ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR FOR LOCKS

Abstract

 An electromagnetic actuator (1) for locks (2) which comprises an electrical winding (3) surmounting a guiding element (4) provided with an internal longitudinal cavity (5) within which, by virtue of the action of the magnetic field generated by the winding (3) when it is passed through by an electric current, a slider (6) can slide, the latter being provided with a first, operating end (7) configured to abut against a component (8) of a lever system of the lock (2). The slider (6) comprises a pin (9), provided with the first, operating end (7), and a bushing (10) made of ferromagnetic material. A portion (11) of the pin (9), proximate to a second, adjustment end (12) provided with a seat (13) for a respective tool, is threaded and configured for screwing into an axial hole (14) of the bushing (10) which is provided with a thread that is complementary to that of the portion (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator for locks: an electromagnetic actuator is a device that converts an electrical signal to a linear motion caused by an electromagnetic field. In its most widespread form, it is constituted by a solenoid which consists of a coil and a core of magnetic material, which can move freely or constrained by a spring along the coil. The presence of the spring connected to the core enables the return of this to the inactive position when the coil is not powered.

[0002] In an electric lock, such kind of component is particularly important because it generates a mechanical movement (locking or unlocking) of a retention element, so allowing the movement of the mechanical parts associated with the spring latch and/or with the sliding latches, only at an electrical signal of assent. We can therefore state that, in almost all forms of application, the circulation of a specific current along the coil causes a movement of the core and therefore drives the operation of the lock.

[0003] The problem that arises in some cases is that the travel of the core can be excessive, or insufficient, to ensure a correct operation of the lock.

[0004] In fact all the mechanical components present are affected by a certain dimensional tolerance which, within a specific kinematic chain, can determine considerable variations in position of the component facing toward the coil (the one against which the core will abut, so actuating it).

[0005] Therefore, a first limit condition may occur, in which the front of the component facing toward the coil is very far from the core, and a second limit condition in which such component is particularly close to the core: both conditions can determine malfunctions, because the travel of the core could be scant or excessive with respect to them.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing an electromagnetic actuator for locks that can compensate any dimensional defects and/or dimensional variations owing to processing tolerances in the components of the lock with which it interacts.

[0007] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an electromagnetic actuator for locks wherein the limits of travel of its core can be modified within a preset range.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide an electromagnetic actuator for locks wherein the limits of travel of its core can be modified even after installation of the lock.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide an electric lock that is free from malfunctions thanks to dimensional tolerances of its components.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide an electric lock that is not prone to malfunctions thanks to dimensional variations of a thermal nature of its components.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic actuator for locks and a related electric lock which are of low cost, easily and practically implemented, and safe in use.

[0012] This aim and these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by an electromagnetic actuator for locks of the type comprising an electrical winding, associated with an adapted electrical power source, surmounting a guiding element provided with an internal longitudinal cavity within which, by virtue of the action of the magnetic field generated by said winding when it is passed through by an electric current, a slider can slide, the latter being provided with a first, operating end configured to abut against a component of a lever system of said lock, characterized in that said slider comprises a pin, provided with said first, operating end, and a bushing made of ferromagnetic material, a portion of said pin, proximate to a second, adjustment end provided with a seat for a respective tool, being threaded and configured for screwing into an axial hole of said bushing which is provided with a thread that is complementary to that of said portion.

[0013] Such aim and such objects are also achieved by an electrically actuated lock of the type comprising a box-like body containing a plurality of lever systems which are functionally associated with an electromagnetic actuator provided with an electrical winding, associated with an adapted electrical power source, surmounting a guiding element provided with an internal longitudinal cavity within which, by virtue of the action of the magnetic field generated by said winding when it is passed through by an electric current, a slider can slide, the latter being provided with a first, operating end configured to abut against a component of said lever systems that are configured to move at least one bolt selected among a spring latch, a locking bar, a sliding rod and the like, characterized in that said slider comprises a pin, provided with said first, operating end, and a bushing made of ferromagnetic material, a portion of said pin, proximate to a second, adjustment end provided with a seat for a respective tool, being threaded and configured for screwing into an axial hole of said bushing which is provided with a thread that is complementary to that of said portion, the screwing and the unscrewing of said portion of said pin within said bushing causing a variation of the protrusion of said first, operating end so as to adapt to the position of the facing and proximate component of said lever systems, for its actuation, so averting malfunctions due to interference and play exceeding a predefined threshold.

