Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a lock assembly. 
         [0002]    The invention has been developed primarily for use with an electrically controllable and electrically powered mortice lock and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular use and is also suitable for use in other types of locks, such as surface mounted locks. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Electrically controllable and/or electrically powered locks are known. Such locks must be set to operate as either fail safe or fail secure. A fail safe lock automatically reverts to an unlocked state when its power supply is interrupted, for example during a power failure. A fail secure lock automatically reverts to a locked state when its power supply is interrupted. 
         [0004]    One disadvantage of such known locks is that, when set to operate as fail safe, they are o unable to be used to lock the door in the absence of power. This requires a security guard or a separate manual lock to secure the door until power is returned. 
         [0005]    Another disadavantage of such locks is, when set to operate as fail secure, they are unable to be used to unlock the door in the absence of power. Door opening is then only possible using a key operated latch retract function. However, this only temporarily unlatches the door whilst the key is pivoted by a user and the door returns to locked in the absence of same. This is inconvenient as it departs from the normal operation of a door and can present a safety issue as only key holders can open the door. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate the above disadvantage, and/or to provide an alternative. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a lock assembly including:
       a lock bolt movable between a latching position and an unlatching position;   a first hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a first handle;   a first electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly being connectable to a first power source; and   a first manually driven assembly adapted for selectively preventing or allowing to transmission of power from the first power source to the first electrically powered hub locker assembly.       
 
         [0012]    The lock assembly preferably includes a housing and the lock bolt, the first hub, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly and the first manually driven assembly are mounted within the housing. 
         [0013]    The first manually driven assembly is preferably driven by a key or a turn button. 
         [0014]    In one form, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is adapted for powered driving in a first direction to a first position and biased driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position, wherein the first electrically powered hub locker assembly remains at, or returns to, the second position when the first manually driven assembly is driven to prevent transmission of power to the first electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0015]    In another form, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is adapted for powered driving in a first direction to a first position and powered driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position, wherein the electrically powered hub locker assembly remains at the position it was occupying when the first manually driven assembly is driven to prevent transmission of power to the first electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0016]    The lock assembly preferably includes: 
         [0017]    a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle, 
         [0018]    wherein the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle. 
         [0019]    The lock assembly preferably includes: 
         [0020]    a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle; and 
         [0021]    a second electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly being connectable to the first power source, 
         [0022]    wherein the first manually driven assembly is adapted for selectively preventing or allowing transmission of power from the first power source to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0023]    The lock assembly preferably includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle; and   a second electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly being connectable to a second power source,   wherein the first manually driven assembly is adapted for selectively preventing or allowing transmission of power from the second power source to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly.       
 
         [0027]    In one form, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly is adapted for powered driving in a first direction to a first position and biased driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position, wherein the second electrically powered hub locker assembly remains at, or returns to, the second position when the first manually driven assembly is driven to prevent transmission of power to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0028]    In another form, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly is adapted for powered driving in a first direction to a first position and powered driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position, wherein the second electrically powered hub locker assembly remains at The position it was occupying when the first manually driven assembly is driven to prevent transmission of power to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0029]    The lock assembly preferably includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle;   a second electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly, being connectable to a second power source; and   a second manually driven assembly adapted for selectively preventing or allowing transmission of power from the second power source to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly.       
 
         [0033]    The second hub and the second electrically powered hub locker assembly are preferably also mounted within the housing. 
         [0034]    The second manually driven assembly is preferably driven by a key or a turn button. 
         [0035]    In one form, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly is adapted for powered driving in a first direction to a first position and biased driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position, wherein the second electrically powered hub locker assembly remains at, or returns to, the second position when the second manually driven assembly is driven to prevent transmission of power to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0036]    In another form, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly is adapted for powered driving in a first direction to a first position and powered driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position, wherein the second electrically powered hub locker assembly remains at the position it was occupying when the second manually driven assembly is driven to prevent transmission of power to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0037]    The first manually driven assembly is preferably adapted for moving the first electrically powered hub locker assembly from:
       a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle to a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle; or   a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle to a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle.       
 
         [0040]    The lock assembly preferably includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle,   wherein the first manually driven assembly is preferably adapted for moving the first electrically powered hub locker assembly from:
           a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle; or   a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle.   
               
 
         [0045]    The first electrically powered hub locker assembly preferably remains in the position it is moved to by the manual operation of the first manually driven assembly until subsequently acted upon by further manual operation of the first manually driven assembly. 
         [0046]    The lock assembly preferably includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle;   a second electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle, and   wherein the first manually driven assembly is adapted for moving the second electrically powered hub locker assembly from:
           a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle; or   a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle.   
               
