Electronic lock mechanism

• US 10,465,422 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2017
• Issued: 11/05/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wesko Locks Ltd (Wesko Systems Limited)
• Original Assignee: 2603701 Ontario, Inc.
• Inventors: Ullrich, Theodore, McLeod, John, Sabelli, Tonino, DiPietro, Dean, Gelardi, Pepin
• Primary Examiner(s): Yang, James J
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lau, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US15/497,660
• Publication Number:
  US 20180073275A1
• Time in Patent Office: 923 Days
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 1/0007 Knobs E05B1/0015, E05B1/0053, E05B1/0061, E05B1/0069 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/0066 Handles with destructible elements
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/22 Means for operating or controlling lock or fastening device accessories, i.e. other than the fastening members, e.g. switches, indicators E05B39/00 - E05B45/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/002 Geared transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0023 Nuts or nut-like elements moving along a driven threaded axle
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0024 Cams
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0086 Emergency release, e.g. key or electromagnet E05B63/0073 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0012 with rotary electromotors actuators with rotary electromotors per se H02K7/06, H02K23/68
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0603 the detent moving rectilinearly
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0615 operated by handles, e.g. by knobs
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0673 with a rectilinearly moveable blocking element
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 63/0056 Locks with adjustable or exchangeable lock parts adjustable strikers E05B15/024; adjustable to different keys E05B35/083; adjustable bolt or backset E05B63/06; adjustable coupling means for bars, rods, cables E05C9/20
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 65/46 for drawers
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 65/462 for two or more drawers
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00222 by more than one push button
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7068 Actuated after correct combination recognized [e.g., numerical, alphabetical, or magnet[s] pattern]

Abstract

An interchangeable electronic lock mechanism provides selective access to a motor controlled latching system including a motorized pin to lock and unlock a knob assembly. The lock mechanism may be used to replace key operated locking cores, on the exterior of a storage unit, with a plug and optional adapter inserted into a remaining shell housing, and a driver to control access to a storage unit. Manual rotation of the knob activates the drive assembly to control access to the storage unit. An optional break away security feature in the knob inhibits unauthorized unlatching of the lock. When the lock is unlatched, the knob rotates the drive assembly including the plug and adapter within the shell housing, and in turn, activates the driver to operate the lock assembly in the storage unit. An optional modular chassis assembly includes a removable array of components for testing, maintenance and repair.

Claims

1. An electronic lock for selectively locking and unlocking a storage structure comprising a selectively movable member having an exposed outside surface and an inside surface opposing the outside surface, the inside surface defining a portion of the storage structure, the lock comprising:

an electronic lock housing assembly defining a cavity, the electronic lock housing assembly positioned on an exposed outside surface of the selectively movable member;

an actuatable lock assembly associated with the electronic lock housing assembly, upon installation of the electronic lock in the storage structure, the actuatable lock assembly being rotatable relative to the electronic lock housing assembly in at least a closed orientation and an open orientation, the actuatable lock assembly further comprising;

a cylindrical housing extending through a bore in the selectively movable member, the cylindrical housing defining a central bore, and having an end wall with a latch opening extending therethrough;

a knob rotatably positionable relative to the electronic lock housing assembly and adjacent the cylindrical housing;

a coupling having a body positionable within the central bore with a second end extending through the latch opening, the coupling configured to be rotatable within the central bore about an axis defined by the second end extending through the latch opening, the coupling having a plug attachment portion positioned within the central bore; and

a rotatable plug having a knob attachment portion and a coupling attachment portion, the knob attachment portion attachable to the knob, so as to rotate therewith, with the coupling attachment portion extending into the central bore and attachable to the plug attachment portion of the coupling, relative rotation of the rotatable plug relative to the coupling is substantially precluded when the rotatable plug is operatively attached to the plug attachment portion, the rotatable plug defining a spindle member having a keyway extending along the axis, a retaining member defining a keyway portion for selective engagement with an installation key, the retaining member operating across the keyway between an extended position for rotational movement relative to the axis and along a track defined by the cylindrical housing and a retracted position for movement of the spindle member along the central bore during insertion or extraction of the spindle member relative to the cylindrical housing; and

a latching assembly positionable in one of a locked position and an unlocked position, the latching assembly being positioned within the cavity of the electronic lock housing assembly, the latching assembly further including a motor, such that the motor, upon actuation thereof, is configured to position the latching assembly in one of the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein positioning in the unlocked position allows direction of the actuatable lock assembly from a closed orientation to the open orientation, and wherein positioning in the locked position precludes direction of the actuatable lock assembly into the open orientation.

