Patent ID: 12241284

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1depicts an electromechanical lock10with a main housing12and a lock housing14. The main housing12has a base16, a motor and gearbox casing18, and a battery cover20. A locking element22operates linearly within the lock housing14. In this example, the locking element22is a bolt22. The lock housing14includes four mounting holes24that are used, as will be seen, to both affix the lock10to a furniture item or panel and to affix the lock housing14to the main housing12.

Referring now toFIG.2, the lock10is shown installed on a wood door26. The lock10can be installed on cabinets, doors, drawers, panels, cases, lockers, or other similar furniture or storage device. Four wood screws28extend through the mounting holes24of the lock housing14, through a set of coaxial holes30in the casing18(shown best inFIG.3), through a further set of coaxial through holes32in the base16, and into the door26to affix the lock10to the door26. The mounting holes24of the lock housing14can be countersunk. The bolt22of the lock10as shown inFIG.2is extended out from the lock housing14, which is defined as the “locked position.” As is known in the art, the bolt22can extend either behind a door frame or into a strike plate (not shown) affixed to the door frame to secure the door26relative to the door frame. As is further known, the bolt22can retract into the lock housing14, defined as the “unlocked position,” to allow the door26to open and close relative to the door frame.

Referring now toFIG.3, the components of the main housing12are depicted in exploded form. The base16and casing18in this example are fashioned of molded plastic and are held together via a snap fit. The battery cover20is likewise releasably attached to the casing18, but in this example it is held to the casing18via a screw (not shown) extending through a through hole34in the battery cover20and into an internally threaded receiver in the casing18. A spindle36extends upwardly from the base16.

A circuit board38is disposed within the base16and is sized and shaped to allow passage of the screws28and the spindle36. Power is supplied to the circuit board38via two batteries40, in this case two CR123A batteries, disposed within a battery compartment42in the casing18and through battery terminals44as known in the art. Of course, other sizes, numbers, or configurations of batteries can be used based on the application. As best seen inFIGS.3and3A, the circuit board38includes a microprocessor46, a BLE chip48, a first proximity switch50, a second proximity switch52, an RFID antenna54, an associated RFID chip56, and a capacitive sensor58and a capacitive sensor chip59, all of which combine, in part, to control operation of the lock10. In this case, the microprocessor46includes memory, but, as is known, separate memory devices, such as EEPROM chips, can be mounted to the circuit board38. In this example, the first and second proximity switches50,52are reflective object sensors, but other proximity switches can be used and will be known by those of skill in the art.

An actuator60is connected to the circuit board38and receives power and control signals via the microprocessor46. In this example, the actuator60includes an electric motor60, but other actuators, such as solenoids, could be used. The electric motor60includes a series of reducing gears62and an output shaft64. A first gear66and a motor cam68are both disposed on the output shaft64. The first gear66is not affixed directly to the output shaft64. Instead, the motor cam68is affixed directly to the output shaft64via a pair of set screws (not shown). The first gear66includes a lateral arch70extending out toward the motor cam68, and the motor cam68includes a complementary lateral arch72extending toward the first gear66. When assembled, the two lateral arches70,72overlie each other. A torsion spring74is disposed on the output shaft64between the motor cam68and the first gear66, and it has ends76that extend out and capture the lateral arches70,72. When the motor60rotates, it rotates the output shaft64and the motor cam68directly, and the motor cam68rotates the first gear66through the torsion spring74.

A rack gear78is disposed in the base16and includes a first set of teeth80that face upward and engage the first gear66. A rack support tray82is mounted to the underside of the casing18and includes a linear guideway84in which the rack gear78slides. Extending off one side of the rack gear is sensor target86, which interacts with the proximity switches50,52. The rack gear78further includes a second set of teeth88extending laterally. As can be readily seen, when the electric motor60turns the output shaft64, the rack gear80will translate linearly within its guideway84.

Referring now toFIG.4, the underside of the lock housing14is shown in exploded view. The lock housing14is defined by an upper shell90and a bottom plate92that are affixed together via two screws94, and the bottom plate92includes an access hole96. Within the lock housing14is the bolt22. The upper shell90defines a bolt guideway98and a bolt opening100. The bolt guideway98limits motion of the bolt22to linear motion, and the bolt22translates linearly through the bolt opening100between the locked position and unlocked position. The bolt22further includes a lateral slot102on its underside.

Also within the lock housing14is a bolt driver104. The driver104is an integral member comprising a drive gear106, a cylinder108, a flange extending radially outward110, and a drive cam112. The drive cam112includes a finger that extends upwardly into the lateral slot102of the bolt22. The drive gear106extends downwardly through the access hole96of the bottom plate92, with the flange110supporting the driver104from within the lock housing14against the bottom plate92. The cylinder108of the driver104is concentric with the access hole96of the bottom plate92, thereby defining the location and axis of rotation of the drive gear106. The drive gear106can include a center hole114that mounts on to the spindle36such that the spindle36functions as an axle.

