Transmission mechanism and lock

A transmission mechanism applied to a lock and for controlling the lock to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state. The lock includes a first handle set including a first cover plate which includes a first fitting portion. The transmission mechanism includes a transmission element and a moving component. The transmission element is connected to the first handle set in a manner that the transmission element is incapable of moving along a rotating axis and has an abutting portion. The moving component is disposed on the transmission element in a manner that the moving component is capable of moving along the rotating axis and includes a first engaging groove, a second engaging groove and a second fitting portion. When the transmission element is operated to rotate, the abutting portion is capable of switching between the first engaging groove and the second engaging groove.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a transmission mechanism and a lock, and more particularly, to a transmission mechanism incapable of moving along the rotating axis when being operated to rotate and a lock having the same.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Please refer toFIG.1, which is an exploded diagram showing a lock1of prior art. The lock1defines a rotating axis X and is for being installed on a door (not shown). The lock1includes a first handle set2, a second handle set3and a transmission mechanism (not labelled). The transmission mechanism includes a transmission element4, a moving component5, a transmission cam6and a tubular connecting element7. The first handle set2includes a first cover plate21fixedly disposed on the door. The first cover plate21includes two first fitting portions22(only one is shown) which are disposed symmetrically. The transmission element4includes two abutting portions41. The moving component5includes two first bottom grooves51which are disposed symmetrically, two second bottom grooves52which are disposed symmetrically, two second fitting portions53which are disposed symmetrically, and two first engaging parts54which are disposed symmetrically. A bottom of the first bottom groove51and a bottom of the second bottom groove52are located on a same plane, i.e., there is no distance between the bottom of the first bottom groove51and the bottom of the second bottom groove52along the rotating axis X. Please also refer toFIG.2andFIG.3.FIG.2is a schematic diagram showing the transmission mechanism of the lock1ofFIG.1in an unlocked state.FIG.3is a schematic diagram showing the transmission mechanism of the lock1ofFIG.1in a locked state. InFIG.2andFIG.3, the tubular connecting element7of the transmission mechanism is omitted for clearly showing the direction of the transmission element4. The transmission cam6includes two sliding slopes61(only one is shown) which are disposed symmetrically and two second engaging parts62(only one is shown) which are disposed symmetrically. The second engaging parts62are notches concaved from a peripheral wall of the transmission cam6, and shapes of the second engaging parts62are corresponding to shapes of the first engaging parts54. When the lock1is in the unlocked state, the second fitting portions53of the moving component5are separated from the first fitting portions22of the first cover plate21(not shown). Meanwhile, as shown inFIG.2, each of the abutting portions41of the transmission element4is located at a first end61aof one of the sliding slopes61, and each of the first engaging parts54is engaged with one of the second engaging parts62. When the lock1is in the locked state, the second fitting portions53of the moving component5are fitted into the first fitting portions22of the first cover plate21(not shown). Meanwhile, as shown inFIG.3, each of the abutting portions41of the transmission element4is located at a second end61bof one of the sliding slopes61, and each of the first engaging parts54is separated from one of the second engaging parts62. When the lock1is desired to be switched from the unlocked state to the locked state, the transmission element4can be operated to rotate along a first direction D1(shown inFIG.2), such that each of the abutting portions41of the transmission element4slides along one of the sliding slopes61from the first end61ato the second end61b. In contrary, when the lock1is desired to be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state, the transmission element4can be operated to rotate along a second direction D2(shown inFIG.3), such that each of the abutting portions41of the transmission element4slides along one of the sliding slopes61from the second end61bto the first end61a. In other words, when the lock1is switched between the unlocked state and the locked state, the abutting portions41of the transmission element4slide along the sliding slopes61, such that the transmission element4rotates about the rotating axis X and moves along the rotating axis X (also called axial movement). When operated, a user needs to spend more effort to allow the transmission element4to move along the rotating axis X. It is less smooth in use.

The lock1can further include a latch mechanism (not shown). When assembling the lock1, the latch mechanism is installed on the door first, and then the first handle set2and the transmission mechanism are assembled to form an outer side assembly. The outer side assembly is disposed on a side of the door, the tubular connecting element7, the transmission element4, two screw posts8are inserted through holes of the latch mechanism corresponding thereto, and are aligned and connected with the second handle set3. However, when the outer side assembly of the lock1is in the locked state (shown inFIG.3), the transmission cam6and the tubular connecting element7are capable of rotating 90 degrees unidirectionally. When assembling the lock1, if the transmission cam6and the tubular connecting element7are accidentally rotated 90 degrees prior to be inserted through the latch mechanism (not shown), the positions of the first engaging parts54are not corresponding to the positions of the second engaging parts62. Accordingly, the lock1is incapable of functioning normally.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a transmission mechanism applied to a lock and for controlling the lock to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state is disclosed. The lock defines a rotating axis and is for being installed on a door. The door includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The lock includes a first handle set and a second handle set. The first handle set is disposed on the first side of the door. The second handle set is disposed on the second side of the door. The first handle set includes a first cover plate fixedly disposed on the first side of the door. The first cover plate includes a first fitting portion. The transmission mechanism includes a transmission element and a moving component. The transmission element is connected to the first handle set in a manner that the transmission element is incapable of moving along the rotating axis. The transmission element has an abutting portion. The moving component is disposed on the transmission element in a manner that the moving component is capable of moving along the rotating axis. The moving component includes a first engaging groove, a second engaging groove and a second fitting portion. The first engaging groove is formed on a side of the moving component. The second engaging groove is formed on the side of the moving component. The second fitting portion is configured for corresponding to the first fitting portion. When the transmission element is operated to rotate, the abutting portion is capable of switching between the first engaging groove and the second engaging groove. When the abutting portion is located in the first engaging groove, the second fitting portion is configured to be separated from the first fitting portion, such that the lock is in the unlocked state. When the abutting portion is located in the second engaging groove, the second fitting portion is configured to be fitted into the first fitting portion, such that the lock is in the locked state.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a lock defining a rotating axis and for being installed on a door is disclosed. The door includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The lock includes a first handle set, a second handle set and the aforementioned transmission mechanism. The first handle set is disposed on the first side of the door. The first handle set includes a first cover plate and a lock element. The first cover plate is fixedly disposed on the first side of the door. The second handle set is disposed on the second side of the door. The transmission element is connected to the lock element in a manner that the transmission element and the lock element are capable of moving synchronously. When the lock element is operated to switch between a first state and a second state, the lock element drives the transmission element to rotate, such that the abutting portion is capable of switching between the first engaging groove and the second engaging groove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as top, bottom, left, right, front or back, is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure (s) being described. The components of the present disclosure can be positioned in a number of different orientations. As such, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. In addition, identical or similar numeral references are used for identical components or similar components in the following embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

