Key actuator for a lock

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a lock assembly comprising a retractable bolt having an extended position and a retracted position; an escutcheon having a front face and a rear face, and one or more lateral walls extending from the front face to the rear face, the escutcheon comprising a hand operable member mounted to the front face that is actuatable about a rotation axis from a rest position to an actuated position; and a push-type key actuator mounted within the escutcheon, the push-type key actuator having a keyhole accessible from a lateral wall of the one or more lateral walls, the push-type key actuator actuatable to provide a linear push force along a longitudinal axis thereof on insertion of a correctly coded key therein; a bolt locking mechanism comprising a motor driven locking member having a lock position configured such that when the motor driven locking member is in the lock position, the hand operable member is not actuatable to retract the bolt; and a manual override mechanism configured to receive the linear push force from the push-type key actuator to move the motor driven locking member out of the lock position, wherein when the motor driven locking member is out of the lock position, the hand operable member is actuatable to retract the bolt.

Description

KEY ACTUATOR FOR A LOCKField

[0001] The invention generally relates to a push-type key actuator for a lock assembly which can be used to manually actuate an override mechanism to enable bolt retraction. The invention also relates to lock assemblies and / or escutcheons including such an actuator.Background

[0002] Rotational key cylinders are typically installed in the front face of an escutcheon or a door lever of a lock assembly to permit the lock assembly to be placed in a locked state, e.g., in the locked state, a door including the lock assembly is in the closed position with a retractable bolt of the lock assembly extended and engaged with a corresponding strike plate in a doorjamb to hold the door in the closed position with the levers of the lock assembly inoperable to retract the bolt.

[0003] To place the lock assembly in the unlocked state and enable user retraction of the bolt, a correctly coded key must be inserted into the rotational key cylinder and actuated, such as by rotating the key. Rotation of the key causes corresponding rotation of the rotational key cylinder which in turn rotates a locking mechanism to unlock an actuation mechanism of the bolt to permit operation of the actuation mechanism via the lever to retract the bolt.

[0004] The operation of electronic lock assemblies varies from the above since these are typically unlocked by a user via presentation of correctly coded user credentials, e.g., via keypad, or electronic means such as RFID card, wireless app, or the like.

[0005] Electronic lock assemblies are typically placed in the locked state by actuation of the locking mechanism. Typically, such locking mechanisms comprise a locking member that may be, for example, engaged or disengaged with one or more components within the lock body such that actuation of a lever or handle does not retract the bolt. By way of example, the locking member may physically engage a bolt to prevent retraction of the bolt on actuation of the lever. In another example, the lock includes a lever clutch mechanism that, when disengaged, operatively disconnects the lever and the bolt to prevent retraction of the bolt on actuation of thelever, and the locking member is operable to engage and disengage the clutch mechanism, to permit and prevent bolt retraction by lever.

[0006] In such cases, the locking member may be motor driven to engage with the actuation mechanism of the bolt, with the bolt itself to lock the bolt in the extended state, or with the lever clutch mechanism. On detection of correctly coded user credentials the electric motor operates to move the locking member to permit user retraction of the bolt.

[0007] In the case of electronic locks, rotational key cylinders are often used to provide a manual override to temporarily unlock the lock, such as in the case of power failure or electronic failure. Manual temporary override is simpler to design and manufacture than using a mechanism that permanently changes the lock state from locked to unlocked when the rotational key cylinder is operated, in an electronic lock.

[0008] To operate the override, a user inserts a key into the rotational key cylinder and rotates the key, which in turn rotates the rotational key cylinder from its rest position to its actuated position. The rotational motion of the rotational key cylinder is converted to a linear motion to slidably engage the locking member with the lever clutch mechanism. The user can then retract the bolt by operating the lever whilst the rotational key cylinder is held in the actuated position. Rotating the key back to its rest position and removing the key, causes the locking member to disengage from the lever clutch mechanism (and thus disengage the lever clutch mechanism).

[0010] One disadvantage of this arrangement is that the use of a rotational key cylinder adds complexity to lock design since the rotational motion of the rotational key cylinder must be translated into linear movement to linearly slide the locking member out of engagement with the internal actuation arrangement and / or bolt.

[0011] Another disadvantage of this arrangement is that rotational key cylinders are typically mounted into the front face of an escutcheon, such that the longitudinal axis of the rotational key cylinder is parallel with the axis of rotation of a door lever. A consequence of this arrangement is that the escutcheon then has a large profile from the door to accommodate the length of the rotational key cylinder, or the cylinder protrudes from the escutcheon Another consequence is that the rotational key cylinder is visually noticeable on an electronic lock. The key cylinder is a backup credential for electronic locks, i.e. only used when power or electronic failure and so the preference is often to visually conceal the cylinder on electronic locks. One option to address theabove disadvantage may be to have the cylinder protrude from the escutcheon, however this is less secure, as it gives a large surface for an intruder to grip and torque or pull the cylinder with and it is also not aesthetically appealing especially for an electronic lock. Another option to address the above disadvantage may be to mount the rotational key cylinder to the escutcheon via one of the sides or the base of the escutcheon. However, the profile of the escutcheon still needs to be sufficient to accommodate the outer diameter of the rotational key cylinder. Rotational pin style key cylinders typically have a barrel diameter of at least 12.5mm for cylinders used on entrance doors. The rotational key cylinder also has a housing around the cylinder which typically has a diameter of at least 16 mm. Thus, a rotational pin style cylinder requires the escutcheon to be 17.5 mm thick at a minimum, and of greater thickness if the escutcheon includes a back plate.

[0012] Still further, the escutcheon needs to be sufficiently thick to provide sufficient clearance for a user to insert and turn the key. An escutcheon of 17.5 mm thickness with the rotational key cylinder mounted in a side or base thereof makes it difficult for a user to insert and turn a key to actuate the override, due to the proximity of the door face making it very difficult for the user to operate via rotation of a key since there is minimal clearance between a user’s fingers and the door face when a user attempts to rotate the key.

[0013] Some designs that use a rotatable pin cylinder on the bottom / side of escutcheon incorporate the keyhole in the barrel so that it is on an angle to the door face - i.e. key insertion is not parallel to the door face. This is done to help to overcome the key head contacting the door face when the key is rotated. The disadvantage of this design is that key insertion is not- intuitive, and it is difficult to align the key into the keyhole especially as the user cannot easily see the cylinder. In such cases, the user may need to bend down to see the keyhole, and even then, it is still difficult to see.

[0014] For the reasons above, the thickness of the escutcheon is a major design limitation for the escutcheon. Thick escutcheons are often not as visually appealing, and use more material so are more expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, thick escutcheons offer less security than thin escutcheons. For example, thick escutcheons give a larger surface for an intruder to hold onto the sides of the escutcheon with a gripping device and therefore are able to be more easily pulled off the door than a thin escutcheon.

[0015] One option for addressing the shortcomings above is through the use of rotatable low profile cylinders using wafers instead of pins. These wafer cylinders have the benefit of not requiring as thick of an escutcheon when mounted on the side of the escutcheon. However wafer cylinders have lower security than pin cylinders, and these cylinders are still of a rotating type and so are difficult to operate when mounted on the side of an escutcheon. Furthermore, key cylinders on entrance locks are typically pin cylinders and building owners often require the entrance lock to be keyed alike to other entrance locks in their house so they only need a single key to operate each of the entrance locks (e.g., the front and rear door of the building should operate on a single key). If a wafer key cylinder is on the front door and pin key cylinder is on the rear door then they cannot be keyed alike, thus a user requires two different keys which is inconvenient.

[0016] It is an object of the invention to address at least one shortcoming of the prior art and / or provide a useful alternative.Summary of Invention

[0017] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lock assembly comprising: a retractable bolt having an extended position and a retracted position; an escutcheon having a front face and a rear face, and one or more lateral walls extending from the front face to the rear face, the escutcheon comprising: a hand operable member mounted to the front face that is actuatable about a rotation axis from a rest position to an actuated position; and a push-type key actuator mounted within the escutcheon, the push-type key actuator having a keyhole accessible from a lateral wall of the one or more lateral walls, the push-type key actuator actuatable to provide a linear push force along a longitudinal axis thereof on insertion of a correctly coded key therein; a bolt locking mechanism comprising: a motor driven locking member having a lock position configured such that when the motor driven locking member is in the lock position, the hand operable member is not actuatable to retract the bolt; and a manual override mechanism configured to receive the linear push force from the push-type key actuator to move the motor driven locking member out of the lock position,wherein when the motor driven locking member is out of the lock position, the hand operable member is actuatable to retract the bolt.

