An electric door lock unit comprising a four-bar linkage

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric door lock unit (1) for installation in a door leaf (100) to interact with a strike plate (120) of a door frame (110), the door lock unit (1) comprising - a latch (10), - an interlock member (20) that is movable between a block position (20b), in which the latch (10) is blocked from movement, and a release position (20r), in which the latch (10) is not blocked from movement, - an electric actuator (30), and - a transmission assembly operatively arranged between the electric actuator (30) and the interlock member (20), wherein the transmission assembly comprises a four-bar linkage (40).

Description

CO-PENDING RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present Swedish patent application is filed concurrently with the following related Swedish patent applications by the same applicant. The features of these patent applications are to be considered incorporated by reference into each other. The related patent applications, including the present one, are titled: SE2451036-4: An electric door lock unit comprising a reversible dual-bevel latch SE2451037-2: An electric door lock unit comprising a four-bar linkage SE2451038-0: An electric door lock unit with switchable power-to-open and power-to-lock function SE2451039-8: A door lock unit configured to block a latch when a bolt is extended TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention generally pertains to door lock units, and more precisely to an electric door lock unit that comprises a four-bar linkage. The electric door lock unit may typically be adapted for installation in a door leaf.BACKGROUND

[0003] Door lock units have a vast range of applications, such as at hotels, hospitals, offices, or the like. For certain applications, electric door lock units, for example solenoid or motor locks, are particularly popular. A common type of electric door lock units is activated, e.g. locked or unlocked, by means of a magnetic card, a mobile phone, an RFID tag, a security system, or the like. In other applications, the door lock unit may be operated manually, i.e. without a solenoid or the like.

[0004] Even though today's door lock units generally function satisfactorily, there is still room for improvement in terms of security, durability, ease of installation, and cost.SUMMARY

[0005] A general object of the invention is to address the challenges mentioned above. In particular, an object is to ensure that the lock is highly secure, tamper-proof and reliable. Preferably, the invention of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanical mechanism that is compact, robust, and easy to manufacture and assemble. Compact mechanical mechanisms are particularly beneficial in modern electric door units, where space is required for electric and electronic equipment.

[0006] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an electric door lock unit for installation in a door leaf to interact with a strike plate of a door frame. The door lock unit comprises a latch, an interlock member that is movable between a block position, in which the latch is blocked from movement, and a release position, in which the latch is not blocked from movement. There is further an electric actuator and a transmission assembly operatively arranged between the electric actuator and the interlock member. The transmission assembly comprises a four-bar linkage.

[0007] It has rather surprisingly been recognised by the inventor that the four-bar linkage offers significant advantages as regards the operation of the electric door lock unit. For example, the movement of the electric actuator reliably operates the latch, even if a relatively low-powered electric actuator is used. Thus, the present disclosure allows for a relatively low-cost electric actuator to be employed. It is believed that, possibly, the mutual relative movement of the components of the four-bar linkage may contribute to the reliable movement of the latch. Said movement may possibly involve a kinetic energy that contributes to the reliable latch movement. Another advantage is that the four-bar linkage allows for relatively flexible positioning of the electric actuator in relation to the latch, which is beneficial particularly since there is limited space available in the electric door lock unit.

[0008] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Below embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which figure 1shows an electric door lock unit with an emphasis on a four-bar linkage thereof, figures 2 to 7illustrate the operation of the electric door lock unit of figure 1, and in particular the operation of the four-bar linkage, figure 8is a detailed view of the four-bar linkage of the previous figures in isolation, figure 9is a detailed view of the electric door lock unit, figures 10 and 11show the electric door lock unit of figures 1 to 7 and 9 in two perspective views, and figures 12 and 13illustrate a door frame for a door leaf in which the electric door lock unit may be installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Figure 1 shows an electric door lock unit 1 suitable for installation in a door leaf 100 to interact with a strike plate 120 of a door frame 110. Referring also to figures 2 to 9, the electric door lock unit 1 comprises a latch 10 and an interlock member 20. The latter is movable between a block position 20b, in which the latch 10 is blocked from movement, and a release position 20r, in which the latch 10 is not blocked from movement.

[0011] The electric door lock unit 1, or lock unit, further comprises an electric actuator 30, in the present example in the form of a solenoid. Moreover, lock unit 1 comprises a transmission assembly operatively arranged between the electric actuator 30 and the interlock member 20. Thereby, the transmission assembly is configured to influence the operation, or operate, the interlock member 20 by means of an input from the electric actuator 30. As is shown, see in particular figures 1, 3 and 5 to 8 the transmission assembly comprises a four-bar linkage 40.