FIG.5is a partial cutaway view of the lock10as the lock housing14is about to be mounted to the main housing12. The main housing12can include a receiver surface116with upstanding locator cylinders118surrounding the case mounting holes30. The cylinders118may provide an interference fit or snap fit into the through holes24of the lock housing14and positively locate the lock housing14to the main housing12. By placing the lock housing14onto the receiver surface116of the main housing12, the drive gear106is inserted through the access hole120and into the main housing12. The teeth of the drive gear106mesh with the second set of teeth88of the rack gear78. As can be seen, linear movement of the rack gear78will cause rotation of the drive gear106. Such rotation of the drive gear106will rotate the cam112, and the finger of the cam112, disposed in the slot102of the bolt22, will cause the bolt22to translate linearly within the bolt guideway98between the locked position and the unlocked position.

FIGS.6-9further depict how the rotational movement of the motor60causes the linear movement of the bolt22. To place the lock10in the locked position as depicted inFIGS.6and7, the motor60rotates in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed inFIG.6) to cause linear motion of the rack gear78. The linear motion of the rack gear78causes rotation of the drive gear106, and therefore rotation of the drive cam112. As the drive cam112rotates, the finger of the cam112, residing in the slot102within the bolt22, pushes the bolt22out to the locked position seen inFIGS.6and7. The motor60rotates to cause linear motion of the rack gear78until the sensor target86of the rack gear78trips the second switch52. At that point, the microprocessor46signals the motor60to stop rotating.

To retract the bolt22into the lock housing14as shown inFIGS.8and9, the microprocessor46causes the motor60to rotate the output shaft64clockwise, thereby pushing the rack gear78forward and away from the electric motor60until the sensor target86reaches the first switch50. This causes the drive gear106to rotate clockwise, and the cam finger pulls the bolt22within the lock housing14and into the unlocked position shown inFIGS.8and9.

While the previous figures depict the lock10operating in a forward direction, the lock housing14can also be mounted to the main housing12in a left configuration and a right configuration, as shown inFIGS.10and11, respectively, with the cylinders118engaging the mounting holes30. To reorient the latch housing14, nothing need be done except remove the lock housing14from the main housing12, rotate it to the desired position, and place it back down on the main housing12. The drive gear106will mesh with the second set of teeth88of the rack gear78no matter which of the three orientations is selected, and the lock10will be operable again.

Referring now toFIG.12, a second example of a lock housing130that can be used with the main housing12is depicted. In this example, instead of the bolt22of the first example, a locking element132comprises a push-to-close latch132that is disposed in the lock housing130. The latch132includes a ramped face134and is similar in function to well-known push-to-close latches.

As can be seen inFIG.13, the lock housing130includes a shell136, a base plate138, a latch opening140, and latch guideway142similar to the corresponding elements in the first example. Moreover, the driver104is the same as in the first example. In the second example, however, the lock housing130also includes a spring144biasing the latch132to the locked position, and the latch132includes a spring retainer146in which the spring144is mounted.

The latch132further includes a cavity148for receiving the finger of the cam112. The cavity148has a back wall150and a front wall152nearest the ramp134. The spring144biases the latch132toward the latch opening140such that the cam finger normally bears against the back wall150of the latch132.

FIGS.14-18depict how the rotational movement of the motor60causes the linear movement of the latch132. InFIGS.14and15, the motor60has driven the rack gear78forward, i.e., away from the motor60, and the cam112, bearing against the back wall150of the cavity148, has pulled the latch132toward the motor60and into the lock housing130to the unlocked position.FIGS.16and17depict the opposition situation, where the motor60has rotated the finger of the cam112fully away from the motor60. The spring144biases the latch132to maintain contact between the back wall150of the cavity148and the finger of the cam112, and it pushes the lock132forward to the unlocked position.

InFIG.18, the finger of the cam112remains in the same position as inFIGS.16-17. The latch132can be pushed by an external force, however, to be fully inserted within the lock housing130against the force of the spring144. Because the cavity148extends in a direction along the length of travel of the latch132, the finger of the cam112does not and cannot prevent the latch132from retracting to within the lock housing130. This is the common motion of a door latch, where the latch is extended out, and when the door is closing, the latch hits the strike plate and the strike plate forces the latch inward until the latch reaches the strike plate recess. The latch then extends fully into the recess of the strike plate, thereby securing the door in a closed position. Accordingly, the lock130of the second example allows for the common push-to-close latch.

FIGS.19and20depict third and fourth examples of lock housings that can be used with the main housing12.FIG.19depicts a lock housing160with a latch162that has ramp face164of its right side.FIG.20, on the other hand, depicts a lock housing166with a latch168that has a ramp face170on its left side. Aside from the direction of the ramped surface of the latches162,168, the examples ofFIGS.19and20are the same as the example ofFIG.12.

A second example of a lock200is shown inFIGS.21-28. This lock200, similar to the first lock10, includes a main housing202and a lock housing204with a locking element206comprising a bolt extending out from the lock housing204. The lock200includes countersunk mounting holes208for fastening to, for example, a door in the same manner as in the first example.

Referring now toFIG.22, an exploded view of the main housing202is shown. The main housing202includes a base210, a battery compartment212, and a battery cover214. The base210includes four internally threaded cylinders216, and the battery compartment212includes four through holes (not shown) through which screws218may mount the battery compartment212to the base210. The base210includes five mounting holes220which can be used to mount the lock200to a door. Four of the mounting holes220are coaxial with the mounting holes208of the lock housing204. The base202further includes a receiver surface222for mounting the lock housing204.