[0018] In an embodiment, the motor driven member is held out of the lock position while the linear push force is applied to thereto.

[0019] In an embodiment, the push-type key cylinder is configured to receive an input linear push force from a user, and translate the input linear push force along the longitudinal axis to provide the linear push force to the manual override mechanism.

[0020] In an embodiment, in the lock position the motor driven locking member prevents retraction of the bolt by the hand operable member, or operatively disengages the hand operable member from the bolt such that the bolt cannot be retracted by actuation of the hand operable member.

[0021] In an embodiment, the lock assembly further comprises an electric motor operable to move the motor driven locking member between the lock position and a motor driven unlock position configured such that the hand operable member is actuatable to retract the bolt.

[0022] In one form of the above embodiment, in the motor unlock position the motor driven locking member does not prevent retraction of the bolt by the hand operable member, or operatively engages the hand operable member with the bolt to permit retraction of the bolt on actuation of the hand operable member.

[0023] In one form of the above embodiment, the lock assembly comprises a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing containing the retractable bolt, the motor driven locking member, and the electric motor.

[0024] In one arrangement, in the lock position, the motor driven locking member is engaged with a receiving structure in the retractable bolt to lock the retractable bolt in the extended position. It is preferred that out of the lock position the motor driven locking member is disengaged with the receiving structure in the retractable bolt.

[0025] In one form of the above embodiment, the motor driven locking member and the electric motor are housed within the escutcheon.

[0026] In one arrangement, the lock assembly further comprises a clutching mechanism housed within the escutcheon, the clutching mechanism having an engaged state in which the clutching mechanism operably engages the hand operable member and the bolt and a disengaged state in which the clutching mechanism operably disengages the hand operable member and the bolt, and wherein in the lock position the clutching mechanism is in the disengaged state.

[0027] It is preferred that when the motor driven locking member is out of the lock position the clutching mechanism is in the engaged state.

[0028] It is preferred that the clutching mechanism comprises: a first rotatable clutch member fixedly coupled to the hand operable member; a second rotatable clutch member fixedly coupled to the bolt, and a link member operatively engaged with the motor driven locking member, the link member being movable between an engaged position in which the link member operatively connects the first and second rotatable clutch members, and a disengaged position in which the first and second clutch members are operatively disconnected.

[0029] It is preferred that the link member is housed within one of the first rotatable member or the second rotatable member, and the other of the first rotatable member or the second rotatable member comprises receiving structure for receiving at least a portion of the link member when the link member is in the engaged position.

[0030] It is preferred that the link member is spring biased to the disengaged position.

[0031] It is preferred that the link member is in the disengaged position when the motor driven locking member is in the lock position and / or where the link member is in the engaged position when the motor driven locking member is out of the lock position and / or in the unlock position.

[0032] It is preferred that the motor driven locking member is operatively engaged or engageable with the link member such that movement of the motor driven locking member out of the lock position and / or to the unlock position moves the link member to the engaged position.

[0033] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator is actuatable to provide the linear push force along the longitudinal axis that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis.

[0034] In an embodiment, when the motor driven locking member is in the lock position, the motor driven locking member is spring biased to the lock position.

[0035] In one form of the above embodiment, the linear push force overcomes the spring bias of the motor driven locking member to move the motor driven locking member out of the lock position.

[0036] In one form of the above embodiment, on removal of the linear push force, the motor driven locking member is configured to return to the lock position under the spring bias.]

[0037] In one form of the above embodiment, the motor driven locking member has a motor driven unlock position in which the hand operable member is actuatable to retract the bolt.

[0038] It is preferred that when the motor driven locking member is in the motor driven unlock position, the motor driven locking member is spring biased to the motor driven unlock position.

[0039] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator is not operable to move the motor driven member into the lock position.

[0040] In an embodiment, the motor driven locking member is a motor driven slide.

[0041] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator comprises: a housing having an internal passage therethrough defining the longitudinal axis; a key driven slide slidably mounted within the passage of the housing, the key driven slide comprising: an exterior facing end having the keyhole for receiving a key therein in a direction along the longitudinal axis; and an interior facing end engaged with, engageable with, or having an engagement structure for engaging, the manual override mechanism; wherein on insertion of a correctly coded key into the key driven slide and on application of the linear push force thereto, the key driven slide is configured to linearly slide within the housing along the longitudinal axis from a rest position to an engaged position to apply the linear push force to the manual override mechanism.

[0042] In one form of the above embodiment, the housing has a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a short axis and a long axis perpendicular to one another, the short axis being substantially parallel with the rotation axis.

[0043] It is preferred that the housing comprises two substantially parallel spaced apart wall portions defining the short axis therebetween.

[0044] It is preferred that the two substantially parallel spaced apart wall portions are two flat and substantially parallel spaced apart wall portions.]

[0045] It is preferred that the two flat and spaced apart wall portions are parallel with the front face and / or the rear face.]

[0046] It is preferred that the cross-section is a substantially rectangular or obround crosssection.

[0047] In one form of the above embodiment, the key driven slide has a body with a shape which conforms to the shape of the passage of the housing.

[0048] It is preferred that the body of the key driven slide has a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a short axis and a long axis perpendicular to one another, the short axis being substantially parallel with the rotation axis.

[0049] It is preferred that the cross-section of the body is a substantially rectangular or obround cross-section.

[0050] In one form of the above embodiment, the lock assembly further comprises a detent arrangement configured to hold the key driven slide in the engaged position.

[0051] It is preferred that the detent arrangement comprises a notch on the push-type key actuator and a spring-loaded ball within the escutcheon, the notch and spring-loaded ball configured to engage when the push-type key actuator is in the engaged position.

[0052] In one form of the above embodiment, the lock assembly further comprises a spring configured to oppose a key insertion force and substantially hold the key driven slide in the rest position during key insertion.

[0053] In an alternative arrangement, the lock assembly comprises a detent arrangement configured to oppose a key insertion force and substantially hold the key driven slide in the rest position during key insertion. In one form, the detent arrangement comprises a notch on the key driven slide and a spring-loaded ball within the passage, the notch and spring-loaded ball configured to engage when the key driven slide is in the rest position.

[0054] In one form of the above embodiment, the key driven slide further comprises an engagement member configured to engage the manual override mechanism, the engagement member extending along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0055] It is preferred that the engagement member has an adaptable length along the axis.

[0056] It is preferred that the engagement member comprises a first portion mounted to the key driven slide and a second portion mounted to the first portion, the first portion and the second portion being movable relative to one another in a direction along the axis between a contracted state and an elongated state.

[0057] It is preferred that the second portion is spring biased from the first portion such that the engagement member is in the elongated state.

[0058] It is preferred that the first portion is a shaft and the second portion is a sheath, the sheath being slidably and coaxially mounted to the shaft.

[0059] In one form of the above embodiment, the engagement member projects out of the escutcheon via an opening in the rear face and into engagement with the manual override mechanism.

[0060] It is preferred that the engagement member is an engagement pin.]

[0061] In an embodiment the manual override mechanism comprises an actuator comprising: an input portion mechanically displaceable on receiving the linear push force from thepush-type key actuator, and an output portion operatively engaged with the input portion and the motor driven locking member, the output portion being displaceable on displacement of the input portion to move the motor driven locking member out of the lock position.

[0062] In one form of the above embodiment: the input portion is displaceable over a first length, the output portion is displaceable over a second length; and wherein the second length is greater than the first length.

[0063] In one form of the above embodiment the actuator is in the form of a rocker arm having a first arm and a second arm mounted about a pivot point, the first arm defining the input portion and the second arm defining the output portion.

[0064] It is preferred that the first arm is longer than the second arm.

[0065] In one form of the above embodiment, the manual override mechanism comprises a pivot lever, the input portion and the output portion being located on a same side of a pivot point of the pivot lever, the input portion being located closer to the pivot point than the output portion.

