Patent Publication Number: US-9410350-B2

Title: Locking device with striking arrangement and automatic locking

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a locking device suitable for allowing or restricting access into an area or space. 
     PRIOR ART 
     Locking devices for restricting access into an area or space are known in the art. Locking devices usually comprises one or more locking elements, such as a bolt, a bar or similar, for denying the opening of a closing element barring an opening into the area, such as a door, lid, window, hatch or similar. The position of the locking element is controlled by actuation of a lock requiring a key, key code, key signal or similar to be operated. Generally, the locking element is arranged to engage a striking arrangement, such as a strike plate, provided in for example a jamb or in another closing element for holding the closing element locked and immovable. 
     One example of a closing element is a sliding door which opens and closes in a sideway direction relative to the opening that it covers, and with a normally straight, linear motion. The edge of the door leaf, inside which the locking device is normally provided, thus makes contact with a striking arrangement in a door jamb or in the edge of another door leaf with a straight movement, directly towards the face of the striking arrangement. In order to allow locking of the door the locking element is therefore provided with a hook-shaped part, in order to enable engagement with the striking arrangement. 
     One problem with this and other locking devices is that if the closing element for some reason becomes loaded, for example by people leaning against the door in an emergency situation, the locking element may become pressed against a surface in the striking arrangement so that frictional forces blocks the locking element from moving. Hence it may become very difficult, or indeed impossible, to unlock the closing element. In electric locks, having locking elements moved by an electric motor, this problem has hitherto been addressed by providing an oversized and overly strong electric motor, in order to generate the high forces needed to overcome possibly increased friction. This in turn gives rise to problems with power supply, connectivity, and available space. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One objective of the present invention is to indicate a locking device which is simpler and/or less expensive to manufacture. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to indicate an improved locking device adapted to allow an automatic lock function. 
     Yet another objective of the present invention is to indicate a locking device allowing a safer and/or a more secure lock function. 
     According to one aspect of the invention one or more of these objectives are achieved with a locking device comprising a strike member arranged to strike the striking arrangement upon closing of the closing element, and to actuate a lock state control mechanism to move the locking element into an engaging position in response to the strike member hitting the striking arrangement. Hence, when closing the closing element the locking element is automatically moved towards its engaging position. Thus it is not necessary to include an electric motor specifically for moving the locking element. This in turn leads to that it is not necessary to include electric cables for a power supply to the locking device, making installation of the locking device simpler, and decreasing the risk for electric faults and fire. The mechanical lock state control mechanism further allows a faster and more efficient locking operation. 
     The locking device is preferably adapted to restrict access into an area or space in cooperation with at least one closing element arranged to cover an opening or entrance into said area or space. The locking device is preferably adapted to be installed in association with the closing element, more preferably inside a door leaf. Alternatively, however, the locking device may also be adapted to be installed inside an immovable object being close to the closing element and/or to the opening into the area or space, such as inside a door jamb. 
     A locking element may comprise a bolt, a bar, or any other rigid or solid member able to make a fixing connection between a movable closing element and an immovable object, such as a door jamb, or to another movable object, which is then likewise immobilised by the fixing connection, such as a second door in a door pair. Preferably the locking element is arranged to engage with a striking arrangement in order to make a fixing connection holding the closing element immobile. The locking element may then engage either the striking arrangement in order to hold the closing element closed. An important point is that the locking element may engage with the striking arrangement for holding the closing element closed both in a locked state, in which the closing element is fully locked and needs a key, key code or similar to open, and in an unlocked state, in which the closing element is closed but may be moved either due to an opening operation by a user or by the application of an opening force, a function which is similar to the function of a latch bolt. 
     In one embodiment the state controlling mechanism comprises a lever having a first lever arm connected with the strike member, and a second lever arm connected with the locking element, and which arms are pivotable around a common pivot point joining the first and the second lever arms. Preferably the lever is adapted to transfer motion between the strike member and the locking element in order to control the position of the strike element dependent on the state of the strike member. Hence an efficient mechanical connection and communication is achieved. The strike member is preferably projecting out from the locking device in order to hit the striking arrangement. Preferably the strike member is then pushed in inside the locking device by the striking arrangement when the closing element is closed. The strike member is then preferably arranged to actuate the lock state mechanism to extend the locking element into its engaging position when it is being pushed in. 
