(19)
(11)EP 2 049 753 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
23.09.2015 Bulletin 2015/39

(21)Application number: 07784657.4

(22)Date of filing:  19.07.2007
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E05B 47/00(2006.01)
E05C 19/16(2006.01)
E05B 65/10(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/AU2007/001003
(87)International publication number:
WO 2008/009057 (24.01.2008 Gazette  2008/04)

(54)

MAGNETIC LOCK MEANS WITH AUXILIARY MECHANICAL LOCKING OR RESISTANCE MEANS

MAGNETISCHES SCHLOSSMITTEL MIT ZUSÄTZLICHEM MECHANISCHEM VERRIEGELUNGS- ODER WIDERSTANDSMITTEL

MOYENS DE VERROUILLAGE MAGNÉTIQUE À MOYENS AUXILIAIRES DE VERROUILLAGE OU DE RÉSISTANCE MÉCANIQUES


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

(30)Priority: 20.07.2006 AU 2006903924
29.08.2006 AU 2006904705

(43)Date of publication of application:
22.04.2009 Bulletin 2009/17

(73)Proprietors:
  • Shanghai One Top Corporation
    Nanqiao Town Fengxian (CN)
  • Dierckx, Amélie
    03700 Denia (ES)
  • Lequy, Michel
    1410 Waterloo (BE)

(72)Inventor:
  • CHANG, Jason
    Naqiao Town Fengxian (CN)

(74)Representative: Mackett, Margaret Dawn et al
Intellectual Property House Gevers Patents SA Holidaystraat 5
1831 Diegem
1831 Diegem (BE)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A1-02/01029
AU-A- 2 498 699
DE-C1- 3 902 992
DE-U1- 29 708 796
FR-A1- 2 747 721
GB-A- 2 182 707
US-B1- 6 386 597
WO-A1-02/103145
DE-A1- 2 918 782
DE-C1- 19 524 567
FR-A1- 2 652 375
GB-A- 1 588 811
US-A- 5 758 913
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Technical Field



    [0001] This invention relates to a lock such as might be used to retain a door in an open or closed position.

    Background to the Invention



    [0002] Locks are commonly used to retain doors or windows or the like in either an open or closed condition. In the case where it is desirable control the lock from a remote location, an electrically operated lock may be used. One form of electrically operated lock is an electromagnetic lock. These typically comprise an armature of ferrous material and an electromagnet. Activation of the electromagnet causes strong magnetic attraction between the armature and electromagnet. It is necessary for current to flow through the electromagnet to maintain the attraction. Deactivation of the electromagnet allows the armature to release from the electromagnet.

    [0003] In the case of security doors in commercial premises or the like, electromagnetic locks are sometimes used which require a force of about 2000N to 5000N to break the attraction between the armature and the electromagnet. In order to provide such strong magnetic attraction it is necessary to use a strong electromagnet and a correspondingly large armature. In addition, a current of approximately between 40mA up to 400mA must constantly flow through the electromagnet whilst it is retaining the door.

    [0004] The following formula shows the general equation determining the electromagnet holding force:


    Where F is the holding force in Newton,
    K is the constant,
    Bg is full density of magnetism (Wbm2)
    A is the surface area of the electromagnet (m2)

    [0005] It would be advantageous to provide a remotely operable lock with an adequately strong locking action which uses either a smaller amount of raw materials during construction or which uses less electricity during operation than existing locks.

    [0006] GB-A-2182707 discloses a lock having a magnetic lock having a mechanical lock associated therewith. The mechanical lock comprises a collet having a plurality of longitudinal slits extending around its circumference, the collet being arranged around a ferromagnetic tapered plug. The ferromagnetic tapered plug is attracted to a ferromagnetic plate when the lock is energised for locking. When the door is locked, movement of the door in an opening direction causes the collet to move over the tapered surface of the tapered plug until projections on the ends of the collets engage with a shoulder to prevent further movement of the door in the opening direction.

    Summary of the Invention



    [0007] The object of the present invention is to find an alternative arrangement of the mechanical lock means, and this object is achieved by a lock including: magnetic lock means having an armature and at least one electromagnet, the armature and the at least one electromagnet being attracted to one another when supplied with electric current; and mechanical lock means associated with the magnetic lock means, the mechanical lock means including at least one locking element which serves to resist separation of the armature and the at least one electromagnet, and a pin attached to the armature and which extends into a centre piece connected to the at least one electromagnet when the armature and the at least one electromagnet are attracted to one another, the pin including a recess with which the at least one locking element engages in response to an attempt to force open the lock, (10); characterised in that the lock further includes a shoulder carried by the centre piece of the electromagnet; and in that an attempt to open the door when electric current is supplied to said at least one electromagnet causes movement of said armature along with said at least one electromagnet and the centre piece with its shoulder, whereby the movement of the shoulder causes engagement of the at least one locking element with the recess in the pin so that resistance to separation of armature and electromagnet is provided.