[0066] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator is a wafer style or pin style push-type key actuator.

[0067] In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a push-type key actuator mountable within an escutcheon and engageable with a lock override mechanism of a bolt locking mechanism, the push-type key actuator comprising: a housing having an internal passage therethrough defining a longitudinal axis, the housing having a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a short axis and a long axis perpendicular to one another; a key driven slide slidably mounted within the passage of the housing, the key driven slide comprising: an exterior facing end having a keyhole for receiving a key therein in a direction along the longitudinal axis; and an interior facing end engaged with, engageable with, or having an engagementstructure for engagement with, the lock override mechanism; wherein on insertion of a correctly coded key into the key driven slide and on application of the linear push force thereto, the key driven slide is configured to linearly slide within the housing along the longitudinal axis from a rest position to an engaged position to apply the linear push force to the manual override mechanism; mounting structure for mounting the push-type key actuator within the escutcheon in an orientation such that the longitudinal axis of the push-type key actuator is orthogonal to an axis of rotation of a hand operable member of the escutcheon.

[0068] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator is as generally described in relation to the first aspect of the invention and / or embodiments and / or forms thereof.

[0069] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator comprises: a housing having an internal passage therethrough defining the longitudinal axis; a key driven slide slidably mounted within the passage of the housing, the key driven slide comprising: an exterior facing end having the keyhole for receiving a key therein in a direction along the longitudinal axis; and an interior facing end engaged with, engageable with, or having an engagement structure for engaging, the manual override mechanism; wherein on insertion of a correctly coded key into the key driven slide and on application of the linear push force thereto, the key driven slide is configured to linearly slide within the housing along the longitudinal axis from a rest position to an engaged position to apply the linear push force to the manual override mechanism.

[0070] In one form of the above embodiment, the housing has a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a short axis and a long axis perpendicular to one another, the short axis being substantially parallel with the rotation axis.

[0071] It is preferred that the housing comprises two substantially parallel spaced apart wall portions defining the short axis therebetween.

[0072] It is preferred that the two substantially parallel spaced apart wall portions are two flat and substantially parallel spaced apart wall portions.

[0073] It is preferred that the two flat and spaced apart wall portions are parallel with the front face and / or the rear face.

[0074] It is preferred that the cross-section is a substantially rectangular or obround crosssection.

[0075] In one form of the above embodiment, the key driven slide has a body with a shape which conforms to the shape of the passage of the housing.

[0076] In one form of the above embodiment, the body of the key driven slide has a crosssection in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a short axis and a long axis perpendicular to one another, the short axis being substantially parallel with the rotation axis.]

[0077] It is preferred that the cross-section of the body is a substantially rectangular or obround cross-section.

[0078] It is preferred that the lock assembly further comprises a detent arrangement configured to hold the key driven slide in the engaged position.

[0079] It is preferred that the detent arrangement comprises a notch on the push-type key actuator and a spring-loaded ball within the escutcheon, the notch and spring-loaded ball configured to engage when the push-type key actuator is in the engaged position.

[0080] In one form of the above embodiment, the engagement member has an adaptable length along the axis.

[0081] It is preferred that the engagement member comprises a first portion mounted to the key driven slide and a second portion mounted to the first portion, the first portion and the second portion being movable relative to one another in a direction along the axis between a contracted state and an elongated state.

[0082] It is preferred that the second portion is spring biased from the first portion such that the engagement member is in the elongated state.

[0083] It is preferred that the first portion is a shaft and the second portion is a sheath, the sheath being slidably and coaxially mounted to the shaft.

[0084] It is preferred that the engagement member projects out of the escutcheon via an opening in the rear face and into engagement with the manual override mechanism.

[0085] In an embodiment, the engagement member is an engagement pin.

[0086] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator is a wafer style or pin style push-type key actuator.

[0087] In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an escutcheon having a front face and a rear face, and one or more lateral walls extending from the front face to the rear face, the escutcheon comprising: a hand operable member mounted to the front face that is user actuatable about a rotation axis from a rest position to an actuated position; and a push-type key actuator mounted within the escutcheon with a keyhole accessible from a lateral wall of the one or more lateral walls, the push-type key actuator actuatable to provide a linear push force along a longitudinal axis thereof on insertion of a correctly coded key therein to actuate an override mechanism of a bolt locking mechanism; wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis.

[0088] In an embodiment, the bolt locking mechanism is housed within the escutcheon.

[0089] In an embodiment, the bolt locking mechanism is housed in a lock cartridge external to the escutcheon.

[0090] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator comprises an engagement pin for engaging the override mechanism, the engagement pin projecting through an opening in the rear face.

[0091] In an embodiment, the push-type key actuator is according to the second aspect of the invention, and / or embodiments, and / or forms thereof.

[0092] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and / or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.

[0093] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.Brief Description of Drawings

[0094] Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0095] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lock system including a lock assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention for installation into a door frame.

[0096] Figure 2 is perspective view illustrating the lock system of Figure 1 installed on door frame in a door closed position.

[0097] Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of a handle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, such as in the lock system illustrated in Figure 1.

[0098] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 from a first side thereof.

[0099] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 from a second side thereof.

[0100] Figure 6 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 showing the arrangement of components when lock assembly is an unlocked operating state with retractable bolt in the extended position, e.g., in passage mode / door closed.

[0101] Figure 7 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 showing the arrangement of components when a user actuates the lock assembly from the unlocked operating state of Figure 6 to a door open position.

[0102] Figure 8 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 showing the arrangement of components after a user has released a handle upon placing the lock in the door open position of Figure 7.

[0103] Figure 9 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 showing the arrangement of components when lock assembly is in a privacy or deadlocked mode and the door is in the closed position.

[0104] Figure 10 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 showing the arrangement of components when lock assembly is in a privacy or deadlocked mode and the door is in the closed position after actuation of the door handle.

[0105] Figure 11 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 showing the arrangement of components when the manually actuated lock slide override arm is actuated.

[0106] Figure 12 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 1 showing the arrangement of components when a user actuates the lock assembly to move the door into the open position whilst the override is active as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0107] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a push-type key actuator in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0108] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the push-type key actuator of Figure 13 in the neutral position with the override pin assembly having a long pin length, such as when installed on a thick door.

[0109] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the push-type key actuator of Figure 13 in the neutral position with the override pin assembly having a short pin length, such as when installed on a thin door.

[0110] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the push-type key actuator of Figure 14 in an override position.

[0111] Figure 17 is a bottom plan view of the push-type key actuator of Figure 13.

[0112] Figure 18 is a partial perspective view of an escutcheon with push-type key actuator, such as the push-type key actuator of Figure 13, mounted therein.

[0113] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of a push-type key actuator in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0114] Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of an escutcheon with push-type key actuator, such as the push-type key actuator of Figure 19, mounted therein.

[0115] Figure 21 is a rear perspective view of an escutcheon with a push-type key actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention installed therein (for example, push-type key actuator of Figure 13 or Figure 19), with the push-type key actuator in the neutral position.

[0116] Figure 22 is a rear perspective view of an escutcheon with a push-type key actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention installed therein (for example, push-type key actuator of Figure 13 or Figure 19), with the push-type key actuator in the override position.

[0117] Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of a lock system including a lock assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention for installation into a door frame.

[0118] Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 23 from a first side thereof.

[0119] Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 23 from a second side thereof.

[0120] Figure 26 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 23 showing the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been locked via electric motor module.

[0121] Figure 27 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 23 showing the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been locked via electric motor module and in which the handle has been rotated by a user.

[0122] Figure 28 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 23 showing the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been unlocked via electric motor.

[0123] Figure 29 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 23 showing the lock components of the escutcheon in a door open position and in which the lock components have been unlocked via electric motor.

[0124] Figure 30 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 23 showing the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been unlocked via push-type key actuator.

[0125] Figure 31 is an internal view of the lock assembly of the lock system of Figure 23 showing the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been unlocked via push-type key actuator and in which the handle has been rotated by a user.Description of Embodiments

[0126] The invention is generally directed to a push-type key actuator, escutcheon including the push-type key actuator, or a lock assembly including the push-type key actuator. The inventors have devised a push-type key actuator with slim design which can advantageously be laterally mounted within an escutcheon (i.e., from a side or an upper or lower end of the escutcheon) as opposed to the front face of the escutcheon.