     In one embodiment the state controlling mechanism comprises a spring connected with and arranged to transfer forces between the first and the second lever arms. Hence the relative positions of the arms may change, giving a slack in the relative positions of, and in the motion between, the strike member and the locking element. Thus one of the strike member or the locking element may move while the other remains stationary. This gives the advantage that during opening or closing of the closing element the locking element may begin to retract before the strike member begins to be projected. This also gives the advantages of reduced tolerance demands allowing a simpler manufacturing, and also a more robust and reliable locking device. The stiffness of the spring affects the maximum force with which the strike member may push out the locking element via the lever, and also the force resisting a retraction of the locking element when opening the closing element, when the strike member is still under pressure from the striking arrangement. 
     In one embodiment the locking element comprises an engagement surface adapted to engage with the striking arrangement, which engagement surface is shaped to generate a force when the closing element is being opened, which force acts to move the locking element towards a non-engaging position. Preferably the locking element is then in an unlocked state. Hence the closing element may be opened automatically when the locking element is in an unlocked, but engaging, state by simply moving the closing element towards its open position. Due to that the force for moving the locking element originates from the movement of the closing element it is not necessary to arrange an electric motor inside the locking device for actuating the locking element, giving the same advantages as stated above. 
     Preferably, the engagement surface is also angled so as to decrease any frictional forces originating from a loading of the closing element. Hence there is less strain acting on the locking element so that it is simpler to move the locking element towards its non-engaging position and to open the closing element in case of loading of the closing element. 
     In one embodiment the locking device comprises a spring arranged to press the striking member towards a protruding position. Hence it is ensured that the striking member is in a protruding position when the closing element is open and the striking member is not in contact with the striking arrangement. The spring is preferably simultaneously also arranged to press the locking element towards its non-engaging state, preferably via the lock state control mechanism. 
     In one embodiment the locking device is shaped to be installed in association with at least one sliding door. The locking device according to the present invention is particularly suited for being associated with sliding doors, which otherwise have been difficult to provide with satisfactory locking devices. Preferably the locking element then comprises a hook-shaped part comprising an engagement surface for engagement with the striking arrangement facing back towards the locking device. Since sliding doors are opened by sliding in a direction parallel with the extension of the door, it is advantageous to provide an engagement surface facing towards the door for hindering the opening. Another advantage is that a closing element provided with the locking device may easily be opened in case of an emergency situation, so that it is no longer necessary to provide an additional emergency exit door as is currently the case. 
     According to one embodiment of the locking device the locking element is rotatable around a pivot point between a first, engaging position, and a second, non-engaging position. Hence the locking element may more easily move from its engaging position to its non-engaging position. In particular, the locking element may move more easily in case the closing element (or locking element) is loaded so that frictional forces are created which could hamper the movement. Also, in case of sliding doors, it is easier to provide a properly shaped and angled engagement surface. 
     In one embodiment the locking device comprises a blocking mechanism arranged to, in a first state, block the locking element from moving towards a non-engaging position, and to, in a second state, allow movement of the locking element towards the non-engaging position. Hence the blocking mechanism may control the locked or unlocked state of the locking element by blocking or allowing its movement from the engaging position to the non-engaging position. Thus the blocking mechanism may also determine the locked or unlocked state of the locking device as a whole. Preferably the present state of the blocking member is controlled by operation of a user, such as by use of a key, key code or similar. 
     The blocking mechanism further ensures that the locking device remains locked even if the locking element is subjected to a strong force in the direction of its non-engaging state. The blocking mechanism further ensures that the locking device remains locked even if the locking element is subjected to a rapid succession of sharp blows, a tampering attempt known as knocking. This in turn ensures that the inclusion of an engagement surface as stated above is not detrimental to the security of the locking device. 
     According to one embodiment the blocking mechanism comprises a blocking member arranged to block the locking element from moving towards its non-engaging position by being positioned and held immobile in the movement path of the locking element. The blocking member may also be positioned in a non-blocking position, in which the blocking member admits movement of the locking element towards its non-engaging position. Such a blocking member may easily be moved between its blocking and non-blocking position with but a low force, such as from a solenoid, while still being able to block high forces subjected to it by the locking element. 
