WO2015065944A1 - Electromechanical lock cylinder - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock assembly includes a key cylinder lock and an electrically operable locking mechanism. The key cylinder lock includes a shell and a plug rotationally coupled with the shell in a locked condition and rotatable within the shell between first and second rotational positions in an unlocked condition upon insertion of an authorized key into a keyway in the plug. The electrically operable locking mechanism includes a power transfer member rotationally coupled with the shell, and an electrical driver connected with the power transfer member and electrically operable to rotate the power transfer member in response to receipt of an electrical authorizing signal, for rotation of the shell and plug between the first and second rotational positions when the key cylinder lock is in the locked condition.

Description

ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCK CYLINDER

Cross-reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 61/896,212, entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCK

CYLINDER" and filed October 28, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background

[0002] Conventional locking mechanisms, such as, for example, locks for cabinet doors and drawers, often employ a mechanical latch that lockingly engages a catch to secure a structure (e.g., a door or a drawer) in a locked condition. In such a locking mechanism, proper manipulation of a lock interface (e.g., a key cylinder lock or combination lock) enables the latch to be moved out of locking engagement with the catch to permit opening of the door or drawer. In some cases, the use of conventional mechanical lock interfaces results in inconveniences or security risks for the user, such as, for example, when access to the locked structure must be extended, restricted or otherwise changed. For example, in the case of a key-operated lock, loss of a key may present a security risk and may result in the need to re- key or replace the lock. In the case of a mechanical combination lock, a change in the individuals authorized to access the locked structure may require physically re-coding the combination or replacing the lock, and an unauthorized user may surreptitiously discover the combination code.

Summary

[0003] According to an exemplary aspect of the present application, a lock assembly includes a key cylinder lock and an electrically operable locking mechanism. The key cylinder lock includes a shell and a plug rotationally coupled with the shell in a locked condition and rotatable within the shell between first and second rotational positions in an unlocked condition upon insertion of an authorized key into a keyway in the plug. The electrically operable locking mechanism includes a power transfer member rotationally coupled with the shell, and an electrical driver connected with the power transfer member and electrically operable to rotate the power transfer member in response to receipt of an electrical authorizing signal, for rotation of the shell and plug between the first and second rotational positions when the key cylinder lock is in the locked condition.

[0004] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, a lock assembly includes a key cylinder lock and an electrically operable locking mechanism. The key cylinder lock includes a shell and a plug rotationally coupled with the shell in a locked condition and rotatable within the shell between first and second rotational positions in an unlocked condition upon insertion of an authorized key into a keyway in the plug. The electrically operable locking mechanism includes a blocking member and an electrical driver connected with the blocking member and electrically operable to move the blocking member from a first position blocking rotation of the shell to a second position permitting rotation of the shell in response to receipt of an electrical authorizing signal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a lock assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a lock assembly, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

[0008] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the lock assembly of Figure 2;

[0009] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the key cylinder lock assembly of the lock assembly of Figure 2;

[0010] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the key cylinder lock assembly of the lock assembly of Figure 2;

[0011] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of a lock assembly, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Figure 7 illustrates a partial front perspective view of a cabinet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, shown with the top external panel removed to illustrate additional features of the cabinet; [0013] Figure 7A is an enlarged front perspective view of the latch mechanism of the cabinet of Figure 7;

[0014] Figure 8 illustrates a partial rear perspective view of the cabinet of Figure 7, shown with the top and rear external panels removed to illustrate additional features of the cabinet;

[0015] Figure 8A is an enlarged rear perspective view of the latch mechanism of the cabinet of Figure 7;

[0016] Figure 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the electromechanical locking module of the cabinet of Figure 7; and

[0017] Figure 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of the electromechanical locking module of the cabinet of Figure 7.

