Patent Publication Number: US-2021164263-A1

Title: Electronic door with key-in-lever feature

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/480,532, filed Jun. 8,2009, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/076,476, filed Jun. 27, 2008, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to access control systems, and more particularly to an electronic door lock used in an access control system. 
     Access control systems may be used in commercial, residential, or other settings. Commercial access control systems are typically used to protect places of business and are subject to stricter standards than residential access control systems. For example, the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) define standards that locks used in access control systems must pass to be certified. BHMA and ANSI further define different grades of locks, each grade having a different set of standards that must be met by the locks. If the device is properly tested following all the requirements of the predefined standards, then the device may be certified and sold with a BHMA Certified Mark, ANSI mark, or other mark. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one construction, the invention provides an electronic door lock for a door having a first side and a second side. The electronic door lock includes an escutcheon including a first aperture. A non-circular spring cage extends through the first aperture, and the spring cage includes a second aperture. A spring cage spindle at least partially extends through the second aperture, and the spring cage spindle extends from the spring cage. The spring cage spindle includes a third aperture. A key cylinder is received in the third aperture. A handle including a fourth aperture receives the key cylinder and the spring cage spindle, and a fastener is received by the handle. The fastener is configured to couple the handle to the spring cage spindle and inhibit movement of the handle with respect to the spring cage spindle. 
     In another construction, the invention provides an electronic door lock for a door having a first side and a second side. The electronic door lock includes an escutcheon including a first aperture and a plurality of ribs. A spring cage extends through the first aperture and is positioned adjacent the plurality of ribs. The spring cage includes a second aperture. A spring cage spindle at least partially extends through the second aperture. The spring cage spindle extends from the spring cage and includes a third aperture. A key cylinder is received in the third aperture, and a handle includes a fourth aperture that receives the key cylinder and the spring cage spindle. 
     In another construction, the invention provides an electronic door lock that mounts to a door. The door includes an inner side and an outer side, and the electronic door lock is operable to control access to an access controlled area positioned adjacent the inner side of the door. The electronic door lock includes an outer base connected to the outer side of the door, an inner base connected to the inner side of the door, a locking mechanism coupled to the door and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to a control signal, and a control circuit disposed within the inner base and operable to generate the control signal in response to the presentation of an input credential. An attachment interface is at least partially formed as part of the outer base. A plurality of different types of credential readers are each selectively attachable and removable from the attachment interface when the outer base is attached to the door to electrically connect the selected one of the plurality of different types of credential readers to the control circuit. The selected credential reader receives data from a user or credential and generates the input credential in response to the data. A communication module is connected to the control circuit and is operable to communicate with a device that is separate from the electronic door lock. 
     In another construction, the invention provides an electronic door lock that mounts to a door. The door includes an inner side and an outer side, and the electronic door lock is operable to control access to an access controlled area positioned adjacent the inner side of the door. The electronic door lock includes an inner base supported by the inner side, an attachment interface coupled to the outer side and including a mounting portion, a locking mechanism coupled to the door and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to a control signal, and a reader selected from a keypad, proximity detector, proximity detector with built-in keypad, magnetic stripe reader, magnetic stripe reader with built-in keypad, and biometric reader. Each of the keypad, proximity detector, proximity detector with built-in keypad, magnetic stripe reader, magnetic stripe reader with built-in keypad, and biometric reader are removably mountable to the attachment interface. A control circuit is coupled to the door and configured to selectively move the locking mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position to control access to the access controlled area. The control circuit includes software or firmware operable to receive an input from the selected reader. The control circuit is further operable to generate the control signal in response to the input. A communication module is connected to the control circuit, is positioned in the inner base, and is operable to communicate with a device that is separate from the electronic door lock. The communication module is one of a wired communication module and a wireless communication module. Each of the wired communication module and the wireless communication module is selectively removable and replaceable without disturbing the locking mechanism and without disturbing the control circuit. 