A circuit board224is disposed within the base210and is sized and shaped to allow passage of the screws218through the mounting holes220. Power is supplied to the circuit board224via, in this example, four batteries226, contained within the battery compartment212, and via battery terminals228as is known. Similar to the first example, the lock200can include a microprocessor, a BLE chip, an RFID chip and antenna, and a capacitive sensor and capacitive sensor chip (none of which are shown). The circuit board224further includes a head230on which a connector232in the form of a set of three spring strips232, is disposed. Although spring strips232are shown, other connectors232known in the art can be used. The spring strips232are in electrical connection with the microprocessor and can transmit power and control signals. The receiver surface222includes a recess234in which the head230is disposed.

Referring now toFIG.23, the lock housing204is shown, with all internal elements removed for clarity except a secondary circuit board234. The secondary circuit board234includes three receivers236in the form of three contact pads236, where each receiver236includes a set of three contacts238. The contact pads236can receive power and control signals via the spring strips232of the circuit board224. Again, although the receivers236are shown as contact pads236, other receivers known in the art able to create an electrical connection can be used.

The lock housing204further includes recesses240aligned with the mounting holes208, and the receiver surface222of the base210includes locators242aligned with the mounting holes220. The user can mount the lock housing204to the main housing202in any of the three directions by aligning the locators242with the recesses240. The contact pads236are configured such that the spring strips232will be aligned with and contact one of the contact pads236no matter if the lock housing204is placed in the left, right, or forward orientation. Note that the countersunk mounting holes208extend to the recesses240, allowing mounting as in the first example.

FIG.24is an exploded view of the lock housing204. The lock housing204includes a shell244, a cap246, and the bolt206. The shell244includes a bolt opening250on one side and has a bolt guideway252that limits the bolt248to linear motion. The shell244further includes recesses254on the other three sides that are shaped and sized to receive the head230of the circuit board224. And as further disclosed inFIG.24, disposed on the secondary circuit board234is a first proximity switch256and a second proximity switch258.

Disposed within the lock housing204is a support plate260, and on the support plate260is an actuator262. In this example, the actuator262includes an electric motor262, but other types of actuators, such as solenoids, can be used. The electric motor262is connected to the receivers236(not shown inFIG.24for clarity) on the secondary circuit board234, and therefore receives power and control signals via the microprocessor. An output shaft264extends out of one end of the motor262. Much like in the earlier disclosed example, a motor cam266is affixed to the end of the output shaft264and includes an arch268laterally extending toward the motor262. A cam driver270is also disposed on the output shaft264and includes a lateral arch272. The cam driver270is connected to the motor cam266via a torsion spring274in the same manner as in the first example. In this example, the cam driver270includes an arm276.

The bolt206includes a head278and a frame280. Extending off a first leg of the frame280is a sensor target282that interacts with the first and second switches256,258much in the same manner as in the first disclosed example. Extending off a second leg of the frame is a follower284for interacting with the arm276of the cam driver270. A spring286is mounted within the latch housing204and biases the bolt206to the locked position. Finally, a notch288is disposed in the bottom of the frame280.

A dead bolt290is further disposed within the lock housing204. The dead bolt290is constrained to only move vertically and is further biased in an upward direction by a spring292. The dead bolt290includes a pawl294that interacts with the notch288in the frame of the bolt206(which constrains it to vertical motion), while the dead bolt290itself interacts with the arm276of the cam driver290.

Referring now toFIGS.25and26, the lock housing204is shown in the locked position. The bolt206is extended out through the bolt opening250in the lock housing204, and the deadbolt290is shown extended vertically such that the pawl294is disposed within the notch288of the bolt206, thereby locking the bolt206in the locked position. The arm276of the cam driver270has been rotated to a position above the deadbolt290. Referring in particular toFIG.26, the sensor target282is disposed over the first switch256, thereby indicating to the microprocessor that the bolt206is in the locked position.

Referring now toFIGS.27and28, the lock housing204has been moved to the unlocked position. The cam driver270has been rotated counter clockwise approximately ½ turn. During the rotation, the arm276first contacts the deadbolt290and pushes it down such that the pawl294is released from the notch288in the bolt206, thereby releasing the bolt206to travel backwards. As the cam driver270rotates further in a counterclockwise direction, it engages the follower284of the frame280of the bolt206. As the cam driver270continues to rotate, it pulls the follower284such that the bolt206is pulled into the lock housing204until, as shown inFIG.28, the sensor target282has moved backward to the point it is over the second switch258. At that point, the microprocessor stops the rotation of the motor262, the bolt206is fully contained within the lock housing204, and the lock200is in the unlocked position.

To move the lock200back into the locked position, the motor262simply rotates in the clockwise direction again, and as the arm276rotates, the bolt spring286pushes the bolt206forward until the follower284bears on the deadbolt290and the pawl294rises up and inserts itself into the notch288of the bolt206under the force of the deadbolt spring292.

Referring now toFIG.29, another example of a lock housing300is disclosed that can be mounted to main housing202. Here, the lock housing300includes a motor302, an output shaft304, a support plate306, a motor cam308, a cam driver310, and a torsion spring312, the same as in the lock housing204.