 
         [0052]    The second electrically powered hub locker assembly preferably remains in the position it is moved to by the manual operation of the first manually driven assembly until is subsequently acted upon by further manual operation of the first manually driven assembly. 
         [0053]    The lock assembly preferably includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle;   a second electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle; and   a second manually driven assembly adapted for moving the second electrically powered hub locker assembly from:
           a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle; or   a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle.   
               
 
         [0059]    The second electrically powered hub locker assembly preferably remains in the position it is moved to by the manual operation of the second manually driven assembly until subsequently acted upon by further manual operation of the second manually driven assembly. 
         [0060]    The first electrically powered hub locker assembly preferably includes a first driver in the form of a solenoid, a motor, a gravity driven device, a spring, an elastic band, a magnetic force, an electromagnetic force, an electrostatic force or any other force supplying or storage means. 
         [0061]    The first driver is preferably an electrically powered pull type solenoid with a spring to biased return. Alternatively, the first driver is an electrically powered push type solenoid with a spring biased return. Further alternatively, the first driver is an electrically powered double keep type solenoid. 
         [0062]    The second electrically powered hub locker assembly preferably includes a second driver in the form of a solenoid, a motor, a gravity driven device, a spring, an elastic band, a magnetic force, an electromagnetic force, an electrostatic force or any other force supplying or storage means. 
         [0063]    The second driver is preferably an electrically powered pull type solenoid with a spring biased return. Alternatively, the second driver is an electrically powered push type solenoid with a spring biased return. Further alternatively, the second driver is an electrically powered double keep type solenoid. 
         [0064]    The first manually driven assembly preferably includes a first engagement means settable in a first position engaging the first electrically powered hub locker assembly or in a second position not engaging the first electrically powered hub locker assembly, wherein movement of the first manually driven assembly whilst the first engagement means is in the first position causes movement in the first electrically powered hub locker assembly. The first engagement means is preferably slidable between the first position and the second position, most preferably in a direction parallel to the movement of the lock bolt. 
         [0065]    The lock assembly preferably includes a front face with a first opening for providing access to the first engagement means. The first engagement means is preferably a first slidable block. The first slidable block preferably engages the first driven part in the first position and does not engage the first driven part in the second position. 
         [0066]    The first manually driven assembly preferably includes a second engagement means settable in a first position engaging the second electrically powered hub locker assembly or in a second position not engaging the second electrically powered hub locker assembly, wherein movement of the first manually driven assembly whilst the second engagement means is in the first position causes movement in the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. The second engagement means is preferably slidable between the first position and the second position, most preferably in a direction parallel to the movement of the lock bolt. The lock assembly preferably includes a front face with a second opening for providing access to the second engagement means. The second engagement means is preferably a second slidable block. The second slidable block preferably engages the second driven part in the first position and does not engage the second driven part in the second position. 
         [0067]    The second manually driven assembly preferably includes a second engagement means settable in a first position engaging the second electrically powered hub locker assembly or in a second position not engaging the second electrically powered hub locker assembly, wherein movement of the second manually driven assembly whilst the second engagement means is in the first position causes movement in the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. The second engagement means is preferably slidable between the first position and the second position, most preferably in a direction parallel to the movement of the lock bolt. The lock assembly preferably includes a front face with a second opening for providing access to the second engagement means. The second engagement means is preferably a second slidable block. The second slidable block preferably engages the second driven part in the first position and does not engage the second driven part in the second position. 
         [0068]    In a second aspect, the present invention provides a lock assembly including:
       a lock bolt movable between a latching position and an unlatching position;   a first hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a first handle;   a first electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle; and   a first manually driven assembly adapted for moving the first electrically powered hub locker assembly from:
           a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle to a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle; or   a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle to a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle.   
               
 
         [0075]    The lock assembly preferably includes a housing and the lock bolt, the first hub, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly and the first manually driven assembly are mounted within the housing. 
         [0076]    The first manually driven assembly is preferably driven by a key or a turn button. 
         [0077]    The first electrically powered hub locker assembly preferably remains in the position it is moved to by the manual operation of the first manually driven assembly until subsequently acted upon by further manual operation of the first manually driven assembly. 
         [0078]    The lock assembly preferably includes
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle,   wherein the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle, and   the first manually driven assembly is adapted for moving the first electrically powered hub locker assembly from:
           a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle; or   a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle.   
               
 
         [0084]    In one form, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is preferably adapted for powered driving in a first direction and biased driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first manually driven assembly is adapted for driving all or part of the first electrically powered driver assembly in the first direction or the second direction. 
         [0085]    In another form, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is preferably adapted for powered driving in a first direction and powered driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first manually driven assembly is adapted for driving all or part of the first electrically powered driver assembly in the first direction or the second direction. 
         [0086]    The lock assembly preferably includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle;   a second electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle; and   a second manually driven assembly adapted for moving the second electrically powered hub locker assembly from:
           a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle; or   a position allowing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle to a position preventing movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle.   
               
