BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION
Field of application
[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device of sliding or hinged doors and
the like, for applications in motor vehicles. In greater detail, the invention relates
to a locking device of cargo doors of a commercial motor vehicle that can be used
to prevent the unauthorized opening thereof, in addition to the standard lock.
Prior art
[0002] In the field of commercial motor vehicles, whether they are sliding or hinged, the
cargo doors for accessing the loading receptacles of the motor vehicle comprise standard
locks which in many cases are easy to force open, thus not being suitable for preventing
unauthorized access to the loading receptacles.
[0003] Nowadays, various types of devices or locks for locking the cargo doors of commercial
motor vehicles are very common. Such known locking devices may be purchased separately
to be fixed to the cargo doors of the motor vehicles, in addition to standard locks.
[0004] A locking device for doors, for example hinged or sliding doors, for commercial motor
vehicles of known type typically consists of a lock which comprises, inside a casing,
a corresponding mechanism operable by a key that can be inserted into a keyhole arranged
on the lock. Such a mechanism comprises a traditional lock which allows the activation
of a bolt.
[0005] Such a known lock of the locking device is configured to mechanically act in conjunction
with a locking element of the bolt, which is separate from the lock, to ensure the
closing of the door. In particular, both the lock and such a locking element of the
bolt are each fixed on a respective leaf of the door by means of fixing means so that
when the leaves are in the closed position, the bolt of the lock can be inserted into
a seat of the locking elements, for example by operating the key. Thereby, any relative
movement between the lock and the locking element of the bolt are prevented, thus
ensuring that the door remains closed.
[0006] Such a known door locking device using a bolt has the drawback of always requiring
a key to control the insertion of the bolt into the seat of the locking element and
to lock the door in closed position.
[0007] Moreover, since the movable bolt is included in the lock of the locking device, known
systems adapted to release the device from the inside of the motor vehicle under emergency
conditions and to allow the opening of the door are usually associated with the lock
because they are configured to act on the bolt to release it. This causes certain
drawbacks for making and implementing such emergency opening systems of the door since
the lock of the device is usually fixed on the leaf of the door which is opened most
often. Indeed, the case may occur in which the emergency opening mechanism of the
cargo door of the motor vehicle, and particularly of sliding type, may get caught
or otherwise interfere with the fixed portion of the lock applied.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The object of the present invention is to propose a locking device of sliding or
hinged doors and the like, for applications in motor vehicles, in particular in commercial
motor vehicles, which allows the drawbacks indicated above with reference to the known
art described to be overcome.
[0009] A further task of the invention is to provide a locking device for the doors of a
motor vehicle comprising contrivances which make it particularly suitable for resisting
attempts of forced entry.
[0010] A further task of the invention is to provide a locking device for the doors of a
motor vehicle configured to accommodate different types of lock cylinders to meet
different needs of use, including at least one suitable for performing the function
of "hold open".
[0011] Such objects and tasks are achieved by a locking device for doors of motor vehicles,
particularly for sliding doors or hinged doors, as defined by appended claim 1.
[0012] Preferred embodiments of such a door locking device are defined by the dependent
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Further features and advantages of the sliding or hinged door locking device according
to the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred
embodiments thereof, given only by way of nonlimiting, indicative example, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- figure 1 shows a perspective and exploded view of the door locking device of the invention,
comprising a first example embodiment of key-operated lock;
- figure 2 shows a sectional view of the locking device in figure 1, fixed to the door with
a disc element for the controlled opening/closing of the lock in closed position;
- figure 3 shows a sectional view of the locking device in figure 1, fixed to the door with
a disc element for the controlled opening/closing of the lock in open position;
- figure 4 shows a sectional view of the locking device in figure 1, fixed to the door with
a disc element for the controlled opening/closing of the lock in closed position and
with a hook of the locking element of the opening/closing disc in open emergency position;
- figure 5 shows a sectional top view, and with parts separated, of the locking device in figure
1, comprising a lock fixed to a first leaf element of the hinged door and a respective
locking element fixed to a second leaf element of the door;
- figure 6 shows an exploded and enlarged view of the locking element of the locking device
of the invention;
- figure 7 shows a sectional view in assembled configuration, of the locking element in figure
6;
- figure 8 shows a perspective and exploded view of a second example embodiment of the key-operated
lock that can be used in the locking device of the invention;
- figure 9 shows a perspective and exploded view of a third example embodiment of the key-operated
lock that can be used in the locking device of the invention;
- figure 10 shows a bottom enlarged view of a casing for accommodating a lock unit of the locking
device in figure 1.