     In yet another construction, the invention provides an access control system for controlling access to one or more secured spaces based upon an access control decision. The access control system includes a plurality of electronic door locks. Each of the electronic door locks is mounted to one of a plurality of doors. Each door includes an inner side and an outer side. Each of the electronic door locks includes an outer base connected to the outer side, an inner base connected to the inner side, and a locking mechanism coupled to the door and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to a control signal. A control circuit is disposed within the inner base and operable to transmit data in response to an input credential. An attachment interface is at least partially formed as pan of the outer base. One of a plurality of different types of credential readers is selectively attachable and removable from the attachment interface when the outer base is attached to the door to electrically connect a selected one of the plurality of different types of credential readers to the control circuit to provide the input credential. A communication module is connected to the control circuit. The communication module is selectively removable and replaceable without disturbing the locking mechanism and without disturbing the control circuit and is operable to communicate with a device that Ls separate from the electronic door lock. An access control panel is configured to communicate with the communication module of each of the plurality of locks to receive the data. A server is configured to communicate with the access control panel. One of the access control panel and the server effects the access control decision and generates the control signal. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an electronic door lock mounted to a door. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1  and a plurality of credential readers configured for mounting on the electronic door lock. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1  and a plurality of communication module covers and a plurality of battery covers configured for mounting on the electronic door lock. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1  including an attachment interface. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1  illustrating a communication module. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1  illustrating another construction of a communication module. 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1  taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of an access control system including the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of an electromechanical system of the door lock of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial exploded view of a handle and key cylinder of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the handle of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the electronic door lock of  FIG. 1  illustrating a spring cage and escutcheon ribs. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic door lock  20  mounted to a door  24  and suitable for use in an access control system  27 . The door lock  20  includes an outer portion  28  mounted on an outer side  32  of the door  24  and an inner portion  36  mounted on an inner side  40  of the door  24 . The outer portion  28  of the door lock  20  includes an outer escutcheon  44 , a credential reader  48 , and an outer handle  52 . The inner portion  36  of the door lock  20  includes an inner escutcheon  56 , a communication module cover  60 , an optional pushbutton  64 , a battery cover  68 , and an inner handle  72 . 
     The terms “inner” and “outer” are used herein to differentiate the two sides of the door and should not be considered as limiting the invention in any way. In constructions in which one side of the door is in a secured space and the other side of the door is not (e.g., an entry door into a building), the inner side would be in the secured space. However, some constructions may position a door within a space in which both sides of the door are located within a secure space. In these constructions, one side of the door would be considered the inner side while the opposite side would be the outer side. Thus, constructions arc possible in which components or features described as being positioned on an inner side of the door could be positioned on an outer side of the door and visa versa. Thus, the terms “inner” and “outer” are sometimes replaced herein with “first” and “second”. 
     The door lock  20  includes an electromechanical system that allows for the movement of a locking mechanism  180  including an actuator  182 , a clutch  179 , and a latch  178 , which are schematically illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The latch  178  is movable by the inner handle  72  and the outer handle  52  between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the latch  178  is moved to the locked position, the latch  178  is extended away from the door lock  20  into an opening in a face plate  186  mounted to a door frame  190 . The latch  178  inhibits movement of the door  24  when in the extended position. When the latch  178  is moved to the unlocked position, the latch  178  is retracted into the door lock  20  and out of engagement with the face plate  186  to allow a user to open the door  24 . 
     The actuator  182  moves the clutch  179  between an engaged position and a disengaged position to selectively enable and disable the outer handle  52 . When the clutch  179  is in the disengaged position, the clutch  179  disengages the outer handle  52  and the latch  178  such that movement of the outer handle  52  docs not cause movement of the latch  178 . Thus, when the clutch  179  is in the disengaged position, a user positioned adjacent the outer side  32  cannot gain access to the inner side  40 . When the clutch  179  is in the engaged position, the clutch  179  is engages with the outer handle  52  and the latch  178  such that movement of the outer handle  52  causes the latch  178  to move. Thus, when the clutch  179  is in the engaged position, a user positioned adjacent the outer side  32  can move the latch  178 , open the door  24 , and gain access to the inner side  40 . The actuator  182  can include an electric motor, a solenoid, a piezoelectric actuator, a linear actuator, a mechanically actuated device, a different suitable actuator, or a combination thereof to move the clutch  179  to the desired position when a user uses an appropriate key  74  or presents an appropriate credential to the credential reader  48  to allow the user to operate the outer handle  52  and move the latch  178 . In some constructions, the actuator  182  is configured to selectively enable and disable the inner handle  72  or both the inner and outer handle. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the outer portion  28  of the door lock  20 . A plurality of input devices (also referred to as credential readers  48 ) are illustrated including but not limited to a keypad  76 , a proximity detector  80 , a proximity detector with built-in keypad  84 , a magnetic stripe reader  88 , a magnetic stripe reader with a built-in keypad  92 , and a biometric reader  96 . For clarity, the credential reader  48  could include any one of a keypad  76 , a proximity detector  80 , a proximity detector with built-in keypad  84 , a magnetic stripe reader  88 , a magnetic stripe reader with a built-in keypad  92 , and a biometric reader  96  as well as other types of credential readers such as a smartcard reader, a smartcard reader with built-in keypad, a multitech reader, and a multitech reader with built-in keypad. In fact, the modularity of the arrangement described herein would allow for the use of virtually any type of credential reader desired. The credential readers may include other features such as audio beepers and visual interfaces that include light emitting diodes (LEDs). The credential readers  48  are configured to mount to a mounting portion of an attachment interface  100 , which will be described in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 4 . Each credential reader  48  is self-contained and includes all the necessary electrical components and firmware required for the credential reader  48  to receive an input credential from a user and output the credential or a signal corresponding to the credential to a control circuit  154  ( FIG. 9 ) of the door lock  20 . For example, the keypad credential reader  76  is configured to receive a user input (e.g., a numeric or alphanumeric code) and output the entered credential to the control circuit  154  of the door lock  20 . The biometric credential reader  96  is configured to receive a user input (e.g., a fingerprint, a scan of the user&#39;s hand, a vocal input, a scan of the user&#39;s face, a scan of the user&#39;s eye, or other biometric data), process the user input, and output data to the control circuit  154  that is representative of the user input. In some embodiments, the biometric credential reader  96  may receive user input in the form of a fingerprint and output the fingerprint data to the control circuit of the door lock  20 . In other embodiments, the biometric credential reader  96  may process the input fingerprint and output a statistical representation of the fingerprint data or some other value representative of the fingerprint or the user that provided the fingerprint. 