[0127] The push-type key actuator is configured to engage with a lock override mechanism, which may be arranged either within the escutcheon itself or be contained within a lock cartridge, such as a mortice style lock. The lock override mechanism is a manually actuatable mechanism which is operable via the push-type key actuator to disengage a motor driven locking mechanism which stops the lever from being able to retract the bolt, for example bylocking the bolt in the extended position or by disengaging the lever from the bolt such that the lever is not actuatable to retract the bolt.

[0128] The invention will be described below in relation to one or more embodiments thereof.

[0129] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a system including a push-key type actuator of the invention.

[0130] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic lock system 100 for installation into a door frame 102 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0131] Electronic lock system 100 comprises an exterior furniture or escutcheon (which terms are used interchangeably throughout) 104 having a hand operable member, such as a door handle or lever (which terms are used interchangeably throughout) 106, an interior furniture or escutcheon 108 having a hand operable member such as a door handle or lever 110, a lock cartridge 112 having a retractable bolt 114 extending from a first side of lock cartridge 112. Although not shown, lock cartridge 112 includes an electronic motor therein which drives a locking member to lock and unlock bolt 114.

[0132] Door frame 102 includes edgewise cavity 118 for receiving lock cartridge 112 therein, and which is affixed thereto by screws.

[0133] Door frame 102 also includes first and second lateral openings 120A and 120B which pass from an exterior facing side through to the interior facing side thereof to allow installation of exterior escutcheon 104 and interior escutcheon 108 in an operatively connected manner. In particular, levers 106 and 110 are operatively connected with each other and with lock cartridge 112 via a spindle 116 which passes through cavity 120A. In this way, when lock cartridge 112 is in a passage mode, either of levers 106 and 110 may be actuated, such as by a user applying a downward force to rotate handles 106 and 110, to turn spindle 116 and retract bolt 114.

[0134] Also shown is an override pin 122 associated with a push-type key actuator (not shown) projecting outward through an opening in backing plate 124 of escutcheon 108. Override pin 122 projects through cavity 120B and into opening 126 of lock cartridge 112 for engagement with a manual override assembly which is operable to disengage the locking member from bolt 114. Both exterior escutcheon 104 and interior escutcheon 108 can include a push-type keyactuator to the manual override mechanism. The operation of the push-type key actuator and the manual override will be discussed in more detail below.

[0135] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating lock system 100 installed on door frame 102 with retractable bolt 114 in the extended state, such as when the door with lock system 100 installed thereon is in a closed position.

[0136] Figure 3 is a plan view of the underside of escutcheon 108 showing a keyhole on an external face of push-type key actuator 300 mounted in the base thereof.

[0137] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are exploded perspective views of lock cartridge 112 from first and second sides thereof.

[0138] Lock cartridge 112 comprises a cartridge housing formed from a cartridge body 400 and cover plate 402 which are affixed together via screws. The cartridge housing contains retractable bolt 114, spindle cam 406, an actuator in the form of slide 408 and driven arm 409, auxiliary bolt 410, a latch locking mechanism in the form of a pivot locking arm 412, and torsion springs 414 and 416. The cartridge housing also contains a motor module 418 having a motor, an electronic door position sensor 420 in communication with motor module 418, a motor driven locking member in the form of a locking slide 422, and a manually actuated lock slide override arm 424.

[0139] Retractable bolt 114 is rotatable about a central mount 404 between an extended position in which an end portion in the form of hook 426 extends outside the cartridge housing to engage with a recess on a strike plate or the like (not shown) and a retracted position in which retractable bolt 114 is substantially housed within the cartridge housing. Retractable bolt 114 is spring biased via torsion spring 414 into the extended position.

[0140] As generally discussed above, retractable bolt 114 can be retracted by a user on rotation of handles 106 and 110 which are engaged with spindle cam 406 via spindle 116. Spindle 116 is engaged in fixed relation with spindle cam 406 via a spindle passage 427 such that actuation of handles 106 and 110 from their rest position also rotates spindle cam 406 via spindle 116. In this embodiment, actuation of handles 106 or 110 causes rotation of spindle cam 406 in a direction such that spindle cam 406 rotates toward the first side of lock cartridge 112.

[0141] Spindle cam 406 includes arm 428 with a drive tab 429. Drive tab 429 is seated within upper portion of slot 430 of slide 408 such that on rotation of spindle cam 406 drive tab 429 slides within slot 430 from the upper portion thereof into the lower portion thereof. This in turn causes slide 408 to move longitudinally from its rest position to an actuated position in a direction toward retractable bolt 114.

[0142] Rotation of spindle cam 406, causes surface 406A of spindle cam 406 to contact surface 409A of driven arm 409. This causes driven arm 409 to rotate toward the first side of lock cartridge 112. Driven arm 409 is engaged with retractable bolt 114 via a boss 409B which engages within a slot of retractable bolt 114. This causes retractable bolt 114 to be moved from the extended position into the retracted position, such that hook portion 426 is substantially withdrawn within the cartridge housing.

[0143] The operation of lock cartridge 112 will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 12.

[0144] Figure 6 is an internal view of lock cartridge 112 showing the arrangement of components when lock cartridge 112 is an unlocked operating state with retractable bolt 114 in the extended position, e.g., lock cartridge 112 is in passage mode and installed on a door in the closed position. Spindle cam 406 is in the rest position with arm 428 generally oriented vertically adjacent to a wall portion of lock cartridge 112 defining the second side of the lock assembly. The rest position of spindle cam 406 corresponds to levers 106 and 110 being in the neutral position, e.g., unactuated by a user. The arrangement of the spindle cam 406 and arm 428 provides a physical barrier which prevents rotation of spindle cam in a direction toward the second side. Arm 428 comprises drive tab 429 at an end thereof which is located in an upper portion of slot 430 of slide 408 which is also in the rest position.

[0145] In the door closed position, auxiliary bolt 410 is in the depressed position in which pivot locking arm 412 is pushed by auxiliary bolt 410 to a position where it is disengaged from retractable bolt 114. Door position sensor 420 is arranged to detect the position of locking arm 412 and communicate this with motor module 418 or communicate to user via app or similar.

[0146] Door position sensor 420 communicates with motor module 418 via, for example, wiring retained in a recess located within the cartridge housing and extending adjacent a second side of the cartridge housing opposite the first side. The benefit of this arrangement is that the wiringextends out of the housing of lock cartridge 112 from a single location as opposed to multiple locations e.g., the wire loom for the sensor 420 extending out a top area of the housing of lock cartridge 112 and wire loom for motor module 418 extending out of a bottom area of the housing of lock cartridge 112.

[0147] Further by routing the wiring from the sensor into motor module 418 and having a single wire loom extending out of a bottom area of the housing of lock cartridge 112, an installer only needs to connect one wiring loom / plug from the lock assembly to external escutcheon during installation. In contrast, if two separate wire looms were used then this would require one loom plug for the sensor and a separate loom plug for the motor module. This causes installation to be more cumbersome and increases the likelihood of damaging wires during installation. Still further, if sensor wiring extended out from the top of lock cartridge 112, then it would be close to lateral opening 120A in door frame 102. These cutouts can be sharp and can easily damage wires.

[0148] Another advantage is that by running the wiring along the second side of lock cartridge 112, this allows for wire routing without taking up valuable space within the housing of lock cartridge 112 or without having to increase the size of the housing (such as depth, length, or thickness) to accommodate that wiring. Increasing the size of the housing of lock cartridge 112 would mean that the lock cartridge 112 could not be fitted to doors having small / narrow frames.

[0149] Motor module 418 with motor 600 is in the unlocked state, and thus, locking slide 422 is in the first position where it is disengaged from retractable bolt 109. In particular, motor slide 600 is seated within motor module 418 in the inactive position with helical compression spring 604 in the uncompressed state. Pins 606 which are engaged with the thread of helical compression spring 604 are located at the top end of recess 608. In this position, a user is able to operate handles 106 or 110 to retract retractable bolt 114.

