LOCKING ARRANGEMENT AND DOOR ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A LOCKING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

 The present disclosure relates to a locking arrangement (1) comprising a housing (10), and a solenoid locking mechanism (11) mounted on the housing (10), wherein the solenoid locking mechanism (11) comprises a solenoid (111), a locking mechanism (112) connected to the solenoid (111) and configured to be in a locked position when the solenoid (111) is not powered, and an energy-absorbing device (113) mounted in connection with the solenoid (111) and being movable within a predetermined space relative to the solenoid (111), and configured to absorb an energy applied to the locking arrangement (1).
Further is a door arrangement comprising a locking arrangement disclosed.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locking arrangement, and especially a locking arrangement having a solenoid locking mechanism.

Background

[0002] Solenoid locks are a category of electric locks using an electromagnet, a solenoid, to control the lock.

[0003] Locking mechanism using a solenoid is divided into two groups, locks that are normally closed and locks that are normally open. Normally open locks are open when the solenoid is not powered and normally closed is locks that are locked when not powered.

[0004] Normally closed solenoid locks are requiring less power and maintenance since they are not using any power in their locked state. In the locked state it is the mechanics of the lock being in a locked position relative the housing. However, this may not be enough if an intruder tries to force entry what is locked by the normally closed solenoid lock. A knocking force on the solenoid may cause that the locking latch of the lock may move out of its position and thereby being forced enter.

[0005] A know solution to this problem is to use a spring coupled to the latch in order for the spring to take up the kinetics applied to the locking mechanism by for example knocking on the latch. However, the spring does only work up until a certain point of knocking force is applied to the lock. If the knocking force is too big, the lock will still be forced open. Therefore, there is a need for a safer solenoid lock of the normally closed type.

Summary

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved solution that alleviates the mentioned drawbacks with present solutions. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a locking arrangement having a solenoid locking mechanism that is more resistant to attempts of forced entry by applying a knocking force to the locking mechanism.

[0007] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a locking arrangement comprising a housing, and a solenoid locking mechanism mounted on the housing. The solenoid locking mechanism comprises a solenoid, a locking mechanism connected to the solenoid and configured to be in a locked position when the solenoid is not powered, and an energy-absorbing device mounted in connection with the solenoid and being movable within a predetermined space relative to the solenoid, and configured to absorb an energy applied to the locking arrangement.

[0009] If the locking arrangement is subjected to an attempt of forced entry, the energy-absorbing device absorbs an energy applied to e.g. the housing by for example a knocking force. The energy applied may be kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of a knocking to the housing may result in that the energy is taken up by the parts of the locking mechanism, and since the energy-absorbing device is mounted in connection with the solenoid, but not being attached to the solenoid, it may be free to move by the kinetic force applied. This is favorable, since this may avoid that the locking mechanism is being pushed out of its locked position relative the housing by the knocking force.

[0010] By "locked position" it may be meant that the locking mechanism holds the locking arrangement in a locked state. The "locked position" may be in relation to the housing. However, this is not limiting, the locked position may be relative to a door frame or a locking pin, or another part of the locking arrangement.

[0011] By "mounted in connection with" it may be meant that a portion of the energy-absorbing device is in contact with a portion of the solenoid, so that a kinetic energy may be transported from the solenoid to the energy-absorbing device.

[0012] By "predetermined space" it may be meant that the energy-absorbing device is only movable within that space, and/or the movement of the energy-absorbing device may be restricted by a movement-restricting member. The movement-restricting member may restrict the movement of the energy-absorbing device in at least one direction. The movement restricting-member may restrict the movement of the energy-absorbing device in along a linear direction. The movement-restricting member may be a wall or a part of the locking arrangement.

[0013] The locking mechanism may be connected to the solenoid on a first side of the solenoid, and the energy-absorbing device may be mounted in connection with a second side of the solenoid, and wherein the first side may be an opposite side of the solenoid to the second side.

[0014] The energy-absorbing device may be configured to be in a state of rest when the energy-absorbing device is in connection with the solenoid, and wherein when the energy-absorbing device has absorbed energy applied to the locking arrangement, the energy-absorbing device may be configured to be moving within the predetermined space.

[0015] When the energy-absorbing device has absorbed energy applied to the locking arrangement, it may be moved such that it is not in contact with the solenoid.

[0016] The locking arrangement may further comprise a restriction member adapted in size to house the energy-absorbing device and to define the predetermined space wherein the energy-absorbing device may be movable. The restriction member may be a tube.