     The control circuit  154  of the door lock  20 , shown in  FIG. 5 , includes software and/or firmware that is operable to receive a variety of credentials or other signals from a variety of different types of credential readers  48 . Thus, the user has the option to purchase a door lock and separately purchase any of a variety of credential readers  48 , some of which are illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The software of the control circuit  154  is configured to recognize the type of credential reactor  48  attached to the door lock  20  and thus knows what input to expect from the credential reader  48 . For example, if a keypad  76  is attached, the software expects a user code. If a magnetic stripe reader with a built-in keypad  92  is attached, the software may be configured to expect both a user code and a magnetic stripe input. The software is configured to receive a signal, from each of a plurality of different types of credential readers  48 , that corresponds to the credential input by the user. Thus, no modification to the software is required when a user replaces one type of credential reader (e.g., keypad  76 , proximity detection  80 , magnetic stripe reader  88 , biometric  96 , etc.) with a different type of credential reader. Of course, modifications to the software may be performed as desired by the user. 
     As the user&#39;s security needs or preferences change, the user may purchase a new set of credential readers  48  to change the access control system from using one type of credential to a different type of credential. Thus, the user may selectively remove and attach desired credential readers  48  in the field (e.g., at the user&#39;s place of business). Of course, the credential readers  48  may also be selectively removed and attached at a factory or place of manufacture. In this way, the electronic door lock  20  contains a high degree of modularity, interchangeability, and upgradeability. Only some credential readers  48  are illustrated in  FIG. 2  and discussed herein for exemplary purposes, and the invention is not limited to the types of credential readers  48  discussed and illustrated herein. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the inner portion  36  of the door lock  20  which includes an inner base  144  and the inner escutcheon  56  that defines an inner escutcheon aperture  149 . A plurality of communication module covers  104 ,  108  are illustrated. One cover  104  is configured to cover a wired communication module, and a second cover  108  is configured to cover a wireless communication module, which will be described in detail with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The covers  104  and  108  may also be used to substantially close or cover the inner escutcheon aperture  149  when no communication module is present (e.g., offline locks). A first battery cover  112  and a second battery cover  116  are configured to mount to the inner escutcheon  56  to cover the batteries and battery holder  118 . A four-battery battery holder  118  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 , as the construction of  FIG. 3  includes  4  batteries. However, if the user desires longer battery life or the credential reader  48  requires more power to operate, the user can use an eight-battery battery holder and mount battery cover  116  to the inner escutcheon  56  to cover the batteries and the battery holder. The eight-battery battery holder is formed by attaching a second four-battery battery holder to the door lock and connecting the second four-battery battery holder to the first four-battery battery holder  118  in order to create an eight-battery battery holder. 
     The inner portion  36  of the door lock  20  has an optional secondary locking mechanism  196  that includes a deadbolt turn  122  and a deadbolt  194 . The deadbolt turn  122  is accessible from inside the access controlled area and is coupled to the deadbolt  194  to allow a user to move the deadbolt  194  ( FIG. 9 ) from a locked position, in which it is extended and engaged in a second opening in the faceplate  186 , to an unlocked position, in which the deadbolt  194  is retracted into the door lock  20  and out of engagement with the second opening in the faceplate  186 . Thus, a user inside the access controlled area may turn the deadbolt turn  122  to move the deadbolt  194  into engagement with the opening in the faceplate  186 , thus inhibiting other users from entering the access controlled area even when an appropriate key  74  is used or when appropriate credentials are presented. 