In this example, however, the lock housing300includes a push-to-close latch314with a follower316and a sensor target318. A spring320biases the latch314into the locked position. Here, a post322extends down from the support plate306and interacts with the follower316of the latch314to prevent the spring320from pushing the latch314out of the lock housing300and retains the latch314in the locked position. As in the previous example, the lock housing300includes a secondary circuit board324along with first and second switches326,328. The secondary circuit board324further includes three receivers (not shown) as in the previous embodiment. And as in the previous embodiment, the lock housing300can be mounted to the main housing202in any of three orientations.

The operation of the lock housing300can be seen inFIGS.30-33. InFIG.30, the cam driver310has been rotated clockwise until it is above the follower316and has released the follower316. The spring320biases the latch314forwardly to the locked position. The post322(depicted inFIG.29, but not inFIG.30) blocks further forward movement of the follower316and retains the latch314in the locked position. As shown inFIG.31, the sensor target318is disposed over the first switch326, and the logic of the microprocessor directs the motor302to stop rotating. Again, the latch314can be pushed back into the lock housing300against the force of the spring320as in previous examples and is a push-to-close latch.

As shown inFIGS.32and33, the cam driver310has been rotated counter clockwise, and the cam driver310has pulled the follower316against the force of the spring320and into the lock housing300to the unlocked position. Upon the sensor target318reaching the second sensor328, the motor302ceases rotation.

A further example of the multi-directional lock340is depicted inFIGS.34-37. The lock340includes a main housing342and a lock housing344. In particular referring toFIGS.34and35, the main housing342includes a base346, a casing348, and a battery cover350. The casing348defines a battery compartment352housing two CR-123 batteries354that supply sufficient power to power the lock340.

Disposed between the base346and the casing348is a circuit board356. The circuit board356can include numerous of the same features as the circuit board38of the first embodiment. These features include a microprocessor, memory, a BLE chip, an RFID chip and antenna, and a capacitive sensor and chip, none of which are depicted inFIG.34or35for clarity. Also disposed on the circuit board356is a trio of receivers358a,358b,358c, that are sized and shaped to transfer current and control signals to the lock housing344. Each of the receivers358a,358b,358care in communication with the microprocessor. Finally, first proximity switch360, second proximity switch362, and third proximity switch364are also disposed on the circuit board356. Again, the microprocessor is in communication with the switches360,362,364. The casing348includes a receiver surface366that includes receiver access holes368a,368b,368cand first, second, and third switch access holes370,372, and374, respectively. As can be seen in bothFIGS.34and35, these access holes provide access through the receiver surface366to the receivers358a,358b, and358cand switches360,362, and364mounted to the circuit board356beneath.

Referring now toFIG.36, an exploded view of the lock housing344from the bottom is depicted. The lock housing344includes an upper shell376, a base plate378, and a bolt406translatable within the housing344between a locked position and unlocked position as described with respect to the previous examples. The base plate378includes four corner mounting holes380, and the upper shell includes four countersunk mounting holes382opposing the base plate378mounting holes380. Likewise, as shown inFIG.35, the casing348and the base346each include four mounting holes384,386as well that are coaxial with the mounting holes380,382of the casing346and the base348. As described previously, the aforementioned sets of holes are used to mount the lock340to a panel with threaded fasteners such as screws. The casing348also includes locator cylinders388surrounding the four mounting holes384as in the previous examples which are used to locate and mount the lock housing344to the main housing342in any of three directions as in the previous embodiments.

Base plate378further includes a connector access hole390through which an electrical connector392extends. In this example, the connector392is sized and shaped to mate with the receivers358a,358b,358c. Other configurations and structures for electrical connection will be seen by those of skill in the art. The connector392can contact and receive electrical power and control signals from any one of the receivers358a,358b,358cdepending on the orientation of the lock housing344relative to the main housing342. The connector392can be press fit within the connector access hole390or otherwise secured to the base plate378by any means known in the art. One of ordinary skill will understand that the terms connector and receiver are used herein interchangeably and cover corresponding structures that are used to connect to transfer power and/or data.

The base plate378further includes three access slots394,396,398, and the bolt406includes three proximity switch targets400,402,404that are disposed within the slots394,396,398, respectively, and slide within the slots394,396,398as the bolt406translates between the locked position and the unlocked position. The targets400,402,404interact with the switches360,362,364to signal to the microprocessor the location of the bolt406. In particular, the first target400will trigger the second switch362when the bolt406is in the unlocked position, regardless of the direction of the lock housing344relative to the main housing342. When the lock housing344is in the position shown inFIG.35, the first target400will trigger the first switch360while in the locked position. When the lock housing344is rotated to either the left or right direction as defined previously, either the second target402or the third target404will trigger the third switch364while in the locked position. The bolt406further includes a channel408defined by a front wall410and a back wall412that, as will be described later, aids in the translation of the bolt406between the locked and unlocked position.