Detailed Description

[0018] The Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as claimed and described is broader than and unlimited by the exemplary embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning. For example, while the specific embodiments described herein relate to electromechanical key cylinder lock assemblies for a cabinet, the inventive features may be utilized in many different types of locks for doors, containers, lockers, or other such structures. As another example, while the specific embodiments described herein relate to tubular or axial lock cylinders having axially displaceable locking pins, the inventive features may be used with many different types of mechanically operable lock cylinders, including, for example, wafer-type lock cylinders, radially displaceable tumbler pin-type lock cylinders, or other lock cylinders having a central plug or shaft disengageable from an outer cylinder or shell by insertion of a key into the central plug.

[0019] According to an exemplary aspect of the present application, a key cylinder lock assembly having a central plug or shaft disengageable from an outer shell by insertion of a key into the central plug may be provided with an electrically operable arrangement operatively connected with the shell. When the electrically operable arrangement receives an electrical authorizing signal (e.g., in response to a keypad entry, magnetic key card swipe, electromagnetic signal transmission, or biometric scan), a driver (e.g., a motor, solenoid, or other such component) rotates the mechanically locked shell and plug together (or permits such co-rotation), for example, for actuation of a latch mechanism operatively connected with the plug. Absent the electrical authorizing signal, the electrically operable arrangement blocks rotation of the shell, for example, by attempted rotation of an improper key inserted in the plug.

[0020] Many different types of electrically operable mechanisms may be utilized, including, for example, electric actuators, electrical switches, motors (linear or screw drive), shape memory alloy devices (e.g., a device using MUSCLE WIRES® or NANOMUSCLE® shape memory alloys), or solenoids (linear or rotary). The electrical signal may be supplied, for example, by an electronic keypad, biometric sensor, magnetic key card reader, wireless receiver or transceiver, or other such electronic lock interface connected with the electrically operable mechanism and configured to deliver the electrical signal in response to the receipt of an electrical authorizing signal. Additionally or alternatively, an electrical authorizing signal may be supplied automatically (i.e., without input from an authorized user) in response to a pre-identified condition, such as, for example, a time setting, an emergency alert signal, or proximity to a wireless signal transmitting device.

[0021] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary lock assembly 10 including a key cylinder lock 20 having a shell 22 and a plug 24 rotatable within the shell upon insertion of an authorized key K into a keyway 24a in the plug 24. The plug 24 is rotationally coupled with an actuator 27 that is operatively connected to a latching mechanism (e.g. a bolt, latch or other component) for movement of the latching mechanism between latching and releasing positions in response to rotation of the actuator 27. The lock assembly 10 further includes an electrically operable locking mechanism 40 having a power transfer member 42 (e.g., a gear, cam or other such component) rotationally coupled with the shell 22, and an electrical driver 45 connected (directly or indirectly) with the power transfer member and electrically operable to rotate the power transfer member 42 in response to receipt of an electrical authorizing signal (for example, from an electronic interface 49 assembled with the lock assembly). When the key cylinder lock 20 is in a locked condition, driver rotation of the power transfer member 42 rotates the shell 22, plug 24, and actuator 27 between first and second rotational positions to effect operation of the latching mechanism.

[0022] Many different types of electrically operable locking mechanisms may be utilized to rotate a shell of a key cylinder lock. As one example, an electric rotary motor may be assembled with a gear train to transmit motion of the electric motor to the lock shell. The gear train may be configured to reduce rotational speed (of the shell relative to the motor), increase motor torque, and/or block manual rotation of the lock shell in the absence of an electrical authorizing signal. Figures 2-5 illustrate an exemplary lock assembly 100 including an electrically operable locking mechanism 140 having an electric rotary motor 145 that is powered to rotate a power transfer gear 142 rotationally coupled with a lock cylinder shell 122 (e.g., by flatted shell hub and gear hole, as shown) of a key cylinder lock 120 in response to receipt of an electrical authorizing signal. The exemplary motor 145 includes an output shaft 141a secured with a worm 141 rotatabie to drive a worm gear 143. The worm gear 143 is rotationally fixed to a pinion gear 144 (by a shaft 143a on which the worm gear and pinion gear are mounted), which is rotatabie to drive a first idler gear 146. The first idler gear 146 is rotationally fixed to a second, smaller idler gear 147 (by a shaft 146a on which the first and second idler gears are mounted), which is rotatabie to drive the power transfer gear 142. When the key cylinder lock 120 is in a locked condition, operation of the motor 145 rotates the power transfer gear 142 to rotate the shell 122, plug 124, and tail piece 127 between a first rotational (e.g., latching) position and a second rotational (e.g., releasing) position. The exemplary tail piece 127 is secured to the plug 124 by a cotter pin 136, and includes a keyed bore 127a or other suitable couple feature to connect the tail piece to a portion of a latching mechanism (e.g., a rotatabie lock rod), such that rotation of the tail piece effects operation of the latching mechanism. The motor 145 may, but need not, be a bi-directional motor operable to rotate in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction to rotate the shell 122, plug 124, and tail piece 127 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, and to rotate in a second (e.g., counterclockwise) direction to rotate the shell 122, plug 124, and tail piece 127 from the second rotational position to the first rotational position.