Equal or similar elements are indicated with the same numerals in the aforesaid figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] With reference to the aforesaid figures 1 to 7, a locking device for doors of motor
vehicles, in particular sliding doors or hinged doors, according to the invention
is indicated as a whole with numeral 100.
[0015] The door locking device of the invention can be used in particular to lock the cargo
doors of a commercial motor vehicle under closed conditions, in addition to a standard
lock, thus preventing the unauthorized opening of such cargo doors and access to the
loading receptacle of the motor vehicle.
[0016] Later in the description, the locking device 100 for doors of motor vehicles will
also be indicated as locking device or more simply as device.
[0017] With reference to the drawings, the door locking device 100 comprises a lock 10 adapted
to be fixed to a first leaf element 50 of the door. Such a lock 10 consists of a casing
1 for accommodating a lock unit 2 which is operable by a key (not shown) that can
be inserted into a keyhole 2a prepared in casing 1.
[0018] Such a casing 1 is hemispherical- or cap-shaped with a circular base portion 1a.
Such a casing 1 is made of metal material, preferably steel with heat tempering processing
to reach a specific degree of hardness HRC 52-54. It is worth noting that due to the
cap shape of casing 1 and to the material used to make it, the locking device 100
of the invention ensures an increased resistance to attempts of forced entry both
with sharp bodies and with cutting and drilling equipment.
[0019] With reference to figures 2 to 3, the above-mentioned lock unit 2 of the locking
device 100 is accommodated in casing 1 along a first axis Z (shown with a dotted line
in the drawings) which is orthogonal to a base 4 for fixing lock 10 to the first leaf
element 50 of the door. Such a lock unit 2 is operable to control a disc element 3
for opening/closing the locking device 100 and is positioned coaxial to said lock
unit 2 to rotate between an open position and a closed position of the device, and
vice versa. In other words, the opening/closing disc element 3 operates as a rotating
lock bolt of the locking device 100 of the invention. Such a disc element 3 radially
extends from the first axis Z and comprises a through hole 3a for the insertion of
an actuation end 11' of a cylinder unit 11 or first cylinder unit of the lock unit
2.
[0020] In one example embodiment, the disc element 3 comprises a first arc-shaped engagement
surface 3b and a first 3c and a second 3d protruding tooth operating as end stop elements
in the rotation of the disc element 3, as will be clarified below.
[0021] In a first embodiment, the aforesaid lock unit 2 comprises a first 12 and a second
13 portion of container/adapter of the cylinder unit 11 both having a substantially
circular section. Such first 12 and second 13 container portion may be coupled with
each other to accommodate the cylinder unit 11 itself, thus forming a first adapter
12-13.
[0022] Moreover, a toroidal-shaped gasket 14, for example made of Teflon, is interposed
between the second container portion 13 of the cylinder unit and the disc element
3.
[0023] A further gasket 14' is interposed between the cylinder unit 11 and the disc element
3.
[0024] Moreover, the lock unit 2 comprises protection elements 15, 16, 17 of the cylinder
unit 11 interposed between keyhole 2a and the first container portion 12 of the cylinder
unit. Such protection elements, of type known to a person skilled in the art, materialize
in a defender element 15 and in dust covers 17 operable by springs (not shown) to
interact with a respective cover 16. As is known, dust covers, which may be applied
on certain types of lock cylinders, have the advantage of avoiding foreign bodies
(e.g. dust, water, etc.) from getting inside cylinder 11 once the key is extracted
from the lock, thus compromising the correct operation thereof.
