Lock frame for security device for closing two hinged elements

Abstract

Lock frame, comprising a plate with a hole for receiving a latch and holes for receiving fastening elements to a swing element, characterized in that it comprises a recess of the thickness of the plate in contact with at least one side of said hole, on the outer face of the plate.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to door and window closing systems, and more specifically to security means in said systems for preventing the unauthorised opening thereof by intruders. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to a security device for closing two hinged elements, to a door opener and to a door which comprises said device.

[0002] A lock connects two hinged elements to each other. Hinged element or door element may include, for example, door or window leaves or panels, or door or window frames, among others.

[0003] Modern locks have their origin in the horizontal wooden bolt which, attached to the back portion of the door, was slid through a rudimentary guide in order then to fit into a hole which was made in the jamb or frame. To give the lock greater security, with the passage of time the mechanism evolved into components made of metal, resulting ultimately in the conventional barrel bolts. The introduction of the retractable latch in the modern lock was a substantial advance owing to the convenience of pushing the door and allowing said door to close autonomously owing to the sloping surface of the latch, compared to its precursors where a bolt had to be moved manually to keep said door closed after being passed through. However, this important advance in user convenience gave the doors a vulnerability which up to the present time has been taken advantage of by intruders to gain unauthorised access to spaces very easily, at little cost and without leaving any trace as there was no forced entry. All that is needed is a flexible card or sheet which is inserted in the gap between the door leaf and the frame such that when said card or sheet is slid vertically or horizontally, said card or sheet makes contact with the sloping region of the latch and by making a pushing movement succeeds in moving the latch, causing said latch to retract and the door to open.

[0004] To confront this problem, locksmiths have devised many solutions, mostly consisting of interposed components which attempt to prevent access to the latch from the outside. Said components are additional accessories which project, installed on the outside of the lock or the frame and which attempt to prevent the sheet from reaching the latch, by being interposed.

[0005] An example of said device is the accessory commercialised under the name Magic Key by the company Factoría de Ideas Prácticas para el Hogar, S.L.

[0006] EP1574640A2 discloses a flat latch-slide with bridge and bridge slide which includes penetrations to accept locking projections of the opening latch. The slide is installed between the open lock plate and door opener in a frame profile.

[0007] DE20314843U1 discloses a lock with an opening for a latch having a receptacle comprising at least two fastening webs, wherein in that at least one of the fastening webs is designed as a separate assembly element or is connected to a separate assembly element which can be fastened to the receptacle during assembly.

[0008] DE6608192U discloses an electric door lock with a latch where a sliding piece is provided on the door opener housing in such a way that, when opening, the latch intersects at an angle with the sliding piece which serves as a guide to push back the lock latch making it possible to opening the door.

[0009] These accessories, as well as not being totally reliable, because most can be circumvented, have drawbacks as they are components which project from the frame and may result in a considerable change to the original installation or alternatively can easily cause accidents as said components may become caught in the clothing of users, or in other components. Similarly, this drawback also causes damage to the system over time owing to items becoming caught.

[0010] In addition, lock systems have been developed which automatically immobilise the latch, as shown in document ES1047686U, for example. Said systems are reasonably effective, although more costly and complex to install. For example, those that function with an extra trigger fail if the distance between the frame and the lock is very great, as the greater distance means that the loader is not under sufficient pressure and does not ultimately immobilise the latch. Furthermore, if a door comprising this system is properly installed in the summer but operating at its limit, when winter arrives and the door contracts, it may not immobilise the latch.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to disclose security means for all types of doors and windows which do not have the drawbacks described above.

[0012] The present invention discloses a lock frame or strike plate, which comprises a plate with a hole for receiving a latch and holes for receiving fastening elements to a hinged element, said frame comprising a recess of the thickness of the plate in contact with at least one side of said hole, on the outer face of the plate. Preferably, said strike plate further comprises holes for receiving lugs. More preferably, the recess has a length greater than that of said lateral. Even more preferably, said recess is in the form of a dovetail.