     The communication module covers  104 ,  108  include optional outer pushbuttons  64 ,  65  mounted to the communication module covers  104 ,  108 , respectively. A corresponding internal button  66  is coupled to the inner base  144 . When the cover is mounted on the inner escutcheon  56 , the outer pushbutton  64  or  65  aligns with the corresponding internal button  66 . When a user positioned inside the access controlled area pushes the pushbutton  64 ,  65 , the corresponding internal button  66  is actuated and sends an electrical signal to the control circuit. The control circuit receives the signal and processes the signal. The internal button  66  may be configured for providing a privacy, lock, unlock, or other function. The control circuit may be programmed to ignore signals received from the pushbutton to effectively disable the pushbutton  66 , or the control circuit may be programmed to change the operating mode of the door lock for some period of time or until a second signal is received. For example, door lock may change from a standard mode or operation to a restricted access mode. When the pushbutton  60  is activated, the door lock  20  may only allow a select number of users to enter the access controlled area, temporarily denying assess to all others who present valid credentials. Of course, other operating modes are also possible and may be predefined and programmed into the electronic door lock software. If the communication module cover  104 ,  108  does not include an outer pushbutton  64 ,  65 , then the corresponding internal button  66 , while still present in the door lock  20 , will not be actuatable during normal use. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the attachment interface  100  on the outer portion  28  of the door lock. The attachment interface  100  is substantially flat and includes mounting apertures  120 ,  130 , a connector  134 , and alignment posts  138 ,  142 . The connector  134  extends from the attachment interface  100  in a direction away from the door. The illustrated connector  134  is a standard twenty pin female connector. Of course in other embodiments, the connector  134  may be positioned in a different location on the attachment interface. In addition, the connector may be a different connector, such as an 8 pin connector, a male connector, or other suitable connectors. In addition, the attachment interface  100  may be a different shape or size if desired. 
     The credential reader  48 , such as one of the credential readers  80 ,  84 , illustrated in  FIG. 2  is designed with a corresponding attachment portion  78  and is removably mounted to the attachment interface  100  of the door lock  20 . The credential reader  48  includes a second connector  136  that mates with the first connector  134  when the credential reader  48  is mounted on the attachment interface  100 . The alignment posts  138 ,  142  are received in corresponding apertures  139 ,  143 , respectively, in the credential reader  48  to aid in the alignment of the connector  134  of the credential reader  48 . Once the credential reader  48  is positioned on the attachment interface  100 , mounting fasteners  127 ,  131  are inserted from the inner side  40  of the door  24 . The mounting fasteners  127 ,  131  pass through apertures  126 ,  130  and are threadably received in threaded apertures  32  in the credential reader  48  to secure the credential reader  48  to the door lock  20 . Because the mounting fasteners  127 ,  131  secure the credential reader  48  from the inside of the door  24 , there is no access to the fasteners  127 ,  131  from the outer portion  28  of the lock  20  and security is increased. In other embodiments, the attachment interface  100  may include fewer or more alignment posts, differently shaped or positioned alignment posts, or no alignment posts whatsoever. Of course, the attachment interface  100  may include more or less apertures and more or less mounting fasteners if desired. It should be noted that other alignment features could also be employed as alignment posts. In addition, the alignment posts could be formed on the credential readers  48 , with corresponding apertures formed in the door lock  20  to facilitate alignment and attachment. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a wired communication module  150  that may be used with the door lock  20  of  FIG. 1 . The inner base  144  is mounted to the inner side  40  of the door. The control circuit  154  is positioned in the inner base  144  and may include electrical components  154  such as an integrated circuit, central processing unit, memory, etc. The wired communication module  150  is removably mounted on the inner base  144  and is electrically connected to the control circuit  154 . The wired communication module  150  communicates using wired communications such as serial communication, RS-485, RS-232, Ethernet, etc. The wired communication module  150  is secured to the inner base  144  by inserting fasteners through apertures  155  and  156 . The cover  104  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is configured to mount to the inner escutcheon  56  to substantially cover the wired communication module and an antenna. Of course, in other constructions, the wired communication module  150  may be used with non-lock devices including but not limited to panel interface modules, wireless reader interfaces, wireless status monitors, wireless portable readers and the like. 