[0025] Moreover, with reference to figure 1, the fixing base 4 of lock 10 includes a base
sheet 6 fixed to casing 1 by means of first screws 7, in particular four screws. Such
a base sheet 6 overlaps and is restrained to an undercut plate 5, which in turn may
be fixed to the first leaf element 50 of the door of the motor vehicle by means of
second screws 9. Respective third screws 8, in particular two screws, can be inserted
into through holes 5a, 6a of the undercut plate 5 and of the base sheet 6, respectively,
to ensure a solid fixing of lock 10 to the door of the motor vehicle.
[0026] The locking device 100 of the invention further comprises a locking element 20 of
the disc element 3, configured to be fixed to a second leaf element 51 of the door
of the motor vehicle.
[0027] Such a locking element 20 is configured to mechanically act in conjunction with the
disc element 3 of lock 10 when the door is in a closed configuration, as shown in
figure 2. In such a closed configuration of the door, the locking element 20 is inserted
in a respective compartment 19 prepared in the hemispherical casing 1 of lock 10.
[0028] In particular, the locking element 20 comprises an engagement unit 21 shaped to delimit
a seat 22 adapted to be engaged with the disc element 3 in closed position to prevent
any relative movement between lock 10 and the locking element 20 in the closed configuration
of the door.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the engagement unit of the locking element 20 comprises
a hook 21 which is rotatable about a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis Z
of casing 1, from a resting position to a disengaged position. In such a disengaged
position, shown in figure 4, hook 21 disengages the disc element 3 by opening the
locking device 100 under emergency condition.
[0030] Advantageously, with reference to figures 2 to 4, the locking element 20 comprises
manually-operated means 23 configured to operate the rotation of hook 21 about the
second axis Y, from the resting position to the disengaged position to release the
locking device 100 without using a key.
[0031] In greater detail, such means for operating the rotation of hook 21 consist of a
cable 24, for example made of steel, having a first end 24a fixed to a head portion
25 of hook 21 and a second free end 24b which is manually operable from inside the
motor vehicle under the emergency condition.
[0032] In addition, with reference to figure 6, the locking element 20 comprises elastic
means 26, for example one or more springs, associated with hook 21. Such elastic means
26 are configured to elastically rotate hook 21 from the disengaged position to the
resting position following the ceasing of the action executed with the manually-operated
means.
For example, the aforesaid elastic means 26 materialize in a torsion spring or a compression
spring.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the head portion 25 of hook 21 of the locking element
20 comprises a tilted contact and sliding surface 27 adapted to be engaged by the
corresponding engagement surface 3b of the disc element 3 rotated in closed position.
In particular, the engagement of the first surface 3b of the disc element 3 on the
tilted surface 27 of hook 21 causes the rotation of hook 21 itself from the resting
position, contrasting the action of the elastic means 26, away from the disc itself.
Such a rotation is sufficient to engage the disc element 3 in the seat 22 of hook
21 to lock the door in closed position (figure 2).
[0034] In order to release device 100 and open the door from such a closed position of the
door, there is a need to rotate the disc element, by means of a key, by 90°, from
the closed position to the open position (figure 3) to bring device 100 from the locked
configuration to the released configuration.
[0035] Generally, the key may only be extracted from the cylinder unit 11 in the locked
position of device 100.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, with reference to figures 1, 6 and 7, the rotatable hook
21 is fixed, for example by means of a pin 35, to a semi-circular plate 28 for fixing
the locking element 20 to the second leaf element 51 of the door.
[0037] It is worth noting that such a plate 28 comprises parallel ribs 37 for the insertion
of the pin 35 of hook 21 adapted to act in conjunction with a closing element 36 to
delimit a rotation compartment 38 for hook 21. It is worth noting that plate 28 and
the closing element 36 simultaneously may be fixed to each other and to the second
leaf element 52 of the door by means of bolts 39 (shown in figure 1).