 
         [0092]    The second hub and the second electrically powered hub locker assembly are preferably also mounted within the housing. 
         [0093]    The second manually driven assembly is preferably driven by a key or a turn button. 
         [0094]    In one form, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly is preferably adapted for powered driving in a first direction and biased driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the second manually driven assembly is adapted for driving all or part of the second electrically powered driver assembly in the first direction or the second direction. 
         [0095]    In another form, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly is preferably adapted for powered driving in a first direction and powered driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the second manually driven assembly is adapted to for driving all or part of the second electrically powered driver assembly in the first direction or the second direction. 
         [0096]    The first electrically powered hub locker assembly preferably includes a first driver in the form of a solenoid, a motor, a gravity driven device, a spring, an elastic band, a magnetic force, an electromagnetic force, an electrostatic force or any other force supplying or storage means. 
         [0097]    The first driver is preferably an electrically powered pull type solenoid with a spring biased return. Alternatively, the first driver is an electrically powered push type solenoid with a spring biased return. Further alternatively, the first driver is an electrically powered double keep type solenoid. 
         [0098]    The second electrically powered hub locker assembly preferably includes a second driver in the form of a solenoid, a motor, a gravity driven device, a spring, an elastic band, a magnetic force, an electromagnetic force, an electrostatic force or any other force supplying or storage means. 
         [0099]    The second driver is preferably an electrically powered pull type solenoid with a spring biased return. Alternatively, the second driver is an electrically powered push type solenoid with a spring biased return. Further alternatively, the second driver is an electrically powered double keep type solenoid. 
         [0100]    The first manually driven assembly preferably includes a first engagement means settable in a first position engaging the first electrically powered hub locker assembly or in a second position not engaging the first electrically powered hub locker assembly, wherein movement of the first manually driven assembly whilst the first engagement means is in the first position causes movement in the first electrically powered hub locker assembly. The first engagement means is preferably slidable between the first position and the second position, most preferably in a direction parallel to the movement of the lock bolt. The lock assembly preferably includes a front face with a first opening for providing access to the first engagement means. The first engagement means is preferably a first slidable block. The first slidable block preferably engages the first driven part in the first position and does not engage the first driven part in the second position. 
         [0101]    The first manually driven assembly preferably includes a first engagement means settable in a first position engaging the second electrically powered hub locker assembly or in a second position not engaging the second electrically powered hub locker assembly, wherein movement of the first manually driven assembly whilst the first engagement means is in the first position causes movement in the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. The first engagement means is preferably slidable between the first position and the second position, most preferably in a direction parallel to the movement of the lock bolt. The lock assembly preferably includes a front face with a first opening for providing access to the first engagement means. The first engagement means is preferably a first slidable block. The first slidable block preferably enagages the first driven part in the first position and does not engage the first driven part in the second position. 
         [0102]    The second manually driven assembly preferably includes a first engagement means settable in a first position engaging the second electrically powered hub locker assembly or in a second position not engaging the second electrically powered hub locker assembly, wherein movement of the second manually driven assembly whilst the first engagement means is in the first position causes movement in the second electrically powered hub locker assembly. The first engagement means is preferably slidable between the first position and the second position, most preferably in a direction parallel to the movement of the lock bolt. The lock assembly preferably includes a front face with a first opening for providing access to the first engagement means. The first engagement means is preferably a first slidable block. The first slidable block preferably engages the first driven part in the first position and does not engage the first driven part in the second position. 
         [0103]    The first electrically powered hub locker assembly is preferably connectable to a first power source and the first manually driven assembly is adapted for selectively preventing or allowing transmission of power from the first power source to the first electrically powered hub locker assembly. The lock assembly preferably includes a first controller between the first power source and the first electrically powered hub locker assembly, wherein the first manually driven assembly is adapted for altering the first controller from an energising configuration, allowing power to be transmitted from the power source to the first electrically powered hub locker assembly, to a de-energising configuration, preventing power from being transmitted from the power source to the first electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0104]    In one form, the lock assembly includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle,   wherein the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle.       
 
         [0107]    In another form, the lock assembly includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle; and   a second electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly being connectable to the first power source,   wherein the first manually driven assembly is adapted for selectively preventing or allowing transmission of power from the first power source to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly.       
 
         [0111]    In a further form, the lock assembly includes:
       a second hub adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a second handle;   a second electrically powered hub locker assembly positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the second handle, the second electrically powered hub locker assembly being connectable to a second power source; and   a second manually driven assembly adapted for selectively preventing or allowing transmission of power from the second power source to the second electrically powered hub locker assembly.       
 
