Patent Description:
Electronic access systems are used to control access to secured areas, including but not limited to data centers, research labs, vaults, storage areas, and other types of enclosures. Some systems feature one or more latches, where each latch facilitates the unlocking and locking of a panel, door or other structure that controls access to the secured area. These latches sometimes include built-in user interfaces, or "readers", that receive an input from a user seeking to access the secure area. Depending on the type of input, the input may be converted to a signal and sent to a controller. If the user's input is accepted, the controller will send a signal to unlock each latch. Advancements in the area of electronic access systems are continually sought in the interests of performance, security, cost, and operability.

<CIT> for example discloses a cam lock assembly which comprises a lock unit, a locking mechanism and a cam, the locking mechanism operating for rotating the cam between open and closed positions thereof; and a separate electrically-driven lock control module connectable to the lock unit and cooperating therewith for selectively switching the lock unit between a locked state in which the cam is in the closed position and an unlocked state in which the cam can be rotated to the open position.

<CIT> describes lock where on the outer surface of a casing, a cam surface is provided integrally with the lever and eccentric with respect to the axis, and a rotating disk integral with the rotating shaft of the lever is provided on the inner surface of the casing. An engaging body is projected on the end edge of the rotating disk in a state orthogonal to the plate surface. A slide plate is provided which is slidable in the vertical direction of the inside of the box body and has a key step part which engages with the engaging body and prevents the rotation of the rotating disk at the end of the rotation of the disk body with the engaging body facing downward. A reed switch, a Hall element, or the like is provided at a corresponding position where the engaging body of the disk body stops downward.

<CIT> describes a motor-mount apparatus is provided for use with a motor-actuated cylindrical lockset that has a rotatable handle sleeve and a motor with a wire harness extending therefrom. The apparatus includes a motor housing adapted to lie within the rotatable handle sleeve and a plate having a support formed to include an inner surface, an opposite outer surface, an aperture extending therethrough, and a locking tab extending into the aperture. The locking tab lies in generally the same plane as the support and is coupled selectively to the motor housing to block sliding axial movement of the motor housing through the aperture and rotation of the motor housing relative to the support.

The foregoing summary and the following description will be better understood in conjunction with the non-limiting examples shown in the drawing figures, of which:.

Although the present disclosure describes and illustrates specific embodiments, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited only to the details and arrangements shown. Various modifications may be made to the details and arrangements shown in the present disclosure, and the full range of equivalents, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic access system <NUM> for providing controlled access to a secure area is disclosed. The system <NUM> generally includes a latch module <NUM> and a reader module <NUM> that is secured to the latch module <NUM>. Latch module <NUM> is configured for mounting to a panel <NUM> that provides access to a secure area. The panel of the closure is disclosed in <FIG>.

Once installed to the panel <NUM>, latch module <NUM> is operable in two different modes to control access to the secure area. In particular, latch module <NUM> is operable in a locked mode to lock a panel and prevent access to the secure area. Latch module <NUM> is also operable in an unlocked mode to unlock the panel and allow access to the secure area.

The reader module <NUM> is connected to latch module <NUM> by a sliding mechanism (such as disclosed in <CIT>) or fasteners, for example, Reader module <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having a hollow interior in which an authentication mechanism is at least partially positioned. The authentication mechanism may be, for example, an RFID reader that is operable to receive data from a user's RFID tag or transponder. Alternatively, the authentication mechanism may include a keypad, a biometric scanner, a card slot, or any other device that is known to those skilled in the art for either single factor or dual factor authentication. Further details regarding the reader module are described in <CIT> to Southco, Inc. , which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Referring now to individual features of the latch module <NUM>, latch module <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> defining an interior space for accommodating various components of the system <NUM>, and the handle <NUM> that is rotatably mounted to the front face of housing <NUM>. The handle <NUM> has an elongated body that defines a longitudinal axis <NUM> about which the handle <NUM> can rotate with respect to housing <NUM>. Handle <NUM> has an elongated portion <NUM> extending along and at least partially defining longitudinal axis <NUM> and a handle portion <NUM> for gripping. It should be understood that the geometry and structure of the handle portion <NUM> may vary, and could be round, for example.

As best shown in <FIG>, the elongated portion <NUM> is a rotatable member to which the pawl <NUM> is connected that is configured to rotate about axis <NUM>. The rotatable member comprises a sleeve <NUM> that extends from the handle portion <NUM>, a post <NUM> having male threads that is connected to female threads of the sleeve <NUM>, and another sleeve <NUM> having male threads that surrounds the post <NUM>. It should be understood that the rotatable member may vary from that which is shown and described.