[0014] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the electromagnetic actuator for locks, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an exploded schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an electromagnetic actuator for locks according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a partially cross-sectional exploded schematic perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view, cross-sectioned along a transverse plane, of the electromagnetic actuator of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic front elevation view, cross-sectional along a transverse plane, of a portion of lock provided with a possible actuator according to the invention in a first configuration, in which the adjustment of the protrusion of the associated slider has not been executed;

Figure 5 is a schematic front elevation view of a portion of lock provided with the actuator of Figure 4 in a second configuration, in which the adjustment of the protrusion of the associated slider has been executed;

Figure 6 is a schematic front elevation view, cross-sectioned along a transverse plane, of a first embodiment of an electromagnetic actuator according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic front elevation view, cross-sectioned along a transverse plane, of a second embodiment of an electromagnetic actuator according to the invention;

Figure 8 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of an electromagnetic actuator for locks according to the invention;

Figure 9 is a partially cross-sectional exploded schematic perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view, cross-sectioned along a transverse plane, of the electromagnetic actuator of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a schematic front elevation view, cross-sectioned along a transverse plane, of the electromagnetic actuator of Figure 8 in an assembled configuration;

Figure 12 is a schematic front elevation view, cross-sectioned along a transverse plane, of the electromagnetic actuator of Figure 8 in a configuration of use.

[0015] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an electromagnetic actuator for locks 2.

[0016] The electromagnetic actuator 1 comprises an electrical winding 3, constituted by a plurality of turns of a conducting wire (covered with an insulating layer) which can be associated with an adapted electrical power source. When the winding 3 will be passed through by an electric current, it will generate a magnetic field.

[0017] The winding 3 surmounts a guiding element 4 provided with an internal longitudinal cavity 5 within which, by virtue of the action of the magnetic field generated by the winding 3 when it is passed through by an electric current, a slider 6 can slide, the latter being provided with a first, operating end 7 configured to abut against a component 8 of a lever system of the respective lock 2.

[0018] The slider 6 comprises a pin 9, provided with the first, operating end 7, and a bushing 10 made of ferromagnetic material. The pin 9 and the bushing 10 (i.e. the slider 6) constitute the movable ferromagnetic core of the actuator 1.

[0019] A portion 11 of the pin 9, proximate to a second, adjustment end 12 provided with a seat 13 for a respective tool, is threaded and configured for screwing into an axial hole 14 of the bushing 10. Such hole 14 is in fact advantageously provided with a thread that is complementary to that of the portion 11 of the pin 9.

[0020] With reference to an embodiment of undoubted practical and applicative interest, the longitudinal cavity 5 can conveniently accommodate a fixed insert 15, made of ferromagnetic material (constituting the fixed ferromagnetic core of the actuator 1), which defines a stroke limiter for the bushing 10 which can slide within such cavity 5. The fixed insert 15 will advantageously be arranged at an end section of the cavity 5, proximate to the first, operating end 7 of the pin 9, when the actuator 1 is in the respective assembled configuration. The possibility is not ruled out of making the fixed insert 15 of non-ferromagnetic material (i.e. diamagnetic or paramagnetic) for specific applications.

[0021] It should further be noted that the pin 9, in a particularly efficient embodiment, can profitably be made of a non-ferromagnetic material, i.e. a material selected among diamagnetic material and paramagnetic material.

[0022] The electromagnetic actuator 1 according to the invention can positively comprise a threaded grub screw 16 which can be made of ferromagnetic material (although the possibility is not ruled out of using other materials).

[0023] Such threaded grub screw 16 will be usefully configured to be screwed into the axial hole 14 of the bushing 10 (which as explained above is in fact threaded) on the side opposite to the screwing side of the threaded portion 11 of the pin 9, terminating with the second end 12. It should be noted that the axial hole 14 could be constituted by two concurrent and consecutive zones of different diameter, each of which is threaded (a first zone with shape, dimensions and threading configured to receive the threaded portion 11 of the pin 9, a second zone with shape, dimensions and threading configured to receive the threaded grub screw 16).