[0017] The tube may limit the movement of the energy-absorbing device in a plane parallel to a surface of the solenoid to which the energy-absorbing device is mounted in connection with the solenoid. The tube may further limit the movement of the energy-absorbing device in a direction perpendicular to said surface of the solenoid, so that the energy-absorbing device may move a predetermined distance in the direction perpendicular to said surface before being stopped by the tube.

[0018] The energy-absorbing device may be movable along one direction relative to the solenoid. The direction along which the energy-absorbing device may move, may be a direction perpendicular to the solenoid.

[0019] The direction along which the energy-absorbing device is movable may be a vertical direction when in use. The direction being a vertical direction may allow the kinetic energy applied to the housing to move the energy-absorbing device upwards and away from the state of rest along the vertical direction, and allowing gravity to move the energy-absorbing device downwards and back to the state of rest, along the direction. The direction may be a vertical direction when the locking arrangement is in use, such as when arranged to a door, hatch, window or other openable element.

[0020] The locking mechanism may be movable along a direction between the locked position relative the housing and an unlocked position relative the housing, and wherein the direction along which the energy-absorbing device is movable may be parallel to the direction of movement for the locking mechanism.

[0021] If the locking arrangement is subjected to an attempt of forced entry, the force applied to the housing may be a force giving rise to kinetic energy on a direction of the movement of the locking mechanism in order to try to force the locking mechanism out of the locked position. If the energy-absorbing device is movable in a direction parallel to the direction of movement for the locking mechanism, the energy-absorbing device may absorb the kinetic energy and move instead of the locking mechanism being moved.

[0022] The energy-absorbing device may be a solid weight. The solid weight may be made of a metal or metal alloy.

[0023] The locking arrangement may further comprise a plunger connected to the locking mechanism, and wherein when the solenoid is powered the plunger may be configured to move the locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position relative the housing.

[0024] The solenoid locking mechanism utilizes electromagnetism, the solenoid is an electromagnet and when powered it may influence the plunger so that the plunger is moved towards or away from the solenoid.

[0025] The housing may comprise a handle, and wherein the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the handle to the housing when the solenoid is not powered and to release the handle when the solenoid is powered.

[0026] A portion of the handle may be locked to and released from the housing. Another portion of the handle may be movably mounted to the housing, so that when the releasable portion of the handle is released, the handle is movable in relation to the housing.

[0027] The locking mechanism may be configured to lock another part of the locking arrangement relative to the housing, such as a latch component, a hinge component, or a lock component. The locking arrangement may be part of an arrangement for an openable element, such as a door, a hatch, or a window. The locking arrangement may be used in any locking application using a solenoid with a locking mechanism. Such application may be a handle, a lock, a hinge, a latch, or another fitting for a door, window or hatch arrangement or the like.

[0028] According to a second aspect, there is provided a door arrangement comprising a locking arrangement according to any of the embodiments presented above, and an openable element configured to close an opening, wherein the locking arrangement is mounted on the openable element and is configured to put the openable element in a locked state when the locking arrangement is in a locked state.

[0029] The openable element may be a door, a hatch, a window or another openable element.

[0030] A handle may be configured to be locked to a housing of the locking arrangement when the door arrangement is in the locked state.

[0031] The door arrangement may be transferred to an open state when a solenoid of the locking arrangement is powered and moves a locking mechanism of the locking arrangement from a locked position to an open position relative the housing. The openable element may be opened when the door arrangement is in the open state.

Brief description of the drawings

[0032] The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a locking arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a door arrangement, on which a locking arrangement is mounted to a door.

Figs. 3a-3b schematically shows an energy-absorbing device in a state of rest and in a state were the energy-absorbing device has absorbed kinetic energy.

Detailed description

[0033] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled addressee. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

[0034] Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-section of the locking arrangement 1. The locking arrangement 1 comprises a housing 10. The housing 10 may have a handle 101 attached to the housing 10. The locking arrangement 1 further comprises a solenoid locking mechanism 11. The solenoid locking mechanism 11 includes a solenoid 111, a locking mechanism 112 and an energy-absorbing device 113.

[0035] The solenoid locking mechanism 11 may be a normally closed solenoid mechanism, meaning that the locking arrangement 1 is in a locked state when the solenoid 111 is not powered. When the solenoid 111 is powered, the solenoid 111 will bring the locking mechanism 112 out of a locked position and bring the locking arrangement 1 into an open state. The locked position may be relative the housing 10. However, this is a non-limiting example, the locked position may be relative a door frame or a locking pin or another device or component that the locking arrangement 1 limits the access to or movement of by being in a locked state.