2. The electronic lock of claim 1, whereupon attachment of the plug attachment portion of the coupling and the coupling attachment portion of the rotatable plug, relative axial movement is substantially precluded between the coupling and the rotatable plug.

3. The electronic lock of claim 1, further comprising an electronic control assembly electrically coupled to the motor and positioned within the electronic lock housing assembly, the electronic control assembly configured to control the motor, and an input device positioned on a user accessible surface of the electronic lock housing assembly, the input device allowing a user to provide an authorizing signal to the electronic control assembly to direct the motor to initiate movement of the latching assembly between the locked position and unlocked position.

4. The electronic lock of claim 3, wherein the input device comprises a keypad.

5. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the knob is positionable on a surface of the electronic lock housing assembly, with the rotatable plug extending through an opening defined by the electronic lock housing assembly.

6. The electronic lock claimed in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical housing defining a bushing comprising the central bore, for rotation of the rotatable plug within the central bore during operational movement of the lock assembly between the closed orientation and the open orientation.

7. The electronic lock claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling comprising a driver adapted for operative connection to an actuator adapted for operational connection between the latching assembly and the driver when a blocker within the latching assembly is in the unlocked position.

8. The electronic lock claimed in claim 1, wherein a latch flange is coupled adjacent the second end outside of the central bore.

9. The electronic lock claimed in claim 1, wherein the spindle member having a distal end defining the coupling attachment portion, the coupling attachment portion configured to provide offset parallel attachment flanges extending outwardly along the axis.

10. The electronic lock claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling is defined by a driver comprising a latch flange coupled with the second end outside of the central bore.

11. The electronic lock claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling attachment portion comprising offset parallel attachment flanges extending axially from the rotatable plug.

12. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein a driver is coupled to the second end outside of the central bore.

13. The electronic lock of claim 1, wherein the latching assembly further comprises:

a latch movable relative to the electronic lock housing assembly, the latch having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured to interface with the actuatable lock assembly wherein movement of the actuatable lock assembly between the closed orientation and the open orientation imparts movement of the latch relative to the electronic lock housing assembly;

a blocker slidably movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position, the blocker precludes movement of the latch to thereby preclude the direction of the actuatable lock assembly from a closed orientation to an open orientation, and wherein, in the unlocked position, the blocker is moved relative to the latch so as to allow the latch to move relative to the blocker, to allow the actuatable lock assembly to move between the closed orientation and the open orientation, the blocker having a cam profile disposed thereon; and

a cam rotatably mounted within the cavity of the electronic lock housing assembly, the cam having a first follower configured to coact with the cam profile of the blocker, to move the blocker to allow the latch to move between the locked position and the unlocked positions;

wherein the motor is coupled to the cam, and whereupon actuation of the motor causes rotation of the cam to permit movement of the latch between the locked position and unlocked position.

14. The electronic lock of claim 13, wherein upon actuation of the motor, from either the locked or the unlocked position, the cam rotates to impart a force upon the blocker to slidably move the blocker into the other of the locked position or unlocked position.

15. The electronic lock of claim 14, wherein the blocker comprises a slidable gear assembly.

16. The electronic lock of claim 13, wherein the blocker defines a slidable gear assembly moving between the locked position and the unlocked position upon rotation of the cam by the motor.

17. The electronic lock of claim 13, wherein the blocker further includes a second cam profile disposed thereon, the first and second cam profiles defining a longitudinal channel therebetween, the cam further includes a body and a second follower, the first follower extending from a first side of the body and a second follower extending from a second side of the body, wherein the cam follower interfaces with the cam profile and the second cam follower interfaces with the second cam profile.

18. The electronic lock of claim 12, wherein the blocker comprises a slidable gear assembly moving between the locked position and the unlocked position upon rotation of the cam by the motor.

30. The electronic lock claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob is configured with a security feature comprising a weakened zone between a base section of the knob and a locking rotor in the latching assembly, such that when a portion of the knob is broken away, a remaining portion of the knob base remains attached to the locking rotor, terminating adjacent to an outer face of the electronic lock housing assembly.