     According to one embodiment an engagement part of the locking element adapted to engage the striking arrangement and a blocking part of the locking element adapted to be blocked by the blocking element are arranged on opposite sides of the pivot point. Hence the blocking member may be positioned close to the outer wall surface of the housing of the locking device, which is normally the most stable and durable wall surface. Thus the blocking mechanism will be more hardy, and more difficult to break. 
     According to another embodiment the blocking mechanism may instead be connected with and arranged to move the locking element, and may comprise a slot formed on one link and a sliding element formed on another link and arranged to slide along said slot, wherein the slot is angled so as to block motion of the sliding element, and thus of the links and of the locking element, when the locking device is locked and the locking element is pressed towards its non-engaging state. 
     According to another embodiment the strike member may be provided with a bevelled surface adapted to hit the striking arrangement. Hence the locking device is arranged to be suitable for use in association with a hinged door. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED DRAWINGS 
       The invention is now to be described as a number of non-limiting examples of the invention with reference to the attached drawings. 
         FIG. 1 a    shows a locking device according to one example of the invention in a locked state. 
         FIG. 1 b    shows the locking device in an unlocked, but still engaging, state on the verge of being opened. 
         FIG. 1 c    shows the locking device in  FIGS. 1 a - b    in an unlocked and non-engaging state, in which the closing element is fully opened. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In  FIG. 1   a - c  the same locking device  1  is shown in three different operational states. The locking device is arranged in association with a movable object, in this example with a closing element  3  in the form of a door, arranged to cover an opening  5  into an area or space in order to restrict access to the area or space. The closing element is arranged to make contact with an immovable object, in this example a door jamb  7  lining the opening its closed state, as shown in  FIG. 1 a   . It should be appreciated that the locking device could be equally useful in other forms or configurations of openings, linings and closing elements. 
     The locking device comprises a locking element  9 , which is solid and rigid in order to be able to make a fixing connection between the closing element and the door jamb. In this example the locking element is arranged to engage with a striking arrangement  11 , in this example a strike plate, provided in the door jamb  7  in order to hold the closing element  3  closed in the closed position. The locking element  9  may thus be moved between an engaging position, shown in  FIG. 1 a    and  FIG. 1 b   , in which the locking element engages with the striking arrangement for holding the closing element in its closed position, and a non-engaging position, shown in  FIG. 1 c   , in which the locking element avoids engagement with the striking element  11  so that the closing element may move freely. Furthermore, the locking device may hold the locking element  9  in a locked state in its engaging position, shown in  FIG. 1 a   , in which the closing element is fully blocked from movement, and in an unlocked state in its engaging position, depicted in  FIG. 1 b   , in which the closing element is allowed to move if an adequate opening force is applied. 
     The locking device further comprises a strike member  13  arranged to strike the striking arrangement upon closing of the closing element, and to actuate a lock state control mechanism  15  to move the locking element  9  into an engaging position in response to the strike member hitting the striking arrangement  11 . Hence, when closing the closing element, that is, when going from the state in  FIG. 1 c    towards the state in  FIG. 1 a    via the state in  FIG. 1 b   , the locking element  9  is automatically moved towards its engaging position. Thus it is not necessary to include an electric motor specifically for moving the locking element. This in turn leads to that it is not necessary to include electric cables for a power supply to the locking device, making installation of the locking device simpler, and decreasing the risk for electric faults and fire. The mechanical lock state control mechanism  15  further allows a faster and more efficient locking operation. 
     In this example the lock state control mechanism comprises a lever  17  having a first lever arm  19  connected with the strike member, and a second lever arm  21  connected with the locking element, and which arms are pivotable around a common pivot point  23  joining the first and the second lever arms. The lever thus provides a mechanical connection and communication between the strike member and the locking element, and is adapted to transfer motion between the strike member and the locking element in order to control the position of the strike element  9  dependent on the state of the strike member  13 . In this example the first and the second arms are arranged on opposite sides of the common pivot point  23 . Thus, when the first arm is pressed in one direction, the second arm is pressed in the opposite direction, and vice versa. 