         [0115]    In one form, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is adapted for powered driving in a first direction to a first position and biased driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position, wherein the first electrically powered hub locker assembly remains at, or returns to, the second position when the manually driven assembly is driven to prevent transmission of power to the first electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
         [0116]    In another form, the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is adapted for powered driving in a first direction to a first position and powered driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a second position, wherein the first electrically powered hub locker assembly remains at the position it was occupying when the manually driven assembly is driven to prevent transmission of power to the first electrically powered hub locker assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0117]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of an examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0118]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lock assembly; 
           [0119]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lock assembly shown in  FIG. 1  with the side cover removed, set to fail secure and not energised/locked; 
           [0120]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lock assembly shown in  FIG. 2 , with the faceplate removed; 
           [0121]      FIG. 4  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 2  with bolts retracted via key override; 
           [0122]      FIG. 5  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 2  modified to operate a key operated manual override function, and the key operated manual override function activated to override the first locked electrically powered hub locker assembly, unlocking the first hub and allow rotation thereof; 
           [0123]      FIG. 6  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 5  with the first hub rotated and the bolts retracted; 
           [0124]      FIG. 7  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 2  with the key operated manual override function deactivated; 
           [0125]      FIG. 8  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 7  set to fail safe and not energised/unlocked; 
           [0126]      FIG. 9  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 8  with the key operated manual override function activated to override the unlocked first electrically powered hub locker assembly, locking the first hub and preventing rotation thereof; 
           [0127]      FIG. 10  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 2  set to fail secure and energised/unlocked, with the key operated manual override function deactivated; 
           [0128]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view a second embodiment of a lock assembly set to fail secure and energised/unlocked; 
           [0129]      FIG. 12  shows the lock assembly shown in  FIG. 11  with the key operated manual override function activated to override and deenergise the first locked electrically powered hub locker assembly, locking the first hub and prevent rotation thereof; and 
           [0130]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a lock assembly with the key operated manual override function activated to override the first unlocked electrically powered hub locker assembly, locking the first hub and prevent rotation thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0131]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of an electrically controllable and electrically powered mortice lock assembly  20 . The lock assembly  20  includes a housing  22  with a side cover  24  and a face plate  26 . The lock assembly  20  is installed in a door with the housing  22  within a mortice void in the door and the face plate  26  adjacent to the non-hinged edge of the door, as is well understood by persons skilled in the art. A latch bolt  28  and an auxiliary bolt  30  pass through the faceplate  26  for engagement with a strike plate (not shown) in a door jamb, as is also well understood by persons skilled in the art. 
         [0132]    The lock assembly  20  also includes an opening  32  that receives a key cylinder assembly  33  therein (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The key cylinder assembly is retained within the opening  32  with a key cylinder retaining pin (not shown), as is also well understood by persons skilled in the art. The key cylinder assembly  33  includes a key cylinder cam  33   a  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). After the key cylinder assembly  33  has been inserted into the opening  32 , and the key cylinder retaining pin inserted into the key cylinder assembly  33 , the key cylinder retaining pin is prevented from releasing its engagement with the key cylinder assembly  33  by engagement of the faceplate  26  with the housing  22 . 
         [0133]    For ease of description, the side of the lock assembly  20  shown in  FIG. 1  will be referred to as the first side and the opposite side as the second side. The edge near the faceplate  26  will be referred to as the front and its opposite edge the rear. The edge near the opening  32  will be referred to as the bottom and its opposite edge the top. 
         [0134]    The lock assembly  20  also includes a first hub  36  with a square cross section opening  38  therein, which is adapted to engage with a square cross section drive shaft (not shown) of a first external knob, lever or other handle (not shown). 
         [0135]      FIG. 2  shows the lock assembly  20  with the side cover  24  of the housing  22  removed. The latch bolt  28  is connected to a latch bolt shaft  46  which is in turn connected to a latch bolt carriage  48 . The auxiliary bolt  30  is connected to an auxiliary bolt shaft  50  which is in turn connected to an auxiliary bolt carriage  52 . The latch bolt  28  and the auxiliary bolt  30  are biased toward a latching position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , by a latch spring  54  and an auxiliary latch spring  56  respectively. 
         [0136]    A carriage retraction arm  58  is pivotally mounted to the housing  22  by a shaft  60  and biased toward the position shown in  FIG. 2  by a spring  62 . The arm  58  can be moved to retract the latch bolt  28  and the auxiliary bolt  30  under certain conditions, in response to movement of the first or second handles or the key cylinder assembly, as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0137]      FIG. 2  also shows a first electrically powered hub locker assembly comprising a first electrically powered solenoid  64  which is connected to a first motion transfer means  66  which is in turn connected to a first hub locker  68 . The first solenoid  64  is of the pull type and also includes a first biasing spring  70 . The first motion transfer means  66  includes a tab  66   a,  the function of which will be described in more detail below. 