    [0008] The recess may be in the form of a groove provided about the shaft of the pin.

    [0009] The mechanical lock means may include a plurality of locking elements which are generally spherical.

    [0010] The shoulder may be generally circular and surrounds the pin.

    [0011] The at least one locking element may be mounted in a sleeve which surrounds the pin, the sleeve being located within the centre piece and associated shoulder.

    Brief Description of the Drawings



    [0012] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

    Figure 1 is a cross sectional view along the line A-A of figure 2 of a lock according to an embodiment of the present invention;

    Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the lock of figure 1 along the line C-C;

    Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the lock of figure 2, but in a position when a force is being exerted upon the door being locked;

    Figure 4 is a cross section view of the lock of figure 2 along the line B-B and shown affixed to a door in a position when a force is being exerted upon the door;

    Figure 5 shows the lock in the same view as shown in figure 4, but in the position shown in figure 3;

    Figure 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of the sleeve of the lock of figure 1'

    Figure 7(a) shows a lock according to a second embodiment of the invention;

    Figure 7(b) shows the lock of figure 7(a) in another position; and

    Figure 7(c) shows the lock of figure 7(a) in yet another position.


    Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment



    [0013] Referring to Figure 1, a lock 10 is shown including magnetic lock means in the form of two electromagnets 1 which, when supplied with electric current, are magnetically attracted to armature 2.

    [0014] Lock 10 further includes mechanical lock means including pin 24 which has a groove 26 provided about its shaft. Pin 24 is attached to armature by way of screw thread 25.

    [0015] A hollow sleeve 42 is affixed to backing plate 24 by way of screw 44 and surrounds pin 24. Six locking elements in the form of generally spherical balls 27 are mounted in sleeve 42. Each ball 27 sits in a through hole 28 in sleeve 42. Each through hole narrows slightly at the end nearest the centre of the sleeve. This allows each ball 27 to be inserted into hole 28 from the outside of the sleeve, and each ball is prevented from passing right through the hole 28 by the narrowed portion.

    [0016] The electromagnets 1 are connected to a centre piece 4 which carries a shoulder 41. Electromagnets 1 are mounted to backing plate 54 by way of screws 31 packed with a stack of sprung washers 32. Centre piece 4 sits between electromagnets 1 and is maintained in a substantially fixed relationship to the electromagnets by way of flanges 12. Sprung electrical contact fingers 35 bear against flat contacts 11 to provide electrical connections to the electromagnets 1.

    [0017] When electric current is supplied to electromagnets 1 they become attracted to armature 2. An attempt to open the door whilst the electromagnets are active causes movement of armature 2 along with electromagnets 1 and centre piece 4 in the direction indicated by the bold arrows in Figure 1 by way of compression of sprung washers 32 (note compression of washers 32 in figure 3). The electromagnets 1, centrepiece 4 and shoulder 41 move as one to the position shown in figure 3. The sleeve 42 remains fixed to backing plate 54.

    [0018] Comparing figures 1 and 3, in figure 1 balls 27 are out of engagement with groove 26. However, in figure 3, movement of shoulder 41 has effected a ramping movement which has guided balls 27 into engagement with groove 26. Thereafter, increased force applied to the armature in the direction shown by the white arrow in an attempt to open the door is resisted by engagement of balls 27 within groove 26 of pin 24. Thus, in figure 3 both the magnetic action of electromagnets 1 and the physical engagement of balls 27 and pin 26 simultaneously serve to resist separation of the armature from the electromagnets and thus keep the door closed.

    [0019] It has been found that, when compared to locks that rely on electromagnetic attraction alone, locks according to embodiments of the invention can provide the same resistance to opening but use electromagnets of reduced capacity. This means it is possible to use smaller electromagnets and thus use less raw materials to achieve the same strength of lock as in the case of known electromagnetic locks, with a consequential drop in power consumption due to the reduced capacity of the electromagnet.

    [0020] Microswitch 33 is configured to detect movement of the electromagnets 1 between the positions shown in figures 1 and 3. This allows remote detection of a force being applied to a door that is sufficient to compress sprung washers 32 and may indicate an attempt to force open the door.

    [0021] Comparing figures 4 and 5, the lock is shown at rest in figure 4 with the lock affixed to door jamb 102 and armature 2 affixed to door 100. At figure 5 the lock is shown when a forced attempt is being made to open the door 100. Note that in figure 5, balls 27 have been pushed into engagement with groove 26 of pin thus providing mechanical resistance to separation of armature and electromagnets.

