Electronic Locking Arrangement

Abstract

An electronic locking arrangement includes a strike latch for locking engagement with a latch bolt of a door. Stop means are provided to inactivate the strike latch and maintain it in its locking position, while mechanical puller means disengages the stop means in response to electronic actuating means.

Parent Case Text

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 131,056, filed Apr. 5, 1971.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parent U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 131,056, filed Apr. 5, 1971, relates to a security maintenance system which is particularly adapted for use with multiple rooms such as hotels or motels wherein a master console is provided having individual keyports each of which corresponds to a keyport located adjacent each room. Duplicate coded key means are provided in conjunction with scanning means in such a manner that when the duplicate coded keys are inserted in the area keyport adjacent the locked room and in its corresponding keyport of the master console the locked room may be opened.

The present application is directed to an improved locking arrangement which is particularly adaptable to the type of system described in the parent application.

Various electronic locking arrangements are known in the art. Exemplary of such arrangements are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,188,129; 3,167,942; 3,122,388; 2,936,892; 2,066,278.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide an improved locking arrangement.

A further object of this invention is to provide such an arrangement which is adaptable for incorporation in the above noted security maintenance system.

In accordance with this invention the electronic locking arrangement is adapted for mounting in a door jamb. The locking arrangement includes a strike latch which has a flat shoulder for engagement by the flat shoulder of the bolt when the door is locked, and a camming surface for riding against a camming surface on the bolt when the door is returning to its locked condition. Stop means are provided in the arrangement for inactivating pivot means for the strike latch to maintain the strike latch in its locking position. Electronically actuated mechanical puller means are also provided to disengage the stop means and thus permit the strike latch to pivot whereby the door may be pushed opened.

In accordance with this invention the components of the locking arrangement are provided in such a manner that the strike latch automatically returns to its locking position upon the opening of the door.

THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in elevation of a security maintenance system which includes the novel locking arrangement;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view showing the locking arrangement of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 2 along the line 3--3;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the locking arrangement shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the locking arrangement shown in FIGS. 2-4 in a different phase of operation;

FIGS. 6-7 are cross-sectional views taken through FIG. 5 along the lines 6--6 and 7--7, respectively;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view similar to FIGS. 3 and 6 in a different phase of operation;

FIG. 9 is a plan view partly in section showing a still further phase of operation;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of an alternative locking arrangement in accordance with this invention;

FIGS. 11-12 are cross-sectional views taken through FIG. 10 along the lines 11--11 and 12--12, respectively;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10 in a different phase of operation;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 13 along the line 14--14;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 10 and 13 in a different phase of operation; and

FIGS. 16-17 are cross-sectional views taken through FIG. 15 along the lines 16--16 and 17--17, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1 the novel locking arrangement is particularly adaptable for incorporation in a security maintenance system 200. System 200 is preferably of the type described in parent U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 131,056; filed Apr. 5, 1971, the details of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. For the sake of clarity system 200 will be described only in its general terms. System 200 includes a locked barrier or room 202 having a door 204, with an area keyport 206 provided adjacent door 204. The novel locking arrangement 210 is provided in the door jamb of door 204. At a remote location, such as a hotel or motel lobby, a master console 212 is provided and includes individual keyport 214 each of which corresponds to a particular room. Coded key means in the form, for example, of cards 216 are also included in the system. In this respect duplicate cards are made whereby one of the cards would be inserted in the appropriate master console keyport 214 and the guest would retain the other card for insertion in area keyport 206. Scanning means 208 perform a number of functions including detecting when the duplicate cards are in the area keyport and its corresponding master console keyport so as to electronically actuate the locking arrangement 210.

FIGS. 2-9 illustrate the various components of locking arrangement 210. As indicated therein the components are disposed in housing 218 in the door jamb 220 adjacent door 204. Door 204 is of suitable construction and includes a latch bolt 222 which is resiliently urged outward so that its flat shoulder 224 abuts against the flat shoulder 246 of strike latch 228. Latch bolt 222 also includes a camming surface 226 as later described. In operation a user would insert his key means or card in the area keyport and then push forward against door 204 by utilizing, for example, the external handle 230 as convenient gripping means. The forward pushing force would cause strike latch 228 to pivot thereby permitting the door to open. In practice it has been found that a burst of energy typically one-twentieth of a second or more at typically 24 volts is applied to release strike latch 228 from its locking condition and as the door bolt clears the strike latch, the strike latch 228 then returns to its locking condition by means of latch spring 236 so that there is an automatic resetting until a further burst of electrical energy.