In the present disclosure, “independent” is used to describe two elements are independent from each other in operation. For example, when one element is operated to rotate, the other element does not rotate with the element.

The First Embodiment

Please refer toFIG.4toFIG.8. A transmission mechanism (not labelled) applied to a lock10and for controlling the lock10to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state is disclosed. The lock10defines a rotating axis X and is for being installed on a door (not shown). The door includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The lock10includes a first handle set100and a second handle set200. The first handle set100is disposed on the first side of the door, and the second handle set200is disposed on the second side of the door. The first handle set100includes a first cover plate140fixedly disposed on the first side of the door.

Please refer toFIG.12toFIG.13. The first cover plate140includes two first fitting portions144which are disposed symmetrically. The number of the first fitting portions144is exemplary. The transmission mechanism includes a transmission element400and a moving component160. The transmission element400is connected to the first handle set100in a manner that the transmission element400is incapable of moving along the rotating axis X. The transmission element400has two abutting portions420which are disposed symmetrically. The number of the abutting portions420is exemplary. The moving component160is disposed on the transmission element400in a manner that the moving component160is capable of moving along the rotating axis X.

Please refer toFIG.9toFIG.11. The moving component160includes two first engaging grooves166, two second engaging grooves167and two second fitting portions162. The numbers of the first engaging grooves166, the second engaging grooves167and the second fitting portions162are exemplary. The two first engaging grooves166are disposed symmetrically. The two second engaging grooves167are disposed symmetrically. The two second fitting portions162are disposed symmetrically. The first engaging grooves166and the second engaging grooves167are formed on a side165of the moving component160. The second fitting portions162are configured for corresponding to the first fitting portions144. When the transmission element400is operated to rotate, the abutting portions420are capable of switching between the first engaging grooves166and the second engaging grooves167. As shown inFIG.12, when the abutting portions420are located in the first engaging grooves166, the second fitting portions162are configured to be separated from the first fitting portions144, such that the lock10is in the unlocked state. As shown inFIG.13, when the abutting portions420are located in the second engaging grooves167, the second fitting portions162are configured to be fitted into the first fitting portions144, such that the lock10is in the locked state.

With the aforementioned structure, the transmission mechanism controls the lock10to switch between the unlocked state and the locked state by the movement of the moving component160along the rotating axis X, such that the second fitting portions162are capable of being separated from the first fitting portions144or being fitted into the first fitting portions144. The transmission element400only rotates about the rotating axis X and is incapable of moving along the rotating axis X (hereinafter, also called axial movement). Accordingly, the operation resistance can be reduced, and the operation smoothness can be enhanced.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, the moving component160can further include two guiding surfaces168and two stop surfaces169. The numbers of the guiding surfaces168and the stop surfaces169are exemplary. Each of the guiding surfaces168is disposed on a side of the first engaging groove166and located between the first engaging groove166and the second engaging groove167. Each of the stop surfaces169is opposite to the guiding surface166and is disposed on another side of the first engaging groove166. The guiding surface168is for guiding the abutting portion420to move from the first engaging groove166to the second engaging groove167or from the second engaging groove167to the first engaging groove166through the guiding surface168. The stop surface169is for stopping the abutting portion420to move from the first engaging groove166to the second engaging groove167or from the second engaging groove167to the first engaging groove166through the stop surface169. As such, inFIG.9, the abutting portion420can only move from the first engaging groove166to the second engaging groove167along a counterclockwise direction, or can only move from the second engaging groove167to the first engaging groove166along a clockwise direction. As shown inFIG.10, an included angle A1is between the first engaging groove166and the second engaging groove167. The included angle A1can be greater than 0 degree and less than or equal to 90 degrees. In the embodiment, the included angle A1is equal to 90 degrees.

Please refer toFIG.11. The first engaging groove166of the moving component160has a first bottom166a. The second engaging groove167of the moving component160has a second bottom167a. A distance d1is between the first bottom166aand the second bottom167aalong the rotating axis X. As such, when the transmission element400is operated to rotate, the transmission element400is incapable of axial movement, and the moving component160is pushed by the transmission element400to move along the rotating axis X. The displacement of the moving component160is substantially equal to d1.

Please refer toFIG.12. The first fitting portions144are concaved from a surface of the first cover plate140. The moving component160can further include a main body161. The second fitting portions162are extended outwardly from the main body161along a direction perpendicular to the rotating axis X.

Please refer toFIGS.5,6,12and13. The transmission mechanism can further include a first elastic element150abutting against another side164of the moving component160. When the transmission element400is operated to rotate, and the abutting portions420are moved from the first engaging grooves166to the second engaging grooves167(i.e., from the state ofFIG.12to the state ofFIG.13), the abutting portions420push the moving component160to move along the rotating axis X and towards the first elastic element150, such that the second fitting portions162are fitted into the first fitting portions144, the first elastic element150accumulates an elastic force, and the lock10is in the locked state. When the transmission element400is operated to rotate and the abutting portions420are moved from the second engaging grooves167to the first engaging grooves166(i.e., from the state ofFIG.13to the state ofFIG.12), the first elastic element150releases the elastic force to push the moving component160to move along the rotating axis X and away from the first elastic element150, such that the second fitting portions162are separated from the first fitting portions144, and the lock10is in the unlocked state.