The lock housing344further includes a motor support plate414to which an actuator416is mounted. Again, the disclosed actuator416includes an electric motor416, but other known actuators can be used. The electric motor416is connected electrically via wiring (not shown) to the plug392and can receive power and control signals therefrom. The motor support plate414further includes a receiving hole418, and the base plate includes a fifth through hole420, such that the motor support plate414is mounted to the base plate378via a threaded fastener422with sufficient spacing therebetween so as to not interfere with motion of the bolt406. The base plate378can further include a tab424, and the upper shell376can include a recess (not shown) for the tab424to help secure the base plate378to the upper shell376.

The lock housing344further includes a drive shaft426extending out from the electric motor416, a motor cam428, a cam driver430, and a torsion spring432which are constructed and operate similarly to the same elements disclosed inFIG.24. The cam driver430includes an arm434that is disposed within the channel408of the bolt406. Rotation of the cam driver430in the counterclockwise direction, as seen inFIG.36, will cause the arm434to bear against the front wall410of the channel408, thereby pushing the bolt406forward and into the locked position. Rotation of the cam driver430in the clockwise direction will pull the bolt406rearwardly and into the unlocked position. The bolt406can further include a cylinder436and a coil spring438mounted on the cylinder436that will bias the bolt406to the locked position, thereby aiding the translation of the bolt406. When the bolt406is in the locked position, the arm434bearing against the front wall410prevents any external force from pushing the bolt406back into the upper shell376.

The motor support plate414can further include two slightly countersunk through holes440that allow for two threaded fasteners442to fasten the motor support plate414to complementary internal holes444within the upper shell376. Accordingly, the base plate378is secured to the upper shell376via the tab424disposed in the receiver, the threaded fastener422between the base plate378and electric motor support plate414, and the two threaded fasteners442between the electric motor support plate414and the upper shell376.

Another example using a push-to-close latch system is shown inFIG.37. All elements of the embodiment shown inFIG.37are the same as shown in the embodiment shown inFIG.36, and the same reference numerals are used, except for the latch450. The latch450includes a follower452rather than the channel408disclosed inFIG.36, and it further includes a ramp face454. Accordingly, counterclockwise rotation of the cam driver430will cause the arm434to bear against the follower452and pull the latch450into the unlocked position. On the other hand, clockwise rotation of the cam driver430will cause the arm434to rotate away from the follower452, and the coil spring438biases the ramp face454out of the upper shell376and to the locked position. External force on the ramp face454can push the latch450back to the unlocked position against the force of the coil spring438, but when the external force is removed, the coil spring438biases the latch450back to the locked position, as is well known in the art.

The control of the opening and closing of the lock10will now be discussed. Note that while reference is made to the initial example of this disclosure, lock10, the mechanisms and process of controlling lock10is also applicable to every example disclosed herein. The lock10is fully self-contained, compact, and can be constructed in multiple ways for an end user to open and close the lock10. As disclosed above and as depicted inFIGS.3and3A, the lock10is mounted to a wood door26and includes a wireless electronic access by which a user can provide his or her credentials. In this example, the electronic access is provided through either the internal RFID reader, i.e., the RFID antenna54and RFID chip56, or the BLE chip48, but other wireless communication devices, such as NFC, Bluetooth, or other RFID device, can be used. The user can present his or her credentials via, for example, Mobile ID or RFID tag, and the RFID, NFC, Bluetooth or BLE reader will read those credentials and pass that information on to the microprocessor46. If those credentials match the credentials stored in the memory of lock10, the microprocessor46can direct the electric motor60to retract the bolt22into the lock housing14to place the lock10in the unlocked position, or vice versa.

In other variations of communication with a user and methods of a user presenting credentials,FIG.38discloses a lock500mounted to a door502with screws504. The lock500includes a user interface506in the form or a protuberance or boss that passes through a hole in the door502to expose a key slot508having three contact pins510and a lock status indicator512to the user. The lock status indicator512and the contact pins510of key slot506are connected to the main circuit board of the lock500to allow user to operate the lock500with an electronic key. The electronic key may have the structure and functionality as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,336,150 and 9,672,673, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in full. The status indicator512can be an LED light showing different colors to indicate the different lock status of the lock500. Of course, the user interface506can be in addition to the electronic wireless access described above.

FIG.39discloses a further example of a lock514mounted to a door516with screws518. The lock514includes an external operation device520mounted to an exterior of the door516and connected to the main housing522via a cable524. The external operation device520includes a key slot526, a status indicator528, and a keypad interface530. The user can operate the lock514by entering a preselected code on the keypad interface530, or inserting an electronic key to the key slot526, or by wireless access.

FIGS.40-42depict further examples of locks with communication devices that are useful, for example, on metal cabinets. As is known, RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, and BLE signals have difficulty passing through metals, and therefore when the locking device is mounted to, for example, a metal cabinet, it may be necessary for the wireless communication device to reside outside of the cabinet. Accordingly,FIGS.40-42depict a lock532with an NFC reader534mounted to the outside of a cabinet536and connected to the main housing538via a cable540.FIG.41depicts the NFC reader534with a port542for an electronic key, andFIG.42depicts the NFC reader534with a port542and a status indicator544as described above. The locks ofFIGS.38-42can be constructed as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

Referring now toFIG.43, a system of locks560and their control is depicted. Again, the locks560can be, for example, constructed as described in any of the foregoing embodiments. As noted above, each lock560can include a BLE chip48, and these BLE chips48can be configured to wirelessly receive credentials from users. Moreover, the BLE chips48can be configured to connect wirelessly to a remote controller562wirelessly. Although a BLE chip48is depicted and described herein, other structures and methods for wireless communication to the controller562are known in the art and can be implemented, such as WiFi or Bluetooth. Moreover, a fully wired connection to the controller562is possible. Finally, while the controller562is described as remote, it is remote in the sense that it is in communication with at least one other lock560. It is conceivable that the functionality of the controller562may be integrated with a lock560. The controller562should be disposed in a location that allows communication with the respective locks560.

