Releasable locking mechanism for a refrigeration appliance

Abstract

A releasable locking mechanism (200) for a refrigeration unit (100), a latch plate (204) movable between a position engageable by a latch (202) and a position disengaged from the latch (202), the latch plate (204) moved by a door body release device (124) accessible from an interior of the refrigeration unit (100), a pin (210) blocking movement of the latch plate (204) when the door body release device (124) is activated so that the refrigeration unit (100) remains unlocked until the pin (210) is reset.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a releasable locking mechanism that can be used with refrigeration appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Given the rise of food and grocery delivery services, there is a need for temperature-controlled and access-safe delivery appliances to allow delivery when consumers are not home. For example, delivery appliances can be installed outside a residence or built into its exterior walls. The entire interior of the appliance can be refrigerated, or it can have a climate control system to regulate the temperature of the storage compartment within the appliance's enclosure. The appliance can be portable or permanently installed. Regardless of its construction, the appliance allows consumers to receive food orders and maintain the food at the required storage temperature when they are not home. Users or delivery personnel can set the temperature of the delivery appliance as needed to prevent perishable foods from spoiling or otherwise prevent food quality deterioration that can occur when food is stored in uncontrolled environments. Users can then retrieve the food as needed after delivery.

[0003] To maintain the safety of this food by preventing tampering or theft, refrigeration appliances can be equipped with security features, including locks or features that allow for lock deployment. Locks can be manually controlled, electronically controlled, or a combination of both. Access permissions, such as keys or passwords, can be provided to delivery personnel, allowing the food to be delivered and then locked in the refrigeration appliance for later retrieval by the user. The lock can operate automatically once the door is closed.

[0004] Refrigeration appliances are typically hermetically sealed to prevent cool air from escaping into the environment. To improve energy efficiency, the door is designed to seal off air exchange between the interior and exterior when closed. This allows cool air to circulate within the appliance while minimizing heat exchange with the environment.

[0005] Unfortunately, due to the airtight seal required for energy efficiency, a person may face a risk of suffocation if they enter a refrigeration appliance and allow the door to close. At least for this reason, refrigeration appliances may be equipped with safety mechanisms for opening the door from the inside of the appliance. A latch or other release device may be located inside the appliance, in a position accessible to a person trapped inside.

[0006] Therefore, refrigeration appliances with locking mechanisms to prevent tampering or theft would be useful. Such locking mechanisms, including features that allow the locking mechanism to be overridden as part of a security mechanism for opening the door from inside the unit, would be particularly needed. Features that keep the locking mechanism in the unlocked position until the lock is reset would also be beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a refrigeration unit having a housing and forming an opening for access to an interior space. A door is supported by the housing and configured to allow selective access via movement of the door between an open position and a closed position. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the door in a closed position, the locking mechanism including a bolt movable along a locking axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the bolt preventing the door from opening when in the extended position. A latch plate is disposed near the latch when the door is in the closed position, the latch plate defining a hole for receiving the bolt when in the extended position. The latch plate is movable parallel to the locking axis between an i) engaged position and an ii) disengaged position, in the engaged position the bolt can move along the locking axis into and out of the hole, and in the disengaged position the bolt cannot be engaged into the hole. The locking mechanism also includes a position proximate to the latch plate. A pin is used to move between an i) activated state and an ii) deactivated state, in the activated state the pin prevents the latch plate from moving to the engaged position, and in the deactivated state the pin allows the latch plate to move to the engaged position.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a refrigeration unit is provided, including a housing forming an opening for access to an interior space. A door is pivotally supported and selectively covers and opens the opening to allow access to the interior space. A locking mechanism is included, having a bolt movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the bolt preventing the door from opening when in the extended position. A latch plate is positioned near the latch when the door is in the closed position. The latch plate defines an orifice for receiving the bolt when in the extended position. The latch plate is movable between an i) engaged position and an ii) disengaged position, in which the bolt can move along a locking axis into and out of the orifice, and in the disengaged position, the bolt cannot enter the orifice. A pin is positioned near the latch plate. The pin is used to move between an i) activated state and an ii) deactivated state, in which the pin prevents the latch plate from moving to the engaged position, and in the deactivated state, the pin allows the latch plate to move to the engaged position.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the complete disclosure of the invention for those skilled in the art is set forth in the specification, enabling them to implement the invention, including the preferred embodiments thereof, in which:

[0011] Figure 1This is a front view of an exemplary refrigeration unit installed on the exterior wall of a building or residence.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a front view of an exemplary refrigeration unit; for illustrative purposes, no doors are shown.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a rear view of a portion of the door of an exemplary refrigeration unit.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a top view of an exemplary locking mechanism shown on an exemplary refrigeration unit of the present invention, wherein the mechanism is shown in the unlocked position.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side perspective view of an exemplary locking mechanism.