Please refer toFIGS.5,6,12and13. The transmission mechanism can further include a cylindrical element220and a movable element240. The cylindrical element220is disposed in the second handle set200. The cylindrical element220includes two guiding tracks223(only one is shown) which are symmetrically disposed. The number of the guiding tracks223is exemplary. Each of the guiding tracks223has an unlocked end224and a locked end225opposite to the unlocked end224. The movable element240is disposed in the cylindrical element220in a manner that the movable element240is capable of moving along the guiding tracks223. The movable element240is connected to the transmission element400in a manner that the movable element240and the transmission element400are capable of moving synchronously. As shown inFIG.5, the movable element240includes a main body243, a limiting hole241and two guiding parts242corresponding to the two guiding tracks223. The number of the guiding parts242is exemplary. In the embodiment, each of the guiding parts242is a lug structure which is extended outwardly along a direction perpendicular to the rotating axis X. The limiting hole241is formed in the main body243and is inserted with the transmission element400. Herein, cross sections of the limiting hole241and the transmission element400are rectangular, such that the limiting hole241and the transmission element400are capable of rotating together. The guiding parts242are extended outwardly from the main body243along the direction perpendicular to the rotating axis X. The guiding parts242are movably disposed in the guiding tracks223. The transmission element400can further include a second elastic element230disposed in the cylindrical element220and abutting against a side of the movable element240.

As shown inFIG.12andFIG.13, when the cylindrical element220is operated to move along the rotating axis X and towards the first handle set100, the movable element240is guided by the guiding tracks223to move from the unlocked ends224to the locked ends225(from the state ofFIG.12to the state ofFIG.13) to drive the transmission element400to rotate, such that the lock10is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. As this time, the second elastic element230is pushed against by the movable element240and accumulates an elastic force.

As shown inFIG.12andFIG.13, when the movable element240is located at the locked ends225(as shown inFIG.13), and the cylindrical element220is operated to rotate along a first direction D1, the second elastic element230releases the elastic force to push the movable element240, the movable element240is guided by the guiding tracks223to move from the locked ends225to unlocked ends224to drive the transmission element400to rotate, such that the lock10is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. When the movable element240is located at the locked ends225(as shown inFIG.13), and the cylindrical element220is operated to rotate along a second direction D2opposite to the first direction D1, the locked ends225of the guiding tracks223push the guiding parts242of the movable element240, which enables the movable element240to be driven by the cylindrical element220to rotate along the second direction D2to drive the transmission element400to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the lock10is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. In other words, when the lock10is in the locked state, no matter the cylindrical element220is operated to rotate along the first direction D1or the second direction D2, the transmission element400can be driven to rotate, which enables the lock10to be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

More specifically, as shown inFIG.4toFIG.8, the lock10can further include a latch mechanism300. The latch mechanism300is disposed between the first handle set100and the second handle set200. The latch mechanism300includes a latch tongue340, a first transfer shaft310and a second transfer shaft320. The first transfer shaft310is independent from the second transfer shaft320. When the first transfer shaft310is operated to rotate, the latch tongue340can be driven to retract or stretch out. When the second transfer shaft320is operated to rotate, the latch tongue340can be driven to retract or stretch out.

The first handle set100can further include a first handle110, a lock element120, a first axial tube130, a first restoring element170, a first driving element180and a first tubular element190. The lock element120is disposed in the first handle110in a manner that the lock element120and the first handle110are capable of rotating together. The first handle110is disposed at an end of the first axial tube130through engagement, such that the first handle110is connected to the first axial tube130in a manner that the first handle110and the first axial tube130are capable of moving synchronously. An inner end of the first handle110is inserted between the first axial tube130and the first cover plate140(shown inFIG.7), such that the first handle110is connected to the first cover plate140in a manner that the first handle110is capable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140. Another end of the first axial tube130has four hooks131engaged with four hook slots185of the first driving element180, such that the first axial tube130is connected to the first driving element180in a manner that the first axial tube130and the first driving element180are capable of moving synchronously. The first restoring element170is configured to provide a restoring force for the first driving element180to return to its initial position after being rotated. An end of the first tubular element190is inserted in the center hole184of the first driving element180. Cross sections of the first tubular element190and the center hole184are square, such that the first tubular element190is connected to the first driving element180in a manner that the first tubular element190and the first driving element180are capable of moving synchronously. Another end of the first tubular element190is inserted in a first transfer hole311of the first transfer shaft310. Cross sections of the first tubular element190and the first transfer hole311are square, such that the first tubular element190is connected to the first transfer shaft310in a manner that the first tubular element190and the first transfer shaft310are capable of moving synchronously. Furthermore, the two second fitting portions162of the moving component160protrude from the two limiting grooves135(shown inFIG.5) of the first axial tube130, respectively. As such, the moving component160is incapable of rotating relative to the first axial tube130, and is connected to the first axial tube130in a manner that the moving component160and the first axial tube130are capable of moving synchronously. With the aforementioned arrangement, the first handle110, the lock element120, the first axial tube130, the moving component160, the first driving element180, the first tubular element190and the first transfer shaft310are connected and capable of moving synchronously with each other, i.e., capable of rotating with each other. Furthermore, the transmission element400is connected to the lock element120in a manner that the transmission element400and the lock element120are capable of moving synchronously. When the lock element120is operated to switch between a first state and a second state (such as the locked state and the unlocked state), the lock element120drives the transmission element400to rotate, such that the abutting portions420are capable of switching between the first engaging grooves166and the second engaging grooves167. Specifically, the lock element120can include an outer cylinder123and a lock cylinder124. The lock cylinder124can be operated to rotate relative to the outer cylinder123, such that the lock element120is capable of switching between the locked state and the unlocked state. The transmission element400can be connected to the lock cylinder124through engagement. When the lock cylinder124is operated to rotate relative to the outer cylinder123, the transmission element400can be driven to rotate together.