Handle portion <NUM>, which is connected to front side <NUM> of housing portion <NUM>, can be manually operated to open the panel <NUM> when latch module <NUM> is in the unlocked mode. Handles in accordance with the present disclosure may take the form of an L-handle (as shown), a T-handle, a swing handle or other type of handle which can be manually operated to open and close the closure.

A latch arm or pawl <NUM> is fixed to the male threads of the sleeve <NUM> of the elongated portion <NUM> and is sandwiched between two nuts <NUM> such that the pawl <NUM> is configured to rotate along with the handle portion <NUM>. Pawl <NUM> is rotatable to a locked position when latch module <NUM> is in the locked mode, and an unlocked position when the latch module is in the unlocked mode. The panel <NUM> rotates along with the handle <NUM>. <FIG> show pawl <NUM> in the locked position. Pawl <NUM> can be rotated ninety degrees from the locked position shown to an unlocked position. It should be understood that the panel <NUM> engages with an opening to which the panel <NUM> is moveable attached. In the locked position of the panel <NUM>, the panel <NUM> is locked to the opening.

Referring still to components of latch module <NUM>, a cylindrical and hollow sleeve <NUM> surrounds the outer surface of the sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is fixedly mounted to housing <NUM> such that sleeve <NUM> does not rotate along with handle <NUM>. In other words, sleeve <NUM>, post <NUM>, sleeve <NUM> and pawl <NUM> rotate together with respect to the stationary sleeve <NUM>. A portion of the sleeve <NUM> is positioned within the housing <NUM>, and a portion of the sleeve <NUM> extends outside of the housing <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the top end of exterior surface of the sleeve <NUM> that extends inside of the housing <NUM> includes an outwardly extending cam-lobe shaped surface <NUM>. The cam-lobe shaped surface <NUM> is mounted within a recess to prevent rotation of the sleeve <NUM> with respect to housing <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the portion <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> that extends outside of the housing <NUM> has a non-circular and double "D" shaped outer perimeter that compliments the non-circular and double "D" shaped hole <NUM> in the panel <NUM>. The double "D" shaped hole <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a pre-sized aperture. Engagement between the non-circular hole <NUM> and the non-circular portion <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> prevents rotation of the sleeve <NUM> and the housing <NUM> about axis <NUM> with respect to the panel <NUM>. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other geometries are known to prevent relative rotation, such as any non-circular shape.

The exterior surface of the portion <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> includes two opposing flat portions <NUM> and two opposing rounded portions. The rounded portions include male threads <NUM> for receiving a nut <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG> only) for mating the sleeve <NUM> (along with the entire latch module <NUM>) to the panel <NUM> in order to prevent axial movement of the latch module <NUM> with respect to the panel <NUM>. In an assembled configuration, a washer <NUM> is sandwiched between the nut <NUM> and the panel <NUM>. It should be understood that the panel <NUM> abuts the underside surface of the housing <NUM>. The nut <NUM> is also referred to herein as a fastener.

The washer <NUM> has a top side surface facing the panel <NUM> and a bottom side surface facing the nut <NUM>. The washer <NUM> has a non-circular and double "D" shaped interior opening. In an assembled configuration, the flat side walls of the interior opening of the washer <NUM> are radially aligned with respective flat portions <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> and the hole <NUM> in the panel <NUM>.

The washer <NUM> includes an axially extending cut-out, depression, recess or channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> is radially aligned with the flat part of its double "D" shaped interior opening. The channel <NUM> is formed on the top side surface of the washer <NUM>. The channel <NUM> has a depth sized to accommodate the thickness of cable <NUM> that extend from the latch module <NUM>. The cable <NUM> is routed through the hole <NUM> in the panel <NUM>, between the flat of the hole <NUM> in the panel <NUM> and the flat side wall of the opening in the washer <NUM>, along the length of the channel <NUM> in the washer <NUM> and in a direction toward a connection point. The washer <NUM> prevents the cable <NUM> from becoming crushed between the panel <NUM> and the nut <NUM> that is used to connect the sleeve <NUM> to the panel <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a rectangular opening <NUM> extends radially through the wall thickness of the cam-lobe shaped surface <NUM> of the stationary sleeve <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is substantially aligned with the major axis A (see <FIG>) of housing <NUM>. The top end of the sleeve <NUM> also includes a blind opening <NUM> formed in the exterior surface. In the rotational position of the sleeve <NUM> corresponding to the locked state of the latch module <NUM>, which is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the openings <NUM> and <NUM> are radially aligned and register with one another to receive a locking end <NUM> of a lock bar <NUM>. The locking end <NUM> of the lock bar <NUM> prevents rotation of the sleeve <NUM> (as well as the entire handle <NUM>) when the end <NUM> is positioned within the openings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The latch module <NUM> includes various components for moving the lock bar <NUM> back and forth to accomplish locking and unlocking of the latch module <NUM>, and those components are positioned within the interior of housing <NUM>. More particularly, referring now to <FIG>, a motor <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM>. Motor <NUM> includes an output shaft <NUM> that is capable of rotation in at least one rotational direction. The output shaft <NUM> is non-rotatably coupled to a cam device <NUM>, such that the cam device <NUM> rotates along with the output shaft <NUM>. The cam device <NUM> includes two teeth <NUM> (see <FIG>) each having ramped surfaces, and a space formed between the teeth <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the cam device <NUM> and the output shaft <NUM> extend along axis C, which is parallel to and offset from the major axis A of the housing <NUM> by a distance D.

