A device

Abstract

A motorised door opening device 1 for a cylinder lock comprising a spigot 2. The door opening device 1 comprises a body housing 3, an electronic motor 4, and a recess 5 for receiving the spigot 2. The

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a motorised door opening device for a cylinder lock. Background

[0002] Cylinder locks are commonly provided on a door, and may be unlocked in order to open the door either with a key, or with a thumb turn attached to a spigot, the spigot in turn being attached to one of the cylinders of the cylinder lock. A number of motorised door opening devices have been devised to unlock doors, whereby such motorised devices can be actuated remotely.

[0003] The problem faced by common motorised door opening devices is that they are not retrofittable to existing cylinder locks, specifically the standard Eurospec cylinder lock. Usually, the entire locking mechanism or door will need to be replaced, at significant expense.

[0004] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome these problems and to provide a motorised door opening device that can be retrofitted to existing locks, so that the entire locking mechanism will not need to be replaced. Summary of Invention

[0005] In a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a motorised door opening device for a cylinder lock comprising a spigot, the door opening device comprising: a body housing; an electronic motor; a recess for receiving the spigot; wherein the device comprises means for engaging with the spigot so as to secure the body housing to the cylinder lock.

[0006] This is advantageous because the motorised door opening device of the present invention is able to be fitted to and make use of an existing door lock mechanism.

[0007] Further, the means for engaging with the spigot may comprise a screw for engaging with a screw thread on the spigot. Further, the screw may comprise a hex key head.

[0008] Further, the motorised door opening device may be moveable from a first to a second position, the motorised door opening device may be in the first position when the spigot is rotated to a closed position and may be in the second position when the spigot is rotated to an open position. The spigot will be in an open position when it has been rotated such as to actuate a door lock mechanism, latch or similar mechanism so that the door can be opened, and in a closed position when the spigot is rotated such that the door latch or other mechanism is locked so as to prevent the door from being opened.

[0009] The motorised door opening device is actuated via the electronic motor. Further, the electronic motor may be powered via an electricity network. Further, the electronic motor may be powered via at least one power source disposed within the body, such as a battery. Further still, the electronic motor may be powered via a plurality of removable power sources disposed within the body.

[0010] Further, the speed at which the electric motor turns may be selectively variable. Further, the torque applied by the electric motor may be selectively variable. Further, the selective variability may be achieved via a limiter. Further, the selective variability may be achieved via gears. Further, the electronic motor may actuate the door locked via the means for engaging with the spigot.

[0011] Further, the motorised door opening device further may comprise a receiver and a transmitter for communicating with an external device. Further, the external device may be a mobile phone. Further, a user can remotely actuate the motorised door opening device via the external device. Further, the motorised door opening device can be prevented from manual turning via the external device. The external device may comprise an application software or web-based software permitting a user to selectively activate the motorised door opening device. The external device may comprise a control system. For example, a plurality of doors comprising the present motorised door opening device within a premises may be networked to a control system, linked with a communication network so that the locks can be selectively or collectively actuated.

[0012] Advantageously, a user may be able to actuate the door remotely, without interacting with it by hand, eliminating the possibility of passing on bacterial or viral infection, or be able to secure a premises remotely from a control room or similar.

[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of fitting a motorised door opening device as previously described to a cylinder lock comprising a spigot and a lock head, comprising the steps of: removing the lock head from the spigot; placing the motorised door opening device over the spigot, so that the spigot is received within the recess for receiving the spigot; and engaging the spigot with the means for engaging with the spigot.

[0014] Further, the method of fitting a motorised door opening device to a cylinder lock may comprise the step of removing the screw from the lock head attaching the lock head to the spigot, so as to remove the lock head from the spigot.

[0015] Further, the method further may comprise the step of attaching a screw to the spigot via the means for engaging with the spigot, so as to engage the means for engaging with the spigot with the spigot. This will normally be a different screw, so as to be suitable sized to extended through the door opening device and the screw hole of the spigot.

[0016] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of opening a cylinder lock electronically comprising the steps of: removing a lock head from a spigot; placing the motorised door opening device as previously described over the spigot, so that the spigot is received within the recess for receiving the spigot; engaging the means for engaging with the spigot with the spigot; wherein moving the motorised door opening device from a first to a second position, the motorised door opening device being in the first position when the spigot is in a closed position and being in the second position when the spigot is in an open position.

[0017] Further, the method may comprise the step of a user remotely operating the motorised door opening device, being moveable between the first and second position.

[0018] Further, the method further may comprise the step of a user remotely operating the motorised door opening device via an external device communicating with the external device via a transmitter and a receiver on the motorised door opening device, the motorised door opening device being moveable between the first and second position. Further, the method further may comprise the step of a user remotely operating the motorised door opening device via a mobile phone.