[0036] The handle 101 may have two end portions. The handle 101 may be attached to the housing 10 at one end portion of the handle 101. The other end portion of the handle 101 may be locked to the housing 10 by the locking mechanism 112 when the locking arrangement 1 is in a locked state. When the solenoid 111 is powered and the locking mechanism 112 is moved from a locked position relative the housing 10 into an open position relative the housing 10, thereby transferring the locking arrangement 1 into the open state, the end portion of the handle 101 being locked to the housing 10 may be released from the housing 10. When the handle 101 is released from the housing 10, the handle 101 may be movable in relation to the housing 10.

[0037] The energy-absorbing device 113 may prevent forced opening of the locking arrangement 1 if an unauthorized person tries to force the locking arrangement 1 open by applying a force to the housing 10 or other parts of the locking arrangement 1 with an intention to move the locking mechanism 112 out of a state wherein the locking mechanism 112 is locked. The force may for example be knocking or banging a tool or a hand/arm or a foot to the locking arrangement 1. The intention to move the locking mechanism 112 out of its locked position may be an intention that the knocking or banging may get the locking mechanism 112 to be jumped out or shaken out of its position by the kinetic energy induced into the locking arrangement 1 by the knocking or banging.

[0038] The kinetic energy applied to the locking arrangement 1 will be transported through the parts of the locking arrangement 1 and be absorb by the energy-absorbing device 113. This will cause the energy-absorbing device to move within a predetermined space by the kinetic force absorbed by the energy-absorbing device 113. In previously known locking arrangement using a normally closed solenoid, the kinetic energy will be taken up by the locking mechanism 112, since it is movably mounted to the solenoid and is possible to move in relation to the solenoid by for example a knocking force. In the locking arrangement 1, the energy-absorbing device 113 will more easily than the locking mechanism 112 absorb the kinetic energy induced by the knocking force since it is mounted in connection to the solenoid but preferably not attached to the solenoid, as the locking mechanism 112 is. Especially, the energy absorbing device 113 will absorb such large amount of the induced energy that the movement of the locking mechanism 112 will be so small that it does not move out of the locked position.

[0039] The predetermined space is a space in which the energy-absorbing device 113 will move when the energy-absorbing device 113 has absorbed kinetic energy. The energy-absorbing device 113 may not be allowed to move outside of the predetermined space. The movement of the energy-absorbing device 113 may be restricted by a movement-restricting member, thereby defining at least one endpoint of the predetermined space. The movement-restricting member may restrict the movement of the energy-absorbing device 113 in at least one direction. The movement restricting-member may restrict the movement of the energy-absorbing device in along a linear direction. The movement-restricting member may be a wall or a part of the locking arrangement 1.

[0040] The predetermined space, in which the energy-absorbing device 113 will move when the energy-absorbing device 113 has absorbed kinetic energy, may be defined by a tube 114. The tube 114 may be adapted in size and shape to house the energy-absorbing device 113. Further it may have additional space to include the predetermined space so that the energy-absorbing-device 113 is movable within the tube 114. The tube 114 may be mounted in connection with, but not attached to the solenoid 111 or the energy-absorbing device 113. The energy-absorbing device 113 may move in a direction A_y when energy is absorbed. The direction A_y may be perpendicular to a surface of the solenoid 111 that the energy-absorbing device 113 is mounted in connection with. The tube 114 may limit the movement of the energy-absorbing device 113 in the direction A_y by an end wall of the tube 114, thereby limiting the predetermined space in the direction A_y. The solenoid 111 may limit the predetermined space at another point along the direction A_y. Sides of the tube 114 may limit the movement of the energy-absorbing device 113 in a direction A_x, which may be a direction parallel with the surface of the solenoid 111 that the energy-absorbing device 113 is mounted in connection with.

[0041] The energy-absorbing device 113 may be in a shape of a cylinder. However, the energy-absorbing device 113 is not limited to this shape. The energy-absorbing device 113 may be in the shape of a cube or cone. The energy-absorbing device 113 may be a solid weight.

[0042] The solenoid locking mechanism 11 may comprise a plunger 115. The plunger 115 may be connected to the locking mechanism 112. When the solenoid 111 is powered, the solenoid will push or pull the plunger 115 in one direction so that the plunger 115 moves the locking mechanism 112 from a locked position into an open position.