     If a user wishes to change to, for example, a wireless communication module  158 , the user may remove the cover  104  to gain access to the communication module  150 . Easy access is granted to the wired communication module  150  through the inner escutcheon aperture  149 , and the wired communication module  150  may be removed by removing fasteners in apertures  155  and  156 . The wireless communication module  158  may be mounted in the same position to provide wireless capability to the door lock  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Thus, the wired communication module  150  may be removed and replaced from the lock without removing the inner escutcheon  56  and without damaging or disturbing the control circuit  154  and the locking mechanism  180 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , the wireless communication module  158  is removably mounted on the inner base  144  and is electrically connected to the control circuit  154  when mounted thereon. The wireless communication module  158  includes a radio frequency (“RF”) shield  162  and additional circuitry, such as a wireless transmitter or transceiver and the antenna to wirelessly communicate with other devices. Thus, the wireless communication module  158  is larger than the wired communication module  150 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the wireless communication module  158  extends above the inner portion  36  of the door lock  20 . A metallic extension  166  is positioned adjacent the door  24  and extends above the door lock  20  a distance that is similar to the wireless communication module  158 . The metallic extension  166  contains an adhesive layer for mounting to the door  24 . The metallic extension  166  ensures a consistent RF radiation pattern when the door  24  is formed of wood or metal. The RF shield  162  is provided between the wireless communication module  158  and the cover  108  when the cover  108  is mounted on the inner escutcheon  56  to substantially cover the communication module  158 . The wireless communication module cover  108  is larger than the wired communication module cover  104  to accommodate the larger wireless communication module  158 . In this manner, the inner portion  36  of the door lock is able to accommodate substantially any size of communication module provided that the module is configured to mount to the inner base  144  in a similar position and a cover is designed to mate with the inner escutcheon  56  to substantially cover the communication module. Thus, the door lock  20  is configured to accept a variety of communication modules that are interchangeable, providing the door lock  20  with a greater modularity, flexibility, and interchangeability. 
     The wireless communication module  158  can be configured to communicate using 900 MHz, WIFI, ZIGBEE, Z-wave, 2.4 GHz, 868 MHz, other radio frequencies, and other standards as desired. The wireless communication module  158  may also be used in non-lock devices such as panel interface modules, wireless portable readers, wireless reader interfaces, wireless status monitors or other wireless devices used in the access control system  27 . In offline locks, a communication module is not present. However, the offline lock still includes sufficient space for the addition of a communication module should one be desired. The user can convert to an online wired or wireless lock simply by attaching the wired communication module  150  or the wireless communication module  158  as described above. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the outer portion  28  of the door lock  20  includes a first anti-tamper wall  170  and a second anti-tamper wall  174  that inhibit access to the locking mechanism  180  from the outer portion  28  of the door lock. Specifically, the anti-tamper walls  170  and  174  are positioned to inhibit access to the locking mechanism  180  from an outer escutcheon aperture  148  in the outer escutcheon  44 . The first anti-tamper wall  170  extends in a horizontal direction from the outer base  146  to a flange  172  of the outer escutcheon  44  to provide a horizontal barrier between the locking mechanism  180  and the aperture  148 . Thus, if an intruder breaks the credential reader  76  and gains access to the upper portion of the door lock  20 , the intruder&#39;s access to the locking mechanism  180  is blocked by the first anti-tamper wall  170 . To increase security, a second anti-tamper wall  174  is positioned below the first anti-tamper wall  170  to provide a second barrier between the upper portion of the door lock  20  and the locking mechanism  180 . The second anti-tamper wall  174  extends horizontally from the outer base  146  to at least partially block access to the locking mechanism  180 . 
       FIG. 8  schematically illustrates an access control system  27  that may include the electronic door lock  20  of  FIGS. 1-7 . The system includes an optional laptop computer  200 , a personal device assistant (PDA)  204 , a plurality of door locks and communication modules  208 ,  212 ,  216 ,  220 ,  224 ,  228 ,  232 ,  236 ,  240 , a panel interface device  244  (e.g., panel interface board (PIB) or panel interface module (PIM)), an access control panel (ACP)  248 ,  252 , or  256 , and a server  260 . 