[0013] To aid understanding, explanatory yet non-limiting drawings are included of embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a door leaf and a frame, comprising a latch in the open position and an interposition means in the inactive position. Fig. 2 shows diagrammatically the arrangement from Fig. 1 in the closed position and with the interposition means in the active position. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment, showing an electric door opener which has a security device. Fig. 4 is a view from above corresponding to the example from Fig. 3, in which for informational purposes some of the components of the security device and a portion of the door opener have been removed. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the components that can be seen in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a perspective view from a different point of view of the example from Fig. 4, with the security device in the inactive position. Fig. 7 is a perspective view which corresponds to Fig. 6, with the security device in the active position, the arrow indicating the action of the latch. Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a cross section in a horizontal plane of the device from Fig. 3 to 7 installed in a door, the door being open. Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view which corresponds to Fig. 8, at an intermediate stage of closure. Fig. 10 corresponds to Fig. 8 and 9, with the door completely shut, and only a very small gap between the leaves of the door (or between door and frame). Fig. 11 shows three possible embodiments of the interposition means. Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lock release with safety device comprising a lock frame according to the present invention. Fig. 13 shows another perspective view from a lower point of view of the door opener of the previous figure. Fig. 14 shows the plate for recessed connection of an embodiment. Fig. 15 shows a view of a plate with stiffening lugs used in an embodiment. Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of a second plate used in said second embodiment.

[0014] In the figures, elements that are the same or equivalent have been identified with the same reference numerals.

[0015] Fig. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment not forming part of the present invention diagrammatically. The components have been shown very schematically and shapes, distances and proportions have not been faithfully preserved. Moreover, in the closed position the rotation of the door leaf -100- about its hinge and hence its movement in a circular trajectory have been omitted.

[0016] In Fig. 1, two door leaves -100-, -101- can be seen (the second door leaf -101- could also be a door frame). A latch -50- has been shown on the first door leaf -100-. An interposition means or shield has been shown on the second door leaf -101-, which in the inactive position remains inside the door leaf -101- and does not project relative to the outer surface of the edge of the second door leaf -101-. In Fig. 2, the door has been closed and the interposition means -1- has been deployed and has moved to the active position.

[0017] The function of the interposition means -1- is to block unwanted access, in an attempt to force the door open. The interposition means therefore deploys until, preferably making contact with the first door leaf -100-. In the example shown, the deployment takes place by translation, in particular by a linear displacement. Translation may take place in a manner impelled by a resilient means or by any other means (mechanical thrust, electric motor, hydraulic or pneumatic thrust, etc.). Any type of deployment trajectory is possible. The event that causes the actuation of the interposition means -1- should be related to the closing of the door. More specifically, said means may be actuated by a sensor for the door closing, for a movement of the door leaf -100-, the entry of the latch -50- into its reception space in the second door leaf -101-, or for any other event.

[0018] It is observed that the interposition means deploys preferably until contacting the outer surface of the hinged element (door leaf -100-) without entering any hole therein. In preferred embodiments, there is no recess for receiving the interposition means -1- in the leaf element -100- that receives the interposition means -1- in the active (deployed) position.

[0019] The figures show that the system is not affected by the free space between the door leaves -100-, -101-, as the interposition means -1- can be deployed until contact is made with the first door leaf -100-. The system is therefore equally effective for a wide range of distances remaining between door leaves -100-, -101-, or between leaf and door, during the installation of the door. Another advantage that can be seen is that the interposition means, in the inactive position, do not project beyond the edge of the second door leaf -101-.

[0020] Preferably, the interposition means -1- has a dimension greater than that of the latch -50-. It is more advantageous even if the interposition means -1- has larger dimensions than the orifice into which the latch -50- is inserted. In particular, in the example, it results It is convenient that in the direction perpendicular to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 (that is, a direction parallel to the junction between the swing elements -100- and -101-), the interposition means -1- is larger than the latch and the recess for the same, thus offering greater protection against unauthorized access.

[0021] Fig. 3 to 10 show an exemplary embodiment not forming part of the present invention. In the different figures, elements that are the same or similar have been identified with identical reference numerals. In particular, Fig. 3 to 10 show an electric door opener -2- which has a security device.

[0022] This type of door opener is normally used in entry phone systems and access controls, and presents the security problems present in lock latches, as the doors are kept closed only by the action of a latch.