[0150] Figure 7 is an internal view of lock cartridge 112 showing the arrangement of components when a user actuates spindle cam 406 via handles 106 or 110 from the unlocked operating state of Figure 6 to retract retractable bolt 114 in a door open position.

[0151] In this position, spindle cam 406 is rotated over its full range of motion from its rest position to its actuated position. The rotational motion of spindle cam 406 causes drive shoulder 406A to act on surface 409A of driven arm 409 to rotationally move driven arm 409 toward thefirst side of lock cartridge 112. Movement of driven arm 409 then causes retraction of bolt 114 via engagement between boss 409B on driven arm with slot 114A in bolt 114.

[0152] The rotational motion of arm 428 also moves slide 408 linearly upward via movement of drive tab 429 from upper portion of slot 430 to lower portion of slot 430. Movement of slide 408 causes corresponding movement of a drive rod (if affixed thereto) to actuate any connected remote latches. Motor module 418 is retained in the unlocked state.

[0153] On opening the door, auxiliary bolt 410 is sprung outward under spring bias provided by torsion spring 416 which causes pivot locking arm 412 to drop into engagement with upper surface of retractable bolt 114. Door position sensor 420 detects the presence of pivot locking arm 412 in the engaged position and communicates this to motor module 418 and / or to a user via app or similar.

[0154] Figure 8 is an internal view of lock cartridge 112 showing the arrangement of components after a user has released handles 106 or 110 after actuating lock cartridge 112 to open the door as shown in Figure 17 and handles 106 or 110 return to the neutral position.

[0155] After release of handles 106 or 110, retractable bolt 114 is urged toward the extended position under spring bias provided by torsion spring 414. However, retractable bolt 114 is prevented from moving into the extended position due to abutment between pivot locking arm 412 and detent 800 on retractable bolt 114.

[0156] Slide 408 is returned to its rest position from its actuated position by handles 106 and / or 110 being sprung to their rest position. Movement of slide 408 is delimited by its rest and actuated positions.

[0157] On closure of the door, auxiliary bolt 410 comes into contact with a strike plate or the like on an opposing door frame which causes auxiliary bolt 410 to be pressed inward. The inward movement of auxiliary bolt 410 lifts pivot locking arm 412 away from retractable bolt 114. Retractable bolt 114 is then sprung to the extended position under spring bias of torsion spring 414. Pivot locking arm 412 is moved from door position sensor 420 which relays to motor module 418 or electronics that the lock is in a door close state as generally illustrated in Figure 6. Motor module 418 is retained in the unlocked state.

[0158] Figure 9 is an internal view of lock cartridge 112 showing the arrangement of components when lock cartridge 112 is in a locked operating state with retractable bolt 114 in the extended position and motor module 418 is in the locked state which causes movement of locking slide 422 to the second position whereby retractable bolt 114 is locked in the extended position, e.g., lock cartridge 112 is in a privacy or deadlocked mode and the door is in the closed position.

[0159] As can be seen, the general arrangement of lock components is similar to that illustrated in Figure 6. However, in Figure 9, motor 600 in motor module 418 has driven motor slide 602 from the inactive position to the active position via winding of pins 606 within the thread of helical compression spring 604. Since helical compression spring is confined by recess 608, the winding of pins 606 causes helical compression spring 604 to be linearly moved upwards pushing against the ceiling of recess 608 and thus moving motor slide 602 linearly upwards, which in turn, moves locking slide 422 from its first position to its second position. In this position, pins 606 are located adjacent a floor of recess 608.

[0160] In the first position, illustrated in Figure 6, locking slide 422 does not prevent retractable bolt 114 from being moved from the extended position to the retracted position. In the second position, illustrated in Figure 9, locking slide 422 prevents retractable bolt 114 from being moved from the extended position to the retracted position. In particular, locking slide 422 includes tip 423 which is received in a complementary recess in retractable bolt 114 which provides a physical barrier to movement of retractable bolt 114 from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0161] Motor 600 in motor module 418 may be configured to automatically move motor slide 602 from the inactive position to the active position and thereby move locking slide 422 from the first position to the second position on detection by door position sensor 420 of a closed door state (e.g., when pivot locking arm 412 is disengaged from retractable bolt 114). In this way, lock cartridge 112 automatically locks retractable bolt 114 on door closure.

[0162] Figure 10 is an internal view of lock cartridge 112 with motor slide 602 in the active position and retractable bolt 114 in the extended position, with bolt 114 locked by locking slide 422. In this state, spindle cam 406 can be partially rotated which permits some movement of retractable bolt 114 toward the retracted state. However, the engagement between locking slide422 and retractable bolt 114 prevents linear movement of slide 408 which delimits movement of spindle cam 406. In more detail, spindle cam 406 comprises drive tab 429 which is located within slot 430 of slide 408. On rotation of spindle cam 406, drive tab 429 is moveable within slot 430 which causes slide 408 to linearly move its rest position to its actuated position. However, when locking slide 422 is engaged with retractable bolt 114, slide 408 is locked in its rest position. Slot 430 has a first portion 430A and a second portion 430B. Movement of drive tab 429 within first portion 430A of slot 430 does not cause linear movement of slide 408. Linear movement of slide 408 is caused by movement of drive tab 429 within second portion 430B of slot 430. Thus, when locked, partial rotation of spindle cam 406 is possible (e.g., by a user actuating a lever to take up clearances between bolt notch 500 (see Figure 5) and tip 423 of locking slide 422) which results in drive tab 429 moving within first portion 430A of slot 430. This movement results in partial retraction of retractable bolt 114. However, movement of drive tab 429 through second portion 430B of slot 430 is not possible. This is because locking slide 422 prevents further retraction of retractable bolt 114 and thus locks movement of drive tab 429 from the second portion 430B of slide 430 due to the interaction between drive shoulder 406A on spindle cam 406 and surface 409A of driven arm 409, which in turn, is engaged with retractable bolt 114 via boss 409B on driven arm 409 and slot 114A in retractable bolt 114. Thus, due to the initial profile of slot 430, slide 408 cannot move while retractable bolt 114 is locked by locking slide 422. This is important as it ensures there is no driving / movement of a connected drive rod when lock cartridge 112 is locked, and thus no actuation of any connected multipoint lock assemblies when in this state. If movement of slide 408 was possible, then any connected multipoint lock assemblies could be moved into the non-deadlatched position or partially retracted position whilst locking slide 422 is in the second position (i.e., the locked position).

[0163] Figure 11 is an internal view of lock cartridge 112 showing the arrangement of components when the manually actuated lock slide override arm 424 is actuated.

[0164] Starting from the arrangement depicted in Figure 9 where lock cartridge 112 is in the locked state, the locked state may be overridden by actuation of lock slide override arm 424. The override is in the form of a push-type key actuator which may be, for example, located in the handle or escutcheon on the exterior and / or interior facing surface of the door. The operation of the manual override and its interaction with a push-type key actuator is discussed in more detail below.

[0165] The push-type key actuator includes an override pin 122 which projects into the interior of the cartridge housing through opening 434 in cover plate 402. Actuation of the push-type key actuator, such as by inserting a correctly coded key and then applying a pushing force to the push-type key actuator, causes lateral movement of override pin 122 to actuate lock slide override arm 424 from the position shown in Figure 9 to the position shown in Figure 11. As can be seen, lock slide override arm 424 is pivoted into contact with locking slide 422 to move locking slide 422 from the second position to the first position where it is disengaged from retractable bolt 114 and no longer provides a physical barrier which prevents movement of retractable bolt 114 from the extended position to the retracted position. On movement of locking slide 422 from its second position to its first position, motor slide 602 is pushed against spring bias of helical compression spring 604 which compresses helical compression spring 604 and moves motor slide 602 from its active position to its inactive position where it is withdrawn within the body of motor module 418.

[0166] Figure 12 follows from Figure 11 and shows that a user is able to actuate spindle cam 406 via handles 106 or 110 to move the door into the open position whilst the override is active. That is, while a user is applying a push force to lock slide override arm 424 via the push-type key actuator via pin 122. Removal of the override, e.g. by withdrawing a key from a push-type key actuator results in lock slide override arm 424 being pivoted back to its disengaged position (as illustrated in Figure 17) due to helical compression spring 604 within motor module 418.