The second handle set200can further include a second handle210, a second axial tube250, a second cover plate260, a second restoring element270, a second driving element280and a second tubular element290. The second handle210is disposed at an end of the second axial tube250through engagement, such that the second handle210is connected to the second axial tube250in a manner that the second handle210and the second axial tube250are capable of moving synchronously. An inner end of the second handle210is inserted between the second axial tube250and the second cover plate260(shown inFIG.7), such that the second handle210is connected to the second cover plate260in a manner that the second handle210is capable of rotating relative to the second cover plate260. Another end of the second axial tube250has four hooks251engaged with four hook slots285of the second driving element280, such that the second axial tube250is connected to the second driving element280in a manner that the second axial tube250and the second driving element280are capable of moving synchronously. The second restoring element270is configured to provide a restoring force for the second driving element280to return to its initial position after being rotated. An end of the second tubular element290is inserted in the center hole284of the second driving element280. Cross sections of the second tubular element290and the center hole284are square, such that the second tubular element290is connected to the second driving element280in a manner that the second tubular element290and the second driving element280are capable of moving synchronously. Another end of the second tubular element290is inserted in the second transfer hole321of the second transfer shaft320. Cross sections of the second tubular element290and the second transfer hole321are square, such that the second tubular element290is connected to the second transfer shaft320in a manner that the second tubular element290and the second transfer shaft320are capable of moving synchronously. With the aforementioned arrangement, the second handle210, the second axial tube250, the second driving element280, the second tubular element290and the second transfer shaft320are connected and capable of moving synchronously with each other, i.e., capable of rotating with each other. Furthermore, the cylindrical element220of the transmission mechanism is disposed in the second handle210in a manner that the cylindrical element220and the second handle210are capable of rotating together. The cylindrical element220can further include a button226. The button226is exposed to outside through a penetrating hole211of the second handle210.

In the embodiment, cross sections of the center hole184, the first tubular element190and the first transfer hole311are square, such that the first driving element180, the first tubular element190and the first transfer shaft310are connected and capable of moving synchronously with each other. Cross sections of the center hole284, the second tubular element290and the second transfer hole321are square, such that the second driving element280, the second tubular element290and the second transfer shaft320are connected and capable of moving synchronously with each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiment, the cross sections of the center hole184, the first tubular element190, the first transfer hole311, the center hole284, the second tubular element290and the second transfer hole321can be formed in other non-circular shapes, such as semicircular shapes, triangular shapes or pentagonal shapes, which can also achieve the same functionality.

The first tubular element190and the second tubular element290are for independently driving the latch tongue340of the latch mechanism300to retract or stretch out. As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the first tubular element190and the second tubular element290are independent from each other. That is, when the first tubular element190is rotated, the second tubular element290does not rotate therewith, and vice versa. The first transfer shaft310and the second transfer shaft320are independent from each other. That is, when the first transfer shaft310is rotated, the second transfer shaft320does not rotate therewith, and vice versa. How to drive the latch tongue340with the first transfer shaft310and the second transfer shaft320is conventional and is omitted herein.

In the embodiment, as shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the first end410and the abutting portions420are abutted by a bottom of a accommodating groove121of the lock element120and the first tubular element190, such that the transmission element400is incapable of axial movement.

With the aforementioned arrangement, when the lock10is in the unlocked state as shown inFIG.12, the abutting portions420are located in the first engaging grooves166, and the second fitting portions162are separated from the first fitting portions144. Because the second fitting portions162are not fitted into the first fitting portions144, the moving component160is capable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140. Because the moving component160is connected to the first handle110in a manner that the moving component160and the first handle110are capable of moving synchronously, the first handle110is also capable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140. When the first handle110is pressed downwardly, i.e., the first handle110is rotated along the first direction D1, the first driving element180and the first tubular element190are driven to rotate along the first direction D1, which drives the first transfer shaft310to rotate along the first direction D1to drive the latch tongue340to retract to open the door. When the first handle110is released, the first restoring element170provides the elastic force for the first driving element180to rotate along the second direction D2to return to its initial position, which drives the first handle110and the first tubular element190to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the first transfer shaft310is driven to rotate along the second direction D2to drive the latch tongue340to stretch out to its initial position. Please refer toFIG.5, in the embodiment, the first restoring element170is cooperated with the first limiting post145and the second limiting post146of the first cover plate140, and the limiting slot181of the first driving element180to bring the first driving element180to return its initial position. Specifically, when the first handle110is pressed downwardly, i.e., the first handle110is rotated along the first direction D1, the first driving element180is driven to rotate along the first direction D1, a first leg171of the first restoring element170is blocked by the first limiting post145and is incapable of rotating. A second leg172of the first restoring element170is pushed by an end183of the limiting slot181and is rotated counterclockwise with the first driving element180. As such, the first restoring element170accumulates an elastic force. When the first handle110is released, the first restoring element170releases the elastic force which allows the second leg172of the first restoring element170to push the end183of the limiting slot181, such that the first driving element180is driven to rotate along the second direction D2to return to its initial position before being rotated. When the second handle210is pressed downwardly, the latch tongue340can be driven to retract to open the door; when the second handle210is released, the latch tongue340can be driven to stretch out to its initial position. The principle that drives the latch tongue340through the second handle210is similar to that of the first handle110and is not repeated herein.