As best shown in <FIG> the lock bar <NUM> has a follower end <NUM> that is positioned adjacent the cam device <NUM>. The above-described locking end <NUM> (obscured in <FIG> by sleeve <NUM>) is opposite the follower end <NUM>. A central portion <NUM> extends between the follower and <NUM> and the locking end <NUM>. The lock bar <NUM> is configured to translate in a direction along the major axis A of the housing <NUM>. The width of the follower end <NUM> of lock bar <NUM> is greater than that of the central portion <NUM> of the lock bar <NUM>. The follower end <NUM> extends from the central portion <NUM> in a first lateral direction that is parallel to the minor axis B of the housing <NUM>, whereas the locking end <NUM> extends from the central portion <NUM> in an opposite lateral direction along the minor axis B. It should be understood that the minor axis B is orthogonal to the major axis A. The locking end <NUM> is aligned with the major axis A of the housing, whereas the follower end <NUM> and the central portion <NUM> are offset from the major axis A.

A hole <NUM> is formed in the follower end <NUM> and extends in a direction parallel to the minor axis B. The hole <NUM> is sized to accommodate a pin <NUM>, and the pin <NUM> is immovably mounted to the hole <NUM> by way of a friction fit, for example. The pin <NUM>, which is a cam follower, is mounted in the follower end of the lock bar <NUM>.

One end of the pin <NUM> extends from the follower end <NUM> of the lock bar <NUM>. That end of the pin <NUM> is engaged with the teeth <NUM> of the cam device <NUM>. Specifically, the end of the pin <NUM> bears on and meshes with the teeth <NUM>. The pin <NUM> constitutes a cam follower, whereas the teeth <NUM> constitutes cams that rotate to cause translation of the pin <NUM>.

The axis C of the cam device <NUM>, which provides the input force to the lock bar <NUM>, is offset from the major axis A. Offsetting the cam device <NUM> from the major axis A results in a latch module <NUM> having minimal dimensions along both major axis A and minor axis B. Accordingly, the latch module <NUM> has a small footprint as compared with other competitive latch modules. However, it can be envisioned that the aforementioned offset D could cause the pin <NUM> to become dislodged in the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, as best shown in <FIG>, the ends of the pin <NUM> travel in respective grooves <NUM> formed in the opposing sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and (optionally) slide along the sidewalls <NUM>. The sidewalls <NUM> and the grooves <NUM>, which extend in a direction parallel to the major axis A, prevent the pin <NUM> from rotating about an axis that is parallel to axis <NUM> and becoming dislodged.

The pin <NUM> and the lock bar <NUM> are biased by a spring <NUM> toward the sleeve <NUM> and the locked position, which is shown in <FIG>, One end of the spring <NUM> is mounted to a fixed point in the housing <NUM>, and the other end of the spring <NUM> is mounted to a flange <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the lock bar <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a circuit board <NUM> is fixedly mounted to the housing <NUM> and resides beneath the lock bar <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is mounted to the circuit board <NUM> and receives power from electronic components mounted to the circuit board <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> includes a clock, processor and/or controller for controlling operation of the motor <NUM>. A proximity sensor may be mounted to the board <NUM> for sensing the position of either the output shaft of the motor <NUM>, the cam device <NUM> or the lock bar <NUM> to understand whether the lock bar <NUM> is either in a locked or an unlocked configuration. The electronic components mounted to the circuit board <NUM> receive power and/or signals from a controller (not shown), which is remote from the system <NUM>. Specifically, a connector <NUM> is mounted to the bottom side of the circuit board <NUM> for communicating with the electronic components mounted to the circuit board <NUM>. One end of the cable <NUM>, which comprises a plurality of wires (for example), is connected to the connector <NUM>, and the opposite end of the cable <NUM> is attached either directly or indirectly to the external controller (not shown). The external controller delivers power and signals to the circuit board <NUM> by way of the cable <NUM>. Alternatively, the cable <NUM> may be omitted, and a wireless transmitter/receiver may be mounted to the circuit board for transmitting and receiving signals to/from the external controller.

