Electromechanical door lock actuation device and kit comprising same

Abstract

Electromechanical door lock actuator device with adjustable width clamping mechanism and kit with different clamping jaws. An electromechanical door lock actuator device (1) with a motor (11) for rotating a connector receiver (13), the connector receiver (13) having two clamping jaws (18) for clamping a door handle (17) or a key (14) when the device (1) is mounted on a door leaf, wherein the width between the 10 clamping jaws (18) is adjustable to fit tightly with the door handle (17) or key (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electromechanical door lock actuator device. The invention also relates to a mounting kit having such a device. Background Technology

[0002] International patent application WO2017 / 114534, assigned by Overgard to Danalog, discloses an electromechanical door lock actuator mounted on the surface of a door blade for actuating a door lock within the blade. The actuator has a cylindrical body in which a battery-powered motor is housed. A robotic rotating pin receiver is connected to a drive pin extending from the door lock to the rear of the actuator. The pin receiver is rotated by the motor while the actuator is in operation due to a wireless signal activating the motor in one or the other direction. A manual knob is provided to lock and unlock manually, replacing the motor.

[0003] Overgard's U.S. Patent No. 9,546,504 discloses an electromechanical door lock socket with a similar construction to a center pin receiver rotated by a motor. Three types of adapters are provided for adapting the pin receiver to a specific type of drive pin in the door lock.

[0004] International patent application WO2005 / 024160, assigned to Apptus Elektronik AB, discloses an electromechanical door lock actuator with a manually rotating locking handle connected to the door lock via a drive pin.

[0005] International patent application WO2016 / 194304 discloses an electromechanical door lock actuator comprising a lock motor / handle module and an adapter module for gripping and rotating a knob already present on the door lock. For proper assembly, the module can be equipped with a connector having grooves of different lengths and widths. A transmitting coupling is also disclosed in Chinese patent application CN111379496A.

[0006] German patent DE 102004 021704 B3 discloses an electromechanical door lock AC tuner in which a motor module rotates an adapter in an adapter module via a sprocket gear. The adapter has a slot for a key for the door, so as to occupy the key in the slot and rotatably actuate the key. A U-shaped claw clamps the end of the key. The claw is spring-loaded to properly accommodate the length of the key. However, due to the predetermined width of the claw gripping around the end of the key, which is not adjustable, it is only suitable for a few standard keys.

[0007] Specifically, for U.S. locks, US2010 / 0011822 discloses a lock insert that is modified to provide a pin connection between the actuator and the lock.

[0008] As mentioned above, lock adaptation is primarily accomplished by providing an adapter for each specific type of pin connector, key, or handle. While there is a widespread expectation of adapting electromechanical lock actuators to a wide variety of lock types, the general approach is to provide a new adapter each time the actuator must be adapted to a particular type of lock.

[0009] The goal is to provide a more universal technical solution. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of this invention is to improve this technology. In particular, the object of this invention is to provide a more universal technical solution that allows electromechanical door lock actuators to be matched with specific types of door locks. The electromechanical door lock actuator device and mounting kit described below achieves this objective and has further advantages.

[0011] In short, an electromechanical door lock drive has a motor for rotating a connector-receiver, which has two claws for clamping a door handle or key when the device is installed on a door leaf, wherein the width between the claws is adjustable so as to fit tightly against the door handle or key.

[0012] In practice, the device is mounted on the surface of the door panel to operate the door lock within the door panel, typically a bolt lock installed inside the door panel or door frame. For this operation, the device includes a drive mechanism for the reliable rotation of a connector (such as a key or knob), which is functionally connected to the door lock and arranged to actuate the bolt in the door lock via the rotation of the connector.

[0013] The device includes a housing containing a rotating connector-receiver for receiving and rotating a connector, such as a key, pin, or knob, from a door lock when the housing is mounted on a door leaf. For the motorized rotation of the connector, the device includes a motor within the housing. The motor is typically functionally and mechanically connected to the connector-receiver via gears. The connector-receiver includes a slot for receiving the connector and a groove for engaging with the connector.