When the lock10is in the locked state, as shown inFIG.13, the abutting portions420are located in the second engaging grooves167, and the second fitting portions162are fitted into the first fitting portions144. Because the second fitting portions162are fitted into the first fitting portions144, the moving component160is incapable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140. Because the moving component160is connected to the first handle110in a manner that the moving component160and the first handle110are capable of moving synchronously. The first handle110is incapable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140, either. As such, the first handle110is incapable of driving the latch tongue340to retract to open the door.

When the lock10is in the unlocked state, the lock10can be switched to the locked state by the following methods. In the first method, a key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole122(shown inFIG.6) of the lock element120and rotated, which allows the lock cylinder124to rotate relative to the outer cylinder123along the first direction D1, and the transmission element400is driven to rotate along the first direction D1, such that the lock10is in the locked state shown inFIG.13. In the second method, as shown inFIG.12, the button226is pressed, which allows the cylindrical element220to be operated to move along the rotating axis X and towards the first handle set100, the guiding parts242of the movable element240are guided by the guiding tracks223to move from the unlocked ends224to the locked ends225to drive the transmission element400to rotate along the first direction D1, such that the lock10is in the locked state.

When the lock10is in the locked state, the lock10can be switched to the unlocked state by the following methods. In the first method, the key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole122(shown inFIG.6) of the lock element120and rotated, which drives the lock cylinder124to rotate relative to the outer cylinder123along the second direction D2, and the transmission element400is driven to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the lock10is in the unlocked state, as shown inFIG.12. In the second method, the second handle210is pressed downwardly (i.e., the second handle210is rotated along the first direction D1) to drive the cylindrical element220to rotate along the first direction D1, too. The second elastic element230releases the elastic force. The guiding parts242of the movable element240move from the locked ends225to the unlocked ends224by the push of the second elastic element230and the guidance of the guiding tracks223. The transmission element400is driven to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the lock10is in the unlocked state. In the third method, the second handle210is pulled upwardly, i.e., the second handle210is rotated along the second direction D2to drive the cylindrical element220to rotate along the second direction D2. The locked ends225of the guiding tracks223push the guiding parts242of the movable element240to drive the movable element240and the cylindrical element220to rotate along the second direction D2, and the transmission element400is driven to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the abutting portions420are moved from the second engaging grooves167to the first engaging grooves166, so as to allow the second fitting portions162to separate from the first fitting portions144. Afterwards, the second handle210can be pressed downwardly to return to its initial position. That is, when the second handle210is rotated along the first direction D1, the cylindrical element220can be driven to rotate along the first direction D1. At this time, the movable element240is guided by the guiding tracks223to move from the locked ends225to the unlocked ends224, as shown inFIG.12. In other words, the lock10in the first embodiment can be unlocked by using the key, pressing the second handle210downwardly or pulling the second handle210upwardly.

In the embodiment, when the lock10is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state, the transmission element400is incapable of axial movement, which is favorable for reducing the operation resistance and enhancing the operation smoothness. Furthermore, with the improvement of the structure of the transmission mechanism of the lock10, such as the omission of the transmission cam, the assembly error similar to that of the conventional lock1can be avoided.

The Second Embodiment

Please refer toFIG.14toFIG.16, another transmission mechanism (not labelled) applied to a lock10′ and for controlling the lock10′ to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state is disclosed. The lock10′ defines a rotating axis X and is for being installed on a door (not shown). The door includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The lock10′ includes a first handle set100′ and a second handle set200′. The first handle set100′ is disposed on the first side of the door, and the second handle set200′ is disposed on the second side of the door. The first handle set100′ includes a first cover plate140′ fixedly disposed on the first side of the door.

Please refer toFIG.18toFIG.20. The first cover plate140′ includes two first fitting portions144′ which are disposed symmetrically. The number of the first fitting portions144′ is exemplary. The transmission mechanism includes a transmission element400′ and a moving component160′. The transmission element400′ is connected to the first handle set100′ in a manner that the transmission element400′ is incapable of moving along the rotating axis X. The transmission element400′ has two abutting portions420′ which are disposed symmetrically. The number of the abutting portions420′ is exemplary. The moving component160′ is disposed on the transmission element400′ in a manner that the moving component160′ is capable of moving along the rotating axis X.

Please refer toFIG.17. The moving component160′ includes two first engaging grooves166′, two second engaging grooves167′ and two second fitting portions162′. The numbers of the first engaging grooves166′, the second engaging grooves167′ and the second fitting portions162′ are exemplary. The two first engaging grooves166′ are disposed symmetrically. The two second engaging grooves167′ are disposed symmetrically. The two second fitting portions162′ are disposed symmetrically. The second fitting portions162′ are configured for corresponding to the first fitting portions144′. When the transmission element400′ is operated to rotate, the abutting portions420′ are capable of switching between the first engaging grooves166′ and the second engaging grooves167′. As shown inFIG.18, when the abutting portions420′ are located in the first engaging grooves166′, the second fitting portions162′ are configured to be separated from the first fitting portions144′, such that the lock10′ is in the unlocked state. As shown inFIG.20, when the abutting portions420′ are located in the second engaging grooves167′, the second fitting portions162′ are configured to be fitted into the first fitting portions144′, such that the lock10′ is in the locked state.

With the aforementioned structure, the transmission mechanism according to the present disclosure controls the lock10′ to switch between the unlocked state and the locked state by the movement of the moving component160′ along the rotating axis X, such that the second fitting portions162′ are capable of being separated from the first fitting portions144′ or being fitted into the first fitting portions144′. The transmission element400′ only rotates about the rotating axis X and is incapable of moving along the rotating axis X (hereinafter, also called axial movement). Accordingly, the operation resistance can be reduced, and the operation smoothness can be enhanced.