         [0138]    The lock assembly  20  also includes a second handle, a second hub and a second electrically powered hub locker assembly on its second side. The second electrically powered hub lock assembly comprises a second electrically powered solenoid which is connected to a second motion transfer means which is in turn connected to a second hub locker. The second electrically powered solenoid is also a pull type and includes a second biasing spring. 
         [0139]      FIG. 2  also shows a first hub locking sensor  72  which is able to provide a signal indicative of the position of the first electrically powered hub locker assembly to allow remote signalling of the lock status of the first hub  36  to a remotely located controller or other internal control. A similar sensor is provided for the second electrically powered hub locker assembly.  FIG. 2  also shows a latch bolt sensor  74  and an auxiliary bolt sensor  76 , which similarly signal the position of the latch bolt  28  and the auxiliary bolt  30  respectively. Other sensors (not shown) can also be added as desired to other mechanical facets of the lock assembly  20 , such as remotely signalling lock and/or door status or providing other internal control. 
         [0140]    The construction and operation of the first and second electrically powered hub locker assemblies are identical and are described in the Applicant&#39;s Australian provisional patent application no. 2010903161 entitled “A lock assembly”, the relevant contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference. Briefly, placing a screw  78  through opening  80  configures the movement of the hub locker  68  in response to the movement of its associated solenoid  64  in one direction and placing the screw  78  through opening  82  configures the movement of the hub locker  68  in response to the movement of its associated solenoid  64  in another, opposite, direction. As the first solenoid  64  is of the pull type, it retracts when energised and then relies on the first biasing spring  70  to extend it when not energised. 
         [0141]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , when the first motion transfer means  66  of the first electrically powered hub locker assembly is configured with the screw  78  in the opening  80 , and the associated solenoid  64  is not energised, the first hub locker  68  is driven by the solenoid spring  70  towards the first hub  36  to an extended position (as shown) engaging with and preventing rotation of (i.e. locking) the first hub  36 . When the solenoid  64  is energised, the first hub locker  68  is driven away from the first hub  36  to a retracted position allowing rotation of (i.e. unlocking) the first hub  36 . This is a fail secure setting. 
         [0142]    When the first motion transfer means  66  is configured with the screw  78  in the opening  82 , and the solenoid  64  is not energised, the first hub locker  68  is driven by the solenoid spring  70  away from the first hub  36  to the retracted position allowing rotation of (i.e. unlocking) the first hub  36 . When the solenoid  64  is energised the first hub locker  68  is driven towards the first hub  36  to the advanced position engaging with and preventing rotation of (i.e. locking) the first hub  36 . This is a fail safe setting. 
         [0143]      FIG. 3  shows the lock assembly  20  with the faceplate removed exposing a first adjustment port  84  and a second adjustment port  86 . The first adjustment port  84  is aligned with a first lockbar block  88  which has a first lockbar  90  therein. The first lockbar  90  can be positioned relative to the first lockbar block  88  in an extended position (e.g.  FIG. 3 ) or a retracted position (e.g.  FIG. 7 ). The first lockbar block  88  is carried on one end of a manual override slide  92 . The other end of the manual override slide  92  has a flange  94  which interacts with a lever  96 , which pivots about a shaft  98 . The lever  96  also interacts with key driven lever  100 , which pivots about a shaft  102 . A manual override sensor  103  is able to provide a signal indicative of the position of the manual override slide  92 . The second adjustment port  84  similarly provides across to a second lockbar within a second lockbar block. The above described components together form a manually driven assembly able to provide a key operated manual override function. As will be described in more detail below, the key operated manual override function is activated, with respect to the first side of the lock assembly  20 , by positioning the first lockbar  90  in the extended position and deactivated by positioning the first lockbar  90  in the retracted position. Similarly, the second adjustment port  86  is aligned with a second lockbar block which has a second lockbar therein. The second lockbar can also be positioned relative to the second lockbar block in an extended position or a retracted position. The second lockbar block is carried on the same end of the manual override slide  92  as the first lockbar block  90 . The key operated manual override function is activated, with respect to the second side of the lock assembly  20 , by positioning the second lockbar in the extended position and deactivated by positioning the second lockbar in the retracted position. 
         [0144]      FIG. 3  also shows a key cylinder retraction bar  104 . The key cylinder retraction bar  104  has a first end  106  connected to the carriage retraction arm  58  and a second end with a depending part  108 . 
         [0145]    As previously mentioned,  FIG. 3  shows the lock assembly  20  set to fail secure and with the first solenoid  64  de-energised allowing the solenoid spring  70  to drive the first hub locker  68  into locking engagement with the first hub  36 , preventing rotation of same. As a result, the first hub  36  can not be rotated to withdraw the bolts  28  and  30  and the lock assembly  20  is locked from the first side.  FIG. 3  also shows the manual override slide  92  positioned towards the upper edge of the lock assembly  20  (hereafter the upper position) and with the lock bar  90  in the extended position, but not pushing on the tab  66   a.    
         [0146]    The key driven lever  100  is sitting rotated anti-clockwise so not pushing on lever  96  which in turn is not pushing on the flange  94  of the manual override slide  92 . This allows the manual override slide  92  to remain in the upper position shown. 
