REVERSIBLE LOCK

Abstract

 A reversible lock (1) comprising a box-like body (2) for containing elements for moving at least one bolt (3). The movement elements are controlled by at least one actuation element with the interposition of at least one mutual coupling/uncoupling electromagnet arranged within a circuit affected by a unit (4) for interrupting the electrical continuity of a branch leading to the electromagnet. The lock (1) comprises a mechanical selector (5) which can be accessed from the outside, through a respective slot (6) of a wall (7) of the box-like body (2), and is mechanically coupled to the unit (4). The selector (5) is movable between a first configuration, in which it sets the unit (4) for conduction, supplying power to the at least one corresponding electromagnet, and a second configuration, in which it sets the unit (4) to interrupt the branch of the circuit, with the electromagnet unpowered.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a reversible lock: the term "reversible lock" means a lock suitable to be installed in any leaf regardless of its mode of opening (so-called push-open, or pull-open, right-handed or left-handed openings). In practice, by virtue of adapted technical arrangements, with this type of lock it is possible to provide for installation in one configuration or the other simply through a selection operation.

[0002] The selection operations provided in locks of the known type entail that the operations for installation in the respective leaf, adopting a specific configuration, are such as to induce the desired operation. In fully mechanical locks, this fact is simple and substantially established in the background art, while in electromechanical locks it is necessary that the selection also affects the circuit inside the lock.

[0003] The use of electromechanical reversible locks is particularly widespread for installations on security doors and fire doors, where it may be necessary to enable or disable the opening of said door in certain specific circumstances.

[0004] It is known to use switches and diverter switches by means of which specific branches of the electrical circuit inside the lock can be enabled and disabled to configure it for a specific application.

[0005] Unfortunately, during installation, operators do not always pay the necessary attention when acting on the switches/diverter switches, and thus they are often damaged during actuation. More specifically, direct access to the switches/diverter switches during installation increases the risk of breaking or damaging them, in particular during the operations for enabling and disabling specific branches of the electrical circuit.

[0006] To overcome this drawback, it is known to use locks in which mounting within the respective leaf seat, in either configuration, requires the tightening of a fixing screw in a first hole or in a second hole.

[0007] Such screw, calibrated by the manufacturer so as to have the correct length, has its terminal end in abutment against the switch/diverter switch for its actuation when tightened in a first hole, with consequent modification of the internal electrical circuit (when it is instead inserted in the other hole, it does not abut against any switch/diverter switch and therefore does not modify the internal electrical circuit).

[0008] This technical solution is extremely interesting, but it requires installation technicians to make use of the fixing screw having the correct length. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and when performing installation with screws that are compatible (in terms of diameter and thread type) with the original one but have a different length, two conditions can occur which compromise the proper operation of the lock: either the screw is too short and does not abut against the switch/diverter switch and therefore does not cause any modification of the internal electrical circuit, or the screw is too long and its full screwing damages the switch/diverter switch.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above problems by providing a reversible lock that is simple and intuitive to use.

[0010] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a reversible lock in which the risk of damaging circuit components during the selection of the installation configuration is avoided.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a reversible lock that can be reconfigured easily even after a first installation.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a reversible lock that is compatible with most of the seats provided in commercially available installation leaves.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a reversible lock particularly suitable for security doors and fire doors.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a reversible lock that has low costs, is relatively simple to provide in practice and is of assured application.

[0015] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a reversible lock of the type comprising a box-like body for containing elements for moving at least one bolt, said movement elements being controlled by at least one actuation element with the interposition of at least one mutual coupling/uncoupling electromagnet arranged within a circuit affected by a unit for interrupting the electrical continuity of a branch leading to said electromagnet, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical selector which can be accessed from the outside, through a respective slot of a wall of said box-like body, and mechanically coupled to said interruption unit, said selector being movable between a first configuration, in which it sets said unit for conduction, supplying power to the respective at least one electromagnet, and a second configuration, in which it sets said unit to interrupt the branch of said circuit, leaving said at least one electromagnet unpowered.

[0016] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the reversible lock, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic partially open perspective view of a possible embodiment of the reversible lock according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the lock of Figure 1 in the fully closed condition;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the lock of Figure 1 in a partially open condition.

[0017] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a reversible lock according to the invention.

[0018] The reversible lock 1 comprises a box-like body 2 for containing movement elements of at least one bolt 3.

[0019] Such movement elements are controlled, in a manner entirely similar to that provided in the background art, by at least one actuation element (for example a handle, a knob, a bit of a cylinder, or another similar device) with the interposition of at least one mutual coupling/uncoupling electromagnet arranged within a circuit controlled by a unit 4 for interrupting the electrical continuity of a branch leading to the electromagnet.