[0043] The solenoid locking mechanism 11 may comprise a spring 116 connected to the locking mechanism 112. The spring 116 may further be connected to the housing. If a knocking or banging force is applied to the housing 10, the kinetic energy induced into the solenoid locking mechanism 11 may be taken up at a part by the spring 116. This solution for preventing forced entry is previously known, and may be used together with the energy-absorbing device 113 in the locking arrangement 1. However, to have a spring 116 is not limiting, the locking arrangement 1 may function equally good without a spring 116, since the energy-absorbing device 113 may take up all or the majority of the kinetic force induced despite that a spring 116 is mounted in connection with the locking mechanism 112.

[0044] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a door arrangement, on which a locking arrangement 1 is mounted to an openable element 2.

[0045] A normally closed solenoid is requiring less energy than a normally open solenoid. Therefore, if a solenoid locking mechanism is a normally closed it is suitable to be in environments that require less maintenance of the equipment located in that environment.

[0046] The locking arrangement 1 may be mounted on a door, a hatch, a window or on other openable elements. The locking mechanism may for example be mounted on a door or hatch for accessing parts of a system and for reaching and performing service of the system. As a non-limiting example, the system may be a ventilating system.

[0047] The locking mechanism 1 comprises a housing 10 and a solenoid locking mechanism 11. The solenoid mechanism 11 comprises a solenoid 111, a locking mechanism 112 that may be in a locked position relative to the housing 10 when the solenoid 111 is not powered and is in an open position when the solenoid 111 is powered. The solenoid locking mechanism 11 further comprises an energy-absorbing device 113.

[0048] The door arrangement may be transferred to an open state when the solenoid 111 is powered and moves the locking mechanism 112 from a locked position to an open position relative the housing 10. The openable element 2 may be opened when the door arrangement is in the open state.

[0049] When the solenoid 111 is powered and has transferred the locking arrangement 1 from a closed state to an open state by causing the locking mechanism 112 to move, one end portion of a handle 101 may be released from the locking mechanism 112. An end portion opposite to the released end portion may be connected to the housing 10. When said released end portion is released it may be moved in relation to the housing 10 of the locking arrangement 1, thereby allowing the handle 101 connected to the housing 10 to be used by a user. The user may, by moving the handle 101 in relation to the housing 10, open the openable element 2. The handle may be coupled to a latch or the like (not shown) hindering the openable element 2 from sliding open, and by moving the handle 101, the latch may be moved and the openable element 2 may be opened.

[0050] Figs. 3a-3b schematically illustrates an energy-absorbing device 113 of a solenoid locking mechanism 11 in a locking arrangement 1. The energy-absorbing device 113 is mounted in connection with a solenoid 111 and is movable within a predetermined space. The predetermined space may be defined by a tube 114.

[0051] Fig. 3a illustrates the energy-absorbing device 113 in a state of rest and fig. 3b illustrates the energy-absorbing device 113 in a state were the energy-absorbing device 113 has absorbed kinetic energy.

[0052] Fig. 3a illustrates the state of rest for the energy-absorbing device 113. When the locking arrangement 1 is not exposed to a force creating a kinetic energy being absorbed by the energy-absorbing device 113, the energy-absorbing device may be resting adjacent to the solenoid 111, being in contact with the surface of the solenoid 111, but not being attached to the surface. According to one embodiment, as illustrated in figs. 3a-3b, the surface being in contact with the energy-absorbing device 113 may be a surface of a protrusion. The surface of the protrusion may have a smaller area that the area of the surface of the energy-absorbing device 113 being in contact with the solenoid 111. The protrusion may be placed on a first side of the solenoid. The first side may be a side opposite to a second side where a plunger 115 is located (see fig. 1). The first side may thereby be a side opposite to where the locking mechanism 112 is arranged.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the energy-absorbing device 113 may be in contact with a surface of the solenoid 111 having a larger area than an area of a surface of the energy-absorbing device 113 being in contact with said surface of the solenoid 111. The first side of said surface of the solenoid 111 may be a side opposite to the second side where the plunger 115 is located. The first side may also be a side opposite to where the locking mechanism 112 is arranged.

[0054] Fig. 3b illustrates the state when the energy-absorbing device 113 has absorbed kinetic energy. When the solenoid 111 is exposed to a force creating a kinetic energy, the kinetic energy will be absorbed by the energy-absorbing device 113. The energy-absorbing device 113 will then move within the predetermined space away from the state of rest. The movement may be along the direction A_y. The direction A_y may be a vertical direction when the locking arrangement is in use. The direction A_y may be parallel to a direction of movement of the locking mechanism 112, for moving the locking mechanism 112 between a locked position and an open position relative the housing 10. A kinetic energy applied with the aim of moving the locking mechanism 112 out of its locked position may then instead be absorbed by the energy-absorbing device 113 that is movable in the direction A_y that corresponds with the direction of the kinetic energy applied. Thereby may the energy-absorbing device 113 instead of the locking mechanism 112 be moved.