[0012] As is illustrated, the interlock member 20 and the electric actuator 30 may be positioned on opposite sides of the latch 10 within a casing 5 (denoted in figure 10) of the electric door lock unit 1, with the four-bar linkage 40 extending between the electric actuator 30 and the interlock member 20. Thus, the four-bar linkage 40 may be elongated to allow for a spatial separation between the interlock member 20 and the electric actuator 30 in the electric door lock unit 1. The four-bar linkage 40 may suitably designed to allow for a desired disposition of the interlock member 20 and the electric actuator 30 in the electric door lock unit 1.

[0013] Referring in particular to figure 9, in use, the interlock member 20 may be disposed in an upper half of the electric door lock unit 1, and the electric actuator 30 is primarily disposed in the lower half of the electric door lock unit 1, or vice versa. In use, the lock unit 1 is typically oriented as shown e.g. in figures 9 to 12. There may be a lower hub, or latch hub, that is rotationally journaled in the lock unit 1 and arranged to move the latch 10, the latch hub optionally being connected to a door handle (figures 12 or 13) or a doorknob. Further, there may be an upper hub, or bolt hub, that is rotationally journaled in the lock unit and arranged to move the latch 10, the bolt hub optionally being connected to e.g. an undepicted emergency handle, an undepicted electric actuator, or an undepicted key cylinder.

[0014] Referring e.g. to figures 6 to 8, the interlock member 20 and the four-bar linkage 40 may be interconnected by a pin-and-slot joint 43p, 20s. The slot 20s of the pin-and-slot joint 43p, 20s may be shaped to prevent the interlock member 20 from moving between the block position 20b and the release position 20r in response to the electric door lock unit 1 being subjected to an impact.

[0015] The slot 20s of the pin-and-slot joint 43p, 20s may as shown comprise a stop section 20ss that extends substantially transverse to the movement direction of the interlock member 20 from the block position 20b to the release position 20r. Thereby, it may be prevented that the interlock member 20 may move between the block position 20b and the release position 20r in response to the electric door lock unit 1 being subjected to an impact.

[0016] Importantly, it is put forward that the herein described pin-and-slot joint, shaped to prevent an interlock member from moving between a block position and a release position in response to an electric door lock unit being subjected to an impact, may be applied to lock units of other designs. For example, such a pin-and-slot joint may be applied to lock units that lack a four-bar linkage. Herein, the door lock unit is exemplified as a mortise lock (or mortice lock), as shown.

[0017] As is shown, the four-bar linkage 40 may comprise an input link 41, a coupler link 42, an output link 43 and fixed link 44. As indicated in figures 3 and 5, the fixed link 44 may be formed by a stationary part such as the casing 5. The input link 41 and the output link 43 are rotatably journalled to the casing.

[0018] The output link 43 may comprise either the pin 43p or the slot 20s of the pin-and-slot joint 43p, 20s, and the interlock member 20 may comprise the other of the pin or the slot of the pin-and-slot joint. In the present example, the output link 43 comprises the pin 43p of the pin-and-slot joint, and the interlock member 20 comprises the slot 20s of the pin-and-slot joint.

[0019] As is shown, the electric actuator 30 may be connected to the input link 41 and the interlock member 20 is connected to the output link 43. In the present example, the coupler link 42 connects the input link 41 to the output link 43, the input link 41 is an input rocker arm and the output link 43 is an output rocker arm.

[0020] Referring in particular to figure 5, the four-bar linkage 40 may be configured such that the coupler link 42 undergoes a combined translatory and rotatory motion when the four-bar linkage 40 is actuated by the electric actuator 30. Possibly, the kinetic energy of the moving coupler link 42 is beneficial for the reliable movement of the latch. The lock unit 1 may be designed such that the force required to move the interlock member 20 from the block position 20b to the release position 20r exceeds the force output of the electric actuator 30. A lever arm obtained by the four-bar linkage 40, and possibly the mentioned kinetic energy, may enable the movement of the interlock member 20.

