in said blocked state the movement of the reciprocating lock member of the locking mechanism towards the open state thereof is prevented.

2. A device according to claim 1, comprising a housing and in its extended position a front portion of the blocking member extends out of the housing.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a rear portion of the blocking member includes a recess adapted to engage with a bearing element displaceable in a direction normal said second axis between a first position in which it engages said recess and a second position; in the blocked state of the electrically-driven mechanism said bearing element being in said first position and in the unblocked state said bearing can move into said second position disengaging the blocking member.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically- driven mechanism comprises: a plunger driven for movement between a retracted and an extended position along a third axis substantially parallel said second axis, the movement from the retracted to the extended position being in a first direction; a coupling element movable along said third axis and being associated with a spring that urges it to move in a second direction opposite the first, the coupling element including a groove adapted for engagement of the bearing element when said coupling element is in an alignment position in which the groove is aligned with said bearing element; upon switching from the blocked to the unblocked state, the plunger moves in said first direction causing the coupling element to move in the same direction until its alignment position thus allowing the bearing element to move into its second position being at least partially received in the groove.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bearing element has a circular cross-section.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically- driven mechanism includes a solenoid.

7. A locking mechanism comprising a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A locking mechanism, comprising: a reciprocating lock member that reciprocates along a first axis between open and locked states of the locking mechanism; and an elongated blocking member, engageable with said reciprocating member and independently capable of reciprocating movement along a second axis which is substantially parallel to said first axis, said blocking member can be blocked in an extended position thereof by an associated electrically-driven mechanism to thereby block movement of the lock member of the locking mechanism to keep it in the locked state.