Electromechanically and manually lockable plate tumbler lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate tumbler lock comprising a body; a first key slot allowing the end of a mechanical key to be inserted into the body; and a plurality of tumblers having a first driving surface adapted to mate with the end of the mechanical key to be inserted into the first key slot; a second key slot allowing the end portion of a built-in key to be inserted into the body; a built-in key adapted with its end portion to be inserted into the second key slot and to mate with a second driving surface of the tumblers; an actuator to rotate the built-in key, coupled to a shank portion of the built-in key; and a control unit adapted to control the movement of the actuator.

Description

[0001] ELECTROMECHANICALLY AND MANUALLY LOCKABLE PLATE TUMBLER LOCK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a plate tumbler lock that can be locked and unlocked both manually with a mechanical key and electromechanically by means of an actuator.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Plate tumbler lock is a type of mechanical lock using a series of levers (tumblers) to prevent movement of a lock bolt inside the lock. In a plate tumbler lock, the tumblers are brought into an aligned configuration in which the lock bolt can be slid by raising or lowering the tumblers to defined heights with the help of a key. Said aligned configuration enables the password mechanism of the lock to be set in mechanically encoded / encrypted tumblers. Thus, the lock can only be opened and closed when the tumblers are brought into the correct aligned configuration. The correct key must be used to bring the tumblers to the correct aligned configuration. Thereby, security is ensured with a plate tumbler lock that does not operate without the correct key.

[0006] Since plate tumbler locks do not contain a cylinder structure, they are much more difficult to break open and therefore more secure than cylinder locks. However, the keys used with plate tumbler locks are often large in size since they operate to bring the tumblers to the correct aligned configuration by raising or lowering thereof. Large sized keys can be difficult for users to carry and handle.

[0007] Due to the mentioned disadvantages of the prior art plate tumbler locks, there is a need in the art for a plate tumbler lock which can be locked and unlocked by means of an actuator without requiring a mechanical key but which can also be locked and unlocked with a mechanical key.

[0008] AIMS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The main aim of the present invention is to provide a plate tumbler lock that can be locked and unlocked by means of an actuator but that can also be locked and unlocked with a mechanical key.

[0010] Another aim of the invention is to provide a plate tumbler lock that can be locked and unlocked without requiring a mechanical key, thereby relieving the user from the inconvenience of carrying a mechanical key. A further aim of the invention is to provide a plate tumbler lock that can be locked and unlocked in a contactless manner or remotely without requiring a key, thus eliminating the security vulnerabilities that may arise from losing the key, because it is not necessary to carry a key anymore.

[0011] Yet another aim of the invention is to provide a plate tumbler lock that can be locked and unlocked remotely without requiring a key, thereby enabling the lock to be locked and unlocked even when the user is not in the vicinity of the lock.

[0012] Still another aim of the invention is to provide a plate tumbler lock that can be locked and unlocked by means of an actuator that can be triggered by a mechanical trigger without requiring a key.

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The plate tumbler lock provided to achieve the aims of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures, and the details of the invention should be interpreted in the light of the entirety of the specification. In the figures:

[0015] Figure 1 is a front isometric view of a plate tumbler lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a side isometric view of a built-in key coupled to an actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a top schematic view of a tumbler having a tumbler extension according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is an isometric view from the interior surface of a door of a plate tumbler lock installed on the door according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a sectional view of a plate tumbler lock installed on a door according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Figure 6 is an isometric view from the exterior surface of a door of a plate tumbler lock installed on the door according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 7 is another sectional view of a plate tumbler lock installed on a door according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 8 is an isometric view showing a mounting bracket being mounted on the interior surface of a door during installation of a plate tumbler lock to the door according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 is an isometric view of a plate tumbler lock comprising an armor plate on its outer surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The reference numbers used in the figures are given below.

[0024] 100. Plate tumbler lock

[0025] 200. Body

[0026] 210. First key slot

[0027] 220. Second key slot

[0028] 230. Interior surface

[0029] 240. Exterior surface

[0030] 241 . Armor plate

[0031] 250. First key opening

[0032] 260. Second key opening

[0033] 300. Tumbler

[0034] 310. First driving surface

[0035] 320. Second driving surface

[0036] 330. Tumbler extension

[0037] 400. Built-in key

[0038] 410. End portion

[0039] 420. Shank portion

[0040] 500. Actuator

[0041] 510. Mounting bracket

[0042] 511. Actuator socket

[0043] 512. Fastening member

[0044] 600. Extension member

[0045] 610. Fastening unit

[0046] MA. Mechanical key

[0047] K. Door

[0048] KI. Door interior surface

[0049] KD. Door exterior surface

[0050] The invention relates to a plate tumbler lock (100) comprising a body (200); a first key slot (210) allowing the end of a mechanical key (MA) to be inserted into the body (200); and a plurality of tumblers (300) having a first driving surface (310) adapted to mate with the end of the mechanical key (MA) to be inserted into the first key slot (210). The plate tumbler lock (100) further comprises a second key slot (220) allowing the end portion (410) of a built-in key (400) to be inserted into the body (200); a built-in key (400) adapted with its end portion (410) to be inserted into the second key slot (220) and to mate with a second driving surface shank portion (420) of the built-in key (400); and a control unit adapted to control the movement of the actuator (500).