[0038] Advantageously, the fixing plate 28 includes first 29 and second 30 security means
adapted to hinder attempts to tamper with the device and/or unauthorized opening.
[0039] In particular, the first security means comprise ribs 29 arranged on a circumferential
portion of the fixing plate 28 for the protection of hook 21.
[0040] The second security means comprise a tubular conduit 30 made in one piece with the
fixing plate 28 and which extends from said fixing plate away from hook 21. Such a
tubular conduit 30, which is in communication with the rotation compartment 38 of
hook 21, is configured to promote the insertion and the protection of the release
cable 24 in an emergency of device 100 (figure 7).
[0041] Such security means 29, 30 make it difficult to reach both hook 21 and the security
cable 24 from the outside of device 100 in order to operate the hook in an emergency
and therefore they hinder all attempts to force open and release device 100.
[0042] It is worth noting that the cap-shaped casing 1 of device 100 is shaped so as to
accommodate various types of cylinder units with the related containers or adapters.
[0043] It is worth noting that the lock unit 2 in figure 1 comprises the first cylinder
unit 11 which is operable by a flat key (not depicted).
[0044] Figure 8 shows a perspective and exploded view of a second example embodiment of
the key-operated lock unit 2' that can be used in the locking device 100 of the invention.
Such a second lock unit 2' comprises a respective cylinder unit 111 or second cylinder
unit which is operable by a tubular key 112 to act on a control element 115 of the
lock unit 2'. Such a second cylinder unit 111 can be inserted into a second container
or adapter 113 to be accommodated in casing 1.
[0045] Moreover, a respective toroidal-shaped gasket 114, for example made of Teflon, is
interposed between the second container/adapter 113 of the second cylinder unit and
the disc element 3'.
[0046] A head gasket 114a is positioned close to an opening 113a for inserting the second
cylinder unit 111 into the second adapter 113.
[0047] The control element 115 comprises an actuation end 115' which can be inserted into
the through hole 3a of the disc element 3'. It is worth noting that the disc element
3' comprises the first engagement surface 3b similar to the one of disc 3 in figure
1, but does not have protruding end stop teeth.
[0048] It is worth noting that with the above-described second cylinder unit 111 with tubular
key 112, the device 100 of the invention advantageously implements the function of
"hold open", known to a person skilled in the art. With such a function, the key may
be extracted both in closed lock position and in open lock position in order to meet
various needs of use. In other words, the disc element 3' may be locked in open position
and key 112 may be extracted from cylinder 111.
[0049] Figure 9 shows a perspective and exploded view of a third example embodiment of the
key-operated lock unit 2" that can be used in the locking device 100 of the invention.
[0050] Such a third lock unit 2" comprises a third cylinder unit 211, in particular a double
cylinder, which is operable by a key (not shown). Such a double cylinder 211 has an
actuation end 211' which can be inserted into the through hole 3a of the disc element
3.
[0051] Such a disc element 3 is similar to the one described with reference to figure 1.
[0052] Such a double cylinder 211 can be inserted into a respective container/adapter 213
or third adapter having U-shaped cross section to be accommodated in casing 1.
[0053] Moreover, a respective U-shaped gasket 214, for example made of Teflon, is interposed
between the third container/adapter 213 of the cylinder and the disc element 3.
[0054] Additionally, a unit 215 for protecting the double cylinder 211 comprises a defender
215a fixed to a cover 215b between which a membrane 215c, for example a silicone resin
membrane, and a respective head gasket 214a are interposed.
[0055] With reference to figure 10, an inner structure of the cap-shaped casing 1 configured
to accommodate the various above-mentioned lock units 2, 2', 2" is described in greater
detail.
[0056] In particular, casing 1 comprises a through hole 80 in communication with keyhole
2a and configured to accommodate the three types of lock units 2, 2', 2", that is
the first 11, the second 111 and the third 211 cylinder unit inserted in the first
12-13, in the second 113 and in the third 213 container/adapter, respectively.