     The laptop  200  and PDA  204  may be used to configure parameters in the access control system  27 . The door locks  208 ,  212 ,  216 ,  220 ,  224  may include one type of door lock or a plurality of types of door locks (e.g., online or offline locks, mortise locks, cylindrical locks, exit locks, etc). The door locks may include wireless credential readers, wired credential readers or a combination thereof. In addition, the access points (e.g., doors, gates, elevators, etc.) may include proximity readers  236 , a wireless reader interface (WRI)  240 , a wireless status monitor (WSM)  232 , a wireless portable reader (WPR)  228 , a universal serial bus (USB) enabled electronic lock  224 , an electronic lock including a standard electrical connection  220 , a BLUETOOTH enabled lock  212  with corresponding dongle  264 , or other devices not listed herein. The laptop  200 , PDA  204 , or a combination thereof may be used during installation and upgrades of the access control system  27 . For example, if the door locks require a software upgrade, the upgrade may be performed through the laptop  200  or PDA  204 . The laptop  200  and PDA  204  may communicate wirelessly with the door locks or through a wired connection such as a USB cable  268 ,  272  or other electrical connection  276 . 
     The door locks and communication modules  208 ,  212 ,  216 ,  220 ,  224 ,  228 ,  232 ,  236 ,  240  are configured to communicate with the panel interface device  244 . The communication may be wireless, with the use of a wireless communication module  158 , or the communication may be wired, with the use of a wired communication module  150 . The panel interface device  244  is configured to communicate with the ACP  248  via a wired connection. In other constructions, the panel interface device  244  may communicate with third party original equipment manufacture (OEM) equipment  256  or a different control panel, such as BRIGHT BLUE  248 . The ACP  252  is configured to communicate with a server  260  such as SMS Express, Select Premium Enterprise system (S/P/E), other software packages, and other third party OEM software and servers. The access control decision may be made by any of the control circuit  154 , the panel interface device  244 , the ACP  252 ,  248 , or  256 , and the server  260 . It is also contemplated that the access control decision may be made in the credential reader or the lock itself. 
     When a user desires access to the access controlled area, the user approaches the credential reader  48 , which is positioned on the outer portion  28  of the door lock  20 . The user uses the credential reader  48  to enter credentials. This could include entering a pin, swiping a card, providing a biometric sample and the like. The credential reader  48  provides the received credentials or a signal including data representative of the received credentials to the control circuit  154 . The control circuit  154  may include an onboard database that has been previously saved and that includes a list of authorized users and the credentials or data associated with each user. The control circuit  154  determines if the received credentials or representative data are valid and makes an access decision. Alternatively, the control circuit  154  may transmit the data to the access control panel  248 ,  252 , or  256 , either directly or through the panel interface device  244 . The access control panel  248 ,  252 , or  256  may include a database that the access control panel  248 ,  252 , or  256  uses to make an access decision, or the access control panel  248 ,  252 , or  256  may communicate directly with a server  260  that makes the access decision. One of the server  260 , access control panel  248 ,  252 , or  256 , and the control circuit  154  generates a control signal in response to the access decision. 
     The control signal is communicated to the control circuit  154 , and the control circuit  154  processes the control signal and uses the control signal to actuate the kicking mechanism  180  to enable the outside lever and allow the outer handle  52  to move latch  178  to one of the locked position and the unlocked position to provide or inhibit access to the access controlled area. If the control circuit  154  generates the control signal, then the control circuit  154  uses the control signal to operate the locking mechanism  180  accordingly. 
     The modular design of the electronic door lock  20  provides users with flexibility and an easier way to manage repairs and upgrades of the door locks  20 . The user may purchase credential readers  48  separately from the door lock  20 . Thus, if a user wishes to change an access control system  27  that uses, for example, keypad credential readers  76  to an access control system that uses, for example, biometric credential readers  96 , the user can purchase biometric credential readers  96  for each of the door locks  20 . The keypad credential readers  76  can be removed and replaced with the biometric credential readers  96 . Because the control circuit  154  includes the necessary software to receive, for example, both keypad credential data and biometric data, no software modification is required. After the biometric credential reader  96  is mounted to the door lock  20  and the appropriate databases are updated with the users biometric data, the access control system  27  will function properly. 
     For example, some users may wish to change from a security system  27  with keypad entry to a biometric security system  27 . To achieve the desired change, the following steps may be performed. The user removes the communication module cover  104  from the inside portion  36  of the door lock  20  ( FIG. 3 ). The user removes the fasteners  127 ,  131  from the apertures  126  and  130  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ), the keypad  76  is removed from the attachment interface  100  in the outer portion  28  of the door lock  20 , and the biometric credential reader  96  is mounted to the attachment interface  100 . The fasteners  127 ,  131  are reinserted in the apertures  126  and  130  to secure the biometric credential reader  96  to the door lock  20 . The communication module cover  104  may then be replaced on the inside portion  36  of the door lock  20 . 