[0016] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an exemplary locking mechanism, seen from the other side of an exemplary cooling unit, wherein... Figure 6 The lock position is shown. Figure 7 The unlock location is shown.

[0017] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is an elevation view of an exemplary locking mechanism on the top of an exemplary refrigeration unit, wherein... Figure 8 The locked position is shown, while Figure 9 The unlock location is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Referring now to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is given by way of explanation and does not constitute a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desired that the invention cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] This invention can be used with refrigeration appliances commonly found in residential or commercial kitchens, as well as temperature-controlled delivery boxes or containers. As used herein, the refrigeration unit includes each of these constructions, both fixed and portable. For fixed types, the invention includes refrigeration units located within a structure and along an exterior wall. Doors for such constructions can pivot along a vertical axis (e.g., a refrigerator installed in a home) or along a horizontal axis (e.g., a lid on a portable container). Other constructions are also included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0020] Figure 1 An exemplary refrigeration unit 100 of the present invention is shown, which is disposed in an opening 98 in an exterior wall 104 of a building (such as a residential building). Figure 2 An exemplary internal space 113 for the refrigeration unit 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the internal space is divided into an upper compartment 110 and a lower compartment 112 disposed within a housing 118. The upper compartment 110 is equipped with shelves 120 and 122, while the lower compartment 112 is equipped with shelves 123 and drawers 114, 116. Other configurations may also be used, including single or multiple compartments, other drawer and / or shelf combinations, and portable or fixed housings.

[0021] The refrigeration unit 100 includes a door 102 supported by a housing 118, which pivots between an open position and a closed position. More specifically, the door 102 allows the user to pass through the refrigeration unit as described above. Figure 1 The door 102 can be moved between the closed and open positions to selectively access the interior space 113. In the open position, it is easy to enter, such as... Figure 2 The interior space 113 is shown. A handle 106 is provided for operating the door 102. A decorative door panel 136 can be added to the door 102. Figure 5 This invention is not limited to any particular size, appearance or internal structure, and a refrigeration unit 100 having an internal space 113 is provided only by way of example.

[0022] The refrigeration unit 100 is also equipped with components for cooling chambers 110 and 112 to the same or different temperatures (selectable by the user), including temperatures below the freezing point of water. This can be achieved using, for example, a heat pump system including a condenser and an evaporator, but other systems may also be used. These components are not exemplified because those skilled in the art will understand them, and they are not essential for understanding the invention.

[0023] To ensure proximity to the contents, the refrigeration unit 100 is equipped with a safety control board 108, which controls... Figures 3 to 9The locking mechanism 200, described later herein, is shown. As those skilled in the art will understand, the security control panel 108 may be programmed with one or more passwords for unlocking the door 102 of the refrigeration unit 100. A user may provide such a password to, for example, a food delivery person who can deliver food even when the user is away. The delivery person may enter the interior space 113 of the refrigeration unit 100 to store various food items and then close the door 102 to secure it using the locking mechanism 200. The invention is not limited to use with the security control panel 108, and other configurations for controlling the locking mechanism 200 may be used, including manual locking and unlocking systems. The locking mechanism 200 may also be mounted on a portable refrigeration unit.

[0024] Figure 3 A rear view of door 102 is shown, with rear door surface 126 located between hinge side 128 and handle side 130 of door 102. An internal door release device 124 with handle 125 is provided on rear door surface 126 and is accessible from interior space 113. A person inside interior space 113 can press (arrow D) handle 125. This, in turn, will cause locking mechanism 200 to unlock, thereby allowing the person to escape from interior space 113.

[0025] Figures 4 to 9 Various views illustrating exemplary embodiments of the locking mechanism 200 are provided, which will be used to further describe the invention. Although shown as being disposed on the top sides 132 and 134 of the door body 102 and the housing 118, respectively, the invention is not limited to these particular locations. Other arrangements may be utilized, and such arrangements are within the scope of the appended claims, as will be understood by those skilled in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

[0026] In this exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 200 includes a shaft or bolt 202, which is movable along the locking axis LA. Figure 4 The retraction position shown is the same as Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The door extends between the extended positions shown. When in the extended position, the latch plate 204 interacts with the bolt 202 to normally prevent the door 102 from being opened, thereby protecting the contents of the interior space 113. The bolt 202 is connected to the mounting plate 225 ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is fixed to the bolt mounting bracket 224. In this embodiment, the bolt mounting bracket 224 is supported on the top side 134 of the housing 118.

[0027] The motor 206 is supported by the bolt mounting bracket 224 and connected to the bolt 202.