[0014] Specifically, for greater versatility than existing technologies, a width-adjustable gripper device is provided, comprising jaws arranged on opposite sides of a slot for gripping a connector between the jaws. The width-adjustable gripper device includes a width adjustment mechanism for adjusting the width between the jaws, thereby adjusting the abutment of the connector to the jaws through a tight fit. Advantageously, the distance between the jaws is infinitely adjustable, for example by screws, optionally with one screw acting on one jaw and the other on the opposite jaw.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the jaws (but typically two jaws arranged opposite each other) includes an elastomeric surface for securing the jaws to the connector. For example, the elastomeric surface includes an elongated groove that is not perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the connector-receiver; alternatively, the groove is parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0016] In some practical embodiments, at least one of the jaws includes an elastomeric block for abutting the connector.

[0017] Advantageously, a bending mechanism is located inside the adapter module, configured to adjust the radius of curvature of the jaws, such as those of an elastomeric block. By adjusting the curvature, the jaws adapt to the outer curvature of the connector for a secure grip. In particular, it is noted that the door knob can be of various sizes, can be circular or elliptical, and adjusting the jaws to approximately follow a circular surface improves the grip.

[0018] For example, in practice, a stabilizing plate is disposed on or within an elastic block, wherein the stabilizing plate has a higher stiffness than the elastic block. Optionally, the bending mechanism includes a screw mechanism having at least one screw configured to deform the jaws, for example, by deforming the stabilizing plate in the elastic block or by rotating the at least one screw. In some embodiments, two screws are provided, one at each of the two opposite ends of the jaws, for example, one at each of the two opposite ends of the stabilizing plate.

[0019] In some practical embodiments, the device is modular and includes

[0020] - An actuator module having an actuator housing (e.g., a cylindrical housing) that contains a motor and typically a battery for driving the motor, as well as necessary electronics.

[0021] - An adapter module with an adapter housing that includes a connector-receiver but not a motor.

[0022] - A connector module having a first side for abutting a door leaf and an opposite side for carrying an actuator module and an adapter module in a side-by-side configuration, wherein the connector module includes a portion of an arrangement of meshing gears, wherein there are gears at the location of the actuator module and at the location of the adapter module, for mechanically and functionally interconnecting a motor in the actuator module with a connector-receiver in the adapter module.

[0023] For example, the actuator module (rather than the adapter module) includes a handle for manually rotating the connector-receiver via a set of meshing gears.

[0024] To make the device compatible with various types of connectors, including keys of different thicknesses and door handles of different sizes and types (including round and oval), a kit is available as follows. It includes a device as described above, with a first pair of clamps and a second pair of clamps. The first pair of clamps has a flat surface, and the second pair of clamps has a curved surface. The installer can select the most suitable pair of clamps and then install it in the field into the device's adapter module, for example, as a retrofit technique. In this way, the connector can be secured by engaging with either the flat surface of the first pair of clamps or the curved surface of the second pair of clamps (optional). For example, the clamps have elastomeric surfaces, such as elastomeric blocks, as described above, with adjustable curvature, which can be used for fine-tuning the connector-receiver.

[0025] The operation of the motor can be regulated in various ways via a controller. Importantly, the motor stops operating when the lock bolt is moved to its final position, or at least to a position that ensures locking or unlocking.

[0026] For example, the bolt is continuously driven until it encounters a hardware stop, making it impossible for the motor to drive the bolt further, thus increasing the motor's power consumption. Another approach is to use an angle motion decoder, which controls the maximum angle of the connector receiver, or at least a sufficient angle of rotation, to stop the motor before the bolt reaches the hardware stop point.

[0027] In principle, the device's motor can be started by a power source, which is achieved by manually pressing the button contact to close the circuit. Alternatively, a relay switch can be used instead of the button contact; for example, a relay switch can operate automatically. Alternatively, the motor can be started by turning a handle; the decoder reads the rotation of the connector receiver when the handle is manually turned, thereby starting the motor and assisting the user in locking or unlocking the door.