     In some situations, a user may want to change from a wired security system  27  to a wireless security system  27 . To do this, the wired communication module  150  ( FIG. 5 ) is removed by removing fasteners from apertures  155  and  156 . The metallic extension  166  is mounted to the inner side  40  of the door  24 . In some embodiments, the metallic extension  166  is provided with an adhesive backing and a removable film. The film is removed to expose the adhesive, and the metallic extension  166  is mounted to the inside of the door  24  above the inner base  144 . The wireless communication module  158  ( FIG. 6 ) is mounted to the door lock  20 , and the fasteners are inserted in the apertures  155  and  156  to secure the wireless communication module  158  thereto. The communication module cover  108  is positioned over the wireless communication module  158  and is received by the inner escutcheon  56 . The fasteners are replaced in the apertures  155  and  156  to secure the cover  108  to the door lock  20 . Of course, the above steps may be performed in a different order. Thus, the communication module  150  or  158  is removable and replaceable without any disassembly of, or damage to the locking mechanism  180 , the inner base  144 , and the inner escutcheon  56 . Furthermore, the communication module  150  or  158  is removable and replaceable without disturbing the control circuit  154  or the locking mechanism  180 . 
     The electronic door lock  20  also includes a key-in-lever feature. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a key cylinder  292  is positioned in the handle  52  (sometimes referred to as a lever). As illustrated, the key cylinder  292  is positioned within an aperture  296  in the outer handle  52 . To secure the key cylinder  292  in the outer handle  52 , the door lock  20  includes a spring cage  300 , a spring cage spindle  304 , a lever catch pin  308 , and an additional fastener  312 . 
     The outer handle  52  includes an aperture  296  that receives the spring cage spindle  304 , the lever catch pin  308 , and the key cylinder  292 . More specifically, the lever catch pin  308  includes a band of material  320  that is positioned around the key cylinder  292  when assembled. The key cylinder  292  and lever catch pin  308  are received in the spring cage spindle  304  to inhibit rotation of the lever catch pin  308  with respect to the spring cage spindle  304 . The lever catch pin  308  is received in an aperture  324  in the spring cage spindle  304 . This arrangement, also inhibits movement of the lever catch pin  308  and the key cylinder  292  in an axial direction with respect to the spring cage spindle  304 . With reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the lever catch pin  308  extends through the aperture  324  and is at least partially received in an aperture  328  formed in the outer handle  52  to inhibit axial and rotational movement of the outer handle  52  with respect to the spring cage spindle  304 . When the handle  52  is rotated, the spring cage spindle  304  is also rotated. Finally, the fastener  312  is threadably inserted in a second aperture  332  in the outer handle  52  and passes through the second aperture such that the fastener  312  is adjacent the spring cage spindle  304 . In the illustrated construction, the fastener  312  is a set screw that secures a hub  316  of the handle to the spring cage spindle  304 . Of course, in other constructions, different fasteners can be used. 
     The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) define standards that locks used in access control systems must meet to be certified. BHMA and ANSI further define different grades of locks, each having a different set of standards that must be met by the locks. If the lock is properly tested, following all the requirements of the standard, then the device is certified and can be sold with a BHMA Certified Mark, ANSI Mark, or other mark. Furthermore, different types of locks may be subject to different testing requirements. For example, the ANSI 156.13 standard defines, among other things, three tests that a mortise lock with a key-in-lever feature must pass to be Grade 1 certified. The three tests include a 3600 pound axial pull on lever test, a 175 foot-pound locked lever torque test, and a 10-blow vertical impact test, which will be described in detail below. 
     To perform the 3600 pound axial pull on lever test, a machine grips the hub  316  of the outer handle  52 . Then the machine applies a force of increasing magnitude to the hub  316  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner base  144  and in a direction away from the inner base  144 . The force applied by the machine is increased until the door lock fails  20 . Failure is defined by separation of the lever hub  316  from the spring cage spindle  304 , which would allow a user to gain access to the key cylinder  292  and locking mechanism  180 . If the failure occurs when the force exerted is greater than 3600 pounds, the door lock  20  passes the 3600 pound axial pull on lever test. To increase the amount of force the door lock  20  can withstand before failing, several modifications were made to the previously designed door locks. 