[0028] The motor 206 can be activated, for example, by the safety control panel 108, to move the bolt 202 along the locking axis LA between an extended position and a retracted position. Other mechanisms, including manual activation, may also be utilized in other embodiments of the invention.

[0029] When in the extended position, the bolt 202 is typically received within the hole 208 defined by the latch plate 204 carried on the top side 132 of the door body 102. Figure 6 and Figure 9 When the door 102 is in the closed position, the latch plate 204 is positioned near the bolt 202. When the bolt 202 is in the extended position, if an attempt is made to open the door 102, the latch plate 204 contacts the bolt 202 to hold the door 102 in the closed position. If the bolt 202 is withdrawn to the retracted position and leaves the hole 208, the bolt 202 can no longer interfere with the movement of the latch plate 204, thus the door 102 can be easily opened.

[0030] As previously stated, pressing the handle 125 of the inner door release device 124 will unlock the door 102. The latch plate 204 can be in the engaged position along a direction parallel to the locking axis LA. Figure 6 and Figure 8 ) and disengagement position ( Figure 7 and Figure 9 The door bolt 202 moves between the locking pin plate 204 and the locking pin plate 204 via the motor 206 in the engaged position. In the disengaged position, the door bolt 202 cannot move through the hole 208 along the locking axis LA to lock and unlock the door 102. In the disengaged position, the door bolt 202 cannot move through the hole 208, thus the door 102 cannot be locked when the locking pin plate 204 is disengaged. The handle 125 is connected to the cable 138, and when the handle 125 is pressed, the cable will move the locking pin plate 204 (… Figure 7 and Figure 9 Arrow P in the diagram is pulled from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

[0031] At least one pin biasing element or spring is used to push the pin plate 204 into the engaged position. In this embodiment, the pin plate 204 is pushed into the engaged position by a pair of compression springs 216 and 218, which are supported on a pair of guide rods 220 and 222. The pin plate 204 can move or travel in a direction parallel to the locking axis LA. More specifically, the pin plate 204 moves within a slot 248 defined by the pin holder 234 and along the pair of guide rods 220 and 222. The rods 220 and 222 extend through the pin plate 204 (… Figure 6 and Figure 7Guide holes 230 and 232 are defined. When handle 125 is pressed, cable 138 pulls latch plate 204 away from bolt 202, thereby compressing springs 216 and 218. This compression pushes latch plate 204 back to the engaged position, allowing door 102 to be locked as previously described. Although a pair of springs and guide rods are shown for this particular embodiment, other configurations (including only one spring and one guide rod) may be used in other embodiments of the invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

[0032] A pin bracket 234 is disposed on the door body 102 and includes a first vertical portion 240 having a pair of openings 226 and 228 for receiving one end of each guide rod 220 and 222. A second vertical portion 242 defines a pair of openings 236 and 238 for receiving opposite ends of the guide rods 220 and 222. Unlike the pin plate 204, the pin bracket 234 is not movable relative to the guide rods 220 and 222.

[0033] A pin 210 with a handle 212 is positioned near the pin plate 204 via a pin bracket 234. Pin 210 is used in the ignition state ( Figure 7 and Figure 9 ) and deactivated status ( Figure 6 and Figure 8 The pin 210 moves between the two positions. In the active state, the pin 210 prevents the pin plate 204 from moving into the engaged position, thereby ensuring that the pin plate 204 remains in the disengaged position. In the deactivated state, the pin plate 204 is not prevented from moving into the engaged position. In this embodiment, the pin 210 is supported by the bracket 234 and extends vertically through the opening 244 in the top 246 of the pin bracket 234. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The best example of comparison is pin 210 in the activated state ( Figure 9 How (by contact) the blocking pin plate 204 moves to the engagement position? Figure 8 ).

[0034] Without pin 210, a constant pressure needs to be applied to handle 125 to keep springs 216 and 218 compressed and to hold pin plate 204 in place. Figure 7 and Figure 9 The door is in the disengaged position. However, in this embodiment of the invention, when the handle 125 is pressed and the latch plate 204 is pulled into the disengaged position, gravity causes the pin 210 to fall into the activated state, thereby preventing the latch plate 204 from moving back to the engaged position. As a result, once the handle is fully pressed to move the latch plate 204 to the disengaged position, a constant pressure on the handle 125 is no longer required. When the pin 210 is in this activated state, the door 102 can be opened even if the bolt 202 is in the extended position.

[0035] Pulling handle 212 upwards resets pin 210, allowing latch plate 204 to return to its engaged position, thereby enabling bolt 202 to move in / out through hole 208. If handle 125 is pressed, pin 210 remains ready to be moved back into the activated state. Although in this particular embodiment of the locking mechanism, gravity is used to activate pin 210 once handle 125 is pressed, in other embodiments of the invention, springs or other pin-biasing elements may be used to provide additional force or to allow pin 210 to be non-vertically oriented. For example, pin 210 may be housed within a spring that is compressed when pin 210 is moved into the deactivated state.