[0028] As a particularly advantageous option, the device can be remotely operated via wireless signals. For example, the device includes a receiver located within the housing for receiving and executing wireless digital command data for locking or unlocking a door lock. The receiver is functionally connected to the motor to activate it based on the lock or unlock command. For example, the receiver is configured to transmit wireless digital command signals such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-wave, ZigBee, or other radio frequency signals. An integrated circuit within the housing is configured and programmed to activate the motor in either direction upon receiving the corresponding wireless command signal (e.g., from a smartphone or pager). However, typically, the device includes a transceiver for bidirectional digital communication with a programmable computer system to re-motorize the device via a smartphone or other type of computer, optionally with encrypted digital communication. The latter can be achieved through appropriate encryption keys communicating between the integrated circuit and the smartphone or other type of computer used for remote operation of the device. Additionally, there is an option to transmit additional Wi-Fi signals to multiple devices.

[0029] For example, the actuator module includes electronic components for controlling the locking and unlocking actions of the motor via the adapter module. Optionally, it also includes a wireless transceiver for wireless communication to receive wireless commands for locking and unlocking and to provide wireless status information.

[0030] In summary, this device is suitable for retrofitting existing doors with existing locks. During retrofitting, the device is installed on the door leaf, the connector receiver slot is engaged with the connector (e.g., a key or knob), and then the width adjustment mechanism is adjusted to ensure a tight fit with the connector. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0032] Figure 1 shows the apparatus including the housing in perspective view A) and the apparatus with the housing removed in perspective view B);

[0033] Figure 2 This is a top view of the connector-receiver that holds the door handle between the clamping claws;

[0034] Figure 3 The curved gripper claw is shown;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a top view of the connector-receiver that holds the key between the clamping claws;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first side of the connector module, which is mounted on the door panel. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1A An electromechanical door lock actuator device 1 is shown. In addition to a connector module 4 that mechanically and functionally connects actuator module 2 and adapter module 3, the device includes a dual module having actuator module 2 and adapter module 3. Adapter module 3 has a generally cylindrical wall 5 extending from connector module 4 to cover plate 6. Actuator module 2 has a cylindrical wall 7 extending from connector module 4 to a manual handle 8 that serves as a cover for actuator module 2. In addition to its motor function, manual handle 8 can be used for locking and unlocking. As part of the cylindrical wall 7 of actuator module 2, a door 9 is provided for accessing components within actuator module 2.

[0038] Figure 1B shows a view of actuator device 1, with walls 5 and 7 removed to show the interior.

[0039] Actuator module 2 includes multiple batteries 10 for supplying power to motor 11, which can be driven in opposite directions by switching the current direction. In operation, motor 11 drives meshing gears 12. The gears of actuator module 2 mesh with the gears of adapter module 3.

[0040] The adapter module 3 includes a connector-receiver 13 for adapting the motor-driven gear assembly 12 to a rotary connector of a door, such as a key 14 or a handle.

[0041] The actuator module includes electronics 15 for controlling the locking and unlocking actions of the motor 11 via the adapter module 3. Electronics 15 includes a controller 25 for the motor 11 and a wireless transceiver 26 for receiving digital wireless commands, such as programming commands or actuation commands, and for transmitting wireless status information.

[0042] Typically, wireless communication is accomplished via Bluetooth and / or WiFi systems with smartphones. Various other options exist, including Z-wave, ZigBee, or other types of radio frequency signals.

[0043] The controller 25 includes a start / stop function that rotates the rotary connector-receiver 13, and thus the door lock connector, until the door bolt reaches the appropriate limit position of the open or closed state of the door. The start / stop function can be programmed into the computer program of the controller 25, or a sensor measuring the resistance of the locking bolt can be used as a start and stop feature, operationally combined with the measurement of the travel distance of the locking bolt to ensure that the locking bolt has been sufficiently moved to actually lock the door.

[0044] Figure 2Some details of the embodiment are shown, in which the adapter module 3 includes a first embodiment of the connector-receiver 13. The connector-receiver 13 includes a width-adjustable gripper device 16 designed for a door handle 17, which is used to unlock and potentially also to lock the door. The gripper device 16 includes two opposing jaws 18 abutting opposite sides of the illustrated elliptical door handle 17. The width between the jaws 18 can be adjusted by a width adjustment device typically including a screw 19. The screw 19 serves to ensure that the width adjustment is progressively reduced.