     To increase the amount of force that is required to cause failure of the door lock  20  during the 3600 pound axial pull on lever test, the materials and dimensions of the outer handle  52 , lever catch pin  308 , spring cage  300 , and spring cage spindle  304  were determined using modeling analysis. The material of the outer handle  52  was changed from Die Cast Zinc Zamak 3 to Investment Cast Steel ASTM A148. With reference to  FIG. 11 , the maximum thickness  336  of the lever hub  316  was increased by 57% (i.e., from 0.420 inches to 0.660 inches), the intermediate thickness  340  was increased by 38% (i.e., from 0.250 inches to 0.345 inches), and the minimum thickness  344  was increased by 27% (i.e., from 0.130 inches to 0.165 inches). The material of the spring cage spindle  304  was changed from AISI-1008-CRS to Investment Cast Steel ASTM A148. The thickness  348  of the spring cage spindle  304  was increased by 200% (i.e., from 0.060 inches to 0.180 inches). The material of the lever catch pin  308  was changed from AISI-12L14 Steel to a three part pin that includes an outer pin formed from AISI-1060 Steel, an inner pin formed from AISI-12L14 Steel, and a pin cap formed of AISI 12L14 Steel. The outer diameter  352  of the lever catch pin  308  was increased by 28% (i.e., from 0.189 inches, to 0.241 inches). The spring cage  300  is formed from AISI-1008-CRS. The thickness  356  ( FIG. 12 ) of the spring cage  300  was increased by 33% (i.e., from 0.060 inches to 0.080 inches). The additional set screw  312  is a ¼-20 steel screw having a 0.25 inch diameter  360 . 
     To perform the 175 foot-pound locked lever torque test a force of approximately 175 foot-pounds is applied to the outer handle  52  after the outer handle  52  is fully rotated. With reference to  FIG. 12 , rotation of the outer handle  52  rotates a platform  358  until flanges  360  on the platform  358  abut bosses  364  positioned in the spring cage  300 . The bosses  364  inhibit further rotation of the lever  52  by inhibiting further rotation of the platform  358 . If enough torque is applied to the handle  52 , the bosses may fail and allow the platform  358  to continue to rotate. The increased dimensions mentioned above aid in the amount of torque the door lock  20  can withstand. However, if the bosses  364  fail before 175 foot-pounds of force is applied to the handle  52 , then the door lock  20  fails the test. To increase the amount of torque the door lock  20  can withstand before failure, additional features were added to the door lock  20 . More specifically, the shape of the spring cage  300  was designed to inhibit failure of the door lock  20  by inhibiting rotation of the spring cage  300 . The spring cage  300  is substantially circular except for the formation of two substantially straight side walls  368 . The side walls  368  are positioned adjacent the walls of the outer escutcheon  44  such that when a torsional force is applied to the spring cage  300 , the walls  368  of the spring cage press against the walls of the outer escutcheon  44  to transfer the load to the outer escutcheon  44 . 
     To perform the 10-blow vertical impact test, a force of 75 foot-pounds is repeatedly exerted on the lever  52  to simulate an intruder&#39;s attempt to gain access to the locking mechanism  180 . For example, a sledge hammer with a 22 pound head dropped from a height of 40 inches will impart a force of approximately 75 foot-pounds on the outer handle  52 . A finite element analysis (FEA) model of the door lock  20  was developed and analyzed for eleven simulated blows of 75 foot-pounds on the outer handle of the FEA model. The door lock  20  was strengthened as mentioned above by increasing the thicknesses  336 ,  340 ,  344 , and  348  of the outer handle  52  and the spring cage  300 . In addition, the outer handle  52  is formed from a stronger material (e.g., Investment Cast Steel ASTM A148). 
     The modifications listed above aid in the number of blows the lock  20  can withstand before failing. In addition, three escutcheon ribs  372 ,  376 , and  380  are included adjacent the spring cage  300  to further increase the strength of the door lock  20 , and to allow the door lock  20  to absorb additional force. The escutcheon ribs  372 ,  376 , and  380  are formed as one piece connected by an arcuate portion  384  adjacent the spring cage  300 . The escutcheon ribs  372 ,  376 , and  380  can also be referred to as inner walls. When a substantially vertical force is exerted on the outer handle  52 , the spring cage  300  presses against the arcuate portion  384  and transfers the load to the arcuate portion  384 . The arcuate portion  384  further transfers the load to the escutcheon ribs  372 ,  376 , and  380 . The escutcheon ribs  372  and  380  are positioned to substantially surround two bosses  392  formed in the outer escutcheon  44 . The two bosses  392  receive the load and transfer it to the escutcheon  44 . One load transfer path is defined from the outer handle  52  to the spring cage  300 , to the escutcheon ribs  372  and  380 , to the bosses  392 , and to the outer escutcheon  44 . A second load transfer path is defined from the outer handle  52  to the spring cage  300 , to the escutcheon rib  376 , and to the outer escutcheon  44 . In other constructions, a different number and shape of escutcheon ribs may be present to transfer forces from the spring cage  300  to the escutcheon  44 . 
     Thus, the invention provides, among other things, an electronic door lock that offers a key-in-lever feature. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.