As shown inFIG.17, the moving component160′ has two sides164′,165′ opposite to each other. The first engaging grooves166′ and the second engaging grooves167′ are formed on the side165′ of the moving component160′. The first engaging groove166′ has a first bottom166a′, the second engaging groove167′ has a second bottom167a′. A distance (not labelled) is between the first bottom166a′ and the second bottom167a′ along the rotating axis X. The moving component160′ can further include two guiding surfaces168′ and two stop surfaces169′. Other details of the moving component160′ can refer to that of the moving component160of the first embodiment and are not repeated herein.

As shown inFIG.15andFIG.16. The transmission mechanism can further include a first elastic element150′, a transmission cam600′, a tubular connecting element700′, a cylindrical element220′, a movable element240′ and a second elastic element230′. Please also refer toFIG.18andFIG.20. The cylindrical element220′ includes two guiding tracks223′. Each of the guiding tracks223′ has an unlocked end224′ and a locked end225′. The cylindrical element220′ can further include a button226′. The button226′ is exposed to outside through a penetrating hole211′ (shown inFIG.15) of the second handle210′. The movable element240′ includes a main body243′, a limiting hole241′ and two guiding parts242′. Other details of the movable element240′ can refer to that of the movable element240of the first embodiment. Differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment are recited below.

As shown inFIG.17, the moving component160′ can further include four first engaging parts161a′. The number of the first engaging parts161a′ is exemplary. Each of the first engaging parts161a′ is a notch formed on a peripheral wall of the moving component160′. Specifically, each of the first engaging parts161a′ is a notch concaved from the peripheral wall of the main body161′.

As shown inFIG.15andFIG.19, the transmission cam600′ includes a main body610′, four second engaging parts620′, a center hole630′, a first step portion640′ and a second step portion650′. The number of the second engaging parts620′ is exemplary. The second engaging parts620′ are corresponding to the first engaging parts161a′ of the moving component160′. Each of the second engaging parts620′ is a protrusion and is extended outwardly from a peripheral wall of the transmission cam600′ along the rotating axis X. More specifically, each of the second engaging parts620′ is a protrusion extended from a peripheral wall of the main body610′ along the rotating axis X and towards the first handle110′. The second step portion650′ is extended from the main body610′ along the rotating axis X and towards the second handle210′. The first step portion640′ is extended from the second step portion650′ along the rotating axis X and towards the second handle210′. The second step portion650′ is configured to be surrounded by the center hole184′ of the first driving element180′, and the step surface660′ is configured to abut against a surface of the first driving element180′ facing towards the first handle110′. As shown inFIG.15, cross sections of the second step portion650′ and the center hole184′ of the first driving element180′ are circular. As such, the first driving element180′ is capable of rotating relative to the transmission cam600′.

As shown inFIG.15, the tubular connecting element700′ has a first end710′ and a second end720′ opposite to the first end710′. The first end710′ of the tubular connecting element700′ is connected to the transmission cam600′ in a manner that the first end710′ of the tubular connecting element700′ and the transmission cam600′ are capable of moving synchronously. The second end720′ of the tubular connecting element700′ is connected to the second handle210′ of the second handle set200′ in a manner that the second end720′ of the tubular connecting element700′ and the second handle210′ are capable of moving synchronously. Specifically, the first end710′ of the tubular connecting element700′ is inserted in the center hole630′ of the transmission cam600′. Cross sections of the tubular connecting element700′ and the center hole630′ are square, such that the tubular connecting element700′ is incapable of rotating relative to the transmission cam600′ and is connected to the transmission cam600′ in a manner that the tubular connecting element700′ and the transmission cam600′ are capable of moving synchronously. The second end720′ of the tubular connecting element700′ is inserted in the center hole284′ of the second driving element280′. Cross sections of the tubular connecting element700′ and the center hole284′ are square, such that the tubular connecting element700′ is incapable of rotating relative to the second driving element280′ and is connected to the second driving element280′ in a manner that the tubular connecting element700′ and the second driving element280′ are capable of moving synchronously. The second driving element280′ is connected to the second handle210′ in a manner that the second driving element280′ and the second handle210′ are capable of moving synchronously (reference can be made to the related illustration of the first embodiment). Accordingly, the tubular connecting element700′ is connected to the second handle210′ in a manner that the tubular connecting element700′ and the second handle210′ are capable of moving synchronously.

The latch mechanism300′ is disposed between the first handle set100′ and the second handle set200′. The latch mechanism300′ includes a latch tongue340′ and a transfer shaft350′. The transfer shaft350′ penetrates the latch mechanism300′ and protrudes from two sides of the latch mechanism300′ along the rotating axis X. The tubular connecting element700′ is configured to drive the latch tongue340′ of the latch mechanism300′ to retract or stretch out. Specifically, the tubular connecting element700′ is inserted in the transfer hole351′ of the transfer shaft350′. Cross sections of the tubular connecting element700′ and the transfer hole351′ are square, such that the tubular connecting element700′ is connected to the transfer shaft350in a manner that the tubular connecting element700′ and the transfer shaft350are capable of moving synchronously. When the tubular connecting element700′ is operated to rotate, the transfer shaft350′ is driven to rotate so as to drive the latch tongue340′ to retract or stretch out. How to drive the latch tongue340′ with the transfer shaft350′ is conventional and is omitted herein.

In the embodiment, cross sections of the center hole284′, the tubular connecting element700′ and the transfer hole351′ are square, such that the second driving element280′, the tubular connecting element700′, and the transfer shaft350′ are connected and are capable of moving synchronously with each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiment, the cross sections of the center hole284′, the tubular connecting element700′, and the transfer hole351′ can be formed in other non-circular shapes, such as semicircular shapes, triangular shapes or pentagonal shapes, which can also achieve the same functionality.