The controller562can set the credentials for each lock560that will allow operation of the lock560via the credential input as described above. The controller562can limit operability of the credentials by allowing operation at only certain times of day, by allowing certain users to operate some locks but not others, a combination of the foregoing, and so forth. The locks560can also be programmed to transmit information to the controller562regarding time and date of opening and closing of the lock, identification of the user in each instance, remaining battery power, and the like. In some examples, the lock560can include a sensor to determine if door26is open or closed. Such sensor can be magnetic, optical, or the like placed on the exterior of the main housing12. In such configuration, this sensor can help determine forced entry of the door26, i.e., the lock560remains in the locked position, but the door26is forced open. When a forced entry is detected, the lock560can signal the controller562. The controller562can be connected to an audible alarm, which can be triggered upon receipt of a forced open signal.

The controller562can control further aspects to the functionality of the locks560. Accordingly, the controller562can direct any of the locks560to shift between the locked position and the unlocked position by communicating with the microprocessors. In further functional aspects, the controller562can set one or more locks560in a locked position, but require no credentials to shift the locks560to an unlocked position. Instead, a user can open the locks560by simply activating the capacitive sensor58. Thus, simply by placing his or her hand adjacent to a lock560, the lock560will shift from the locked position to the unlocked position. Other functionality can be built into the system such as that described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0033227, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in full.

The controller562itself can be connected to a cloud-based server564via an internet connection. While only one controller562, and one set of locks560, is depicted inFIG.43, it is understood that numerous controllers562, each controlling several locks560, can be connected to the cloud-based server564. As is further depicted inFIG.43, a personal computer566is connected to the cloud server564via the internet. While a personal computer566is depicted inFIG.43, any computing device, such as a tablet or a smart phone, can also be used. Moreover, although a cloud-based server is disclosed, other servers such as on premise servers can also be used.

Here, a manager can control all functionality of the locks560, including setting credentials for every lock560in the system, from any computer566connected to the internet. For example, via an application stored on the personal computer566or via a website, the user can communicate with the cloud-based server564to shift the locks560between the locked position and the unlocked position. The user can further update the credentials, and the cloud-based server564will communicate will, in turn, communicate with the controller562. The controller562can then communicate with the predetermined individual locks560to set the credentials and functionality as described above, such as determining which user is authorized to open which of the locks560, and at what times. Control of the locking devices may incorporate concepts disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,672,673, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Moreover, the controllers562can communicate with the cloud-based server564to provide it with any of the lock statuses discussed above, and the user, using the personal computer566, can review any and all of the data via the aforementioned websites or applications.

Again referring to lock10, but noting that the following disclosures apply equally to all locks disclosed herein, lock10further contains several features that allow wireless operation while minimizing battery drain. These features allow the lock10to be powered solely by battery and achieve a long operating life, with no requirement of being connected to a wired power source. As described above, the lock10includes a proximity sensor, in this case a capacitive sensor58, that can detect the presence of, for example, a human hand adjacent the lock10on the outside of the door via the interruption of a magnetic field. Other proximity sensors known in the art, such as photoelectric sensors, accelerometers, IR sensor, ultra-sound sensors, optical sensors, pressure sensors, eddy-current sensors, and the like can be used.

In a typical set-up, an electronic lock contains an active RFID reader, and the end user has a passive tag, i.e., a card, that maintains the user's credentials. The RFID reader continuously sends out interrogation signals to determine if a credentialed tag is nearby. If so, the interrogation signals further provide the energy for any tag in the vicinity. The tag receives the energy from the active reader and responds with the identification information.

As disclosed herein, however, the capacitive sensor58can minimize power consumption and allow for a fully contained lock10without need of an outside, continuous power source. In the disclosed embodiment, the lock10is typically in a low-power sleep mode, where the microprocessor46prevents the RFID reader from emitting interrogation signals. Instead, only the capacitive sensor58is active. Once an end user places his or her hand adjacent the lock10, the magnetic field generated by the capacitive sensor58is disrupted. The capacitive sensor58is thereby actuated and signals the microprocessor46, and the microprocessor46directs the RFID reader to begin emitting interrogating signals. The user's RFID tag then identifies itself, and, as usual, the RFID antenna54receives the identification, and the microprocessor46determines if the user has the proper credentials.