[0167] An embodiment of a push-type key actuator and operation thereof is described below with reference to Figures 13 to 22.

[0168] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a push-type key actuator 1300 according to one embodiment of the invention. Push-type key actuator 1300 includes a housing 1302 with internal passage 1304; a key driven slide 1306 configured to be slidably retained within internal passage 1304 and having an exterior facing end 1308 with keyhole 1310, an interior facing end 1312, first detent recess 1314, and second detent recess 1316; a pin-tumbler assembly 1318; a spring-loaded ball 1320 and an engagement member in the form of an override pin assembly 1322 having a shaft 1324, a sheath 1326 which is located in slidable relationship with shaft 1324 via spring 1328 and locking bar 1330.

[0169] When assembled, key driven slide 1306 is inserted into passage 1304 of casing 1302 in slidable relationship therewith, spring-loaded ball detent 1320 engages with first detent recess 1314 when push-type key actuator 1300 is in its neutral position. This detent arrangement holds key driven slide 1306 in place during key insertion through keyhole 1310 and prevents key driven slide 1306 from being pushed into pins of pin-tumbler assembly 1318 causing lock binding. Once the key is almost fully inserted, the key tip contacts the spring-loaded ball 1320 and on continued insertion, pushes spring-loaded ball 1320 out of contact with first detent recess 1314 freeing key driven slide 1306 and permitting key driven slide 1306 to slide within passage 1304 on application of a pushing force. Thus, spring-loaded ball 1320 and first detent recess 1314 interact to prevent sliding of key driven slide 1306 within passage 1304 during key insertion. Once spring-loaded ball 1320 has cleared first detent recess 1310, application of sufficient pushing force causes key driven 1304 to inwardly slide within passage 1304 from its neutral position to its override position. In the override position, pin assembly 1322 is pressed into engagement with an override mechanism in a lock assembly, such as lock cartridge 112 (in which case, override pin 1322 is equivalent to override pin 122 of Figures 1 to 12).

[0170] Whilst the override pin may be in the form of a simple shaft, the inventors have devised override pin 1322 with adaptable pin length for use with doors of different thicknesses. This is achieved, in this embodiment, by having a shaft 1324 and sheath 1326 arrangement with sheath 1326 being slidably mounted over shaft 1324 via spring 1328 and locking bar 1330. In particular, spring 1328 is fitted within a recess of sheath 1326 and is held within the recess between a top surface of shaft 1324 and an internal ceiling of sheath 1326. Locking bar 1330 is passed through windows 1332 of sheath 1326 and passage 1334 of shaft 1324 to mount sheath 1326 to shaft 1324. Slidable movement of sheath 1326 over shaft 1324 is delimited by the height of windows 1332, such that sheath 1326 and shaft 1324 have a close together arrangement corresponding to a short pin length and a spaced apart arrangement corresponding to a long pin length. Spring 1328 biases sheath 1326 from shaft 1324 into the spaced apart arrangement such that override pin 1322 has a long pin length.

[0171] Figure 14 and Figure 15 illustrate push-type key actuator 1300 in the neutral position with the override pin assembly having a long pin length (see Figure 14) when installed in a thick door and a short pin length (see Figure 15) when installed in a thin door. Figure 14 illustrates that the sheath 1326 and shaft 1324 are biased apart by spring 1328 into the expanded state. Pin 1330 is located at the bottom of window 1332 which delimits the expanded state.Figure 15 illustrates that the sheath 1326 and shaft 1324 are pushed together against the bias of spring 1328 into the contracted state. Pin 1330 is located at the top of window 1332 which delimits the contracted state.

[0172] Figure 16 is intended to contrast with Figure 14 and illustrates push-type key actuator 1300 in the override position with a key inserted in keyhole 1310 and with key driven slide 1306 being pushed inward such that interior facing end 1312 of key driven slide 1306 is moved distally from casing 1302 to actuate an override mechanism (see for example position of pin 122 in Figures 6 to 12).

[0173] Figure 17 is a front plan view of push-type key actuator 1300 with keyhole 1310 showing that the push-type key actuator 1300 has a slim line design with a width of only 8.5 mm. This contrasts with standard rotational pinned key cylinders used on entrance doors which typically have thicknesses of at least 16 mm.

[0174] Figure 18 is a partial perspective view of an escutcheon 1800 (such as escutcheon 108 in Figures 1 to 12) with push-type key actuator 1300 mounted therein. Escutcheon 1800 has spring-loaded ball 1802 for engagement with second detent recess 1316 on key driven slide 1306 when push-type key actuator 1300 is in the override position. This detent arrangement holds key driven slide 1306 in place and thus retains push-type key actuator 1300 in the override position so that a user can then actuate handle 106 or 110 to open the door. When a user withdraws the key, key driven slide 1306 is pulled out of engagement with spring-loaded ball 1802 and the push-type key actuator 1300 is returned to the neutral position at which point the key is removed. Disengaging push-type key actuator 1300 causes the manual override of an associated lock assembly to be removed, with the internal locking mechanism of that lock assembly automatically reengaging with the bolt (as described in relation to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 12) or automatically disengaging the lever from being able to retract the bolt (as will be described in relation to Figures 23 to 31).

[0175] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of a push-type key actuator 1900 according to another embodiment of the invention. Push-type key actuator 1900 includes a casing 1902 with internal passage 1904; a key driven slide 1906 configured to be slidably retained within internal passage 1904 and having an exterior facing end 1908 with keyhole 1910, an interior facing end 1912, detent recess 1916; a pin-tumbler assembly 1918; and an engagement mechanism on theform of override pin assembly 1922 having a shaft 1924, a sheath 1926 which is located in slidable relationship with shaft 1924 via spring 1928 and locking bar 1930.

[0176] Similar with the embodiment depicted in Figure 18, the embodiment of Figure 19 also comprises an override pin 1922 of variable length which comprises a shaft 1924 and sheath 1926 arrangement with sheath 1926 being slidably mounted over shaft 1924 via spring 1928 and locking bar 1930 interlocking sheath 1926, shaft 1924, and spring 1928 via locking bar 1930, window 1932, and passage 1934. Override pin 1922 operates in the same manner as override pun 1322.

[0177] The key difference between the push-type key actuator 1300 of Figure 13 and push-type key actuator 1900 of Figure 19 is the omission of first detent recess 1314 and spring-loaded ball 1320. Other than this difference, which will be explained further, the general operation of pushtype key actuators 1300 and 1900 is the same.

[0178] Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of an escutcheon 2000 (such as escutcheon 108 in Figures 1 to 12) with push-type key actuator 1900 mounted therein. Escutcheon 2000 has spring-loaded ball 2002 for engagement with detent recess 1916 on key driven slide 1906 when push-type key actuator 1900 is in the override position. This detent arrangement holds key driven slide 1906 in place and thus retains push-type key actuator 1900 in the override position so that a user can then actuate handle 106 or 110 to open the door. When a user withdraws the key, key driven slide 1906 is pulled out of engagement with spring-loaded ball 2002 and the push-type key actuator 1900 is returned to its neutral position at which point the key is removed. Disengaging push-type key actuator 1900 causes the manual override of an associated lock assembly to be removed, with the internal locking mechanism of that lock assembly automatically reengaging with the bolt.

[0179] Escutcheon 2000 also includes spring 2004 mounted therein in contact with interior facing end 1912 of key driven slide 1906. Spring 2004 holds key driven slide 1906 in the neutral position whilst a key is being inserted, that is, spring 2004 is intended to resist the key insertion force. After insertion of a key, key driven slide 1906 can be slid within passage 1904 on application of a force sufficient to overcome spring force of spring 2004. Thus, spring 2004 effectively provides an alternative arrangement for preventing movement of key driven slide1906 in passage 1904 to that adopted in push-type key actuator 1300 which instead relies on the interaction of first detent recess 1314 and spring-loaded ball 1320.