    [0022] Referring again to figure 1, when the electromagnets deactivated there is no attraction between the armature 2 and the electromagnets 1. Thus, if an attempt it made to open the door, the armature easily separates from the electromagnets. Pin 24 is free to release from sleeve 42 as balls 27 are not held in engagement with groove 26 by shoulder 41.

    [0023] Referring to figure 7(a), an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. In this version two microswitches 238,239 are used. The microswitches are actuated by the heads of actuation screws 240, 241. The depth of insertion of each of screws 241, 240 into plate 224 dictates the force required to actuate either of microswithces 239, 240.

    [0024] Referring to figure 7(b), a moderate force is being applied to device 200 which is comparable to the force that might be applied by a person attempting to push open a door. The force is balanced by compression of spring 230. It can be seen that microswitch 239 has become actuated by the head of actuation screw 241.

    [0025] Referring to figure 7(c), a large force is being applied to device 200 which is comparable to the force that might be applied by a person attempting to force open a door. The force is balanced by further compression of spring 230. It can be seen that microswitch 238 has become actuated by the head of actuation screw 240.

    [0026] Device 200 includes a radio transmitter device which can transmit signals indicating a condition of device 200 based on the positions of microswitches 239, 240. If neither switch is actuated then this indicates that the door is not being pushed.

    [0027] If switch 239 is actuated then this indicates that somebody may be attempting to open the door. The radio transmitter circuit may transmit a signal indicating this. This may be received at a local unit which sounds an alarm to indicate to the person that the door is locked.

    [0028] If switches 239 and 240 are actuated then this indicates that somebody may be making a forced attempt to break open the door. The radio transmitter circuit may transmit a signal indicating this. This may be received at a remote security console or the like to indicate to security personnel that a forced attempt may be being made to open the door to which device 200 is attached.

    [0029] In the above described embodiment the lock was described as being used to retain a door in the closed position. Similarly, the lock can be used with windows and other building openings. Similarly, the lock can be used to keep a door or window or the like in the open position.

    [0030] The lock described above utilised two electromagnets. Similarly, a greater or lesser number of electromagnets can be used.

    [0031] The lock described above utilised one pin which provided a mechanical locking action. Similarly, more than one pin can be used.

    [0032] The lock described above included electromagnets that were connected to their power supply by way of sprung finger contacts provided on the backing plate of the lock which made contact with terminals of the electromagnets when the electromagnets were installed in the lock.. Similarly, the electromagnets could be hard wired.

    [0033] Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.


    Claims

    1. A lock (10) including:

    magnetic lock means (1, 2) having a armature (2) and at least one electromagnet (1), the armature (2) and the at least one electromagnet element (1) being attracted to one another when supplied with electric current; and

    mechanical lock means (24, 26, 27, 28) associated with the magnetic lock means (1, 2), the mechanical lock means (24, 26, 27, 28) including at least one locking element (27) which serves to resist separation of the armature (2) and

    the at least one electromagnet (1);

    and a pin (24, 26) attached to the armature (2) and which extends into a centre piece (4) of the at least one electromagnet (1) when the armature (2) and the at least one electromagnet (1) are attracted to one another, the pin (24, 26) including a recess (26) with which the at least one locking element (27) engages in response to an attempt to force open the lock (10); characterised in that the lock further includes a shoulder (41) carried by the centre piece (4) of the electromagnet (1); and in that an attempt to open the door when electric current is supplied to said at least one electromagnet (1) causes movement of said armature (2) along with said at least one electromagnet (1) and the centre piece (4) with its shoulder (41), whereby the movement of the shoulder (41) causes engagement of the at least one locking element (27) with the recess (26) in the pin (24) so that resistance to separation of armature (2) and electromagnet (1) is provided.


     
    2. A lock according to claim 1 wherein the recess (26) is in the form of a groove provided about the shaft of the pin (24).
     
    3. A lock according to either of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the mechanical lock means (24, 26, 27, 28) includes a plurality of locking elements (27) which are generally spherical.
     
    4. A lock according to any preceding claim wherein the shoulder (41) is generally circular and surrounds the pin (24, 26).
     