In a further aspect reducing power consumption, upon actuation of the capacitive sensor58, the microprocessor46of the lock560can initiate an interrogation of the controller562for any updates to the credentials of authorized tags. Upon receipt of the updated list of credentials (or lack of updates), the microprocessor46will authorize (or will not authorize) the opening of the lock560. Such information can be downloaded from the controller562to the lock560near instantaneously, occurring fully in the background, and an end user is not aware of the data transfer. Further, by limiting updates to the list of credentials to only the times that the capacitive sensor58is actuated, communications between the locks560and the controller562are minimized, rather than having constant polling by the locks560or multiple pushes from the controller562to the locks560.

Use of the capacitive sensor58in any of these manners can significantly cut power consumption of the system, and therefore significantly increase the lifetime of the lock10before battery replacement is necessary.

In the system disclosed inFIG.43, power consumption can be further reduced. As discussed above, a manager can control operation of the locks560by way of the personal computer566. In particular, the manager can control the capacitive sensors58of the locks560. Thus, the capacitive sensors58themselves can be limited to only be operable at certain times of day or certain days of the week. Further, it may be desirable for certain locks560to only be operable when specifically OK′d by a manager. In this instance, the capacitive sensor58can be inoperable unless and until a manager directs the capacitive sensor58to be operable by a command at the personal computer566. Only then will an end user's hand near the lock560activate the capacitive sensor58and allow the RFID reader to become active.

Referring now toFIGS.44-48, a lock600is disclosed with a main housing602and a lock housing604. The lock600can be, generally speaking, a modified version of the lock500ofFIG.38. The lock600is configured to mount to a door or panel606(seeFIGS.47,48) with a thickness generally corresponding to a wood panel606, the panel606having a through hole608, similar to the panel502disclosed inFIG.38. The lock600includes a base plate610that, when mounted, is in planar contact with an interior side612of the panel606. The lock600includes a user interface614, similar to the shape and size of the user interface506ofFIG.38, that is sized and shaped for insertion into the through hole608, although the user interface614may also be slightly frusto-conical to ease its insertion into the through hole608.

The user interface614may include a distal surface620on which a user terminal622is disposed. The user terminal622is connected to a circuit board616via flexible wiring618. The height of the user interface614may be sized such that the distal surface620is generally co-planar with an exterior surface624of the panel606. The user terminal622can include a visual indicator626such as an LED, as described above with respect to the indicator512inFIG.38. The indicator626, in one example, can visually indicate to a user the lock status. The indicator626may, for example, emit green light when the lock600is open and red light when the lock600is closed. It may also flash red and green lights at intervals to save battery power. The indicator626may further provide a visual indication of low battery power, such as a flashing blue light. The indicator626may provide other visual indications, such as programming status, improper access codes, and the like. Of course, other colors and patterns can be used.

In an alternative example, the user interface614can include an opening, and the indicator626can be a disk or chip that has a two-colored face—e.g., the indicator can have green section and a red section—disposed directly behind the opening. The indicator626can be coupled to an actuator such as a keep actuator, and only one section is visible through the opening to the user at a time. Depending on the lock status, the actuator can shift the position of the indicator626such that either the green section is visible, thereby indicting that the lock is unlocked, or the red section is visible. The keep actuator maintains the position of the indicator626without consuming any further power. The alternative example has the added benefit that it does not require any battery power except for shifting the indicator626between positions.

The user terminal622can further include a connector628, with structure and function as described above with respect to the key slot508inFIG.38, and is connected to the lock's microprocessor46. The connector628can function as a connector for data and power. In one example, the connector628can receive a key that can provide jump power to a lock600that is in a low-battery power state. In another example, the connector628can connect a key that provides an access code that operates the lock600, i.e., opens and closes the lock600. The connector628can further receive a manager's key that can set or re-set the access codes. The manager's key may also download from the lock600an audit trail of uses of the lock600, including user names, date, and time of usage. Of course, the lock600can also include a wireless reader for reading, for example Bluetooth, BLE, RFID, or NFC signals that provide the access code as described above.

The connector628can further take the form of any electrical connector, including those capable of transmitting power and data, such as USB-type connectors and Lightning connectors for Apple® products. In such a scenario, a user could connect his or her personal computer or mobile computer, such as a smart phone or tablet, directly to the lock600to program the lock600, operate the lock600, or download the audit trail or other information.

The exemplary locks500and600are well-suited to replace a standard mechanical cam lock typically installed on a cabinet or drawer. A cam lock is mounted through a hole in a panel. Typically, a key can be inserted into the cam lock from the exterior side of the panel, and the cam, or other locking element, can be rotated to and from locking positions on the interior of the panel via rotation of the key. When the cam lock is removed, the panel's hole is exposed. The user interface506of the lock500and the user interface614of the lock600can be sized and shaped to be inserted into the hole in the panel left behind by the cam lock when the cam lock is removed. Of course, for panels that do not have a cam lock to be removed, a manufacturer or user can drill out a hole in the door panel to receive the user interface506,614when mounting the lock500or lock600to the panel.

The user interface614of the lock600may further be adjustable laterally along axis Z-Z to account for differences in the backset of the cam lock hole relative to edge of the panel. Cam locks installed by a furniture manufacturer may have differing lengths of cam blades, and may be located in a panel with differing lengths to the panel's edge—i.e., the backset. Accordingly, the backset of the user interface614of the lock600may be adjustable to account for these differences in the location of the hole in the panel606so that a locking element630of the lock600can secure the panel606in a closed position when the bolt is extended. Moreover, when the locking element630is retracted, the panel606can open and the housing602will not interfere with the opening and closing.