[0021] Referring to figures 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9, the lock unit 1 may comprise a biasing member 25 arranged to bias the interlock member 20 towards the block position 20b. There may further be an auxiliary latch 50 arranged to interact with the strike plate 120 between an engaged state 50e, in which the interlock member 20 is blocked from movement, and a disengaged state 50d, in which the interlock member 20 is not blocked from movement. The electric actuator 30 may be arranged to move the interlock member 20 from the block position 20b to the release position 20r. Generally, also in lock units of other designs, e.g. not comprising an auxiliary latch, the electric actuator 30 may be arranged to move an interlock member from a block position to a release position.

[0022] The four-bar linkage 40 may comprise four pivot joints P1-P4 as denoted in figure 3. The input link 41, or input rocker or input driver, may be rotationally journalled in the lock unit 1 via a first pivot joint P1. The input link 41 may be connected to the coupler link 42, or connecting link or floating link, via a second pivot joint P2. The coupler link 42 may be connected to the output link 43, or output rocker, via a third pivot joint P3. The output link 43 may be rotationally journalled in the lock unit 1 via a fourth pivot joint P4. All movements of the four-bar linkage may occur in-plane A with the lock unit 1. The four-bar linkage may be referred to as a four-joint linkage.

[0023] It is to be understood that the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are non-limiting examples of the invention, and that the latter may be modified in many ways within the scope of the appended claims.

[0024] However, except for the schematic figures 12 and 13, the drawings do disclose a possible actual implementation and should not be regarded as simply serving to give a schematic explanation of the principles of the subject-matter of the invention.

[0025] Not all components of the electric door unit, shown in particular in figures 1 and 9, are described herein. Still, a skilled person will be able to clearly and unmistakably recognise from the drawings how these components are designed and cooperate. Furthermore, the shapes and lever arms of the four-bar linkage 40 are not described in full detail herein, and additional features defining their shapes and at least relative dimensions may be derived from in particular figures 3, 5 to 9. For example, it is clearly shown where biasing elements in the form of springs may be arranged, and that the interlock member 20 comprises a block surface or hook feature arranged to bear against the latch 10 to block the latter in its extended position.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0010]Figure 1 shows an electric door lock unit 1 suitable for installation in a door leaf 100 to interact with a strike plate 120 of a door frame 110. Referring also to figures 2 to 9, the electric door lock unit 1 comprises a latch 10 and an interlock member 20. The latter is movable between a block position 20b, in which the latch 10 is blocked from movement, and a release position 20r, in which the latch 10 is not blocked from movement.

[0011]The electric door lock unit 1, or lock unit, further comprises an electric actuator 30, in the present example in the form of a solenoid. Moreover, lock unit 1 comprises a transmission assembly operatively arranged between the electric actuator 30 and the interlock member 20. Thereby, the transmission assembly is configured to influence the operation, or operate, the interlock member 20 by means of an input from the electric actuator 30. As is shown, see in particular figures 1, 3 and 5 to 8 the transmission assembly comprises a four-bar lin...

CO-PENDING RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present Swedish patent application is filed concurrently with the following related Swedish patent applications by the same applicant. The features of these patent applications are to be considered incorporated by reference into each other. The related patent applications, including the present one, are titled: SE2451036-4: An electric door lock unit comprising a reversible dual-bevel latch SE2451037-2: An electric door lock unit comprising a four-bar linkage SE2451038-0: An electric door lock unit with switchable power-to-open and power-to-lock function SE2451039-8: A door lock unit configured to block a latch when a bolt is extended TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention generally pertains to door lock units, and more precisely to an electric door lock unit that comprises a four-bar linkage. The electric door lock unit may typically be adapted for installation in a door leaf.BACKGROUND

[0003] Door lock units have a vast range of applications, such as at hotels, hospitals, offices, or the like. For certain applications, electric door lock units, for example solenoid or motor locks, are particularly popular. A common type of electric door lock units is activated, e.g. locked or unlocked, by means of a magnetic card, a mobile phone, an RFID tag, a security system, or the like. In other applications, the door lock unit may be operated manually, i.e. without a solenoid or the like.

[0004] Even though today's door lock units generally function satisfactorily, there is still room for improvement in terms of security, durability, ease of installation, and cost.SUMMARY

[0005] A general object of the invention is to address the challenges mentioned above. In particular, an object is to ensure that the lock is highly secure, tamper-proof and reliable. Preferably, the invention of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanical mechanism that is compact, robust, and easy to manufacture and assemble. Compact mechanical mechanisms are particularly beneficial in modern electric door units, where space is required for electric and electronic equipment.