[0045] Figure 3 One of the grippers 18 is shown in more detail. For example, the gripper 18 applies a polymer block 18A, which is preferably made of an elastomeric polymer that has high friction against smooth surfaces, especially metal surfaces. The overall shape of the grippers 18 is concave in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the door handle 17 held between the grippers 18, so as to largely follow the curvature of the surface of the door handle 17.

[0046] Alternatively, the gripper 18 can be provided with a two-dimensional curvature, although this is not necessary in practice.

[0047] However, it has been found useful to provide the gripper 18 with a profile including a groove 22 that extends through the gripper 18 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the door handle 17. When the gripper 18 includes an elastomeric surface (such as elastomeric block 18A), the groove 22 provides enhanced grip on the door handle 17.

[0048] Alternatively, the curvature of the gripper 18 is adjustable. For this purpose, the elastic block 18A of the gripper 18 is supported by a bendable plate 20 (e.g., a metal plate). The adapter module 3 is equipped with curvature adjusting screws 21A and 21B, as shown in Figure 1B, which act on different ends of the bendable plate 20 to gradually bend the bendable plate 20 by tightening the curvature adjusting screws 21A and 21B, thereby reducing the radius of curvature of the gripper 18. Optionally, the curvature adjusting screws 21A and 21B are fastened to the plate 20, such that the ends 20A and 20B of the plate 20 can be pushed or pulled from an idle state to a prestressed state in one or opposite directions, allowing the radius of curvature to decrease or increase from the idle state.

[0049] As an alternative to the aforementioned arrangement of the center width adjusting screw 19 and the curvature adjusting screws 21A, 21B, an arrangement can be used in which the curvature is adjusted using a center screw instead of the width adjusting screw 19, and the width adjustment is performed using another width-adjustable clamp arrangement, such as two screws in a position similar to screws 21A, 21b.

[0050] Figure 4An embodiment is shown where the gripper 18 is straight. This embodiment can be used for keys 14 of different thicknesses. Moreover, in this embodiment, the width of the gripper 18 can be adjusted by the width adjusting screw 19 so that the distance between the grippers 18 is suitable for the thickness of the key 14.

[0051] Alternatively, the jaws 18, which are straight in their idle state, can also be prestressed by adjusting screws 21A, 21B so that they deviate from their straight idle state to a bent state in a direction in which the jaw surfaces toward the key become concave. Alternatively, screws 21A, 21B and jaws 18 are arranged such that jaws 18 can also be bent into a convex configuration.

[0052] To provide an electromechanical door lock actuator device 1 that is universally compatible with various door lock systems, whether key-operated or knob-operated, the device can be provided as part of a kit in which pairs of jaws 18 are inserted into an adapter module 3 for optimal fit. Potentially, the kit includes a pair of jaws 18 with straight surfaces and a pair of jaws with curved surfaces, optionally several pairs with different curvatures, for adjustment to elliptical door handles 17 and circular knobs of various sizes.

[0053] Figure 5 A possible connection between adapter module 3 and lock cylinder 23 is shown, with lock cylinder 23 extending from connector module 4 through a corresponding notch 27 into the door panel (not shown) containing the lock and a locking bolt (not shown). Fastening bolt 24 extends from connector module 4 into the door, typically into the lock, to secure the electromechanical lock actuator device 1 to the door. Key 14 extends into lock cylinder 23, which is actuated by the mechanical rotation of key 14 in adapter module 3.

[0054] Attached Figure

[0055] 1-Electromechanical door lock actuator device 1.