    5. A lock according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one locking element (27) is mounted in a sleeve (42) which surrounds the pin (24, 26), the sleeve (42) being located within the centre piece (4) and associated shoulder (41).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Verschluss (10), umfassend:

    magnetische Verschlussmittel (1, 2), die eine Armatur (2) und mindestens einen Elektromagneten (1) haben, wobei die Armatur (2) und das mindestens eine Elektromagnetelement (1) voneinander angezogen werden, wenn sie mit elektrischem Strom versorgt werden;

    und

    mechanische Verschlussmittel (24, 26, 27, 28), die mit den magnetischen Verschlussmitteln (1, 2) verbunden sind, wobei die mechanischen Verschlussmittel (24, 26, 27, 28) mindestens ein Verrieglungselement (27) umfassen, das dazu dient, sich einer Trennung der Armatur (2) und des Elektromagneten (1) zu widersetzen;

    und

    einen Bolzen (24, 26), der an der Armatur (2) befestigt ist und der sich in das Mittelstück (4) des mindestens einen Elektromagneten (1) erstreckt, wenn die Armatur (2) und der mindestens eine Elektromagnet (1) zueinander gezogen werden, wobei der Bolzen (24, 26) eine Vertiefung (26) umfasst, mit der das mindestens eine Verriegelungselement (27) als Reaktion auf einen Versuch einrastet, den Verschluss (10) gewaltsam zu öffnen; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verschluss ferner eine Schulter (41) umfasst, die vom Mittelstück (4) des Elektromagneten (1) getragen wird; und dadurch, dass ein Versuch, die Tür zu öffnen, wenn elektrischer Strom dem mindestens einen Elektromagneten (1) zugeführt wird, eine Bewegung der Armatur (2) gemeinsam mit dem mindestens einen Elektromagneten (1) und des Mittelstücks (4) mit seiner Schulter (41) verursacht, wobei die Bewegung der Schulter (41) einen Eingriff des mindestens einen Verriegelungselementes (27) in die Vertiefung (26) im Bolzen (24) verursacht, so dass für Widerstand gegen das Auftrennen von Armatur (2) und Elektromagnet (1) gesorgt wird.


     
    2. Verschluss nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Vertiefung (26) in der Form einer Nut ist, die am Schaft des Bolzens (24) vorgesehen ist.
     
    3. Verschluss nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das mechanische Verschlussmittel (24, 26, 27, 28) mehrere Verriegelungselemente (27) enthält, die im Allgemeinen kugelförmig sind.
     
    4. Verschluss nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die Schulter (41) im Allgemeinen kreisförmig ist und den Bolzen (24, 26) umgibt.
     
    5. Verschluss nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei das mindestens eine Verriegelungselement (27) in eine Hülse (42) eingesetzt ist, die den Bolzen (24, 26) umgibt, wobei die Hülse (42) sich innerhalb des Mittelstücks (4) und der zugehörigen Schulter (41) befindet.
     


    Revendications

    1. Serrure (10) comprenant :

    des moyens de verrouillage magnétiques (1, 2) ayant une armature (2) et au moins un électroaimant (1), l'armature (2) et le au moins un électroaimant (1) étant attirés l'un vers l'autre quand ils sont alimentés en courant électrique ; et

    des moyens de verrouillage mécaniques (24, 26, 27, 28) associés aux moyens de verrouillage magnétiques (1, 2), les moyens de verrouillage mécaniques (24, 26, 27, 28) comprenant au moins un élément de verrouillage (27) qui sert à résister à la séparation de l'armature (2) et du au moins un électroaimant (1) ; et

    une broche (24, 26) attachée à l'armature (2) et qui s'étend dans une pièce centrale (4) du au moins un électroaimant (1) quand l'armature 2) et le au moins un électroaimant (1) sont attirés l'un vers l'autre, la broche (24, 26) comprenant un évidement (26) dans lequel le au moins un élément de verrouillage (27) s'engage en réponse à une tentative d'ouvrir de force la serrure (10) ;
    caractérisée en ce que la serrure comprend en outre un épaulement (41) porté par la pièce centrale (4) de l'électroaimant (1) ; et en ce qu'une tentative d'ouvrir la porte quand du courant électrique est fourni audit au moins un électroaimant (1) provoque un déplacement de ladite armature (2) conjointement avec ledit au moins un électroaimant (1) et la pièce centrale (4) avec son épaulement (41), le mouvement de l'épaulement (41) provoquant l'engagement du au moins un élément de verrouillage (27) dans l'évidement (26) de la broche (24) fournissant ainsi une résistance à la séparation de l'armature (2) et de l'électroaimant (1).


     
    2. Serrure selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'évidement (26) a la forme d'une gorge prévue autour de la tige de la broche (24).
     
    3. Serrure selon l'une quelconque de la revendication 1 ou de la revendication 2, dans laquelle les moyens de verrouillage mécaniques (24, 26, 27, 28) comprennent une pluralité d'éléments de verrouillage (27) qui sont généralement sphériques.
     
    4. Serrure selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle l'épaulement (41) est généralement circulaire et entoure la broche (24, 26).
     
    5. Serrure selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle le au moins un élément de verrouillage (27) est monté dans un manchon (42) qui entoure la broche (24, 26), le manchon (42) étant situé dans la pièce centrale (4) et associé l'épaulement (41).
     




    Drawing




















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description