[0006] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an electric door lock unit for installation in a door leaf to interact with a strike plate of a door frame. The door lock unit comprises a latch, an interlock member that is movable between a block position, in which the latch is blocked from movement, and a release position, in which the latch is not blocked from movement. There is further an electric actuator and a transmission assembly operatively arranged between the electric actuator and the interlock member. The transmission assembly comprises a four-bar linkage.

[0007] It has rather surprisingly been recognised by the inventor that the four-bar linkage offers significant advantages as regards the operation of the electric door lock unit. For example, the movement of the electric actuator reliably operates the latch, even if a relatively low-powered electric actuator is used. Thus, the present disclosure allows for a relatively low-cost electric actuator to be employed. It is believed that, possibly, the mutual relative movement of the components of the four-bar linkage may contribute to the reliable movement of the latch. Said movement may possibly involve a kinetic energy that contributes to the reliable latch movement. Another advantage is that the four-bar linkage allows for relatively flexible positioning of the electric actuator in relation to the latch, which is beneficial particularly since there is limited space available in the electric door lock unit.

[0008] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Below embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which figure 1shows an electric door lock unit with an emphasis on a four-bar linkage thereof, figures 2 to 7illustrate the operation of the electric door lock unit of figure 1, and in particular the operation of the four-bar linkage, figure 8is a detailed view of the four-bar linkage of the previous figures in isolation, figure 9is a detailed view of the electric door lock unit, figures 10 and 11show the electric door lock unit of figures 1 to 7 and 9 in two perspective views, and figures 12 and 13illustrate a door frame for a door leaf in which the electric door lock unit may be installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Figure 1 shows an electric door lock unit 1 suitable for installation in a door leaf 100 to interact with a strike plate 120 of a door frame 110. Referring also to figures 2 to 9, the electric door lock unit 1 comprises a latch 10 and an interlock member 20. The latter is movable between a block position 20b, in which the latch 10 is blocked from movement, and a release position 20r, in which the latch 10 is not blocked from movement.

[0011] The electric door lock unit 1, or lock unit, further comprises an electric actuator 30, in the present example in the form of a solenoid. Moreover, lock unit 1 comprises a transmission assembly operatively arranged between the electric actuator 30 and the interlock member 20. Thereby, the transmission assembly is configured to influence the operation, or operate, the interlock member 20 by means of an input from the electric actuator 30. As is shown, see in particular figures 1, 3 and 5 to 8 the transmission assembly comprises a four-bar linkage 40.

[0012] As is illustrated, the interlock member 20 and the electric actuator 30 may be positioned on opposite sides of the latch 10 within a casing 5 (denoted in figure 10) of the electric door lock unit 1, with the four-bar linkage 40 extending between the electric actuator 30 and the interlock member 20. Thus, the four-bar linkage 40 may be elongated to allow for a spatial separation between the interlock member 20 and the electric actuator 30 in the electric door lock unit 1. The four-bar linkage 40 may suitably designed to allow for a desired disposition of the interlock member 20 and the electric actuator 30 in the electric door lock unit 1.

[0013] Referring in particular to figure 9, in use, the interlock member 20 may be disposed in an upper half of the electric door lock unit 1, and the electric actuator 30 is primarily disposed in the lower half of the electric door lock unit 1, or vice versa. In use, the lock unit 1 is typically oriented as shown e.g. in figures 9 to 12. There may be a lower hub, or latch hub, that is rotationally journaled in the lock unit 1 and arranged to move the latch 10, the latch hub optionally being connected to a door handle (figures 12 or 13) or a doorknob. Further, there may be an upper hub, or bolt hub, that is rotationally journaled in the lock unit and arranged to move the latch 10, the bolt hub optionally being connected to e.g. an undepicted emergency handle, an undepicted electric actuator, or an undepicted key cylinder.

[0014] Referring e.g. to figures 6 to 8, the interlock member 20 and the four-bar linkage 40 may be interconnected by a pin-and-slot joint 43p, 20s. The slot 20s of the pin-and-slot joint 43p, 20s may be shaped to prevent the interlock member 20 from moving between the block position 20b and the release position 20r in response to the electric door lock unit 1 being subjected to an impact.