[0023] To control electrical actuation of the tail piece 127, the lock assembly 100 may be provided with an internal printed circuit board (PCB) 150 having a motor control circuit configured to evaluate authorization data signals from an electronic interface (e.g., keypad, card reader, wireless receiver or transceiver, biometric scanner, etc.) connected to a data port 152 on the PCB 150, and to supply an electric authorization signal to the motor 145 (via electrical wiring 151) in response to identifying an authorization data signal that corresponds to a stored access credential (either within the lock or in an access control system in communication with the lock). The PCB 150 is connected with a power source (e.g., one or more batteries, not shown) to power the circuit. The power source may be disposed within the lock assembly or external to the lock assembly.

[0024] To limit and/or identify rotation of a key cylinder lock tail piece (and a connected latch mechanism) to one or more rotational positions, a lock assembly may be provided with a PCB having one or more limit switches positioned to be activated by a cam portion rotationally fixed with respect to the tail piece. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 2-5, a cam 128 is secured on the plug 124 by the tail piece 127, with the plug body 124b extending through a keyed hole 128a (see Figure 4) that prevents rotation of the cam 128 with respect to the plug 124 and tail piece 127. The cam 128 may be positioned on the plug 124 by a spacer 125 and spring 126, which axially biases the shell 122 and plug 124 toward the front housing member 121 (e.g., to take up any axial gap created due to the dimensional tolerances of components). The cam 128 includes a first end portion 129a that activates a first limit switch 159a (Figure 3) assembled with the PCB 150 when the tail piece 127 is in a first rotational position (e.g., a latching position) and a second end portion 129b that activates a second limit switch 1 9b assembled with the PCB 150 when the tail piece 127 is in a second rotational position (e.g., a releasing position). The PCB 150 may be configured to cease transmission of the electric authorizing signal to the motor 145 upon activation of either or both of the limit switch 159a, 159b, to prevent over-rotation of the tail piece 127 by the motor 145 beyond either or both of the first and second rotational positions. Activation of the limit switches 159a, 159b may also initiate transmission of a position identifying electronic signal, for example, to a control panel or other user interface to provide a positive indication that tail piece is in one of the first and second rotational positions.

[0025] Many different types of mechanical key cylinder locks may be adapted for electrical actuation, as described above. As one example, a tubular key cylinder lock having axially displaceable shear pins may be adapted for electrical actuation. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 2-5, the key cylinder lock 120 includes a front housing member 121 assembled with a plug 124 to define a tubular keyway 121a for receiving a tubular shaped key (not shown), and a shell 122 secured to the plug by a retaining ring 135 (fitted into a groove in the plug body 124b). The plug 124 includes a central cylinder 123 secured to the plug body 124b by a retaining pin 123a. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the plug 124 and shell 122 include a series of pin-retaining bores 124a, 122a around a circumference. The shell bores 122a partially retain tumbler pins 132 biased into the plug bores 124a by springs 131. The plug bores 124a retain driver pins 134, which may be secured within the plug bores by an end wall of the housing member 121 , radially outward of the keyway 121a. When an authorized key is fully inserted into the keyway 121a, a bitted forward edge of the key presses against the driver pins 134 to align the shear lines between each of the driver pins 134 and the