In the embodiment, the first end410′ and the abutting portions420′ of the transmission element400′ are abutted by a bottom of a accommodating groove121′ of the lock element120′ and the first end710′ of the tubular connecting element700′, such that the transmission element400′ is incapable of axial movement.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the first handle110′, the lock element120′, the first axial tube130′, the moving component160′, the first driving element180′ are connected and capable of moving synchronously with each other, i.e., capable of rotating with each other. The first axial tube130′ has four hooks131′ engaged with four hook slots185′ of the first driving element180′, such that the first axial tube130′ is connected to the first driving element180′ in a manner that the first axial tube130′ and the first driving element180′ are capable of moving synchronously. The two second fitting portions162′ of the moving component160′ protrude from the two limiting groove135′ (shown inFIG.15) of the first axial tube130′, respectively. As such, the moving component160′ is incapable of rotating relative to the first axial tube130′ and is connected to the first axial tube130′ in a manner that the moving component160′ and the first axial tube130′ are capable of moving synchronously. The transmission element400′ is connected to the lock element120′ in a manner that the transmission element400′ and the lock element120′ are capable of moving synchronously. When the lock cylinder124′ is operated to rotate relative to the outer cylinder123′, the transmission element400′ can be driven to rotate therewith. The second handle set200′ includes a second handle210′, a second axial tube250′, a second cover plate260′, a second restoring element270′ and a second driving element280′. The second handle210′, the cylindrical element220′, the second axial tube250′, the second driving element280′, the tubular connecting element700′ and the transfer shaft350′ are connected and capable of moving synchronously with each other. The second axial tube250′ has four hooks251′ engaged with four hook slots285′ of the second driving element280′, such that the second axial tube250′ is connected to the second driving element280′ in a manner that the second axial tube250′ and the second driving element280′ are capable of moving synchronously, i.e., capable of rotating together. Other details can refer to the related illustration of the first embodiment.

Please refer toFIG.17toFIG.19.FIG.18is a schematic diagram showing the first cover plate140′ and a transmission mechanism ofFIG.15in the unlocked state. The tubular connecting element700′ is omitted for showing the direction of the transmission element400′. When the lock10′ is in the unlocked state, the abutting portions420′ are in the first engaging grooves166′, the second fitting portions162′ are separated from the first fitting portions144′, and the first engaging parts161a′ of the moving component160′ are engaged with the second engaging parts620′ of the transmission cam600′. Because the second fitting portions162′ are not fitted into the first fitting portions144′, the moving component160′ is capable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140′. Because the moving component160′ is connected to the first handle110′ in a manner that the moving component160′ and the first handle110′ are capable of moving synchronously, the first handle110′ is also capable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140′. Moreover, because the first engaging parts161a′ of the moving component160′ are engaged with the second engaging parts620′ of the transmission cam600′, the first handle110′ is connected to the transmission cam600′ in a manner that the first handle110′ and the transmission cam600′ are capable of moving synchronously. When the first handle110′ is pressed downwardly, i.e., the first handle110′ is rotated along the first direction D1, the first driving element180′, the moving component160′, the transmission cam600′ and the tubular connecting element700′ are driven to rotate along the first direction D1, which drives the transfer shaft350′ to rotate along the first direction D1to drive the latch tongue340′ to retract to open the door. When the first handle110′ is released, the first restoring element170′ provides the elastic force for the first driving element180′ to rotate along the second direction D2to return to its initial position, which drives the first handle110′, the moving component160′, the transmission cam600′ and the tubular connecting element700′ to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the transfer shaft350′ is driven to rotate along the second direction D2to drive the latch tongue340′ to stretch out to its initial position. As shown inFIG.15, the first restoring element170′ is through a first leg171′ and a second leg172′ cooperated with the first limiting post145′ and the second limiting post146′ of the first cover plate140′, and an end183′ of the limiting slot181′ of the first driving element180′ to bring the first driving element180′ to return its initial position. Details can refer to the related illustration of the first embodiment and are not repeated herein. When the second handle210′ is pressed downwardly, the latch tongue340′ can be driven to retract to open the door; when the second handle210′ is released, the latch tongue340′ can be driven to stretch out to its initial position. The principle that drives the latch tongue340′ through the second handle210′ is similar to that of the first handle110and the second handle210of the first embodiment, and is not repeated herein.

Please refer toFIGS.17,20and21.FIG.20is a schematic diagram showing the first cover plate140′ and the transmission mechanism ofFIG.15in the locked state. The tubular connecting element700′ is omitted for showing the direction of the transmission element400′. When the lock10′ is in the locked state, the abutting portions420′ are in the second engaging grooves167′, the second fitting portions162′ are engaged with the first fitting portions144′, and the first engaging parts161a′ of the moving component160′ are separated from the second engaging parts620′ of the transmission cam600′. Because the second fitting portions162′ are fitted into the first fitting portions144′, the moving component160′ is incapable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140′. Because the moving component160′ is connected to the first handle110′ in a manner that the moving component160′ and the first handle110′ are capable of moving synchronously, the first handle110′ is incapable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140′, either. Accordingly, the first handle110′ is incapable of driving the latch tongue340′ to retract to open the door. Moreover, when the lock10′ in the locked state, the first engaging parts161a′ of the moving component160′ are separated from the second engaging parts620′ of the transmission cam600′, the first handle110′ is independent from the transmission cam600′ and the tubular connecting element700′. As such, the second handle210′ is capable of rotating relative to the second cover plate260′, even though the first handle110′ is incapable of rotating relative to the first cover plate140′. Accordingly, the transmission cam600′ and the tubular connecting element700′ are capable of being driven to rotate by the second handle210′.