[0180] Figure 21 and Figure 22 illustrate an escutcheon 2100, such as exterior escutcheon 104 or interior escutcheon 108 from Figures 1 to 3 with a push-type key actuator of the invention installed therein (which may for example be push-type key actuator 1300 or 1900). Escutcheon 2100 includes a front plate 2102, and back plate 2104, a handle 2106 mounted to front plate 2102, an opening 2108 in back plate 2104 with an override pin 2110 of push-type key actuator extending therethrough. Also shown is spindle 2112 which is operatively connected to handle 2106. Advantageously, the push-type key actuator is installed in a lateral wall of escutcheon 2100 rather than in the front face of escutcheon 2100. This arrangement allows escutcheon 2100 to have a slimmer profile than would be possible if the push-type key actuator were mounted in the front face and allows for an even slimmer escutcheon profile that would be possible if a rotatable pinned cylinder was installed in a lateral wall of the escutcheon.

[0181] Figure 21 illustrates escutcheon 2100 with push-type key actuator 2102 in the neutral position and with a key 2114 inserted therein but not pushed in. Figure 21, handle 2106 is inoperable for retracting a bolt due to engagement of a locking slide with an actuation mechanism associated with the bolt and / or with the bolt itself. Override pin 2110 is in a position where it is disengaged from the override mechanism.

[0182] Figure 22 illustrates escutcheon 2100 with push-type key actuator in the override position and with a key 2114 inserted therein and pushed in (denoted by the arrow in Figure 22) to move override pin 2110 into an override position to engage the override mechanism or to otherwise engage the override mechanism with the locking slide to permit handle 2106 to retract a bolt on rotation thereof. The use of a push-type key actuator is beneficial over a traditional rotational key cylinder. Escutcheon 2100 has a slim profile and as such, there is little clearance between keyhole 1910 and the surface of a door. This makes it difficult for a user to turn a key. The slim profile of 2100 does not allow a rotatable pinned cylinder suitable for entrance locks to physically fit in the escutcheon.

[0183] Figures 23 to 30 illustrate a lock assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The lock assembly of Figures 23 to 30 differs from that described in Figures 1 to 12 in which the motor assembly, locking member, and manual override mechanism residewithin a lock body (e.g., a mortice lock) which is then mounted within a door. In contrast, in Figures 23 to 30, the motor assembly, locking member, and manual override mechanism reside within the escutcheon.

[0184] Figures 23 to 30 illustrate a lock assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0185] Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic lock system 2300 for installation into a door frame 2302 according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0186] Electronic lock system 2300 comprises interior escutcheon2304 having a lever 2306, exterior escutcheon 2308 having a lever 2310, and a retractable bolt assembly 2312. levers 2306 and 2310 and bolt assembly 2312 are operatively connected via spindle 2314. Although not shown, one or both of interior escutcheon 2304 or exterior escutcheon 2308 includes an electronic motor and a locking member, the locking member being driven by the electronic motor to operatively engage or disengage levers 2306 and / or 2310 from retracting the bolt 2316 of bolt assembly 2312.

[0187] Door frame 2302 includes edgewise cavity 2318 for receiving bolt assembly 2312 therein, and which is affixed thereto by screws.

[0188] Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of exterior escutcheon 2308 from a first side thereof, and Figure 25 is an exploded view of exterior escutcheon 2308 from a second side thereof.

[0189] Escutcheon2308 houses a locking slide 2400, an override mechanism in the form of pivot arm 2402, a push-type key actuator 2404, a handle assembly for actuating spindle 2314 to retract bolt 2316, and electric motor module 2410 mounted to locking slide 2400. Spindle 2314 is connected to handle 2310 via a clutching mechanism 2406 which is engaged or disengaged via pin 2408. Pin 2408 is spring biased to the disengaged position. In the disengaged position, handle 2310 is rotatable, but not operable to retract bolt 2316. In the engaged position, handle 2310 is rotatable and operable to retract bolt 2316 on rotation thereof.

[0190] In one or more embodiments, push-type key actuator 2404 is generally of the same construction as push-type key actuators 1300 or 1900 as described above, but generally omittingthe override pin assembly. Instead, in this case, the engagement mechanism is in the form of shoulder 2412 extending from a rear internal end of push-key type actuator 2404.

[0191] In more detail, the clutching mechanism comprises a first clutching member 2414 located internally within escutcheon2308 that is mounted to handle 2310, and a second clutching member 2416, such as in the form of a spindle hub, which is located internally within escutcheon 2308 that is mounted to spindle 2314.

[0192] First clutching member 2414 is fixedly attached to handle 2310 such that rotation of handle 2310 also causes rotation of first clutching member 2414. In this specific embodiment, handle 2310 includes an internal female connector in the form of square recess 2418 for receiving a corresponding male connector on the first clutching member 2414 in the form of square plug 2424. In this way, handle 2310 is mounted to escutcheon 2308 via first clutching member 2414.

[0193] Second clutching member 2416 and spindle 2314 are connected to one another. In this embodiment, second clutching member 2416 includes a female connector 2420 that fixedly receives spindle 2314 longitudinally within female connector 2420. In particular, in this embodiment, spindle 2314 has a square cross-section and female connector 2420 is in the form of a square recess. In this way, rotation of second clutching member 2416 (such as on rotation of handle 2310 when the first clutching member 2414 and the second clutching member 2416 are operatively connected) causes rotation of spindle 2314 and thus retraction of bolt 2316.

[0194] When assembled, as shown in Figures 26 to 31, second clutching member 2416 is rotationally seated within first clutching member 2414. In this way, when first clutching member 2414 and second clutching member 2416 are operatively connected, rotation of handle 2310 causes rotation of clutching mechanism 2406 in its entirety, and thus retraction of bolt 2316. However, when first clutching member 2414 and second clutching member 2416 are operatively disconnected, rotation of handle 2310 only causes rotation of first clutching member 2414. First clutching member 2414 rotates about second clutching member 2416 while second clutching member 2416 remains stationary and therefore spindle 2314 and bolt 2316 remain stationary.

[0195] Clutching mechanism 2406 also comprises an engagement mechanism to operatively connect first clutching member 2414 with second clutching member 2416 in the form of pin 2408. In this embodiment, pin 2408 is seated within a recess 2422 of first clutching member2414. Pin 2408 has a first end which projects outward through an opening in recess 2422 of first clutching member 2414 for contact with slide 2400. Pin 2408 is retained in recess 2422 via a flange. Second clutching member 2416 includes recess 2426 for receiving a second end of pin 2408 therein. Pin 2408 is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the first end of pin 2408 extends through the opening in first clutching member 2414 and the second end of pin 2408 is held within the first clutching member. In the engaged position, the first end of pin 2408 is pushed at least partially inward with respect to first clutching member 2414 which causes second end of pin 2408 to project, at least partially, within recess 2426 of second clutching member 2416. With this arrangement, first clutching member 2414 and second clutching member 2416 are operatively connected via pin 2408. That is, rotational movement of first clutching member 2414 is transferred to second clutching member 2416 via pin 2408.

[0196] Pin 2408 also includes spring 2428 (see Figure 26) which spring biases pin 2408 to the disengaged position. To move pin 2408 to the engaged position, slide 2400 is moved to its second position (such as via motor 2410 or user actuation of push-type key actuator 2404) where slide 2400 pushes pin 2408 inward within first clutching member 2414 such that second end of pin 2408 projects within recess 2426 of second clutching member 2416. Handle 2310 can then be actuated to retract bolt 2316.

[0197] Figure 26 illustrates the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been locked via electric motor module 2410. In this state, bolt 2316 is extended and engaged with a corresponding strike plate. Locking slide 2400 is in the lock position with clutching mechanism 2406 being disengaged since pin 2408 is in its disengaged position. Rotation of handle 2310 is possible. However, handle 2310 is not operable to retract bolt 2316. Electric motor module 2410 is internally sprung to bias locking slide 2400 to the locked position when motor module 2410 drives locking slide 2400 to the locked position.

[0198] Figure 27 illustrates the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been locked via electric motor. Figure 27 is similar to Figure 26, except handle 2310 has been rotated. As discussed above, clutching mechanism 2406 is disengaged, and as such, spindle 2314 is operatively disengaged from handle 2310 such that rotation of handle 2310 does not cause rotation of spindle 2314 and retraction of bolt 2316. Releasing handle 2310 returns the components to the position of Figure 26.