[0019] The device may comprise any combination of the embodiments in motorised door opening device, or a door locking system. It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above have been given by way of example only and that modifications or combinations of features of the device in its various embodiments may be affected. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned above, taken singly or in any combination. Description of the Drawings

[0020] Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a a device according to the present invention; and

[0022] Figure 2 shows an alternative view of a spigot and thumb turn lock; and

[0023] Figure 3 shows a diagram of a communication system; and

[0024] Figure 4 shows a method of opening a cylinder lock electronically;

[0025] Figure 5 shows a method of fitting a motorised door opening device to a cylinder lock;

[0026] Figure 6a Shows a perspective view of an adaptor for use with the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 6b shows an alternative perspective view of the adaptor of Figure 6a. Detailed Description

[0028] Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a motorised door opening device generally indicated 1 for actuating a cylinder lock comprising a spigot generally indicated 2, the door opening device 1 comprising: a body housing 3; an electronic motor 4; a recess 5 for receiving the spigot 2; wherein the device comprises means for engaging with the spigot 6. Specifically, the means for engaging with the spigot 6 is a screw 62 engaged with a screw thread 22 on the spigot 2. The screw 62 comprises a hex key head. The spigot 2 is disposed on a thumb turn lock separate to the motorised door opening device. A representation of a thumb turn lock comprising a spigot is shown in Figure 2.

[0029] The electronic motor 4 is connected to the spigot generally indicated 2 via a plurality of gears 7 disposed therebetween. The electronic motor 4 is powered via a power source in the form of a battery 42 disposed within the body housing 3.

[0030] The motorised door opening device 1 is moveable from a first to a second position, whereby the motorised door opening device 1 is in the first position when the spigot 2 is in a closed position and is in the second position when the spigot 2 is in an open position. The spigot 2 is in an open position when it has been rotated such as to actuate a door lock mechanism, latch or similar mechanism so that the door can be opened, and is in a closed position when the spigot 2 is rotated such that the door latch or other mechanism is locked so as to prevent the door from being opened.

[0031] The motorised door opening device 1 is actuated from the first position to the second position via the electronic motor 4. The speed at which the electric motor 4 turns and the torque applied thereby are selectively variable via a series of gears 44 and / or a limiter (not shown).

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown the motorised door opening device 1 further comprising a receiver 91 and a transmitter 92 for communicating with an external device 93, such as a mobile phone or control centre. The user can remotely actuate the motorised door opening device 1 via the external device 93 and can be prevent it from permitting manual turning via the external device 93. The user can remotely actuate a series of motorised door opening devices 1 in a network. Simultaneously, a motorised door opening device 1 can be operated by a plurality of external devices 93, such as a number of people who live in a home. The software installed on the external device 93 includes a security feature, verifying the identity of the user so that only permitted users can actuate the lock.

[0033] Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a method 94 of fitting a motorised door opening device 1 to a cylinder lock comprising a spigot and a thumb-turn lock head attached to the spigot, comprising the steps of: (941) removing a screw from a lock head attaching the lock head to the spigot 2; (942) removing the lock head from a spigot 2; (943) placing the motorised door opening device 1 over the spigot 2, so that the spigot 2 may be contained within a recess 5 for receiving the spigot 2; wherein (944) attaching a long screw 62 to the spigot 2, to engage the motorised door opening device 1 with the spigot 2.

[0034] Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a method 95 of opening a cylinder lock electronically comprising the steps of: (951) removing a lock head from a spigot 2; (952) placing the motorised door opening device over the spigot, so that the spigot 2 may be contained within a recess 5 for receiving the spigot 2; (953) engaging a means for engaging with the spigot with the spigot 2; wherein (954) the motorised door opening device being moveable from a first to a second position remotely via a user, via an electronic device 93 comprising a mobile phone, the motorised door opening device 1 being in the first position when the spigot 2 may be in a closed position and being in the second position when the spigot 2 in in an open position. The motorised door opening device 1 being moveable between the second and first position via the external device 93 communicating therewith via a transmitter and a receiver thereon.

[0035] Alternatively, the electronic motor 4 may be powered via a plurality of removable power sources disposed within the body 2. Further, the plurality of removable power sources may be used selectively, or consecutively.

[0036] It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be affected. Other constructions for the selectively engageable clutch elements, input shafts, biasing means, security pins, cylinders, keys, and various attachment means may be employed. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and / or shown above, taken singly or in any combination

[0037] Figures 6a and 6b show different perspective views of an adaptor, generally indicated 100, for use with the motorised door opening device 1 as previously discussed. In particular adaptor 100 ensures that the motorised door opening device 1 can be attached to any diameter of lock spigot, which may not necessarily be of a uniform diameter.