[0023] In the example shown, the region which comprises the lower region of the rod -12- up to the connection part -111- acts as a spring.

[0024] In the example shown in Fig. 3 to 10, a portion of an embeddable door opener -2- contains what is known as a catch, that is, a space -28- or recess for receiving a latch and, in this specific example, components for the normal opening thereof. The opening function is produced by releasing the internal mechanism which frees the rotation of the catch -29-. When pushing the door, the user pushes the catch of the door opener -29- by means of the latch of the lock -50-, causing said catch to rotate until the latch of the lock is released, at this point the door is opened.

[0025] The example shown in Fig. 3 to 10 can be produced from a door opener of a known type, by substituting the connection plate -21-, to which the interposition means -1- is connected. The connection plate -21-has a recess for receiving the interposition means -1- in such a way that said interposition means does not project. This can easily be carried out, as in most door openers the door opener mechanism is connected to the plate -21- by screws -22-. The purpose of the plate -21- is to remain approximately flush with the cant of the door leaf or frame in which said plate is installed and therefore without projecting therefrom. Thus, the plate -21- comprises an outer surface for alignment with the cant of a hinged element.

[0026] As shown in the figures, the interposition means -1- is rotatably connected (in this case by means of rotating connection regions -15-, which in this case take the form of projections, of which the function is to reduce friction and encourage rotation). In the inactive position, said interposition means remains inside the framework and does not project from the door opener (and hence not from the cant in which said means is installed) while moving to the active position by means of rotation.

[0027] In the rest position shown in figure 3, it is observed how the interposition means -1- exceeds limits of the space -28- or reception box of the latch on the plane along which the interposition means lays. In particular, in the case shown, the interposition means exceeds a side of the latch box by the end -113-that unfolds during the rotation of the interposition means. In this case, said part exceeding limits of the box is housed in a recess -213- in the plate -21- to prevent the interposition means -1- protruding from the connection plate -21- in the inactive position. However, the interposition means, despite exceeding the limits of the box on its side, does not protrude from the plate in a direction perpendicular to it.

[0028] Resilient means, for example, may be provided to ensure the return of the interposition means to the inactive position from the active position. In the example shown, this can be achieved by the action of the rod -12-, magnets, spring or strip. Accordingly, in some cases it would also be possible to use known operating components in door openers such as an automatic-function pin or micro-switch actuation element.

[0029] In the example, the interposition means -1- is actuated by the latch. To do this, the device comprises an arm -19-. The arm is located in the opening for receiving the latch defined, for example, by the plate -21-. The arm is connected to the interposition means -1- on the side opposite the axis of rotation of the interposition means -1-, in such a way that the entry of a latch pushes the arm -19- towards the inside of the catch, causing the interposition means to come out. In the specific example shown in figures 3 to 10 and 12, the arm -19- is flexible, which allows said arm to continue to flex allowing the latch to enter even when the interposition means has made contact with the door leaf and, therefore, no longer rotates. To encourage said flexing, the rod -12- is bent and has a length in contact with the arm -19-. Said length of the rod -12- in contact with the arm -19- is separated from the axis of rotation to assist the lever arm and the flexion. Moreover, the rod -12- is in contact with the interposition means -1- on a face opposite that in contact with the arm -19- (in reference to the axis of rotation), so that the rod can also act as a transmitter of the movement of the arm -19- to the interposition means -1-.

[0030] The interposition means -1- has grooves -13-, -14- (see Fig. 6) and / or steps, the purpose of which is to act as hooks to deflect and block attempts to overcome the interposition means from above or below using cards with special shapes, for example L-shaped. If the card makes contact with one of the grooves -13-, -14-, when the interposition means is deployed, said grooves trap and block the card. Accordingly, the grooves in a possible example are oblique relative to the plane of the outer face of the interposition means -1- in which said grooves are located in and cut into the face / interposition means in a direction moving away from the axis of rotation. Preferably, said grooves are located in the vicinity of the axis of rotation, although they may be positioned anywhere.