19. An electronic lock attachable to a coupling with a first end positioned within a central bore of a bushing that is attachable to an outer surface of a storage structure, and a second end extending out of the bushing and having a locking flange, the electronic lock comprising:

an electronic lock housing assembly defining a cavity, the electronic lock housing assembly positionable on the outer surface of the storage structure;

an actuatable lock assembly associated with the electronic lock housing assembly, the actuatable lock assembly being rotatable relative to the electronic lock housing assembly in at least a closed orientation and an open orientation, the actuatable lock assembly further comprising;

a spindle member having a knob attachment portion and a coupling attachment portion, with a knob coupled to the knob attachment portion, the spindle member and the knob configured to rotate relative to the housing assembly, the coupling attachment portion extendable into a central bore and attachable to a coupling positioned therein, whereupon attachment of the spindle member and the coupling, relative rotation of the spindle member and the coupling is substantially precluded, the spindle member having a keyway extending along the axis, a retaining member defining a keyway portion for selective movement across the keyway between an extended position for rotational movement relative to the axis and along an interior track defined by the cylindrical housing and a retracted position for movement of the spindle member within the central bore during insertion or extraction of the spindle member relative to the cylindrical housing; and

a latching assembly positionable in one of a locked position and an unlocked position, the latching assembly being positioned within the cavity of the electronic lock housing assembly, the latching assembly further including a motor, which upon actuation of the motor, is configured to position the latching assembly in one of the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein positioning in the unlocked position allows rotation of the knob, and, in turn, direction of the actuatable lock assembly from a closed orientation to the open orientation, and wherein positioning in the locked position precludes direction of the actuatable lock assembly into the open orientation.

20. The electronic lock of claim 19, the coupling attachment portion further includes a body and a coupling member latching portion, the body further including:

a retention coupling portion that defines a transverse slot having a base, a first upstanding wall and a second upstanding wall positioned in a spaced apart orientation extending from the base; and

an internal cavity portion defining an opening adjacent the base spaced apart from the first upstanding wall and the second upstanding wall; and

the coupling member latching portion slidably movable through the opening from within the internal cavity so as to be within the transverse slot,

wherein, a portion of the coupling is retained adjacent the base and substantially precluded from rotation at least partially by the coupling member latching portion extending beyond the base.

21. The electronic lock of claim 19, wherein the coupling attachment portion includes a body and a coupling member latching portion,

the body further including:

a retention coupling portion that defines a transverse slot having a base, a first upstanding wall and a second upstanding wall positioned in a spaced apart orientation extending from the base; and

the coupling member latching portion further including an arm extending along the body,

wherein the arm engages an opening defined by the coupling to substantially preclude relative rotation between the spindle member and the coupling.

31. The electronic lock claimed in claim 19, wherein the knob defines a break zone at an outer face of the electronic lock housing assembly configured to break away a portion of the knob so that a remaining portion of the knob remains attached to the latching assembly, the remaining portion terminating at the outer face.

22. An electronic lock attachable to a driver with a first end of the driver positioned within a central bore extending along a longitudinal axis of a cylindrical housing that is attachable to an outer surface of a storage structure, and a second end of the driver extending out of the cylindrical housing, the electronic lock comprising:

an electronic lock housing assembly defining a cavity, the electronic lock housing assembly positionable on the outer surface of the storage structure;

an actuatable lock assembly associated with the electronic lock housing assembly, the actuatable lock assembly being rotatable relative to the electronic lock housing assembly in at least a closed orientation and an open orientation, the actuatable lock assembly further comprising;

a spindle member having a knob attachment portion and a coupling attachment portion, with a knob coupled to the knob attachment portion, the spindle member and the knob configured to rotate relative to the electronic lock housing assembly, the coupling attachment portion extendable into the central bore and attachable to the driver positioned therein, whereupon attachment of the spindle member and the driver, relative rotation of the spindle member and the driver is substantially precluded, the spindle member having a keyway extending along the axis, a retaining member defining a keyway portion for selective movement across the keyway between an extended position for rotational movement relative to the axis and along an interior track defined by the cylindrical housing and a retracted position for movement of the spindle member within the central bore during insertion or extraction of the spindle member relative to the cylindrical housing; and

a latching assembly positionable in one of a locked position and an unlocked position, the latching assembly being positioned within the cavity of the electronic lock housing assembly, the latching assembly further including a motor, where upon actuation of the motor, the motor is configured to position the latching assembly in one of the locked position and the unlocked position by motorized movement of a blocker between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein positioning of the blocker in the unlocked position allows rotation of the knob, and, in turn, direction of the actuatable lock assembly from a closed orientation to the open orientation, and wherein positioning of the blocker in the locked position precludes direction of the actuatable lock assembly into the open orientation.