[0038] Adaptor 100 comprises a spigot-receiving portion, generally indicated 110, which comprises a generally cylindrical body 120 comprising circular lower end 130 and circular upper end 140 and a curved side edge 150 extending therebetween. A spigot 200 bearing a screw hole 210 is disposed on the upper end 140 for attachment to the motorised door opening device 1 as previously described.

[0039] An aperture 160 extends partially into the body 120 through lower end 130 for receiving the exposed spigot of a thumb turn lock. The body 120 comprises a slot 170 which extends partially around body second 120, in a first part spaced apart form and parallel to the side edge of the upper end 140, and then extending down into lower end 130. The slot 170 extends through to the aperture 160 to define a resilient flap 180. A threaded aperture 190 extends from a screw hole 200 in the body 120 across the slot for receiving a screw (not 5 shown).

[0040] In use, the aperture 160 of adaptor 100 is located over the spigot of the door, and a hex screw disposed in threaded aperture 190 is tightened to secure the aperture 160 around the door spigot. The motorised door opening device 1 is then secured to spigot 200. 10

Claims

1. A motorised door opening device for a cylinder lock comprising a spigot, the door opening device comprising:a body housing;an electronic motor;a recess for receiving the spigot; whereinthe device comprises means for engaging with the spigot so as to secure the body housing to the cylinder lock.

2. A motorised door opening device according to claim 1 wherein the means for engaging with the spigot comprises a screw for engaging with a screw thread on the spigot.

3. A motorised door opening device according to claim 2 wherein the screw is a hex key head.

4. A motorised door opening device according to claims 1 to 3 wherein the motorised door opening device is moveable from a first to a second position, the motorised door opening device being in the first position when the spigot is rotated to a closed position and is in the second position when the spigot in in an open position.

5. A motorised door opening device according to claims 1 to 4 wherein the motorised door opening device is actuated via the electronic motor.

6. A motorised door opening device according to claims 1 to 5 wherein the electronic motor is powered via an electricity network.

7. A motorised door opening device according to claims 1 to 5 wherein the electronic motor is powered via at least one power source disposed within the body.

8. A motorised door opening device according to claim 6 wherein the electronic motor is powered via a plurality of removable power sources disposed within the body.

9. A motorised door opening device according to claim 7 wherein the plurality of removable power sources can be used selectively, or consecutively.

10. A motorised door opening device according to claims 1 to 9 wherein the speed at which the electric motor turns is selectively variable.

11. A motorised door opening device according to claims 1 to 10 wherein the torque applied by the electric motor is selectively variable.

12. A motorised door opening device according to claims 10 or 11 wherein the selective variability is achieved via a limiter.

13. A motorised door opening device according to claims 10 to 12 wherein the selective variability is achieved via gears.

14. A motorised door opening device according to claims 1 to 13 wherein the electronic motor actuates the door locked via the means for engaging with the spigot.

15. A motorised door opening device according to claims 1 to 14 wherein the motorised door opening device further comprises receiver and a transmitter for communicating with an external device.

16. A motorised door opening device according to claim 15 wherein the external device is a mobile phone.

17. A motorised door opening device according to claims 15 or 16 wherein a user can remotely actuate the motorised door opening device via the external device.

18. A motorised door opening device according to claims 15 to 17 wherein the motorised door opening device can be prevented from manual turning via the external device.

19. A method of fitting a motorised door opening device as claimed in any previous claim to a cylinder lock comprising a spigot, comprising the steps of:removing a lock head from a spigot;placing the motorised door opening device over the spigot, so that the spigot is contained within a recess for receiving the spigot; whereinengaging a means for engaging with the spigot with the spigot.

20. A method of fitting a motorised door opening device to a cylinder lock comprising a spigot according to claim 20 wherein the method further comprises the step of:removing the screw from the lock head attaching the lock head to the spigot, so as to remove the lock head from the spigot.

21. A method of fitting a motorised door opening device to a cylinder lock comprising a spigot according to claims 20 or 21 wherein the method further comprises the step of:attaching a screw to the spigot via the means for engaging with the spigot, so as to engage the means for engaging with the spigot with the spigot.

22. A method of opening a cylinder lock electronically, comprising the steps of:removing a lock head from a spigot;placing the motorised door opening device over the spigot, so that the spigot is contained within a recess for receiving the spigot;engaging a means for engaging with the spigot with the spigot; whereinthe motorised door opening device being moveable from a first to a second position, the motorised door opening device being in the first position when the spigot is in a closed position, and being in the second position when the spigot in in an open position.

23. A method of opening a cylinder lock electronically according to claim 22 wherein the method further comprises the step of:moving the motorised door opening device between the first and second position remotely by a user.

24. A method of opening a cylinder lock electronically according to claim 23 wherein the method further comprises the step of:moving the motorised door opening device between the first and second position via a transmitter and a receiver communicating with an external device.

25. A method of opening a cylinder lock electronically according to claim 24 wherein the external device is a mobile phone operated by the user.

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