         [0147]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the manual override slide  92  can be set to affect change only to the first, only to the second or to both of the first and second electrically powered hub locker assemblies of the lock assembly  20 , as will now be described. Pushing a key cylinder retaining pin, or other suitable tool, through the first adjustment port  84  pushes the lock bar  90  into the extended position, adjacent to the tab  66   a  of the first motion transfer means  66 . As a result, downward movement of the manual override slide  92  towards the bottom edge (hereafter the lower position) of the lock assembly  20  will also pull the tab  66   a,  and thus the remainder of the first motion transfer means  66 , downwards and cause movement in the first hub locker  68  similar to that of the first solenoid  64  being retracted. However, if the lock bar  90  is pulled to the retracted position (e.g. see  FIG. 7 ) then the lock bar tip  90  will no longer be adjacent to the tab  66   a  and movement of the manual override slide  92  will not affect the first motion transfer means  66  or the first hub locker  68  (see  FIG. 7 ). The lock bar  90  is able to pulled to the retracted position by use of a hook tool (not shown) that is inserted through the adjustment port  84 , into the lockbar  90 , and then withdrawn towards the front of the lock assembly  20 . 
         [0148]      FIG. 4  shows the lock assembly  20  of  FIG. 2  after the depending part  108  of the key cylinder retraction bar  104  has been driven towards the bottom edge of the lock assembly  20  by rotation of the key cylinder cam  33   a  of the key cylinder assembly  33  by a correct key. The resulting movement in the key cylinder retraction bar  104  pivots the carriage retraction arm  58  to withdraw the lock bolt  28  and the auxiliary bolt  30 . It will be appreciated that this action, known as key override unlatching, withdraws the bolts  28  and  30  for door opening but, importantly, it does not unlock the lock assembly  20 . Accordingly, as soon as torque is removed from the key used to rotate the key cylinder cam  33   a,  the springs  54  and  56  extend the bolts  28  and  30  respectively and return the lock to assembly  20  to the locked configuration shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 5  shows the lock assembly  20  of  FIG. 2  modified to operate a key operated manual override function by the addition of a revised key cylinder cam  33   a  that has an extension  33   b  thereon. The key operated manual override function is shown activated, by the first lockbar block  90  being in the extended position.  FIG. 5  shows the key cylinder cam  33   a  being rotated by a correct key to a position which causes the key driven lever  100  to pivot clockwise which in turn causes the lever  96  to pivot anti-clockwise and pull the manual override slide  92  downwards toward the bottom edge of the lock assembly  20  into the lower position. The manual override slide  92  carries the lockbar block  88  and lockbar  90  downwards allowing the lockbar  90  to pull the tab  66   a  and thus the first motion transfer means  66  downwards. This in turn moves the first hub locker  68  to the retracted position. As a result, the first hub  36  is free to rotate and this rotation of the first hub  36  will retract the bolts  28  and  30  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) and the first side of the lock assembly  20  is unlocked. The manual override slide  92  will remain in the lower position shown, and thus keep the first side of the lock assembly  20  unlocked, until it is moved again by the correct key. The lock assembly  20  can be relocked by the use of the correct key (see  FIG. 7 ) to rotate the key cylinder cam  33   a  in a clockwise direction to pivot the key driven lever  100  in an anti-clockwise direction and reverse the previously described movements. Once again, the manual override slide  92  will then remain in the upper position until further acted upon by the correct key. 
         [0150]      FIG. 6  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 5  after rotation of the first hub  36  has caused the carriage retraction arm  58  to withdraw the bolts  28  and  30 . 
         [0151]      FIG. 7  shows the lock assembly  20  with the lockbar  90  pulled into the retracted position so that the lockbar  90  is no longer adjacent to the tab  66   a.  As a result, the key operated manual override function is deactivated and movement of the manual override slide  92  will have no affect on the first motion transfer means  66  or the first hub locker  68 . 
         [0152]      FIG. 8  shows the lock assembly  20  set to fail safe by the screw  78  being inserted within the opening  82 . The solenoid  64  is shown not energised and the first hub locker  68  is thus shown being driven by the first solenoid spring  70  to the retracted position, allowing rotation of the first hub  36 . In other words, the first side of the lock assembly  20  is to unlocked. The key operated manual override function is activated by the lockbar  90  being pushed into the extended position where it may engage the tab  66   a  of the first motion transfer means  66 . 
         [0153]      FIG. 9  shows the lock assembly  20  of  FIG. 8  after the key operated manual override function has been used to manually lock the first side of the lock assembly  20 . As shown, the key cylinder cam  33   a  has been pivoted by the correct key such that the extension  33   a  causes the key driven lever  100  to pivot in a clockwise direction causing the lever  96  to pivot in an anti-clockwise direction and in turn cause the manual override slide  92  to be driven downwards to the lower position. During this movement, the locking bar  90  abouts the tab  66   a  and causes the first motion transfer means  66  to drive the first hub locker  68  from the retracted position to the extended position, preventing rotation of the first hub  36 . As a result, the first side of the lock assembly  20  is now locked. Once again, the manual override slide  92  will remain in the lower position, and thus keeps the first side of the lock assembly  20  locked, until it is moved again by a correct key. 
         [0154]    The first side of the lock assembly  20  can be unlocked by use of a correct key to rotate the key cylinder cam  33   a  clockwise and drive the key driven lever  100  anti-clockwise and the lever  96  clockwise. This movement reverses the previous actions. Once again the manual override slide  92  will remain in the upper position until further acted upon by the correct key. 
         [0155]    The position of the manual overrides slide  92  shown also activates the manual override sensor  103  which can provide a signal to cause further action. For example, the signal can be used to cause the removal of any external electrical drive, control or power signal from operating one or more of the first and second solenoids or can provide a signal notifying a control centre that the manual key override function has been used. 
         [0156]      FIG. 10  shows the lock assembly  20  with the electrically operated locking components set to fail secure, as per  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , and with the first solenoid  64  energised and retracted so that the first side of the lock assembly  20  is unlocked. As shown, the manual override slide  92  is not affecting the lock assembly  20 . If an external party gains access to the lock assembly&#39;s control system they may arrange for the lock assembly  20  to be left unlocked in order to gain unauthorised entry. In this situation, it is advantageous to be able to manually override this unlocked state and so secure the door. However, the manual override slide  92  as described so far cannot make any change to the state of the lock assembly  20  because the tab  66   a  and thus the first motion transfer means  66  is already in the position that it would be driven to by downwards movement of the manual override slider  92 . 