The novel locking arrangement illustrated herein is advantageously a modified version of a known Trine Model 007 Electric Strike. The modifications thereto and the concepts upon which such modifications are based can be applied to other types of units. These modifications include the omission of the conventional electro-magnets and their mounting and the utilization of electronically actuated mechanical puller means.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate the locking arrangement in its locked condition. As indicated therein strike latch 228 is mounted for pivotal movement about pin 234. Strike latch 228 is urged into this locking position by means of spring 236. A pair of latch stops 238, 240 are also provided with each latch stop including a recess 242 for accommodating pins 244 on the strike latch 228. Accordingly, pivotal movement of the strike latch causes the latch stops to also pivot about their pivot points 246. Conversely, when the latch stops are restrained from pivoting, the strike latch is also prevented from its pivotal movement whereby the strike latch is maintained in its locking position. For this purpose each latch stop includes a notch 248 for engagement with corresponding notches 250 on flap 252. Flap 252 is urged in the path of movement of the latch stops by leaf spring 232.

In order to release the flap 252 from its locking condition electronic means in the form of solenoid 254 is provided which receives a burst of electrical energy to extend its plunger 256 against extension 258 of swivel bracket 260 which, in turn, pivots about pin 262. The opposite end 264 of swivel bracket 260 is inserted through aligned apertures in flap holder 266 and puller arm 268. Puller arm 268 includes an offset extension 270 which engages the frontal face of flap 252. Flap holder 266 includes an undercut 272 which mates with undercut or shoulder 248A of latch stop 238 when the device is in its locking condition. Flap holder 266 also includes a frontal face 274 as later described. A channel shaped guide bracket 276 is provide having arms 278 which provide convenient guide surfaces for the flap holder and puller arm and also provide a stationary member against which leaf spring 232 may react. The flap holder 266 and puller arm 268 together constitute flap actuation means.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 upon energization of solenoid 254 swivel bracket 260 is pivoted and its motion is transmitted to both puller arm 268 and flap holder 266 to pull both of these members in a rearward direction. Because of offset 270, flap 252 is also pivoted away from strike plate 228 whereby the strike plate is in a condition to be unlocked. While in this condition front face 274 of flap holder 266 abuts against end face 280 of latch stop 238 thus preventing flap 252 from returning to its locked condition. The components remain in this condition until the user pushes against the door whereby strike latch 228 is pivoted along with latch stops 238, 240. The pivoting movement of latch stop 238 moves the latch stop from abutment against flap holder 266 and the flap 252 automatically returns to its locking condition under the infuence of spring 232 as illustrated for example in FIG. 8. Strike plate 228 then also returns to its locking condition by the urging of its spring 236. upon this return movement the latch stops are also returned to their original condition whereby the remote end of latch stop 238 becomes secured by flap 252. spring 282 is provided to urge the forward end of flap holder 266 downward.

Advantageously the various components of the locking arrangement are mounted in a housing 218 which includes a removable cover 286 to expose the components therein. Housing 284 also includes a removable end plate 288 upon which solenoid 282 is mounted for ready replacement of the solenoid.

As previously indicated the concepts of this invention can be conveniently applied to many conventional locking arrangements by suitable modifications thereof. For example, the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 2-9 is a modified version of a known Trine Model 007 Electric Strike, while FIGS. 10-17 illustrate a modified version of the known Trine 002 Electric Strike.

The arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 10-17 operates along the same general principles as those previously described but differ in detail with respect to the effectuation of these principles. Thus the locking arrangement 210A has its components disposed in housing 300 in the door jamb 220A adjacent door 204A. Door 204A includes its latch bolt 222A with its flat shoulder 224A for abutting against the flat shoulder 302 of strike latch 304. Latch bolt 222A also includes camming surface 226A. The operation of locking arrangement 210A is similar to that previously described wherein the insertion of a proper key means causes release of strike latch 304 and subsequent return of strike latch 304 to its locking condition by means of latch spring 306 so that there is an automatic resetting until a further burst of electrical energy.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate locking arrangement 210A in its locked condition. As indicated therein strike latch 304 is mounted for pivotal movement about pin 308. A single latch stop 310 is provided and includes a recess 312 for accommodating pin 314 on strike latch 304 with pin 314 riding in arcuate slot 315 to control or limit the path of movement of latch 304. Accordingly, pivotal movement of the strike latch causes the latch stop to pivot about its pivot point 316. Conversely, when the latch stop 310 is restrained from pivoting, strike latch 304 is also prevented from its pivotal movement whereby the strike latch is mounted in its locking position. For this purpose flap 318 is movable into the path of motion of latch stop 310 and flap 318 includes a recess 320 for accommodating offset extension 322 of latch stop 310. Flap 318 is urged in the path of movement 310 by leaf spring 324.