[0020] The lock 1 according to the invention comprises a mechanical selector 5 which is accessible from the outside through a respective slot 6 of a wall 7 of the box-like body 2.

[0021] The mechanical selector 5 is conveniently mechanically coupled to the interruption unit 4 to actuate it (therefore changing its conduction state, if it is a simple switch, or allowing shunting of the circuit from a first circuit branch to a second circuit branch, if it is a diverter switch).

[0022] The selector 5 is therefore movable between a first configuration, in which it sets the unit 4 - with respect to a first circuit branch leading to a respective electromagnet - for conduction, supplying power to the respective at least one electromagnet, and a second configuration, in which it sets the unit 4 for electrical interruption of the first circuit branch, leaving unpowered the at least corresponding one electromagnet.

[0023] Different embodiments are provided for the selector 5: in a first case, the selector 5, after acting on the unit 4, causing the opening or closing of a respective branch of a respective electrical circuit, automatically returns to a rest position thereof; in a second case, the selector 5 maintain a setting which corresponds to one of the two extreme positions of its travel after it has been actuated, providing the installation technician with visual information of the type of control set for the unit 4 (and therefore indicating the correct mounting direction of the lock 1 in the corresponding leaf). However, further embodiments are not excluded which provide for the presence of an indicator of the status of the lock 1 (i.e., indicating the direction set for mounting the lock 1 in the corresponding leaf) which can be combined with a selector 5 configured for automatic return to a rest position thereof.

[0024] If the unit 4 is a diverter switch, said unit in the second configuration interrupts the power supply of the first electromagnet (the one powered through the first circuit branch interrupted by the unit 4) and determines the continuity of a second circuit branch, bringing the power supply to a second electromagnet connected to said second circuit branch.

[0025] In this way it is possible to activate a first electromagnet at a first mode of installation of the lock 1 (for example, an installation in the respective leaf of the push-to-open, or pull-to-open, left-handed type) or a second electromagnet at a second mode of installation of the lock 1 (for example, an installation in the respective leaf of the push-to-open, or pull-to-open, right-handed type).

[0026] It has thus been shown that it is simple, by means of the selector 5, to determine the configuration of the lock 1, adapting it to any type of installation.

[0027] It is not ruled out that it may be sufficient to adopt exclusively a unit 4 of the type of a switch, which controls a single circuit branch associated with a single electromagnet.

[0028] In this case, the activation (or not) of the electromagnet may determine the transition between a first configuration of the lock 1 (suitable for a first mode of installation in the respective leaf) and a second configuration of the lock 1 (suitable for a second mode of installation in the respective leaf).

[0029] With particular reference to an embodiment of unquestionable interest in practice and in application, the box-like body 2 may advantageously comprise a protruding rear shell 8 provided with the slot 6 for access to the selector 5.

[0030] It is specified that the electrical continuity interruption unit 4 can conveniently be of a type chosen among a switch, a diverter switch, a microswitch, a diverter microswitch, and the like.

[0031] The embodiment shown is particularly suitable if the unit 4 is a microswitch or a diverter microswitch (more precisely, a so-called switch or microswitch), since the dimensions and the delicate nature of said component are perfectly safeguarded by virtue of the fact that it can be operated by the installation technician of the lock 1 only by acting on the selector 5 through the slot 6 (which, having predefined dimensions, does not allow the execution of incorrect or excessive movements that might damage the switch).

[0032] In greater detail, it is noted that the selector 5 is usefully provided with mechanical stroke limiting elements aimed at preventing damage to the unit 4.

[0033] It is specified that the movement elements of the at least one bolt 3 may favorably comprise at least one lever system connected to the at least one bolt 3 and to at least one actuation element chosen among a handle engaged within a seat 9, 10 of a component of the lever system (seat 9, 10 accessible from the outside of the box-like body 2), a bit actuated by a respective key and functionally associated with at least one component of the lever system, a knob functionally associated with at least one component of the lever system, and combinations thereof.

[0034] In the case of the bit actuated by a respective key and functionally associated with at least one component of the lever system, it might be comprised within a coded cylinder (cylinder lock) which might be arranged within a respective receptacle 11, 12 of the lock 1, also accessible from the outside of the box-like body 2.

[0035] The box-like body 2, therefore, may advantageously comprise at least one opening (aligned with the seat 9, 10 or with the receptacle 11, 12) for the insertion of at least one actuation element chosen among a handle, a bit, and a knob.

[0036] It is not ruled out that a panic bar or push bar or an opening device with a push-pull function of a known type might be used as an actuation element.

[0037] The openings of the box-like body 2 configured to accommodate each actuation element are usefully two and are arranged symmetrically.

[0038] In this manner, the corresponding actuating element (handle, key-operated bit, or knob), depending on the installation configuration of the lock 1, can effectively be inserted exclusively into one of the two openings intended for it.