[0024] The screwing of the grub screw 16 into the axial hole 14 can entail an increase of the ferromagnetic material subjected to the force of a magnetic nature induced by the electrical winding 3 passed through by the current. The presence of a greater quantity of ferromagnetic material in the slider 6 can determine a more efficient movement of it by the electrical winding 3 (the circulation of current in the winding 3 determines the creation of a magnetic field that generates forces of mechanical attraction and/or repulsion on the slider 6). The possibility of generating mechanical forces of higher extent than envisaged in the absence of the grub screw 16 can be used to avoid overheating, and so increase the efficiency of the actuator 1.

[0025] It is convenient to note that the threaded grub screw 16 and the threaded end 11 of the pin 9 are screwed into the bushing 10 (in particular in the associated threaded axial hole 14) and abut against each other, so determining the locking of the second pin 9 inside such hole 14 according to a principle of the type of that of the threaded coupling known as "nut and lock nut".

[0026] In a specific embodiment, particularly effective for ensuring the optimal stability of the actuator 1 after the position (protrusion) of the first, operating end 7 has been correctly adjusted, the threaded grub screw 16 usefully comprises a substantially convex end face 17.

[0027] In particular the end face 17 can preferably present a shape chosen among substantially conical, substantially frustum-shaped, substantially hemispherical, substantially semi-ellipsoidal, substantially pyramid-like, substantially truncated pyramid-like, and the like.

[0028] By virtue of the presence of this substantially convex end face 17, when the grub screw 16 is screwed into abutment against the second end 12 of the pin 9, the convex end face 17 will abut against the seat 13 for a respective tool (for example the slot for a screwdriver), deforming the apex of such second end 12 (for example splaying the bands that delimit the seat 13 that constitutes the slot for receiving the tip of a screwdriver), stably locking it within the bushing 10.

[0029] The advantage of this embodiment lies in the fact that the installation technician, after using a specific tool (for example a screwdriver) to perfectly adjust the position of the first, operating end 7 of the pin 9, can insert the grub screw 16 into the hole 14 (into which the tool used to adjust the position of the pin 9 via a respective screwing/unscrewing was inserted previously) and screw it until its end face 17 is forced into the seat 13 (deforming the bands that delimit it): in this manner the position of the pin 9 will be stably locked with respect to the bushing 10, thus ensuring the perfect operation of the actuator 1 (as the protrusion of the first, operating end 7 will be adjusted with precision and cannot be subjected to variations or modifications during use).

[0030] The present invention also extends its protection to include an electrically actuated lock 2 of the type comprising a box-like body 18 containing a plurality of lever systems 19 which are functionally associated with an electromagnetic actuator 1 provided with an electrical winding 3, associated with an adapted electrical power source, surmounting a guiding element 4 provided with an internal longitudinal cavity 5 within which, by virtue of the action of the magnetic field generated by the winding 3 when it is passed through by an electric current, a slider 6 can slide, the latter being provided with a first, operating end 7 configured to abut against a component 8 of the lever systems 19. Such lever systems 19 will be configured to move at least one bolt selected among a spring latch, a locking bar, a sliding rod and the like. Obviously the lever systems 19 can be configured to move only one of these components or combinations thereof (for example the spring latch and the locking bar, or the spring latch and the sliding rod, or the locking bar and the sliding rod, or the spring latch, the locking bar and the sliding rod).

[0031] The actuator 1 of the lock 2 according to the invention will be provided with a slider 6 comprising a pin 9, provided with the first, operating end 7, and a bushing 10 made of ferromagnetic material.