The base plate610of the lock600includes an opening632in which the user interface614can be disposed. As best seen inFIGS.45&46, side rails634are disposed along top and bottom edges636of the opening632. Further, the user interface614is disposed on a mounting plate638having top and bottom edges640. Each edge640includes transverse recesses642that are complementary to the side rails634. When the mounting plate638of the user interface614is disposed in the opening632of the base plate604, and the transverse recesses642are disposed on the side rails634, the user interface614is slidable along axis Z-Z relative to the base plate610. Thus, as depicted inFIGS.47and48, the user interface614can be disposed in the hole608in the panel606, and the lock600can then be slid in either direction of axis Z-Z to the appropriate location and affixed to the panel606to adjust to backset of the lock600.

In a second example of a lock with a user interface having an adjustable location, a lock700is disclosed inFIGS.49,50, and51. As in the previous example, the lock700has a main housing702with a base plate704. The base plate704has an opening706with top and bottom edges708. The top and bottom edges708have a zig-zag profile, the zig-zags defining a plurality of receptacles710. And again as in the previous example, the lock700includes a user interface714having a mounting plate716. In this example, the mounting plate716has top and bottom edge718, with each edge718having a zig-zag profile defining a plurality of teeth720.

The zig-zag profile of the mounting plate716is complementary to the zig-zag profile of the opening706such that the user interface714can be placed into the opening706, with the teeth720being set in and engaging the receptacles710. Once the teeth720are set in the receptacles710, the user interface714is prevented from lateral movement in either direction defined by axis Z-Z relative to the base plate704. The user interface714can further be lifted out of the opening706and placed back in the opening706at a different location along the axis Z-Z in any one of the plurality of discrete locations defined by the interaction of the receptacles710and teeth720. The teeth720can be an interference or snap fit into the receptacles710, or the teeth720can slide into the receptacles710without a positive retention structure. Other structures that allow adjustment of the user interface614,714along axis Z-Z relative to the base plate610,704may be employed, such as affixing the user interface714to the housing702using fasteners or adhesives, rack and pinion gearing to adjust the backset, disconnecting the user interface614,714from the back plate610,704, and so forth.

In a further example, the height of any of the user interfaces described above can be adjustable. For example, and referring to user interface614for convenience only, the user interface614can be constructed such that distance of the distal surface620relative to the base plate610is adjustable to account for doors or panels606of differing thicknesses. Multiple different structural designs can be employed to achieve these ends. For example, the user interface614could be constructed as two pieces slidable relative to one another, with multiple detents for affixing the height. The user interface could be constructed as multiple pieces, including an externally threaded rotatable collar and an internally threaded post, such that one piece rotated about the other can extend or contract the height (not unlike a jack screw). Other designs and configurations will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

In another example, the lock with a user interface can be configured to be mounted to a door or panel made of sheet metal. Referring now toFIG.52, a lock750is disclosed with a user interface752. Sheet metal panels are generally much thinner than wood panels—such as the panel606disclosed inFIGS.47and48—and accordingly the user interface752can have a height that is shorter than the height of user interfaces614,714. Otherwise, the user interface752can be constructed in the same manner as either user interface614or user interface714or any of the alternative embodiments discussed above. In particular, as disclosed inFIG.52, the user interface752includes a mounting plate754with top and bottom edges756having transverse recesses758, similar to the user interface614. Of course, the mounting plate754of user interface752can be constructed as discussed in other embodiments herein.

The user interface752can have a “double-D” configuration. It is common for the through-holes in sheet metal panels for cam locks to be in the shape of either a ‘single-D’ or ‘double-D.’ A ‘double-D’ hole is generally in the shape of a circle on top and bottom, but has straight vertical edges on either side. A ‘single-D’ hole is likewise in the shape of a circle but has a single straight vertical edge on one side. The straight edges assist in preventing the cam lock from rotating within the hole when the user turns the key to operate the lock (which puts a rotational force on the lock). As is shown inFIG.52, the user interface752has a shape that is complementary to a double-D opening in a sheet metal panel or door. In other words, the cross section of the user interface752has circular sections760on top and bottom with straight vertical edges762on the sides. It is also commonplace and well-known to include a framing ring either around the opening in the panel or around the user interface752to finish the design.

In the examples ofFIGS.38and44-52, the locks500,600,700, and750affixed to the interior side of the door or panel, with the user interface506,614,714,752extending through the door or panel, may take alternate forms or structures. For example, lock600discloses a locking element630in the form of a bolt, but other locking elements, such as a cam or latch, can be employed. Accordingly, the lock mounted to the interior of the panel with the user interface extending through a hole in the panel is not limited to any form or structure of locking element630. Moreover, in another example, the locks500,600,700,750may comprise a single housing, with all components housed in the single housing, rather than separate main housings and lock housings. Further, the locking element may only operable in a single direction. Of course, the user interfaces506,614,714,752can be included on any of the multi-directional locks disclosed herein as well.

The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit its scope. Other embodiments and variations to these preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.