[0051] In the embodiments of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) can be manually locked and unlocked with the help of a mechanical key (MA). When the mechanical key (MA) is inserted into the first key slot (210) and turned, the end of the mechanical key (MA) abuts against the first driving surface (310) of the tumblers (300). The tumblers (300) are mechanically encoded, in other words encrypted. The end of the mechanical key (MA) is compatible with the mechanical code on the tumblers (300). When the mechanical key (MA) is turned, it pushes the tumblers (300) from the first driving surface (310), whereby the end of the mechanical key (MA) conforms with the mechanical code. Each tumbler (300) aligns with the mechanical code to allow the plate tumbler lock (100) to be locked or unlocked. Thus, the plate tumbler lock (100) can be manually locked or unlocked by means of the mechanical key (MA).

[0052] In the embodiments of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) can also be electromechanically locked and unlocked by means of the built-in key (400) and the actuator (500). When the plate tumbler lock (100) is installed, the end portion (410) of the built-in key (400) is in an inserted position in the second key slot (220). The shank portion (420) of the built-in key (400) is joined to, in other words coupled with the actuator (500). The actuator (500) is adapted to rotate the shank portion (420) and therefore the end portion (410) of the built-in key (400). Once the actuator (500) rotates the shank portion (420) of the built-in key (400), the end portion (410) abuts against the second driving surface (320). The tumblers (300) are mechanically encoded, in other words encrypted. The end portion (410) is compatible with the mechanical code on the tumblers (300). When the shank portion (420) is turned by means of the actuator (500), it pushes the tumblers (300) from the second driving surface (320), whereby the end portion (410) conforms with the mechanical code. Each tumbler (300) aligns with the mechanical code to allow the plate tumbler lock (100) to be locked or unlocked. Thus, the tumbler lock (100) can be electromechanically locked or unlocked by means of the built-in key (400) and the actuator (500).

[0053] In the embodiments of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) comprises a power source to essentially power the actuator (500). In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator (500) may be a rotary motor.

[0054] It is significant that the tumbler lock (100) is adapted be locked and unlocked both manually and electromechanically. A plate tumbler lock (100) which can only be locked manually, often requires carrying a large and heavy mechanical key (MA) compromising user comfort. In addition, forgetting or losing the mechanical key (MA), which must be carried at all times, poses a security vulnerability. However, a plate tumbler lock (100) that can only be electromechanically locked is less reliable. In emergency situations, such as a fire, it can malfunction and cause significant material damages and casualties.

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) comprises a communication interface for carrying out identity authentication and a control unit adapted to control the movement of the actuator (500) according to said authentication by the communication interface. The communication interface can include close distance communication units such as NFC or RFID, short distance communication units such as bluetooth or zigbee, and physical units such as a finger scan and a numeric keypad. In a variation of this embodiment, the communication interface comprises a remote data transfer unit. The remote data transfer unit may include a wifi unit or a mobile communication unit such as GSM. In a variation of this embodiment, the communication interface may comprise a mechanical trigger. The mechanical trigger can be in the form of an electromechanical button. An embodiment of the invention comprises a housing surrounding at least a portion of the actuator (500). At least a portion of the housing is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise. The control unit is adapted to control the rotation of said portion of the housing and the movement of the actuator (500).

[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) comprises a coupling unit that couples the shank portion (420) and the actuator (500) such that the distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500) can be adjusted. The distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500) being adjustable allows the plate tumbler lock (100) to be adapted to and installed in structures, e.g. doors or frames having varying thicknesses.

[0057] A variation of this embodiment comprises a coupling unit having a tubular extension member (600) connected at one end to the actuator (500), into whose other end at least a portion of the shank portion (420) is inserted for extending therethrough and being fastened therein, thus enabling the distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500) to be adjusted, and a fastening unit (610) to fasten the shank portion (420) to the extension member (600). Wherein, the shank portion (420) is movable inside the extension member (600). The longer the shank portion (420) is inserted into the extension member (600), the shorter becomes the distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500). The shorter the shank portion (420) is inserted into the extension member (600), the longer becomes the distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500). Thus, the distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500) can be varied depending on the length the shank portion (420) inserted into the extension member (600). Once the distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500) reaches the desired length, the shank portion (420) is fixed in the extension member (600) by means of the fastening unit (610).