[0032] A portion 11 of the pin 9, proximate to a second, adjustment end 12 provided with a seat 13 for a respective tool, will be threaded and configured for screwing into an axial hole 14 of the bushing 10 (which will in turn be provided with a thread that is complementary to that of the portion 11): the screwing and the unscrewing of such portion 11 of the pin 9 within the axial hole 14 of the bushing 10 will cause a variation of the protrusion of the first, operating end 7 so as to adapt to the position of the facing and proximate component 8 of the lever systems 19, for its actuation, such adjustment of the protrusion of the first, operating end 7 will ensure malfunctions due to interference and play exceeding a predefined threshold will be averted, so optimizing the operation of the lock 2.

[0033] The electromagnetic actuator 1 installed in the lock 2 will be advantageously of the type defined in the foregoing description.

[0034] The component 8 (the component 8 that is part of the above-mentioned lever systems 19 designed for the correct operation of the lock 2) against which the first, operating end 7 of the slider 6 abuts, is a lever (preferably, but not exclusively, of the rotating type) which can move with respect to a fixed reference (with reference to the example introduced above, this could be a fixed rotation hinge 20), defined on the box-like body 18.

[0035] It should be noted that such lever (component 8) comprises two arms 21 and 22 which are substantially opposite with respect to the fixed reference (for example the hinge 20).

[0036] The first, operating end 7 will be configured to abut against a first arm 21 of such lever (component 8), while a second arm 22 of such lever (component 8) will be functionally associated with at least one additional component of such lever systems 19 for the corresponding movement.

[0037] Basically, following a movement (for example a rotation) of the lever (component 8) with respect to the hinge 20 by way of the action of the slider 6 of the electromagnetic actuator 1, a mechanical clearance (or bar) will occur that will allow (or prevent) predefined movements of the lever systems 19, so allowing or preventing operations to open and/or close the lock 2 according to the invention.

[0038] Advantageously the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, by providing an electromagnetic actuator 1 for locks 2 that compensates any dimensional defects and/or dimensional variations owing to processing tolerances in the components (lever systems 19) of the lock 2 with which it interacts. The more components are provided in the lever systems 19, the longer the chain of tolerances will be, and therefore the more important it will be to have the actuator 1 adjustable according to the invention.

[0039] By virtue of the adjustment of the protrusion of the first, operating end 7, via screwing/unscrewing of the threaded portion 11 of the pin 9 in the axial hole 14 of the bushing 10, it will in fact be possible to adapt the actuator 1 to any dimensional irregularity (even possibly outside of the envisaged design tolerances) of the lever systems 19 of the lock 2, so ensuring, in any case, an optimal operation of the lock 2.

[0040] Conveniently the electromagnetic actuator 1 according to the invention ensures that the limits of travel of its slider 6 can be modified within a preset range (much greater than what is possible with traditional actuators).

[0041] Profitably the electromagnetic actuator 1 according to the invention ensures that the limits of travel of its slider 6 can be modified even after installation of the lock 2 (in fact it will suffice to insert a tool into the axial hole 14 of the bushing 10 to impose a rotation on the pin 9 which will result in a corresponding screwing/unscrewing with respect to the bushing 10 and therefore a variation of the protrusion of the first, operating end 7).

[0042] Advantageously the electric lock 2 according to the invention will not be prone to malfunctions owing to dimensional tolerances of its components, in that the wide range of adjustment of the protrusion of the first, operating end 7 of the relevant slider 6 will make it possible to substantially compensate any dimensional irregularity.

[0043] Profitably the electric lock 2 according to the invention will be free from malfunctions owing to dimensional variations of a thermal nature of its components, i.e. the lever systems 19, in fact the adjustments of the protrusion of the first, operating end can be performed even after the installation of the lock 2, if needed.

[0044] Positively the electromagnetic actuator 1 for locks and the related electric lock 2 are easily and practically implemented and at low cost: such characteristics make the actuator 1 and the lock 2 according to the invention innovations that are certain to be safe in use.

[0045] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0046] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0047] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0048] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000025359 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] 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. An electromagnetic actuator for locks (2) of the type comprising an electrical winding (3), associated with an adapted electrical power source, surmounting a guiding element (4) provided with an internal longitudinal cavity (5) within which, by virtue of the action of the magnetic field generated by said winding (3) when it is passed through by an electric current, a slider (6) can slide, the latter being provided with a first, operating end (7) configured to abut against a component (8) of a lever system of said lock (2), characterized in that said slider (6) comprises a pin (9), provided with said first, operating end (7), and a bushing (10) made of ferromagnetic material, a portion (11) of said pin (9), proximate to a second, adjustment end (12) provided with a seat (13) for a respective tool, being threaded and configured for screwing into an axial hole (14) of said bushing (10) which is provided with a thread that is complementary to that of said portion (11).