[0031] The action of the grooves -13-, -14- is complemented by the flared or triangular free end -113-. Said regions -18- form ramps at the perimeter of the interposition means which directs a card inserted in the groove towards the ramps. Likewise, the fact that the free end -113- has, in the direction of the axis of rotation of the interposition means -1-, a length greater than that of the area for reception of the larch -50-also hinders unauthorized access by means of cards or rods to the device to violate the safety of the same.

[0032] In the example shown, the interposition means has two parts, and also comprises an auxiliary screen -11-. The purpose of this arrangement is to help the device to adapt to very small distances between door leaves or between groove and door leaf. In this case, the interposition means should not prevent the latch from entering fully.

[0033] This construction can be seen in Fig. 4, 5 and 8 to 10. For reasons of clarity, some of the elements shown have been eliminated in said figures. In all the figures, most of the door opener has been eliminated, except for the opening mechanism -29- (said mechanism is not necessary for implementing the door opener, which can be applied to other types of closure devices). In Fig. 4 and 5, the shield of the interposition means -1- has also been eliminated, although it can be seen in Fig. 8 to 10.

[0034] The auxiliary screen -11- together with the arm -19- and the connection part -111- are preferably components made of a flexible material which are connected to the interposition means -1-. The arm -19- and the auxiliary screen -11- can be connected in such a way that the flexion of the arm -19- always produces a raising of the auxiliary screen which, if the interposition means -1- does not rise, occurs independently of the interposition means. In this case, the auxiliary screen -11- may perform functions of the interposition means. The connection part -111- in the example is incorporated in the arm -19-although they can work separately, and its function is to actuate as a spring which tends to retract the device when the door is opened both arm -19- and connection part -111- can be connected to the interposition means -1-. Said connection is produced, for example, by means of openings -112- in the arm -19- (see Fig. 5) and projections or lugs -113'- positioned on the lower face of the interposition means -1- (see Fig. 8 to 10).

[0035] Fig. 8 to 10 show the process of closing and deploying the security mechanism. Fig. 8 shows the moment when, on closing the door, the latch -50- makes contact with the arm -19-. The interposition means does not project from the outer surface -21-, and remains incorporated within the framework. In Fig. 9, the latch has entered further, pressing and pushing the arm -19- inwards and causing the interposition means -1- to come out, because the assembly pivots about its axis of rotation (which coincides with the main axis or axis of rotation of the rod -12-). For this to occur, it is advantageous if the resilient force applied by the arm -19- is less than that of the latch spring. Fig. 10 shows that the latch has been inserted to the end, but in this case the arm has flexed without causing the main portion of the interposition means to further rotate. It is therefore advantageous for the arm to be sufficiently yielding to allow this effect without overcoming the force of the latch spring (not shown). As can be seen in Fig. 10 , the interposition means -1- has not moved respective to Fig. 9, but it can be seen that the auxiliary screen -11- has been deployed, until it practically touches the door leaf -100-.

[0036] The interposition means may have various grooves for placing same in different positions relative to the axis of rotation. This allows the position of the interposition means -1- or shield to be adjusted. This may be useful if the latch is wide or the tab of the door opener needs to be adjusted for adjusting the door lock.

[0037] In Fig. 8 to 10, the interposed component -1- has been shown as not sufficiently flexible to deform. In some cases, however, this may be a desired effect, as by deforming the contact surface between the interposition means -1- and the cant of the first door leaf -100- would increase.

[0038] In the present specification, the term flexible or flexible material should be understood to mean capable of being bent / deformed under the forces experienced in normal use, while retaking its original form when the external force in question stops. In general, plastics materials and / or synthetic materials may be used as resilient materials, although metal may also be used, provided that the dimensioning thereof allows the effect indicated to be obtained.

[0039] Fig. 11 shows three possible embodiments -500-, -600-, -700- of the interposition means -1-. Elements that are the same or equivalent to those shown earlier have been identified with identical reference numerals and will not be explained in detail. In the embodiment -500-, there is a square central region -19- for the rod -12-. A straight strip enters said region -19- which on flexing rotates on the edge of the groove acting as a rod -12-. In this case, the articulated connection region -15- of the interposition means is a component that reduces friction in rotation which occurs at the ends of the equivalent rod -12-.