[0199] Figure 28 illustrates the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been unlocked via electric motor. This arrangement differs from Figure 27 in that slide 2400 has been moved linearly upward to push pin 2408 to the engaged position such that the clutching mechanism between handle 2310 and spindle 2314 is engaged.

[0200] Figure 29 illustrates the lock components of the escutcheon in a door open position and in which the lock components have been unlocked via electric motor. Figure 29 is similar to Figure 28, except handle 2310 has been rotated. As discussed above, clutching mechanism 2406 is engaged, and as such, spindle 2314 is operatively engaged with handle 2310 such that rotation of handle 2310 causes rotation of spindle 2314 and retraction of bolt 2316. Releasing handle 2310 returns the components to the position of Figure 28.

[0201] Figure 30 illustrates the lock components of the escutcheon in a door closed position and in which the lock components have been unlocked via push-type key actuator 2404. That is, starting from the arrangement of Figure 26, a correctly coded key 2900 has been inserted into push-type key actuator 2404, with push-type key actuator 2404 then being pushed within the body of exterior escutcheon 2308. This pushing movement causes shoulder 2421 of push-type key actuator 2404 to press against override mechanism pivot arm 2402 which pushes locking slide 2400 from its lock position, which in turn pushes pin 2408 to its engaged position where it is seated within both first clutch member 2414 and second clutch member 2416 such that first clutching member 2414 and second clutching member 2416 are in fixed engagement and clutching mechanism 2406 is engaged. In this state, rotation of handle 2310 whilst the override is active, as shown in Figure 31, causes rotation of spindle 2314 and retraction of bolt 2316.Releasing handle 2310 returns the components to the position of Figure 30. Ceasing the pushing force, such as on removal of the key, causes the lock to revert to the locked position illustrated in Figure 26. In particular, locking slide 2400 is pushed downwards into its locked position due to a spring bias applied to locking slide 2400 via a spring located internally within electric motor module 2410, and pin 2408 is pushed downwards via spring 2428.

[0202] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lock assembly comprising: a retractable bolt having an extended position and a retracted position; an escutcheon having a front face and a rear face, and one or more lateral walls extending from the front face to the rear face, the escutcheon comprising: a hand operable member mounted to the front face that is actuatable about a rotation axis from a rest position to an actuated position; and a push-type key actuator mounted within the escutcheon, the push-type key actuator having a keyhole accessible from a lateral wall of the one or more lateral walls, the push-type key actuator actuatable to provide a linear push force along a longitudinal axis thereof on insertion of a correctly coded key therein; a bolt locking mechanism comprising: a motor driven locking member having a lock position configured such that when the motor driven locking member is in the lock position, the hand operable member is not actuatable to retract the bolt; and a manual override mechanism configured to receive the linear push force from the push-type key actuator to move the motor driven locking member out of the lock position, wherein when the motor driven locking member is out of the lock position, the hand operable member is actuatable to retract the bolt.

2. The lock assembly of claim 1, further comprising an electric motor operable to move the motor driven locking member between the lock position and a motor driven unlock position configured such that the hand operable member is actuatable to retract the bolt.

3. The lock assembly of claim 2, wherein the lock assembly comprises a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing containing the retractable bolt, the motor driven locking member, and the electric motor.

4. The lock assembly of claim 3, wherein in the lock position, the motor driven locking member is engaged with a receiving structure in the retractable bolt to lock the retractable bolt in the extended position.

5. The lock assembly of claim 2, wherein the motor driven locking member and the electric motor are housed within the escutcheon.

6. The lock assembly of claim 5, further comprising a clutching mechanism housed within the escutcheon, the clutching mechanism having an engaged state in which the clutching mechanism operably engages the hand operable member and the bolt and a disengaged state in which the clutching mechanism operably disengages the hand operable member and the bolt, and wherein in the lock position the clutching mechanism is in the disengaged state.

7. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the push-type key actuator is actuatable to provide the linear push force along the longitudinal axis that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis, and / or the push-type key actuator is not operable to move the motor driven member into the lock position.

8. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the motor driven locking member is in the lock position, the motor driven locking member is spring biased to the lock position, and wherein the linear push force overcomes the spring bias of the motor driven locking member to move the motor driven locking member out of the lock position, and / or the motor driven locking member is a motor driven slide.

9. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the push-type key actuator comprises: a housing having an internal passage therethrough defining the longitudinal axis; a key driven slide slidably mounted within the passage of the housing, the key driven slide comprising: an exterior facing end having the keyhole for receiving a key therein in a direction along the longitudinal axis; and an interior facing end engaged with, engageable with, or having an engagement structure for engaging, the manual override mechanism; wherein on insertion of a correctly coded key into the key driven slide and on application of the linear push force thereto, the key driven slide is configured to linearly slide within the housing along the longitudinal axis from a rest position to an engaged position to apply the linear push force to the manual override mechanism.

10. The lock assembly of claim 9, wherein the housing has a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a short axis and a long axisperpendicular to one another, the short axis being substantially parallel with the rotation axis, and wherein the cross-section is a substantially rectangular or obround cross-section.

11. The lock assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein the lock assembly further comprises a spring configured to oppose a key insertion force and substantially hold the key driven slide in the rest position during key insertion.

12. The lock assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the key driven slide further comprises an engagement member configured to engage the manual override mechanism, the engagement member extending along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the engagement member has an adaptable length along the axis.

13. The lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the engagement member comprises a first portion mounted to the key driven slide and a second portion mounted to the first portion, the first portion and the second portion being movable relative to one another in a direction along the axis between a contracted state and an elongated state, and the second portion is spring biased from the first portion such that the engagement member is in the elongated state.

14. The lock assembly of claim 13, wherein the first portion is a shaft and the second portion is a sheath, the sheath being slidably and coaxially mounted to the shaft.

15. The lock assembly of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the engagement member projects out of the escutcheon via an opening in the rear face and into engagement with the manual override mechanism.

16. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manual override mechanism comprises an actuator comprising: an input portion mechanically displaceable on receiving the linear push force from the push-type key actuator, and an output portion operatively engaged with the input portion and the motor driven locking member, the output portion being displaceable on displacement of the input portion to move the motor driven locking member out of the lock position, wherein: the input portion is displaceable over a first length, the output portion is displaceable over a second length; and the second length is greater than the first length.

17. The lock assembly of claim 16, wherein: the actuator is in the form of a rocker arm having a first arm and a second arm mounted about a pivot point, the first arm defining the input portion and the second arm defining the output portion; or the manual override mechanism comprises a pivot lever, the input portion and the output portion being located on a same side of a pivot point of the pivot lever, the input portion being located closer to the pivot point than the output portion.

18. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the push-type key actuator is a wafer style or pin style push-type key actuator.

19. A push-type key actuator mountable within an escutcheon and engageable with a lock override mechanism of a bolt locking mechanism, the push-type key actuator comprising: a housing having an internal passage therethrough defining a longitudinal axis, the housing having a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a short axis and a long axis perpendicular to one another; a key driven slide slidably mounted within the passage of the housing, the key driven slide comprising: an exterior facing end having a keyhole for receiving a key therein in a direction along the longitudinal axis; and an interior facing end engaged with, engageable with, or having an engagement structure for engagement with, the lock override mechanism; wherein on insertion of a correctly coded key into the key driven slide and on application of the linear push force thereto, the key driven slide is configured to linearly slide within the housing along the longitudinal axis from a rest position to an engaged position to apply the linear push force to the manual override mechanism; mounting structure for mounting the push-type key actuator within the escutcheon in an orientation such that the longitudinal axis of the push-type key actuator is orthogonal to an axis of rotation of a hand operable member of the escutcheon.

20. An escutcheon having a front face and a rear face, and one or more lateral walls extending from the front face to the rear face, the escutcheon comprising: a hand operable member mounted to the front face that is user actuatable about a rotation axis from a rest position to an actuated position; anda push-type key actuator mounted within the escutcheon with a keyhole accessible from a lateral wall of the one or more lateral walls, the push-type key actuator actuatable to provide a linear push force along a longitudinal axis thereof on insertion of a correctly coded key therein to actuate an override mechanism of a bolt locking mechanism; wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis.Allegion (Australia) Pty LtdPatent Attorneys for the ApplicantSPRUSON & FERGUSON

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