[0055] The predetermined space may be defined by the tube 114. Sides of the tube 114 may restrict the movement of the energy-absorbing device 113 in a direction A_x so that the energy-absorbing device 113 may be kept in about the same position in the direction A_x regardless of if the energy-absorbing device 113 has absorbed a kinetic energy or not. The sides of the tube 114 are not restricting the possibility of movement of the energy-absorbing device 113 in the direction A_y.

[0056] The end wall of the tube 114 may limit the predetermined space, thereby limiting the possibility of movement of the energy-absorbing device 113 in the direction A_y. When the energy-absorbing device 113 absorbs energy it may move all the way to the end wall of the tube 114 or it may move only a part of the distance allowed by the predetermined space in the direction A_y. The amount of kinetic energy absorbed by the energy-absorbing device 113 will determine the distance that the energy-absorbing device 113 will move away from the state of rest. By moving that distance, the energy-absorbing device 113 may reach a top position for that amount of kinetic energy. When the energy-absorbing device 113 has reached the top position, it will fall back, along the direction A_y, to the state of rest, by gravity.

[0057] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims. For instance, the illustrated embodiments relate to a swing handle with a locking arrangement configured to, in a locking state, lock a handle to a housing. The present invention is however equally applicable to other types of e.g. handles, locks, hinges, latches or other fittings for doors, hatches, windows or the like, and components in such arrangements where a locking mechanism is used.

Claims

1. A locking arrangement (1) comprising:

a housing (10), and

a solenoid locking mechanism (11) mounted on the housing (10), wherein the solenoid locking mechanism (11) comprises

a solenoid (111),

a locking mechanism (112) connected to the solenoid (111) and configured to be in a locked position when the solenoid (111) is not powered, and

an energy-absorbing device (113) mounted in connection with the solenoid (111) and being movable within a predetermined space relative to the solenoid (111), and configured to absorb an energy applied to the locking arrangement (1).

2. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (112) is connected to the solenoid (111) on a first side of the solenoid (111), and the energy-absorbing device (113) is mounted in connection with a second side of the solenoid (111), and
wherein the first side is an opposite side of the solenoid (111) to the second side.

3. The locking arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy-absorbing device (113) is configured to be in a state of rest when the energy-absorbing device (113) is in connection with the solenoid (111), and wherein when the energy-absorbing device (113) has absorbed energy applied to the locking arrangement (1), the energy-absorbing device (113) is configured to be moving within the predetermined space.

4. The locking arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solenoid locking mechanism (11) further comprises a restricting member (114) adapted in size to house the energy-absorbing device (113) and to define the predetermined space wherein the energy-absorbing device (113) is movable.

5. The locking arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy-absorbing device (113) is movable along one direction (A_y) relative to the solenoid (111).

6. The locking arrangement (1) according to claim 5, wherein the direction (A_y) along which the energy-absorbing device (113) is movable is a vertical direction when in use.

7. The locking arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (112) is movable along a direction between the locked position relative the housing (10) and an unlocked position relative the housing (10), and wherein the direction (A_y) along which the energy-absorbing device (113) is movable is parallel to the direction of movement of the locking mechanism (112).

8. The locking arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy-absorbing device (113) is a solid weight.

9. The locking arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solenoid locking mechanism (11) further comprises a plunger (115) connected to the locking mechanism (112), and wherein when the solenoid (111) is powered the plunger (115) is configured to move the locking mechanism (112) from a locked position to an unlocked position relative the housing (10).

10. The locking arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (10) comprises a handle (101), and wherein the locking mechanism (112) is configured to lock the handle (101) to the housing (10) when the solenoid (111) is not powered and to release the handle (101) when the solenoid (111) is powered.

11. Door arrangement comprising:

a locking arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and

an openable element (2) configured to close an opening,

wherein the locking arrangement (1) is mounted on the openable element (2) and is configured to put the openable element (2) in a locked state when the locking arrangement (1) is in a locked state.

12. Door arrangement according to claim 11, wherein a handle (101) is configured to be locked to the housing (10) of the locking arrangement (1) when the door arrangement is in the locked state.

Drawing