[0058] In an embodiment of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) comprises a tumbler extension (330) extending in an L-shape from the first driving surface (310), defining a first key slot (210) between the first driving surface (310) and itself, with a surface thereof forming a second driving surface (320) positioned below the first driving surface (310). In this embodiment of the invention, the first driving surface (310) is positioned in a position above the second driving surface (320). Thus, the first key slot (210) is also positioned in a position above the second key slot (220). Thereby, the actuator (500) is positioned under the first key slot (210,) allowing the first key slot (210) to remain in the user's line of sight (see figures 1 , 4, 5, 7).

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) comprises a mounting bracket

[0060] (510) to install the lock on the surface of a door (K) or a frame, having an actuator socket

[0061] (511) in which the actuator (500) can be placed. The mounting bracket (510) facilitates mounting of the actuator (500) assembly with built-in key (400) (see figure 2) to the plate tumbler lock (100). The actuator socket (511) allows the actuator (500) and thus the actuator (500) assembly with the built-in key (400) to be easily mounted and removed. Consequently, maintenance of the actuator (500) assembly with built-in key (400), in particular the actuator (500), can be performed out of the plate tumbler lock (100).

[0062] A variation of this embodiment comprises a fastening member (512) enabling the actuator mounting bracket (510) to be fastened to the door (K) or frame. The position of the actuator (500) assembly with the built-in key (400), in particular the actuator (500) is thus secured.

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) comprises a body (200) having an interior surface (230) and an exterior surface (240); a first key opening (250) on the interior surface (230) opening to the first key slot (210) and a second key opening (260) opening to the second key slot (220). By this embodiment, the tumblers (300) are protected from external physical factors. The interior surface (230) is the surface facing the enclosed space, e.g. house, room, etc., secured by the door (K). The interior surface (230) is the surface facing the frame.

[0064] In an embodiment of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) comprises a first key opening (250) opening to the first key slot (210) on the exterior surface (240). In this embodiment, the door (K) having the plate tumbler lock (100) can be manually locked and unlocked both from the inside and outside with the help of a mechanical key (MA). In an embodiment of the invention, the plate tumbler lock (100) comprises at least one armor plate (241) made of a material with high penetration resistance, disposed on the exterior surface (240), surrounding at least a portion of the area around the first key slot (210). The armor plate (241) is positioned on the exterior surface (240) so as to have a projection on at least a portion of a surface of the tumblers (300). Thus, access to the area around the key slot (210) and the tumblers (300) by drilling through the exterior surface (240) is hampered / prevented.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plate tumbler lock (100) comprising a body (200); a first key slot (210) allowing the end of a mechanical key (MA) to be inserted into the body (200); and a plurality of tumblers (300) having a first driving surface (310) adapted to mate with the end of the mechanical key (MA) to be inserted into the first key slot (210) characterized in that the plate tumbler lock (100) further comprises a second key slot (220) allowing the end portion (410) of a built-in key (400) to be inserted into the body (200); a built-in key (400) adapted with its end portion (410) to be inserted into the second key slot (220) and to mate with a second driving surface (320) of the tumblers (300); an actuator (500) to rotate the built-in key (400), coupled to a shank portion (420) of the built-in key (400); and a control unit adapted to control the movement of the actuator (500).

2. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a communication interface for carrying out identity authentication and a control unit adapted to control the movement of the actuator (500) according to said authentication by the communication interface.

3. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a communication interface having a remote data transfer unit.

4. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a communication interface comprising a mechanical trigger.

5. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a coupling unit that couples the shank portion (420) and the actuator (500) such that the distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500) can be adjusted.

6. A plate lock (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a coupling unit having a tubular extension member (600) connected at one end to the actuator (500), into whose other end at least a portion of the shank portion (420) is inserted for extending therethrough and being fastened therein, thus enabling the distance between the end portion (410) and the actuator (500) to be adjusted, and a fastening unit (610) to fasten the shank portion (420) to the extension member (600).

7. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tumbler extension (330) extending in an L-shape from the first driving surface (310), defining a first key slot (210) between the first driving surface (310) and itself, with a surface thereof forming a second driving surface (320) positioned below the first driving surface (310).

8. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mounting bracket (510) to install the lock on the surface of a door (K) or a frame, having an actuator socket (511) in which the actuator (500) can be placed.

9. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a fastening member (512) enabling the mounting bracket (510) to be fastened to a door(K) or frame.

10. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a body (200) having an interior surface (230) and an exterior surface (240); a first key opening (250) on the interior surface (230) opening to the first key slot (210) and a second key opening (260) opening to the second key slot (220).

11. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first key opening (250) opening to the first key slot (210) on the exterior surface (240).

12. A plate tumbler lock (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one armor plate (241) made of a material with high penetration resistance, disposed on the exterior surface (240), surrounding at least a portion of the area around the first key slot (210).

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