[0015] The slot 20s of the pin-and-slot joint 43p, 20s may as shown comprise a stop section 20ss that extends substantially transverse to the movement direction of the interlock member 20 from the block position 20b to the release position 20r. Thereby, it may be prevented that the interlock member 20 may move between the block position 20b and the release position 20r in response to the electric door lock unit 1 being subjected to an impact.

[0016] Importantly, it is put forward that the herein described pin-and-slot joint, shaped to prevent an interlock member from moving between a block position and a release position in response to an electric door lock unit being subjected to an impact, may be applied to lock units of other designs. For example, such a pin-and-slot joint may be applied to lock units that lack a four-bar linkage. Herein, the door lock unit is exemplified as a mortise lock (or mortice lock), as shown.

[0017] As is shown, the four-bar linkage 40 may comprise an input link 41, a coupler link 42, an output link 43 and fixed link 44. As indicated in figures 3 and 5, the fixed link 44 may be formed by a stationary part such as the casing 5. The input link 41 and the output link 43 are rotatably journalled to the casing.

[0018] The output link 43 may comprise either the pin 43p or the slot 20s of the pin-and-slot joint 43p, 20s, and the interlock member 20 may comprise the other of the pin or the slot of the pin-and-slot joint. In the present example, the output link 43 comprises the pin 43p of the pin-and-slot joint, and the interlock member 20 comprises the slot 20s of the pin-and-slot joint.

[0019] As is shown, the electric actuator 30 may be connected to the input link 41 and the interlock member 20 is connected to the output link 43. In the present example, the coupler link 42 connects the input link 41 to the output link 43, the input link 41 is an input rocker arm and the output link 43 is an output rocker arm.

[0020] Referring in particular to figure 5, the four-bar linkage 40 may be configured such that the coupler link 42 undergoes a combined translatory and rotatory motion when the four-bar linkage 40 is actuated by the electric actuator 30. Possibly, the kinetic energy of the moving coupler link 42 is beneficial for the reliable movement of the latch. The lock unit 1 may be designed such that the force required to move the interlock member 20 from the block position 20b to the release position 20r exceeds the force output of the electric actuator 30. A lever arm obtained by the four-bar linkage 40, and possibly the mentioned kinetic energy, may enable the movement of the interlock member 20.

[0021] Referring to figures 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9, the lock unit 1 may comprise a biasing member 25 arranged to bias the interlock member 20 towards the block position 20b. There may further be an auxiliary latch 50 arranged to interact with the strike plate 120 between an engaged state 50e, in which the interlock member 20 is blocked from movement, and a disengaged state 50d, in which the interlock member 20 is not blocked from movement. The electric actuator 30 may be arranged to move the interlock member 20 from the block position 20b to the release position 20r. Generally, also in lock units of other designs, e.g. not comprising an auxiliary latch, the electric actuator 30 may be arranged to move an interlock member from a block position to a release position.

[0022] The four-bar linkage 40 may comprise four pivot joints P1-P4 as denoted in figure 3. The input link 41, or input rocker or input driver, may be rotationally journalled in the lock unit 1 via a first pivot joint P1. The input link 41 may be connected to the coupler link 42, or connecting link or floating link, via a second pivot joint P2. The coupler link 42 may be connected to the output link 43, or output rocker, via a third pivot joint P3. The output link 43 may be rotationally journalled in the lock unit 1 via a fourth pivot joint P4. All movements of the four-bar linkage may occur in-plane A with the lock unit 1. The four-bar linkage may be referred to as a four-joint linkage.

[0023] It is to be understood that the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are non-limiting examples of the invention, and that the latter may be modified in many ways within the scope of the appended claims.

[0024] However, except for the schematic figures 12 and 13, the drawings do disclose a possible actual implementation and should not be regarded as simply serving to give a schematic explanation of the principles of the subject-matter of the invention.

[0025] Not all components of the electric door unit, shown in particular in figures 1 and 9, are described herein. Still, a skilled person will be able to clearly and unmistakably recognise from the drawings how these components are designed and cooperate. Furthermore, the shapes and lever arms of the four-bar linkage 40 are not described in full detail herein, and additional features defining their shapes and at least relative dimensions may be derived from in particular figures 3, 5 to 9. For example, it is clearly shown where biasing elements in the form of springs may be arranged, and that the interlock member 20 comprises a block surface or hook feature arranged to bear against the latch 10 to block the latter in its extended position.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0010]Figure 1 shows an electric door lock unit 1 suitable for installation in a door leaf 100 to interact with a strike plate 120 of a door frame 110. Referring also to figures 2 to 9, the electric door lock unit 1 comprises a latch 10 and an interlock member 20. The latter is movable between a block position 20b, in which the latch 10 is blocked from movement, and a release position 20r, in which the latch 10 is not blocked from movement.