[0056] 2-Actuator Module

[0057] 3-Adapter Module

[0058] 4-Connector Module

[0059] 5-Cylindrical wall of adapter module 3

[0060] 6-Adapter module cover plate

[0061] 7-Cylindrical wall of actuator module 2

[0062] 8-Manual Handle

[0063] 9-Battery Gate

[0064] 10-battery

[0065] 11-Motor

[0066] 12-Meshing Gears

[0067] 13-Connector-Receiver

[0068] 14-Key

[0069] 15-Electronic Components

[0070] 16- Width-adjustable clamping device

[0071] 17-Door handle

[0072] 18-Claws

[0073] 18A-Claw Polymer Block

[0074] 19-Width Adjustment Screw

[0075] The flexible plate in the polymer block 18A of the 20-gripper 20A

[0076] End of plate 20A, 20B

[0077] 21A, 21B - Curvature Adjustment Screws

[0078] 22-Groove in the gripper 18

[0079] 23-Lock Cylinder

[0080] 24-Fastening Bolts

[0081] 25-Controller

[0082] 26-Wireless Transceiver

[0083] 27-Notch

Claims

1. An electromechanical door lock actuation device (1) for mounting on the surface of a door panel and for operating a door lock (23) in the door panel, wherein, The device (1) includes a drive mechanism for motorized rotation of a connector, the connector including a key (14) or a door handle (17); the connector is functionally connected to a door lock and is arranged to drive a locking bolt in the door lock by rotation of the connector; The device (1) includes a rotary connector receiver (13), which is used to re-receive and rotate the connector when the device (1) is installed on the door panel; The device includes a motor (11) which is functionally and mechanically connected to the connector-receiver (13) via a meshing gear (12). The connector-receiver (13) is characterized in that it includes a slot for receiving the connector and a width-adjustable clamping device, the width-adjustable clamping device including jaws (18) arranged on opposite sides of the slot for clamping the connector between the jaws (18), wherein the width-adjustable clamping device includes a width adjustment mechanism (19) for adjusting the width between the jaws (18) to adjust the connector to abut the jaws (18) by close fitting; The device (1) is modular and includes: -Actuator module (2), which has an actuator housing containing a motor (11); - Adapter module (3), which has an adapter housing containing a connector-receiver (13) but not a motor; - Connector module (4) having a first side for abutting a door leaf, the opposite sides of the connector module (4) carrying actuator module (2) and adapter module (3) side by side, wherein the connector module (4) includes a portion of a meshing gear (12) arrangement, wherein the meshing gear is located at the position of actuator module (2) and at the position of adapter module (3), for mechanically and functionally interconnecting a motor (11) in actuator module (2) with a connector-receiver (13) in adapter module (3); The actuator module (2) instead of the adapter module (3) includes a handle (8) for manually rotating the connector-receiver (13) by means of an arrangement of meshing gears (12).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the grippers (18) is infinitely adjustable.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the jaws (18) is infinitely adjustable by screws (19), one screw acting on one jaw and the other screw acting on the opposite jaw.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a bending mechanism disposed within the adapter module (3), the bending mechanism being configured to adjust the curvature of at least one gripper (18) to the outer curvature of the connector.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one jaw of the gripper (18) has an elastomeric surface for securing the connector.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the surface of the elastomer includes an elongated groove that is not perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the connector-receiver (13).

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of the jaws (18) includes an elastomeric block (18A) for abutting the connector, wherein a bending mechanism is disposed within the adapter module (3) and configured to adjust the curvature of the elastomeric block (18A) to adjust the jaws to the outer curvature of the connector.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, A stabilizing plate (20) is disposed on or in the elastic block (18A), the stabilizing plate (20) having a higher stiffness than the elastic block (18A), wherein the bending mechanism includes a screw mechanism having at least one screw, the stabilizing plate (20) being formed by the rotation of the at least one screw.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator module (2) includes electronic devices (15) for controlling locking and unlocking actions of the motor (11) via the adapter module (3), wherein the electronic devices (15) include a controller (16) for the motor and a wireless transceiver (26) for wireless communication with a smartphone, for receiving wireless commands for locking and unlocking and for transmitting wireless status information.

10. A kit, characterized in that, The kit includes a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (1) having a first pair of jaws (18) and a second pair of jaws (18), the first pair of jaws having a planar surface and the second pair of jaws having a curved surface for selectively mounting the first pair of jaws or the second pair of jaws in the adapter module (3) so as to selectively engage the connector with the planar surface of the first pair of jaws or the curved surface of the second pair of jaws (18).

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