As best shown in <FIG>, a second cable <NUM> extends between and electrically connects the reader module <NUM> to the latch module <NUM> to deliver power and signals between the reader module <NUM> and the latch module <NUM>. Specifically, one end of the cable <NUM> is mounted to a circuit board (or other device) within the reader module <NUM>, and the opposite end of the cable <NUM> is mounted to a connector <NUM> that is mounted to the circuit board <NUM>.

In operation of the access system <NUM>, the reader module <NUM> receives a user's authentication information in the form of a signal transmitted by the user's RFID tag, a combination entered by the user into the keypad, the user's fingerprint, etc. The reader module <NUM> transmits that authentication information in the form of a signal via the second cable <NUM> to the latch module <NUM>, which, in turn, transmits that authentication information through the cable <NUM> to an external controller (not shown). The external controller may or may not form part of the electronic access system <NUM>.

The external controller determines the validity of the authentication information. The external controller may utilize an open authentication method, meaning that an external data source confirms the user's identity. The external data source could be, for example, Microsoft Active Directory, an OAuth or an LDAP-compliant source.

If the authentication information is not valid, then the external controller transmits a rejection signal through the cable <NUM> to the latch module <NUM>, which transmits a signal through the second cable <NUM> to a processor in the reader module <NUM>. The processor transmits a signal to a visual and/or audible device, such as an LED, display or speaker, on the reader module <NUM>. The visual or audible device consequently displays or announces to the user that the authentication information is not valid. It should be understood that the visual and/or audible device may alternatively be provided on the latch module <NUM>.

Alternatively, if the authentication information is valid, then the external controller transmits a validation signal through the cable <NUM> to the latch module <NUM>. Upon receiving the validation signal, the processor and/or a controller on the circuit board <NUM> of the latch module <NUM> activates the motor <NUM>. Consequently, the output shaft of the motor <NUM> rotates by a predetermined rotational angle, which causes the cam device <NUM> to rotate, which causes the pin <NUM> (along with the lock bar <NUM>) to ride along the teeth <NUM> of the cam device <NUM>. The pin <NUM> translates along axis A in a direction away from the sleeve <NUM> and against the bias of the spring <NUM>. Rotation of the output shaft of the motor <NUM> may be sensed by a proximity sensor located on the circuit board, for example. The end <NUM> of the lock bar <NUM> withdraws from the opening <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM> (and, without withdrawing from the opening <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM>). At this stage, the sleeve <NUM> is free to rotate about axis <NUM>, and the user may rotate the handle <NUM> and the pawl <NUM> to the unlocked position.

After a predetermined time duration has elapsed (as determined by the processor on the board <NUM>, for example), the processor and/or controller on the circuit board <NUM> transmits a signal to cause the output shaft of the motor <NUM> to rotate by a predetermined rotational angle in either the same rotational direction or an opposite rotational direction, as detected by the proximity sensor, which causes the cam device <NUM> to rotate, which causes the pin <NUM> (along with the lock bar <NUM>) to ride along the teeth <NUM> of the cam device <NUM> and translate along axis A in a direction toward the sleeve <NUM> due to the bias of the spring <NUM>. If the opening <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is not radially aligned with the end <NUM> of the lock bar <NUM> (because the handle <NUM> is rotated in an open state), then the end <NUM> will bear on the outer circumference of the sleeve <NUM> by the bias of the spring <NUM>. More particularly, upon rotating the handle <NUM> from the open state to the closed state, the end <NUM> rides along the outer circumference of the rotating sleeve <NUM>. Once the handle <NUM> reaches the closed state, the opening <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM> becomes radially aligned with the end <NUM> of the lock bar <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> urges the end <NUM> of the lock bar <NUM> into the opening <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, thereby locking the handle <NUM> and the pawl <NUM> in the locked state.