23. The electronic lock claimed in claim 22, wherein the cylindrical housing defines a bushing comprising the central bore, for rotation of the spindle member within the central bore during operational movement of the lock assembly between the closed orientation and the open orientation.

24. The electronic lock claimed in claim 22, wherein the driver is adapted for operative connection to an actuator adapted for operational connection between the latching assembly and the driver when the blocker is positioned in the unlocked position.

25. The electronic lock claimed in claim 22, wherein a latch flange is coupled adjacent the second end outside of the central bore.

26. The electronic lock claimed in claim 22, wherein the spindle member having a distal end defining the coupling attachment portion, the coupling attachment portion configured to provide offset parallel attachment flanges extending outwardly along the axis.

27. The electronic lock claimed in claim 22, wherein the driver comprises a latch flange coupled with the second end outside of the central bore.

28. The electronic lock claimed in claim 22, wherein the coupling attachment portion comprising offset parallel attachment flanges extending axially from the spindle member.

29. The electronic lock claimed in claim 22, wherein the keyway provides limited access to retainer for selective movement of the retainer between an extended position for annular retention of the retainer within the central bore and a retracted position for axial movement of the spindle member within the central bore.

32. The electronic lock claimed in claim 22, wherein the knob is configured to break adjacent and inward of an outer face of the electronic lock housing assembly and leaving a portion of the knob base inward of the outer face and attached to the locking rotor to inhibit unauthorized operation of the latching assembly between the locked position and the unlocked position.

33. An electronic lock attachable to a driver with a first end of the driver positioned within a central bore extending along a longitudinal axis of a cylindrical housing that is attachable to an outer surface of a storage structure, and a second end of the driver extending out of the cylindrical housing, the electronic lock comprising:

an electronic lock housing assembly defining a cavity, the electronic lock housing assembly positionable on the outer surface of the storage structure;

an actuatable lock assembly associated with the electronic lock housing assembly, the actuatable lock assembly being rotatable relative to the electronic lock housing assembly in at least a closed orientation and an open orientation, the actuatable lock assembly further comprising;

a spindle member having a knob attachment portion and a coupling attachment portion, with a knob coupled to the knob attachment portion, the spindle member and the knob configured to rotate relative to the electronic lock housing assembly, the spindle member has a keyway extending along the axis, the keyway providing limited access to a retainer adapted for selective movement of the retainer between an extended position for retention of the retainer within an annular track within the central bore and a retracted position for axial movement of the spindle member within the central bore, the coupling attachment portion extendable into the central bore and attachable to the driver positioned therein, whereupon attachment of the spindle member and the driver, relative rotation of the spindle member and the driver is substantially precluded;

the coupling attachment portion comprising offset parallel attachment flanges extending axially from the spindle member; and

a latching assembly positionable in one of a locked position and an unlocked position, the latching assembly being positioned within the cavity of the electronic lock housing assembly, the latching assembly further including a motor, where upon actuation of the motor, the motor is configured to position the latching assembly in one of the locked position and the unlocked position by motorized movement of a blocker between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein positioning of the blocker in the unlocked position allows rotation of the knob, and, in turn, direction of the actuatable lock assembly from a closed orientation to the open orientation, and wherein positioning of the blocker in the locked position precludes direction of the actuatable lock assembly into the open orientation.

34. The electronic lock claimed in claim 33, wherein the cylindrical housing defines a bushing comprising the central bore, for rotation of the spindle member within the central bore during operational movement of the lock assembly between the closed orientation and the open orientation.

35. The electronic lock claimed in claim 34 comprising a driver, wherein the driver is adapted for operative connection to an actuator for operational connection between the latching assembly and the driver when the blocker is positioned in the unlocked position.

36. The electronic lock claimed in claim 35, wherein the knob is configured with a weakened zone between a base section of the knob and a locking rotor in the latching assembly, such that when a proximate portion of the knob is broken away, a portion of the knob base remains attached to the locking rotor, the portion of the knob base terminating inwardly of an outer face of the electronic lock housing assembly.

37. The electronic lock claimed in claim 36, wherein the offset parallel attachment flanges removably attach the spindle member to the driver.