         [0157]      FIG. 11  shows a second embodiment of a lock assembly  20 ′ able to address the above situation by allowing for external electric control of the solenoids to be removed whilst leaving the hub locker  68  where the fail safe or fail secure configuration of the lock has positioned it. As a result, the lock assembly  20 ′ can be locked or unlocked using a key. In order to do so, the lock assembly  20 ′ includes a sensor  110  adapted to interact with an extended form of the key driven lever  100 .  FIG. 11  shows the lock assembly  20 ′ after the key cylinder cam  33   a  has been rotated by the correct key to pivot the key driven lever  100  anti-clockwise. In this position, the sensor  110  sends a signal that the key operated manual override function is not in use. 
         [0158]      FIG. 12  shows the lock assembly  FIG. 11  after the key cylinder cam  33   a  has been pivoted rotated by the correct key to pivot the key driven lever  100  clockwise. As previously described, the resulting movement in the manual override slide  92  has no influence on the first motion transfer means  66  or the first hub locker  68  as the locking bar  90  is in the withdrawn position. However, the triggering of the switch  110  by the movement of the key driven lever  100  sends a signal to the controller that the power supply to the first solenoid  64  should be removed. When the lock assembly  20  is configured as fail secure as shown, removing power from the solenoid  64  allows the spring  70  to drive the first motion transfer means  66  to cause the first hub locker  68  to engage with, and prevent rotation of, the first hub  36 . This action locks the first side of the lock assembly  20 ′. 
         [0159]    If the lock assembly  20  was configured as fail safe, the reverse would occur and the spring  70  would drive the first hub locker  68  from the engaged position to the withdrawn position, thereby unlocking the first side of the lock assembly  20 ′. Accordingly, the triggering of the switch  110  allows the lock state of the lock assembly  20 ′ to be (manually) reversed. 
         [0160]      FIG. 13  shows a third embodiment of a lock assembly  20 ″ in which it is possible to remove external electric control to the first and/or second solenoids and also move the first hub locker  68  from the position it is placed in by the fail safe or fail secure setting of the lock assembly. Accordingly, the correct key can be used to do one of locking or unlocking. 
         [0161]      FIG. 13  shows the lock assembly  20 ″ after starting in a condition similar to that shown in  FIG. 8  (i.e. set to fail safe, the solenoid  64  not energised and thus unlocked) but that has now been acted upon by the key operated manual override function. When the correct key is used to pivot the key cylinder cam  33   a  and thus pivot the key driven lever  100  in a clockwise direction, the sensor  110  triggers the removal of external control from the first solenoid  64 . The lockbar  90  is sitting in the extended position. As the manual override slide  92  is drawn downwards, the engagement between the lockbar  90  and the tab  66   a  will cause the first motion transfer mechanism  66  to drive the first hub locker  68  into the extended position preventing rotation of the first hub  36 . As a result, the lock assembly  20 ″ is locked from the first side. 
         [0162]    If the lock assembly  20 ″ had instead been set to a fail secure, then the same movement of the manual override slide  92  would have instead unlocked the first hub  36 . Accordingly, the sensor  110  is able to be used to disable remote electrical locking/unlocking, allowing the key operated manual override function to advantageously be used to independently invert the lock state as desired. 
         [0163]    The above described lock assemblies have electrically powered hub locker assemblies (ie. locking/unlocking mechanisms) and also include a manually driven assembly (ie. key operated manual override function or mechanical locking/unlocking mechanism). The mechanical mechanism can advantageously be used to change the state of the lock assembly or to prevent the electrical control system from changing the lock assembly&#39;s lock/unlock state. 
         [0164]    The key operated manual override function can be used in three ways. Firstly, the function can be used to only block or remove a remote signal from influencing the electrically powered hub locker assemblies (eg. solenoids/motors etc) so that: 1) if there is no remote signal at the time of manual overriding the state of the lock assembly does not change; 2) if there is a remote signal at the time of manual overriding and the actuator has a biased position then the solenoid will revert to the biased position; or 3) if there is a remote signal at the time of manual overriding and the actuator has two stable positions (ie. no biased position) then the state of the lock assembly does not change. 
         [0165]    Alternatively, the function can physically change the position of the mechanical components that the electrically powered hub locker assemblies use to lock or unlock the lock regardless of a signal being applied or not being applied to the electrically powered hub locker assemblies. 
         [0166]    As a result, the above described lock assemblies, when set to operate as fail safe, are still able to be used to lock the door in the absence of power. This obviates the need for a security guard or a separate manual lock to secure the door until power is returned. Further, when set to operate as fail secure, they are able to be used to unlock the door in the absence of power. This allows the normal operation of a door to continue in the absence of power. 
         [0167]    The lock assembly embodiments described above are advantageous in many applications such as:
       during the fitting out of a building when the door control/monitoring electrics are not yet installed or fully operational. If the lock assembly is set to fail safe (ie. unlocked when no power) then the manual override function can be used to lock the door after hours. If the lock is set to fail secure (ie. locked when no power) then the manual override system can be used to unlock the door during working hours;   changing the lock assembly&#39;s status at any time when the power supply is interrupted, so the lock can still perform lock/unlock functions and keep a building&#39;s activities going until the electrical systems are restored;   during normal powered operation, giving a manual override option;       
 