[0040] In the embodiment -600-, the arm -19- is thick and is therefore not flexible. The articulated connection region -15'- are projections which can be integrated or form part of the interposition element -1- and which do not have an opening for the rod or strip and which can act like the ends of the rod -12- in other embodiments, with the possibility of being used without said rod.

[0041] The embodiment -700- is intended to be the strong, hard and flexible embodiment (for example, metallic) of the interposition means. This embodiment is intended to combine in a single part the functions of interposition means -1- and arm -19-. Accordingly, the interposition means is Z-shaped. The embodiment has no anti-card grooves, but they could eventually be implemented. It can also be used without a rod, for example by using another resilient return component (for example, the pin for the automatic function of a door opener).

[0042] In the three embodiments -500-, -600-, -700- the interposed component is a single part, and has no auxiliary screen device.

[0043] Fig. 12 to 16 show a further embodiment of a device comprising a lock frame according to the present invention. Equal elements, similar or equivalent to those of the embodiments shown above have been identified with identical numerals.

[0044] As seen in the figures, the interposition means -1- is of the rotating type. The free end -113- of the interposition means -1- surpasses a side of the box -28- parallel to the axis of rotation of the interposition means. In addition, the length of said free end -113- is greater than the length of said side on the box. Also, the interposition means has an orifice -110- that allows access to the bottom of the box, in order to be able to access terminals for adjustment or disassembly of the assembly without the need to operate or disassemble the interposition means.

[0045] Additionally, the device has locking lugs -51-, which are inserted into corresponding holes -215- of the plate -21-. The lugs -54- stiffen the system.

[0046] In Fig. 14 the plate -21- is shown with the hole -223- corresponding to the box, the recess -213- for receiving the free end of the interposition means (protruding from the recess) and the corresponding holes -215- for the lugs. The holes -216- are also observed for screwing the edge of the hinged element (not shown in the figures).

[0047] In this example, the lugs -51- shown are integrated in a plate -5- (see figure 15) which, together with another plate -6-, is interposed between the built-in door opener -2- and the plates -21-. The plate -5-has, in addition to the lugs, an empty zone -523- corresponding to the hole of the space -28- of the door opener -2-, of holes -59- corresponding with the holes -216- for screws of the plate -21-. It also has several slots -559- for receiving the axis of rotation of the interposition means -1-. The other plate -6- it prevents the interposition element -1- from coming out of its housing in the plate -5- during operation and during the regulation process. It has reinforcements -61- which ensure an optimum distance between the mechanism of the door opener -2- and the plate -21-, protect the means -111- and ensure a correct positioning of the other plate -5-. On the other hand, other adjustment systems are possible to adjust the position of the interposition element, such as, for example, the displacement of the assembly formed by the plates -5- and -6- with respect to the screws -22-, making the holes -59- elongated. In this case, the adjustment can be ensured by means of serrations located on the rear part of the plate -5- and on the contact surface with the door opener -2- or plate -21- (not shown).

[0048] In this example, the rod has been eliminated and integrated into the piece that forms the interposition means, becoming thus solid. In particular, an axis is arranged on each side of the interposition means, integrated in it. The interposition means pivots on said axes. This construction is more resistant than that of the rod.

[0049] Although the invention has been set out and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it should be understood that these do not limit the invention, and that it is possible to alter many structural or other details that may prove obvious to persons skilled in the art after interpreting the subject matter disclosed in the present description, claims and drawings. In particular, in principle, all the features of each of the different embodiments and variants shown and / or suggested may be combined with each other. Therefore, the scope of the present invention includes any variant covered by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Lock frame comprising a plate (21) with a hole (223) for receiving a latch and holes (216) for receiving fastening elements to a swing element, characterized in that the plate comprises, on the outer face of the plate, a recess (213) of the thickness of the plate in contact with at least one side of said hole for receiving a latch.

2. Lock frame according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plate also includes orifices (215) to receive lugs.

3. Lock frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess (213) extends along a length greater than said at least one side.

4. Lock frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (213) on the outer face of the plate can receive interposition means in such a way the interposition means (1) does not project.

5. Lock frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate is adapted to remain approximately flush with the cant of a door or frame in which said plate is installed.

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