[0036] This written description discloses the invention using examples (including preferred embodiments) and enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any of the included methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may be conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are expected to fall within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not distinct from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially distinct from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigeration unit, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit includes: The enclosure forms an opening for access to the interior space; The door, supported by the housing, is configured to allow selective entry by moving the door between an open and closed position; A locking mechanism is used to fix the door in the closed position, the locking mechanism comprising: A bolt that moves along a locking axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the bolt preventing the door from opening when it is in the extended position; A latch plate, positioned near the bolt when the door is in the closed position, defines a hole for receiving the bolt when in the extended position, and is movable along a direction parallel to the locking axis between an i) engaged position and an ii) disengaged position, in which the bolt can move along the locking axis into and out of the hole, and in the disengaged position, the bolt cannot enter the hole; and A pin is disposed near the pin plate, the pin being used to move between an i) activated state and an ii) deactivated state, in the activated state the pin prevents the pin plate from moving to the engaged position, and in the deactivated state the pin allows the pin plate to move to the engaged position.

2. The refrigeration unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pin biasing element, which is connected to the pin and configured to cause the pin to enter the activation state.

3. The refrigeration unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one pin biasing element, which is connected to the housing and configured to push the pin plate to the engagement position.

4. The refrigeration unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an internal door release device, which is disposed on the inner surface of the door and is located in the internal space of the housing when the door is in the closed position. The internal door release device is connected to the latch plate, wherein activation of the internal door release device causes the latch plate to move to the disengaged position and allows the pin to move to the activated state.

5. The refrigeration unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one pin biasing element is connected to the housing and configured to push the pin plate to the engagement position; A pin bracket is mounted on the door body and close to the pin; as well as At least one guide rod extends from the pin bracket toward the pin and through a guide hole in the pin plate, such that the pin plate travels along at least one of the guide rods as it moves between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

6. The refrigeration unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the said pin biasing elements includes a spring supported on at least one of the said guide rods.

7. The refrigeration unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the guide rods includes a pair of guide rods extending from the pin support toward the pin and through a pair of guide holes in the pin plate, such that the pin plate travels along the pair of guide rods when moving between the engaged position and the disengaged position; and at least one of the pin biasing elements includes a pair of springs supported on the pair of guide rods.

8. The refrigeration unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A motor for moving the bolt between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the motor and the bolt are supported by the housing.

9. The refrigeration unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pin includes a handle that allows the user to move the pin to a deactivated state.

10. The refrigeration unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A motor is used to move the bolt between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the motor and the bolt are supported by the housing; and A safety control board is connected to the motor and configured to start the motor once the user enters an authorization password.

11. A refrigeration unit, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit includes: The enclosure forms an opening for access to the interior space; The door is pivotally supported and is used to selectively cover and open the opening, allowing access to the interior space; Locking mechanisms include: A bolt that moves between a retracted position and an extended position, the bolt preventing the door from opening when it is in the extended position; A latch plate, disposed near the bolt when the door is in the closed position, the latch plate defining a hole for receiving the bolt when in the extended position, the latch plate being movable between an i) engaged position and an ii) disengaged position, in which the bolt is movable along the locking axis into and out of the hole, and in the disengaged position, the bolt is unable to enter the hole; and A pin is disposed near the pin plate, the pin being used to move between an i) activated state and an ii) deactivated state, in the activated state the pin prevents the pin plate from moving to the engaged position, and in the deactivated state the pin allows the pin plate to move to the engaged position.

12. The refrigeration unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes at least one spring, at least one of said springs being configured to push the pin plate to the engagement position.

13. The refrigeration unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: A pair of guide rods support the pin plate, and the pin plate is movable along the rods; and A pair of springs, supported on the guide rod, are configured to push the pin plate into the engagement position.

14. The refrigeration unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, It also includes a pin bracket that positions the pin near the pin plate.

15. The refrigeration unit according to claim 14, characterized in that, The pin bracket defines a hole for receiving a pair of the guide rods.

16. The refrigeration unit according to claim 15, characterized in that, The pin bracket defines a slot for receiving the pin plate, and within the slot, the pin plate is slidable between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

17. The refrigeration unit according to claim 16, characterized in that, The latch plate is installed on the door body.

18. The refrigeration unit according to claim 17, characterized in that; The refrigeration unit also includes a door bolt mounting bracket, which is attached to the housing and the door bolt is fixed to the door bolt mounting bracket.

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