[0057] In greater detail, the hole 80 is delimited by a first wall 81 connected to an inner
wall 82 of casing 1 through radial ribs 83. The aforesaid first wall 81 of hole 80
comprises canals 84, in particular four canals, which are coaxial to the aforesaid
hole 80. Such canals 84 are configured to engage longitudinal ribs 85 prepared on
an outer surface S, S', S" of the first 12-13, of the second 113 and of the third
213 adapter, respectively.
[0058] In particular, such longitudinal ribs 85 allow to insert and keep in position the
first adapter 12-13 of the first cylinder 11 (shown in figure 1) in hole 80.
[0059] Moreover, the through hole 80 comprises a first 86 and a second 87 compartment which
radially extend from the aforesaid hole 80 along a same main direction or first direction
and in opposite direction.
[0060] In greater detail, the above-mentioned second adapter element 113 of the second cylinder
unit 111 comprises a protruding portion 88, with a rectangular cross section, prepared
on the outer surface S' of such a second adapter element and configured to be housed
in the first compartment 86.
In other words, providing such a first compartment 86 advantageously allows to insert
and keep in position the second adapter element 113 of the second cylinder 111 in
the hole 80 of casing 1.
[0061] Moreover, the third locking cylinder 211 of the above-described lock unit 2" housed
in the third adapter element 213 comprises a first protruding portion 89 configured
to be housed in the second compartment 87. In other words, providing such a second
compartment 87 advantageously allows to insert and keep in position the third cylinder
211, with the related adapter 213, in the hole 80 of casing 1.
[0062] Moreover, one of the above-mentioned radial ribs 83 of casing 1 comprises a raised
element 90 configured to abut with the protruding teeth 3c and 3d of the disc element
3 by acting as end stop for the rotation of such a disc element.
[0063] It is worth noting that all the components of the locking element 20 of the locking
device 100 and all the fixing means used in the device are made of metal material,
preferably o.f stainless steel, to ensure an increased resistance to oxidization.
[0064] Preferably, defender 15, 215a of the cylinder unit 11, 211 has the same features
as the cap-shaped casing 1 in terms of materials used for the manufacturing thereof.
[0065] As noted above, the locking device 100 for doors of motor vehicles of the invention
has several advantages with respect to known solutions and perfectly achieves the
set objects.
[0066] In particular, with the locking device 100, there is no need to use the key to lock
the door in closed position. Indeed, following the movement of the first leaf element
50 to bring the door of the motor vehicle to the closed position, due to the shape
of the head portion 25 of the rotatable hook 21, the disc element 3, which is already
in closed position, engages the contact and sliding surface 27 of such a head portion
25, thus causing the rotation of hook 21 away from the disc itself. Such a rotation
is sufficient to engage the disc in seat 22 of the hook to lock the door in closed
position. Moreover, with the device of the invention, there is no need to use a mechanism
with a "quick release" movement.
[0067] Moreover, unlike known solutions, the locking device 100 for doors of motor vehicles
of the invention does not have the drawbacks for making and implementing emergency
opening systems of the door since such systems in device 100 are associated with the
locking element 20 and not with the lock 10.
[0068] Moreover, as described above, the locking device 100 of the doors of a motor vehicle
comprises security means associated with the locking element 20 which prevent the
opening of the device with skill, for example by introducing foreign bodies to cause
a rotation of hook 21. Such security means therefore make the door locking device
100 of the invention suitable for resisting attempts of forced entry and tampering.
[0069] Moreover, device 100 is configured to accommodate different types of lock cylinders
to meet different needs of use, among them one suitable for performing the function
of "hold open".
[0070] Those skilled in the art may make several changes and adaptations to the embodiments
of the locking device for doors of motor vehicles of the invention, and may replace
elements with others which are functionally equivalent in order to meet contingent
needs, without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of the features
described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be achieved irrespective of the
other embodiments described.
1. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles, in particular sliding doors or
hinged doors, comprising:
- a lock (10) adapted to be fixed to a first leaf element (50) of said door, said
lock consisting of a casing (1) for accommodating a key-operated lock unit (2; 2';
2"), said lock unit (2; 2'; 2") being accommodated in the casing (1) along a first
axis (Z) orthogonal to a base (4) for fixing the lock (10) to the first leaf element
(50) of the door, said lock unit (2; 2'; 2") being operable to control a disc element
(3; 3') for opening/closing the locking device and being positioned coaxial to said
lock unit to rotate between an open position and a closed position of the device and
vice versa;
- a locking element (20) of said disc element, configured to be fixed to a second
leaf element (51) of said door, said locking element (20) being configured to mechanically
act in conjunction with the disc element of the lock (10) when the door is in a closed
configuration, said locking element (20) comprising an engagement unit (21) shaped
to delimit a seat (22) adapted to be engaged with said disc element (3; 3') in closed
position to prevent any relative movement between the lock (10) and the locking element
(20) in the closed configuration of the door.
2. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 1, wherein said
engagement unit of the locking element (20) comprises a hook (21) which is rotatable
about a second axis (Y) orthogonal to the first axis (Z) of the casing (1) from a
resting position to a disengaged position to disengage the disc element (3; 3') by
opening the locking device under emergency condition.
3. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 2, wherein said
locking element (20) comprises manually-operated means (23) configured to operate
the rotation of the hook (21) from the resting position to the disengaged position
to release the locking device without using a key.
4. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to the preceding claim,
wherein said means for operating the rotation of the hook (21) consist of a cable
(24) having a first end (24a) fixed to a head portion (25) of the hook (21) and a
second free end (24b) which is manually operable from inside the motor vehicle.
5. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 3, wherein said
locking element (20) comprises elastic means (26) associated with said hook (21),
said elastic means being configured to elastically rotate the hook (21) from the disengaged
position to the resting position following the ceasing of the action executed with
said manually-operated means.
6. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claims 4 and 5, wherein
the head portion (25) of the hook (21) of the locking element (20) comprises a contact
and sliding surface (27) adapted to be engaged by a corresponding surface (3b) of
the disc element (3; 3') rotated in closed position to cause the rotation of the hook
(21) from the resting position contrasting the action of the aforesaid elastic means
(26).
7. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 4, wherein said
rotatable hook is fixed to a semi-circular plate (28) for fixing the locking element
(20) to the second leaf element (51) of the door, said fixing plate (28) including
first (29) and second (30) security means adapted to hinder attempts to tamper with
the device.
8. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 7, wherein said
first security means comprise ribs (29) arranged on a circumferential portion of the
fixing plate (28) for the protection of the hook (21).
9. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 7, wherein said
second security means comprise a tubular conduit (30) made in one piece with the fixing
plate (28) and which extends from said fixing plate away from said hook (21), said
conduit being configured to promote the insertion and the protection of the release
cable (24) in an emergency of the device.
10. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein said casing (1) is hemispherical- or cap-shaped and is made of steel.
11. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 1, wherein said
casing (1) comprises a through hole (80) configured to accommodate said lock unit
(2, 2', 2"), said through hole (80) being delimited by a first wall (81) connected
to an inner wall (82) of the casing (1) through radial ribs (83), and wherein said
first wall (81) of the hole (80) comprises canals (84) which are coaxial to the hole
to engage longitudinal ribs (85) prepared on the outer surface (S, S', S'') of an
adapter element (12-13; 113; 213) of the lock unit (2, 2', 2").
12. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 11, wherein
said through hole (80) comprises a first (86) and a second (87) compartment which
radially extend from the aforesaid hole (80) along a first direction and in opposite
direction.
13. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 12, wherein
said adapter element (113) of the lock unit (2') comprises a protruding portion (88)
prepared on the outer surface (S') configured to be housed in said first compartment
(86).
14. A locking device (100) for doors of motor vehicles according to claim 12, wherein
said lock unit (2") comprises a locking cylinder (211) housed in said adapter element
(213) and having a first protruding portion (89) configured to be housed in said second
compartment (87).