The latch module <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure can be unlocked in response to instructions received from the external controller, as noted above. In addition, the latch module <NUM> includes one or more backup mechanisms for unlocking. Specifically, latch module <NUM> includes a key lock <NUM> as a backup mechanism. Alternatively, latch module <NUM> can include a different backup mechanism, such as a card slot, chip reader, or hasps for securing a standard or customized pad lock to the latch module.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the latch module <NUM> includes a key lock <NUM> that is disposed in an opening formed on a front face of the handle <NUM>. The key lock <NUM> is operable to rotate from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation to manually move the lock bar <NUM> to the unlocked position. The key lock <NUM> includes a mechanical lock cylinder adapted to receive a key to rotate the key lock to the unlocked orientation and thereby move the lock bar <NUM> to the unlocked condition. In this arrangement, the key lock <NUM> can be used to unlock latch module <NUM> when the controller or other components of the electronic access system are disabled.

In operation, upon inserting the proper key into the mechanical lock cylinder of the key lock <NUM> and rotating the key in the lock cylinder, a post <NUM> at the lower end of the mechanical lock cylinder rotates along with the body of the lock cylinder. Rotation of the post <NUM> cause a plate <NUM> to translate toward the end <NUM> of the lock bar <NUM> and translate the end <NUM> out of the opening <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM> (and, without withdrawing from the opening <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM>). At this stage, the sleeve <NUM> is free to rotate about axis <NUM>, and the user may rotate the handle <NUM> and the pawl <NUM> to the unlocked position.

In one exemplary use of the access system <NUM>, the access system <NUM> may be applied to an enclosure. Details of one example of an enclosure are described in <CIT>, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The enclosure may have a housing defining an opening. A moveable panel may be mounted to the housing and movable between an open position in which the moveable panel does not conceal the opening and a closed position in which the moveable panel conceals the opening. The moveable panel may be in the form of a door or drawer, for example, The access system <NUM> is fixed to the moveable panel. The latch module <NUM> of the access system <NUM> is configured to alternately lock and unlock the panel with respect to the housing while the panel is maintained in the closed position.

Latch modules and reader modules shown and described herein have a number of aesthetic and ornamental features that are not dictated by function or purpose. These aesthetic and ornamental features, which can be varied and changed without affecting the function or purpose of the latch modules and reader modules, include but are not limited to, the shape, color, surface texture, relative dimensions, opacity, transparency, translucency, and light intensity, where applicable, of the latch module alone, or the reader module alone, the latch module and reader module when assembled.

Claim 1:
A latch module (<NUM>) for an electronic access system that provides controlled access to a secure area, the latch module (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) defining an interior space;
a motor (<NUM>) positioned within the interior space of the housing (<NUM>), the motor (<NUM>) having an output shaft extending along a first axis;
a lock bar (<NUM>) coupled to the motor (<NUM>), positioned within the interior space of the housing (<NUM>), and extending along a second axis offset from and parallel to the first axis, the lock bar (<NUM>) being configured to translate from a retracted position to an extended position along the second axis by action of the motor (<NUM>);
a rotatable member (<NUM>) that is rotatably coupled to the housing (<NUM>), the rotatable member (<NUM>) having an opening formed in an exterior surface thereof, the opening being sized to receive a locking end (<NUM>) of the lock bar (<NUM>) in the retracted position of the lock bar (<NUM>), wherein the locking end (<NUM>) of the lock bar (<NUM>) extends along the second axis that is parallel to and offset from the first axis; and
a pawl (<NUM>) either mounted to or extending from the rotatable member (<NUM>), the pawl (<NUM>) being moveable between a locked position to prevent access to the secured area and an unlocked position to permit access to the secured area, wherein the pawl (<NUM>) is in the locked position when the locking end (<NUM>) of the lock bar (<NUM>) is positioned within the opening of the rotatable member (<NUM>);
wherein the lock bar (<NUM>) prevents rotation of the rotatable member (<NUM>) when the lock bar (<NUM>) is in the locked position, thereby preventing movement of the pawl (<NUM>) from the locked position to the unlocked position;
wherein the lock bar (<NUM>) permits rotation of the rotatable member (<NUM>) when the motor (<NUM>) is activated to move the lock bar (<NUM>) to the retracted position, thereby permitting movement of the pawl (<NUM>) from the locked position to the unlocked position;
a cam non-rotatably connected to the output shaft of the motor (<NUM>), the cam having at least one tooth (<NUM>) having a curved surface; and
a pin (<NUM>) fixed to the lock bar (<NUM>), the pin (<NUM>) being meshed with the at least one tooth (<NUM>) of the cam such that rotation of the cam causes translation of the pin (<NUM>) and lock bar (<NUM>) with respect to the opening of the rotatable member (<NUM>).