When the lock10′ is in the unlocked state, the lock10′ can be switched to the locked state by the following methods. In the first method, a key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole122′ (shown inFIG.16) of the lock element120′ and rotated, which allows the lock cylinder124′ to rotate relative to the outer cylinder123′ along the first direction D1, and the transmission element400′ is driven to rotate along the first direction D1, such that the lock10′ is in the locked state, as shown inFIG.20. In the second method, as shown inFIG.18, the button226′ is pressed, which allows the cylindrical element220′ to be operated to move along the rotating axis X and towards the first handle set100′, the guiding parts242′ of the movable element240′ are guided by the guiding tracks223′ to move from the unlocked ends224′ to the locked ends225′ to drive the transmission element400′ to rotate along the first direction D1, such that the lock10′ is in the locked state.

When the lock10′ is in the locked state, the lock10′ can be switched to the unlocked state by the following methods. In the first method, the key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole122′ (shown inFIG.16) of the lock element120′ and rotated, which drives the lock cylinder124′ to rotate relative to the outer cylinder123′ along the second direction D2, and the transmission element400′ is driven to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the lock10′ is in the unlocked state, as shown inFIG.18. In the second method, the second handle210′ is pressed downwardly (i.e., the second handle210′ is rotated along the first direction D1) to drive the cylindrical element220′ to rotate along the first direction D1. The second elastic element230′ releases the elastic force. The guiding parts242′ of the movable element240′ move from the locked ends225′ to the unlocked ends224′ by the push of the second elastic element230′ and the guidance of the guiding tracks223′. The transmission element400′ is driven to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the lock10′ is in the unlocked state. In the third method, the second handle210′ is pulled upwardly, i.e., the second handle210′ is rotated along the second direction D2to drive the cylindrical element220′ to rotate along the second direction D2. The locked ends225′ of the guiding tracks223′ push the guiding parts242′ of the movable element240′ to drive the movable element240′ and the cylindrical element220′ to rotate along the second direction D2, and the transmission element400′ is driven to rotate along the second direction D2, such that the abutting portions420′ are moved from the second engaging grooves167′ to the first engaging grooves166′, so as to allow the second fitting portions162′ to separate from the first fitting portions144′, and the first engaging parts161a′ of the moving component160′ are engaged with the second engaging parts620′ of the transmission cam600′. Afterwards, the second handle210′ can be pressed downwardly to return to its initial position. That is, when the second handle210′ is rotated along the first direction D1, the cylindrical element220′ can be driven to rotate along the first direction D1. At this time, the movable element240′ is guided by the guiding tracks223′ to move from the locked ends225′ to the unlocked ends224′, as shown inFIG.18. In other words, the lock10′ can be unlocked by using the key, pressing the second handle210′ downwardly or pulling the second handle210′ upwardly.

As shown inFIGS.15,16,19and21, a cross section of the tubular connecting element700′ is a regular polygon, the moving component160′ includes a plurality of first engaging parts161a′, and the transmission cam600′ includes a plurality of second engaging parts620′. A number of the first engaging parts161a′ and a number of the second engaging parts620′ are corresponding a number of the sides of the regular polygon, and the first engaging parts161a′ and the second engaging parts620′ are arranged equiangularly. Specifically, the cross section of the tubular connecting element700′ is a square, the number of the first engaging parts161a′ is four, and the number of the second engaging parts620′ is four. The four first engaging parts161a′ are arranged equiangularly. That is, an included angle formed by the connections between the two adjacent first engaging parts161a′ and the rotating axis X is 90 degrees. The four second engaging parts620′ are arranged equiangularly. That is, an included angle formed by the connections between the two adjacent second engaging parts620′ and the rotating axis X is 90 degrees. When assembling the lock10′, the latch mechanism300′ is installed on the door first, then the first handle set100′ and the first elastic element150′, the moving component160′, the transmission cam600′, the tubular connecting element700′ and the transmission element400′ of the transmission mechanism are assembled to form an outer side assembly. The outer side assembly is disposed on the first side of the door, the tubular connecting element700′ and the transmission element400′ are inserted through the transfer hole351′, and the screw posts142′ and143′ are inserted through holes of the latch mechanism300′ corresponding thereto, and are aligned and connected with the second handle set200′. If the outer side assembly is in the locked state shown inFIG.21before assembling with the latch mechanism300′, the transmission cam600′ and the tubular connecting element700′ are capable of the idling rotating 360 degrees relative to the moving component160′ because the second engaging parts620′ are separated from the first engaging parts161a′. Moreover, the number of the first engaging parts161a′ and the number of the second engaging parts620′ are corresponding to the number of the sides of cross section of the tubular connecting element700′. When the tubular connecting element700′ is inserted through the transfer hole351′ in arbitrary direction, one of the second engaging parts620′ is corresponding to one of the first engaging parts161a′. That is, the assembly error can be avoided. In other embodiment, the cross section of the tubular connecting element700′ can be a regular polygon other than the square. For example, the cross section of the tubular connecting element700′ can be a triangle, and the number of the first engaging parts161a′ and the second engaging parts620′ can be correspondingly adjusted to three and are arranged equiangularly, the same functionality can be achieved, too.

For other elements of the lock10′, references can be made to the elements having the same name of the lock10. For other details of the lock10′, references can be made to the related illustration of the lock10, and are not repeated herein.

In the embodiment, when the lock10′ according to the present embodiment is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state, the transmission element400′ is incapable of axial movement, which is favorable for reducing the operation resistance and enhancing the operation smoothness. Furthermore, with the improvement of the structure of the transmission mechanism of the lock10′, such as the omission the sliding slope on the transmission cam600′, the regular polygon of the cross section of the tubular connecting element700′, the correspondence between the numbers of the first engaging parts161a′ and the second engaging parts620′ and the sides of the regular polygon, and the equiangular arrangement of the first engaging parts161a′ and the second engaging parts620′, the assembly error similar to that of the conventional lock1can be avoided.

Compared to the prior art, when the lock of the present disclosure is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state, the transmission element is incapable of axial movement, which is favorable for reducing the operation resistance and enhancing the operation smoothness. Furthermore, with the improvement of the structure of the transmission mechanism, the assembly error can be avoided.