Electromagnetic door lock with visual indicator

Abstract

An electromagnetic door lock comprising: an electromagnet which can be energized and de-energized to place the lock in a locked and unlocked state, respectively; a visual indicator for indicating the state of the lock; the visual indicator comprising a light diffusing element and a light source is mounted inside the light diffusing element; the light diffusing element is made of silicone; and particles of light reflecting material are dispersed in the silicone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to electromagnetic door locks, and in particular to improvements in illuminated visual indicators for enhancing the appearance and visibility of electromagnetic door locks. Background Technology

[0002] refer to Figure 1 An electromagnetic door lock, magnetic lock, or magnetic lock is a locking device consisting of an electromagnet 100 and an armature plate 120.

[0003] Electromagnetic door locks work by using the electromagnetic force generated when electricity is applied to lock the door. Typically, an electromagnet 100 is fixedly installed on a fixed part of the building entrance, while an armature 120 is fixedly installed on the door, serving as part of a home access or security system to control access through the door. When energized, the electromagnet 100 attracts the armature 120 with sufficient force to prevent the door from being opened.

[0004] A visual indicator in the form of a transparent window 116 (made of glass or plastic) is provided on the lock housing. A light source is installed inside the electromagnet 100. When the electromagnet is energized, the light source is illuminated; when the electromagnet is de-energized, the light source is extinguished. The light emitted by the light source can be seen through the transparent strip 116.

[0005] The output of a visual indicator is an important security feature and the only indication for homeowners whether an electromagnetic door lock is "locked" or "unlocked." In many situations, light emanating from a window can be difficult to discern, especially in low-visibility conditions, such as when a room or hallway may be filled with smoke. For occupants, correctly seeing the indicator and determining whether they can open the door can be challenging.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need for improved electromagnetic door locks with enhanced visual indicators. Utility Model Content

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electromagnetic door lock is provided, comprising: an electromagnet capable of being energized and de-energized to place the lock in a locked state and an unlocked state, respectively; a visual indicator for indicating the state of the lock; the visual indicator includes a light diffusion element, and a light source is installed inside the light diffusion element; the light diffusion element is made of silicone; and light-reflecting material particles are dispersed in the silicone.

[0008] The light source can be a point light source LED installed inside the light diffusion element.

[0009] The light diffusion element can be installed in the corner area of ​​the electromagnet housing and emit light from both surfaces of the housing.

[0010] The light source can be an LED light strip installed in the groove behind the light diffusion element.

[0011] The light diffusion element can be mounted to extend horizontally through the surface of the electromagnet housing.

[0012] Light-reflecting materials can be made of aluminum oxide or titanium dioxide. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram of an existing electromagnetic door lock.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a rear-view perspective of the electromagnetic door lock;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front-lower view of the lock shown;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the lock shown;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Detailed view of the light diffuser and LED light source of the lock shown;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a rear view of another embodiment of the electromagnetic door lock; and

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The exploded view of the lock shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] This invention is based on an electromagnet with a light-diffusing element, which is used in conjunction with a light source. The light-diffusing element is made of silicone, and light-reflecting material particles are dispersed within the silicone.

[0022] The silicone light diffuser element of this invention uses translucent or transparent silicone as a substrate, and uniformly disperses light-reflecting powder within the silicone. These powder particles effectively scatter light, allowing the light from the light source to propagate uniformly throughout the diffuser, thereby achieving uniform illumination of the entire diffuser.

[0023] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows an electromagnetic door lock 10, including an electromagnet 14 that can be energized and de-energized to place the lock in a locked and unlocked state, respectively. A visual indicator 20 indicating the lock state is mounted in a corner of the housing. In use, the visual indicator 20 emits light from surfaces 15 and 16 of the housing 12.

[0024] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The visual indicator includes a light-diffusing element in the form of a diffuser 24. The light-diffusing element is mounted in an opening 22 of the housing during use, and a protrusion 25 of the light-diffusing element is located within the hole 22. A light source in the form of a point light source LED 26 is mounted within the diffuser 24 by being inserted into a hole 29. A cable 27 and a connector 28 connect the LED 26 to the door lock's electronic circuitry (PCB) 30, which is housed on the back of the cover 32.

[0025] LEDs can emit different colors to indicate the lock's status. For example, green light indicates the lock is locked, and red light indicates the lock is unlocked (open). The color states can be reversed by interchangeing the connector 28 connected to the PCB.

[0026] The diffuser 24 can be formed through the following process:

[0027] 1. Prepare a molding compound comprising a translucent silicone rubber having a Shore A hardness of 50 to 70, mixed with added reflective particles (0.2% wt), vulcanizing agent (1.5% wt), and mold release lubricant (0.5% wt).

[0028] 2. Pour the mixture into the mold and allow it to solidify.

[0029] 3. Pop the cured silicone rubber out of the mold.

[0030] Suitable reflective particles include titanium dioxide or aluminum oxide particles with particle sizes ranging from 0.1 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0031] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The figure shows another embodiment of an electromagnetic door lock 10a, which is labeled with the same reference numerals. In embodiment 10a, a visual indicator 20a extends horizontally through the surface of the electromagnet housing 12a.

[0032] A light diffuser 24a forms an open trench 29a at its rear. A strip-shaped LED module 26a is inserted into the trench 29a and connected to the PCB 30a via an electrical connector.

[0033] The electromagnetic door lock with a light diffuser assembled according to the above method has been tested and has achieved a highly uniform light output from the lock's visual indicator, which surpasses the performance of existing visual indicators.

[0034] Any prior art mentioned should not be considered as general knowledge unless otherwise stated.

[0035] Finally, it should be understood that various modifications or additions can be made to the aforementioned components without departing from the spirit or scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic door lock, comprising: An electromagnet, which can be energized and de-energized to place the lock in a locked and unlocked state, respectively; A visual indicator for indicating the state of the lock; The visual indicator includes a light diffusion element, and a light source is mounted inside the light diffusion element; The light diffusion element is made of silicone; and The light-reflecting material particles are dispersed in the silicone.

2. The electromagnetic door lock of claim 1, wherein, The light source is a point light source LED installed inside the light diffusion element.

3. The electromagnetic door lock according to claim 2, wherein, The light diffusion element is installed in a corner region of the electromagnet's housing and emits light from both surfaces of the housing.

4. The electromagnetic door lock of claim 1, wherein, The light source is an LED light strip, which is installed in a groove at the rear of the light diffusion element.

5. The electromagnetic door lock of claim 4, wherein, The light-diffusing element is mounted horizontally extending through the surface of the electromagnet's housing.

6. The electromagnetic door lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The light-reflecting material particles are made of aluminum oxide or titanium dioxide.

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