         [0171]    providing a signal from within the lock assembly and sending it to the building monitoring system to show the manual key override function has been used during normal powered operation;
       the remote electrical locking/unlocking of the lock assembly by an external signal powering the solenoid can be disabled internally in the lock by use of the key. Thereafter the electrically powered hub locker assemblies are de-energised and adopt whatever position that the fail safe/fail secure settings encourage. At this time the override mechanism can either leave the electrically powered hub locker assemblies in this biased position or move it to its other position;   choosing whether or not the manual override function moves the hub locker or not at installation or at any time later without removing the lock from the door and whether the override mechanism removes external control from the solenoid or not is also switch selectable before installation or at any time after without removing the lock from the door; and   with the addition of an additional switch on the front edge of the lock assembly that is accessible once the door is open, the remote electrical locking/unlocking of the lock by an external signal can be disabled for as long as manual key control is desired without removing the lock from the door.       
 
         [0175]    Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention can be embodied in many other forms. For example, the embodiments of lock assembly described above use independent first and second electrically powered hub locker assemblies for each side of the lock and a single manually driven assembly (ie. key operated manual override function) which can interact with each of the first and second electrically powered hub locker assemblies. In other embodiments (not shown) both of the hubs can be locked/unlocked by a single electrically powered hub locker assembly and/or independent first and second manually driven assemblies (ie. key operated manual override functions). In a further embodiment (not shown), the first and second adjustment ports are positioned s on the sides or the top, bottom or rear edges of the lock assembly, so as not to be accessible via removal of the face plate.

Technology Category: y