     The locking device comprises a housing  25  enclosing the mechanism of the locking device, and which is further provided with a front plate  27  arranged to face the striking arrangement. The strike member  13  is movable between a first position in which the strike member is arranged to project out of the front plate  27  in order to be able to strike the striking arrangement ( FIG. 1 c   ), and a second position in which the strike member is mostly pushed in inside the locking device and is more or less flush with the surface of the front plate  27 . The locking device further comprises a spring  29  arranged to bias the strike member towards its first, protruding position. During a closing operation the projecting strike member is pushed in from its first position towards its second position by the strike member hitting and making contact with the striking arrangement. The strike member then moves the first arm  19  backwards, leading to that the second arm  21  connected with the locking element is moved forwards and extends the locking element  9  from out of the locking device and into a hollow in the striking arrangement  11  for forming a fixed connection and engaging with the striking arrangement. During an opening operation the spring pushes the strike member towards its protruding position, moving the first arm  19  forwards and the second arm  21  backwards, and thus ensures that the locking element  9  is retracted towards its non-engaging position. 
     The state controlling mechanism  15  also comprises a spring  31  connected with and arranged to transfer forces and/or motion between the first  19  and the second  21  lever arms. Hence the relative positions of the arms may change, giving a slack in the relative positions of, and in the relative motions between, the arms and thus of the strike member and the locking element. During an opening or closing operation this allows that only one of the strike member or the locking element moves, while the other remains stationary, wherein the risk of the locking device becoming stuck due to the connection via the state controlling mechanism decreases. Otherwise, in the closed position, in which the strike member is forced into its second, pushed in, position, while the locking element is forced into its extended, engaging position, a stiff lever arm could lead to a deadlock between the locking element and the strike member. 
     The locking device is in this example shaped to be installed in association with a sliding door  3 . A sliding door opens and closes in a sideway direction relative to the opening that it covers, and with a straight, linear motion. The front plate  27  of the locking device thus makes contact with the striking arrangement with a straight movement, directly towards the face of the striking arrangement. The locking element is provided with an engaging part  33 , which in this example is hook-shaped, in order to enable a more secure engagement with the striking arrangement. The engaging part  33  is further provided with an engagement surface  35  facing towards the front plate  27  of the locking device, and thus towards the door  3 , for stopping the door from opening. 
     The engagement surface  35  is further adapted to engage with the striking arrangement  11 , and is shaped to generate a force when the closing element is being opened, which force acts to move the locking element  9  towards a non-engaging position. In this example the engagement surface  35  is angled slightly, so that when the engagement surface is pressed towards the edge of the striking arrangement, a force is generated which moves the locking element to move towards its non-engaging position. Thus the closing element may be opened automatically, at least when the locking element is in an unlocked, but engaging, state by simply moving the closing element towards its open position so that the engagement surface  35  is pressed towards the striking arrangement. The angle of the engagement surface also decreases any frictional forces originating from a loading of the closing element. Hence there is less strain acting on the locking element so that it is simpler to move the locking element towards its non-engaging position. 
     In this example the locking element is rotatable around a pivot point  37  between its first, engaging position, and a second, non-engaging position. Hence the locking element  9  may more easily move from its engaging position to its non-engaging position. In particular, this allows for easier movement of the locking element in case the locking element is under strain. In this example the engagement surface  35  is thus angled to generate a force which rotates the locking element to move towards its non-engaging position. 
     In order to allow locking of the locking element, the locking device comprises a blocking mechanism  39  arranged to, in a first state, block the locking element from moving towards its non-engaging position, and to, in a second state, allow movement of the locking element towards its non-engaging position. The blocking mechanism is preferably operator controlled, for example by a user of the lock, and actuable by the use of a key, key code, unlock signal or similar. 
     In this example the blocking mechanism  39  comprises a blocking member  41  arranged to block the locking element from moving towards its non-engaging position by being positioned and held immobile in the movement path of the locking element  9 , as shown in  FIG. 1 a   . In this example the blocking member  41  is connected with a solenoid  43  via a connecting arm  45 , wherein the solenoid may move the blocking member between its blocking position and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member  41  is positioned elsewhere than in said movement path, in order to allow movement of the locking element towards its non-engaging position. In this example the blocking member  41  is moved upwardly in the figures, in order to enter its non-blocking position as shown in  FIGS. 1 b  and 1 c   . The solenoid  43  is in turn controlled by an electronic control circuit (not shown) based on input signals generated by the user. 