[0011]The electric door lock unit 1, or lock unit, further comprises an electric actuator 30, in the present example in the form of a solenoid. Moreover, lock unit 1 comprises a transmission assembly operatively arranged between the electric actuator 30 and the interlock member 20. Thereby, the transmission assembly is configured to influence the operation, or operate, the interlock member 20 by means of an input from the electric actuator 30. As is shown, see in particular figures 1, 3 and 5 to 8 the transmission assembly comprises a four-bar lin...

Claims

1. An electric door lock unit (1) for installation in a door leaf (100) to interact with a strike plate (120) of a door frame (110), the door lock unit (1) comprising - a latch (10), - an interlock member (20) that is movable between a block position (20b), in which the latch (10) is blocked from movement, and a release position (20r), in which the latch (10) is not blocked from movement, - an electric actuator (30), and - a transmission assembly operatively arranged between the electric actuator (30) and the interlock member (20), wherein the transmission assembly comprises a four-bar linkage (40).

2. The electric door lock unit (1) of claim 1, wherein the interlock member (20) and the electric actuator (30) are positioned on opposite sides of the latch (10) within a casing (5) of the electric door lock unit (1), and the four-bar linkage (40) extends between the electric actuator (30) and the interlock member (20).

3. The electric door lock unit (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the four-bar linkage (40) is elongated to allow for a spatial separation between the interlock member (20) and the electric actuator (30) in the electric door lock unit (1).

4. The electric door lock unit (1) of claim 2 or 3, wherein, in use, the interlock member (20) is disposed either in an upper half or a lower half of the electric door lock unit (1), and the electric actuator (30) is primarily disposed in the other half of the electric door lock unit (1).

5. The electric door lock unit (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the interlock member (20) and the four-bar linkage (40) are interconnected by a pin-and-slot joint (43p, 20s).

6. The electric door lock unit (1) of claim 5, wherein the slot (20s) of the pin-and-slot joint (43p, 20s) is shaped to prevent the interlock member (20) from moving between the block position (20b) and the release position (20r) in response to the electric door lock unit (1) being subjected to an impact.

7. The electric door lock unit (1) of claim 6, wherein the slot (20s) of the pin-and-slot joint (43p, 20s) comprises a stop section (20ss) that extends substantially transverse to the movement direction of the interlock member (20) from the block position (20b) to the release position (20r), to prevent the interlock member (20) from moving between the block position (20b) and the release position (20r) in response to the electric door lock unit (1) being subjected to an impact.

8. The electric door lock unit (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the four-bar linkage (40) comprises an input link (41), a coupler link (42), an output link (43) and a fixed link (44).

9. The electric door lock unit (1) according to claims 5 and 8, wherein the output link (43) comprises either the pin (43p) or the slot (20s) of the pin-and-slot joint (43p, 20s), and the interlock member (20) comprises the other of the pin or the slot of the pin-and-slot joint.

10. The electric door lock unit (1) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the electric actuator (30) is connected to the input link (41) and the interlock member (20) is connected to the output link (43).

11. The electric door lock unit (1) of claim 10, wherein the coupler link (42) connects the input link (41) to the output link (43), the input link (41) is an input rocker arm and the output link (43) is an output rocker arm.

12. The electric door lock unit (1) according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the four-bar linkage (40) is configured such that the coupler link (42) undergoes a combined translatory and rotatory motion when the four-bar linkage (40) is actuated by the electric actuator (30).

13. The electric door lock unit (1) according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the force required to move the interlock member (20) from the block position (20b) to the release position (20r) exceeds the force output of the electric actuator (30).

14. The electric door lock unit (1) of claim 13, wherein the electric actuator (30) is a solenoid.

15. The electric door lock unit (1) of any preceding claim, comprising - a biasing member (25) arranged to bias the interlock member (20) towards the block position (20b), and - an auxiliary latch (50) arranged to interact with the strike plate (120) between an engaged state (50e), in which the interlock member (20) is blocked from movement, and a disengaged state (50d), in which the interlock member (20) is not blocked from movement, wherein the electric actuator (30) is arranged to move the interlock member (20) from the block position (20b) to the release position (20r).

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