2. The electromagnetic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that said longitudinal cavity (5) accommodates a fixed insert (15), made of ferromagnetic material, which constitutes a fixed ferromagnetic core and defines a stroke limiter for said bushing (10) which can slide within said cavity (5), said fixed insert (15) being arranged at an end portion of said cavity (5) which is proximate to said first, operating end (7) of said pin (9).

3. The electromagnetic actuator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pin (9) is made of a non-ferromagnetic material selected among diamagnetic material and paramagnetic material.

4. The electromagnetic actuator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a threaded grub screw (16) configured to be screwed into the axial hole (14) of said bushing (10) on the side opposite to the screwing side of said portion (11) of said pin (9), with consequent filling of said axial hole (14) and increase of the ferromagnetic material subjected to the force of a magnetic nature induced by said electrical winding (3) passed through by current, for a more efficient movement of said slider (6) and an increase in the efficiency of the winding (3).

5. The electromagnetic actuator according to claim 4, characterized in that said threaded grub screw (16) and said threaded end (11) of said pin (9) are screwed into the axial hole (14) of said bushing (10) and abut against each other, causing the locking of said pin (9) according to a principle of the type of that of the threaded coupling known as "nut and lock nut".

6. The electromagnetic actuator according to one or more of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said threaded grub screw (16) comprises a substantially convex end face (17), in particular having a shape chosen among substantially conical, substantially frustum-shaped, substantially hemispherical, substantially semi-ellipsoidal, substantially pyramid-like, substantially truncated pyramid-like, and the like, upon a screwing of said grub screw (16), in abutment against said second, adjustment end (12) of said pin (9), said convex end face (17) deforming the apex of said second, adjustment end (12), locking it stably within said bushing (10).

7. An electrically actuated lock of the type comprising a box-like body (18) containing a plurality of lever systems (19) which are functionally associated with an electromagnetic actuator (1) provided with an electrical winding (3), associated with an adapted electrical power source, surmounting a guiding element (4) provided with an internal longitudinal cavity (5) within which, by virtue of the action of the magnetic field generated by said winding (3) when it is passed through by an electric current, a slider (6) can slide, the latter being provided with a first, operating end (7) configured to abut against a component (8) of said lever systems (19) that are configured to move at least one bolt selected among a spring latch, a locking bar, a sliding rod and the like, characterized in that said slider (6) comprises a pin (9), provided with said first, operating end (7), and a bushing (10) made of ferromagnetic material, a portion (11) of said pin (9), proximate to a second, adjustment end (12) provided with a seat (13) for a respective tool, being threaded and configured for screwing into an axial hole (14) of said bushing (10) which is provided with a thread that is complementary to that of said portion (11), the screwing and the unscrewing of said portion (11) of said pin (9) within said bushing (10) causing a variation of the protrusion of said first, operating end (7) so as to adapt to the position of the facing and proximate component (8) of said lever systems (17), for its actuation, so averting malfunctions due to interference and play exceeding a predefined threshold.

8. The lock according to claim 7, characterized in that said electromagnetic actuator (1) is of the type defined in at least one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The lock according to one or more of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said component (8) of said lever systems (19) against which the first, operating end (7) of said slider (6) abuts, is a lever which can move with respect to a fixed reference defined on said box-like body (18).

10. The lock according to claim 9, characterized in that said movable lever comprises two arms (21, 22) which are substantially opposite with respect to said fixed reference, said first, operating end (7) being configured to abut against a first arm (21) of said rotatable lever, a second arm (22) of said lever being functionally associated with at least one further component of said lever systems (19) for its movement, following a movement of said lever with respect to said reference by virtue of the action of said slider (6) of said electromagnetic actuator (1).

Drawing