     In this example the locking element further comprises a blocking part  47  of the locking element  9  adapted to be blocked by the blocking element  41 . The engagement part  33  and the blocking part  47  of the locking element are arranged on opposite sides of the pivot point  37  of the locking member  9 . Hence the engaging part and the blocking part will move in different directions when the locking element is rotated. The blocking part  47  is in this example arranged to move towards the inner surface of the front plate  27  when the locking element is rotated towards its non-engaging position in which the engagement part is retracted. The blocking member  41  is in this example arranged to be positionable in between the front plate and the blocking part of the locking member in its blocking state. The pivot point  37  of the locking element is then also provided at a location below the blocking member  41 . Since the front plate of the housing  25  is normally thick and durable to withstand tampering attempts, the front plate provides a stable counter-stay for the blocking member. The blocking member is further arranged to bear against the inner surface of the front plate for support in its blocking position. Thus the function and reliability of the blocking member is improved. 
     The blocking mechanism  39  and the blocking member  41  ensures that the locking device remains locked even if the locking element is subjected to a strong force in the direction of its non-engaging state. The blocking mechanism further ensures that the locking device remains locked even if the locking element is subjected to a rapid succession of sharp blows, a tampering attempt known as knocking. This in turn ensures that the provision of an angled engagement surface as stated above is not detrimental to the security of the locking device. 
     In the following the operation of the locking device in conjunction with the closing element and the door jamb will be described in closer detail. 
     In a locked state, as shown in  FIG. 1 a   , the blocking member  41  blocks the locking element  9  from rotating, so that if someone tries to open the door the locking element will remain in its engaging position and stop the door from moving. 
     In an opening operation and departing from  FIG. 1 a   , a user first generates a signal to the solenoid  43  to retract the blocking member  41  into its non-blocking position. Then the closing element  3  is opened, either by the user or by remote means such as by an electric motor, by being moved towards the right in the figures. The engaging surface  35  of the locking element  9  engages the striking arrangement  11  and generates a force in response thereto that forces the locking element  9  towards its non-blocking position, as shown in  FIG. 1 b   . Due to the provision of the spring  31  in the lever  17  of the lock state control mechanism  15 , the arms of the lever may move relative each other, so that the locking element may retract even though the strike member  13  remains pushed in. After the locking element  9  has retracted sufficiently to no longer engage with the striking arrangement  11  the closing element is no longer in contact with the door jamb  7  and the striking arrangement, and may open freely. The spring  29  presses the strike member  13  to project out of the front plate  27 , which in turn also affects the lever  17  to retract the locking element  9  in full, as shown in  FIG. 1 c   . Hence the mechanism of the locking device is operated by self generated forces in interaction with the opening motion of the closing element. 
     In a closing operation and departing from  FIG. 1 c   , the strike member  13  is in its projecting position and the door  3  is moved towards the door jamb  7  and the striking arrangement  11  until the strike member hits the striking arrangement. The strike member is then pushed in, which affects the lever  17  of the lock state control mechanism  15  to rotate the locking element  9 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 b   . When the door  3  is fully closed the strike member  13  is pushed in completely and the locking element  9  is extended into its engaging position and holds the closing element closed. The locking device is however still unlocked, and may thus easily be opened by applying an appropriate opening force on the closing element. 
     In a locking operation the user issues a control signal to the solenoid  43  to move the blocking member  41  into its blocking position, as shown in  FIG. 1 a   . The locking element  9  is then unable to rotate, wherein the closing element is locked. Alternatively, the locking device may be adapted to be locked automatically upon closing, wherein the blocking member  41  is always moved into its blocking position by the solenoid  43 . 
     The invention is not intended to be limited to the examples shown but may be varied freely within the framework of the following claims. 
     In particular the striking arrangement need not comprise a strike plate, but may simply be a surface arranged on a movable or immovable object cooperating with the locking device, and the locking device could be provided in association with a swinging door instead of a sliding door. The strike member could then be provided with a beveled surface in order to be pushed into the locking device more easily, and the locking element could similarly be provided with an engagement surface beveled in a sideway sense. The blocking mechanism need to comprise a blocking member, but could be provided by other means as described in this application or elsewhere.