In order to release flap 318 from its locking condition electronic means in the form of solenoid 326 is provided which receives a burst of electrical energy to extend its plunger 328 against the bridging face 330 of swivel bracket 332 which in turn pivots about pin 334. One of the sides of swivel bracket 332 includes a leg 336 which is disposed remote from the area of contact of the swivel bracket by plunger 328. Leg 336 is inserted through flap actuator 338. [Flap actuator 338 serves the combined function of flap holder 266 and puller arm 268 as previously described] . Flap actuator 338 is in the form of a flat plate, as best shown in FIG. 11, which includes an extension 340 disposed against flap holder 318 adjacent latch stop 310 for engaging the frontal face of flap 318. The end face 342 of flap actuator 338 is disposed for either resting upon latch stop 310 when the arrangement is in the locking condition shown for example in FIG. 11 or for abutting against latch stop 310 when the arrangement is in the unlocked condition shown in FIG. 14. Flap actuator 338 is guided in its reciprocal movement through a slot 344 in a wall of channel shaped guide bracket 346. Flap actuator 338 is urged toward contact with the flap by means of spring 348 reacting between flap actuator 338 and guide bracket 346. As with the previously described locking arrangement the guide bracket also provides a stationary member against which leaf spring 324 may react.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13-14 upon energization of solenoid 336 swivel bracket 322 is pivoted and its motion is transmitted to flap actuator 338 to pull the actuator in a rearward direction. Because of offset or extension 340, flap 318 is also pivoted away from strike plate 304 whereby the strike plate is in a condition to be unlocked. While in this condition end face 342 of flap actuator 338 abuts against latch stop 310 thus preventing flap 318 from returning to its locked condition. The components remain in this locked condition until the user pushes against the door whereby strike latch 304 is pivoted along with latch stop 310. The pivoting movement of latch stop 310 moves the latch stop from abutment against the end face 342 whereby flap 318, under the influence of spring 324, is moved in a forward direction and carries the flap actuator 338 along with it by virtue of its abutment against offset 340. Thus flap 318 is automatically returned to its locking condition. Strike plate 304 then also returns to its locking condition by the urging of its spring 306. Upon this return movement latch stop 310 is also returned to its original condition.

As with the prior arrangement the various components are mounted in housing 300 by means of a removable cover. Solenoid 326 is removably mounted to the housing by the inclusion of a threaded portion 350 at the end of solenoid which threadably engages nut 352. It is to be understood that any suitable detachable mounting means may be used with either of the arrangements.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention interior door handle 290 is rotatable to permit the user to move 222 away from strike latch 228 thus permitting the user to leave his room without inserting a key means in the keyport. Outer handle 230, however, is not rotatable so that a key means would be required to enter the room.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Electronic locking arrangement for operation with a door having a latch bolt projecting outwardly from the door and with the latch bolt having a flat shoulder and a camming surface, said arrangement comprising a strike latch to be disposed in the door jamb for the door, said strike latch having a flat shoulder for engagement with the bolt shoulder when the door is in its locked condition and a camming surface for riding against the bolt camming surface when the door is returning to its locked condition, pivot means for said strike latch, stop means for inactivating said pivot means, mechanical puller means for disengaging said stop means to permit said strike latch to pivot whereby said door may be pushed open, electronic actuating means for said puller means, said stop means including a pivotable flap having a frontal surface disposed toward said strike latch, said puller means including a flap actuating means having an actuating portion in the path of motion of said frontal surface of said flap, and motion transmitting means for moving said flap actuating means in a direction away from said strike latch to cause said flap to move to an unlocking position.

2. The arrangement of claim 1 including resilient means urging said flap in its locking position to automatically return said flap to its locking position upon the opening of the door.