[0039] It is specified that the bolt 3 may preferably comprise a spring latch, or an assembly constituted by a spring latch and a latch, or a latch or other equivalent component.

[0040] The movement elements (for example, handle, key-operated bit, knob, panic bar, push bar, etc.) comprise a pusher provided with fixing means for the bolt 3.

[0041] The pusher is associated with elastic means for rearming the bolt 3 (i.e., a respective elastic forcing) into a configuration that protrudes from the box-like body 2 (such as to allow its engagement in a recess present in the edge of the installation opening of the leaf on which the lock 1 is fitted, so as to ensure the closure of said leaf).

[0042] It is specified that the spring latch (which is a preferred but not exclusive solution for the bolt 3) can be usefully coupled to the fixing means of the respective pusher according to two configurations which are angularly offset by 180° (a first configuration designed for leaves that open with a specific "opening hand" and leaves that open in the opposite manner, since the spring latch requires an inclined plane which facilitates its retraction during leaf closure and a face suitable to engage on the edge of the recess of the edge of the installation opening, in order to ensure stability of leaf closure after said leaf has been moved into the closed position).

[0043] Each configuration of the spring latch corresponds to one of the installation modes of the lock 1.

[0044] It follows clearly from the above description that the installation technician, by acting on selector 5 in a simple manner, without the need to use specific tools and without any risk of damaging the unit 4, is able to select the configuration of the lock 1 that is suitable for one of the two possible installation modes thereof.

[0045] Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems described above, providing a reversible lock 1 that is simple and intuitive to use.

[0046] Conveniently, the reversible lock 1 according to the invention ensures that the risk of damaging circuit components during selection of the installation configuration is avoided.

[0047] Advantageously, the reversible lock 1 according to the invention can be reconfigured easily even after a first installation.

[0048] Favorably the reversible lock 1 according to the invention is compatible with most of the seats that are present in commercially available installation leaves.

[0049] Usefully, the reversible lock 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for security doors and fire doors, which are often equipped with electric locks.

[0050] Positively, the reversible lock 1 according to the invention has a minimal number of components, thus being optimally manageable in terms of logistics and factory assembly.

[0051] Validly, the reversible lock 1 according to the invention is relatively simple to provide in practice and of low cost: these characteristics make the lock 1 according to the invention an innovation of assured application.

[0052] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.

[0054] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0055] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102022000026397 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A reversible lock of the type comprising a box-like body (2) for containing elements for moving at least one bolt (3), said movement elements being controlled by at least one actuation element with the interposition of at least one mutual coupling/uncoupling electromagnet arranged within a circuit affected by a unit (4) for interrupting the electrical continuity of a branch leading to said electromagnet, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical selector (5) which can be accessed from the outside, through a respective slot (6) of a wall (7) of said box-like body (2), and mechanically coupled to said interruption unit (4), said selector (5) being movable between a first configuration, in which it sets said unit (4) for conduction, supplying power to the respective at least one electromagnet, and a second configuration, in which it sets said unit to interrupt the branch of said circuit, leaving unpowered said at least one electromagnet.

2. The reversible lock according to claim 1, characterized in that said box-like body (2) comprises a protruding rear shell (8) provided with said slot (6) for access to said selector (5).

3. The reversible lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said unit (4) for interrupting electrical continuity is of a type selected from a switch, a diverter switch, a microswitch, a diverter microswitch, and the like.

4. The reversible lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elements for moving at least one bolt (3) comprise at least one lever system connected to said at least one bolt (3) and to at least one actuation element chosen among a handle engaged within a seat (9, 10) of a component of said lever system, a bit actuated by a respective key and functionally associated with at least one component of said lever system, a knob functionally associated with at least one component of said lever system, and combinations thereof.

5. The reversible lock according to claim 4, characterized in that said box-like body (2) comprises at least one opening for the insertion of at least one actuation element chosen among said handle, said bit and said knob.

6. The reversible lock according to claim 5, characterized in that said openings of said box-like body configured to accommodate each individual actuation element are two, symmetrically arranged, depending on the mode of installation of said lock said actuation element being inserted in only one of the two openings intended for it.

7. The reversible lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bolt (3) is of a type preferably chosen among a spring latch, a latch, an assembly constituted by a spring latch and a latch, and the like.

8. The reversible lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement elements comprise a pusher provided with fixing means for said bolt (3), said pusher being associated with elastic means for forcing said bolt (3) into a configuration in which it protrudes from said box-like body (2).

9. The reversible lock according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said spring latch can be coupled to said fixing means of said pusher according to two configurations which are angularly offset by 180°, each configuration of said spring latch corresponding to one of the modes of installation of said lock.

Drawing