3. The arrangement of claim 2 wherein said stop means further includes a first latch stop mounted for pivotal movement with strike latch, said flap in its locking position being disposed in the path of motion of said latch stop to prevent pivotal movement of said latch stop and of said strike latch, said flap in its unlocking position being disposed out of the path of movement of said latch stop, said flap actuating means further including a puller arm and a flap holder disposed adjacent said puller arm, and said flap holder being disposed for abutting against said latch stop when said flap is in its unlocking position to maintain said flap in its unlocking position until said latch and said latch stop have been pivoted during the opening of the door.

4. The arrangement of claim 3 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises a swivel bracket, one end of said swivel bracket engaging both said puller and said flap holder to cause joint movement of both said puller and flap holder upon the application of force to the other end of said swivel bracket.

5. The arrangement of claim 4, wherein said electronic actuating means includes a solenoid having a plunger disposed for moving against said other end of said swivel bracket upon energization of said solenoid, and said solenoid being mounted to a removable end plate of the housing for the components of said arrangement.

6. The arrangement of claim 5, wherein said flap has a shoulder, said latch stop having an undercut for resting on said flap shoulder in its locking position, said latch stop having a shoulder at its upper edge above said undercut, said stop having an end face between its shoulder and said undercut, said flap holder being disposed for resting on said latch stop shoulder when said flap is in its locking position, said flap holder being disposed for abutting against said end face when said flap is in its unlocking position and before the door has been opened to prevent said flap from returning to its locking position, and resilient means reacting against said flap holder.

7. The arrangement of claim 2, including a guide bracket, said guide bracket having guide surfaces for maintaining said flap actuating means in its proper position during its movement thereof, and said resilient means reacting between said flap and said guide bracket.

8. The arrangement of claim 7, including a housing for the components of said arrangement, and a removable cover for said housing to expose said components.

9. Th arrangement of claim 2, wherein said stop means further includes a latch stop mounted for pivotal movement with said strike latch, said flap in its locking position being disposed in the path of motion of said latch stop to prevent pivotal movement of said latch stop and of said strike latch, said flap in its unlocking position being disposed out of the path of motion of said latch stop, and said flap actuating means having an end face disposed for abutment against said latch stop when said flap is in its unlocking position to maintain said flap in its unlocked position until said latch and said latch stop have been pivoted during the opening of the door.

10. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein said motion transmitting means comprises a swivel bracket, and one end of said swivel bracket engaging said flap actuating means.

11. The arrangement of claim 10, wherein said electronic actuating means includes a solenoid having a plunger disposed for moving against said other end of said swivel bracket upon energization of said solenoid, and said solenoid being detachably mounted to a wall of the housing for the components of said arrangement.

12. The arrangement of claim 1, in combination with said door, an internal handle on said door connected to said latch bolt, and said internal handle being movable to retract said latch bolt away from said strike latch and permit said door to be opened while said strike latch is in its locking position.

13. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein said actuating portion is an offset portion at said frontal surface of said flap.

14. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein an area keyport is provided adjacent said door, a master console being disposed remote from said door, said master console having at least one keyport corresponding to said area keyport and coded key means for insertion into each of said keyports initiating operation of said electronic actuating means.

15. The arrangement of claim 14 including scanning means between said keyports for detecting when corresponding coded key means are in said keyports.

16. Electronic locking arrangement for operation with a door having a latch bolt projecting outwardly from the door and with the latch bolt having a flat shoulder and a camming surface, said arrangement comprising a strike latch to be disposed in the door jamb for the door, said strike latch having a flat shoulder for engagement with the bolt shoulder when the door is in its locked condition and a camming surface for riding against the bolt camming surface when the door is returning to its locked condition, pivot means for said strike latch, stop means for inactivating said pivot means, mechanical puller means for disengaging said stop means to permit said strike latch to pivot whereby said door may be pushed open, electronic actuating means for said puller means, said actuating means including a solenoid disposed adjacent said puller means, an area keyport having electrical means for energizing said solenoid, a master console remote from said area keyport and having a plurality of individual keyports, one of said individual keyports corresponding to said area keyport, coded key means for fitting in said area keyport and in said one individual keyport, and scanning means between said area keyport and said master console for cyclically scanning said keyports and energizing said solenoid when said area keyport and said one individual keyport have identical coded key means inserted therein.