corresponding tumbler pins 132 with the shear line between the plug 124 and the shell 122, to permit rotation of the plug with respect to the shell. Subsequent rotation of the inserted key rotates the plug 124 and tail piece 127, while the shell 122 and power transfer gear 142 remain fixed. In the illustrated example, rotation of the plug 124 may be limited by prongs 121b extending from the housing member 121, which abut corresponding tabs 124c of the plug 124 to define first and second rotational limit positions of the plug. A retaining ring 133 may be installed around the prongs 121b to axially retain the front housing 121 onto the key cylinder lock assembly 120, with the plug tabs 124c being captured between the retaining ring 133 and the rear face of the front housing 121.

[0026] While an electrically operable locking mechanism may be configured to automatically rotate a key cylinder plug and shell, as described above, in another

embodiment, the electrically operable mechanism may be configured to block movement of the key cylinder shell in a locked condition, and allow movement of the key cylinder shell and plug in an unlocked condition. In one such embodiment, as schematically shown in Figure 6, an exemplary lock assembly 10a includes an electrically operable mechanism 40a provided with a blocking member 48a that is positioned to obstruct movement of a key cylinder shell 22a when the electrically operable mechanism 40a is in the locked condition, and is moved to a position that permits movement of the actuator 27a when the electrically operable mechanism is in the unlocked condition. In this unlocked condition, a (direct or indirect) user applied rotational force on the key cylinder shell 22a (e.g., applied to a collar, dial, bezel or other such user graspable portion 23a on an exposed portion of the shell) causes the shell 22a, plug 24a, and actuator 27a to rotate to effect operation of a latching mechanism. By utilizing user applied forces to move the key cylinder shell and plug (instead of the electrically operable mechanism), power consumption by the electrically operable mechanism may be minimized, allowing for longer battery life and/or a smaller power source.

[0027] A lock assembly having a key cylinder lock and an electrically operable locking mechanism, as described above, may be utilized in a variety of applications, including, for example, entry doors for buildings and vehicles, access doors for safes, cabinets and lockers, and locks for cabinet drawers, padlocks, and other assemblies. In one such embodiment, an electromechanical lock assembly is assembled with a front panel of a drawer retaining tool cabinet, for assembly with a lock rod actuated locking mechanism assembled with the cabinet. In one such embodiment, an electromechanical lock assembly may be provided in a subassembly or module that may be integrated into an existing cabinet having a lock rod actuated locking mechanism for securing or releasing one or more drawers.

[0028] An electromechanical locking module may be utilized with many different types of locking rod-actuated locking mechanism and may, for example, be adapted to replace a conventional mechanical key cylinder lock used with an existing locking rod-actuated locking mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 7, 7 A, 8 and 8A, a cabinet 200 having one or more drawers 270 assembled with an enclosure 205 includes an integrated electromechanical locking module 210 (see Figures 9 and 10) having a lock housing 21 1 enclosing an electromechanical lock assembly configured for mechanical key and electrical authorizing signal operation (such as, for example, one of the exemplary arrangements described above) of a locking rod-actuated latching mechanism 260. As shown, a rear tail piece 227 extends from the locking module 210 and includes a keyed bore 227a that receives a forward end of a locking rod 261, for rotation of the locking rod 261 in response to mechanical or electrical actuation of the lock assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking rod 261 is attached to a first end of a linking plate 262, with a second end of the linking plate being attached to an actuating rod 263. The actuating rod is attached to a flanged end 265a of a latch bar 265, and is pivotable about a fastener 264 in response to rotation of the tail piece 227 to disengage the latch bar 265 from hook-shaped latches 267 extending from rear portions of the cabinet drawers 270, thereby releasing the drawers to permit opening.

[0029] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary

embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions, Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions— such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on— may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred

arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure; however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

Claims

We claim:

1. A lock assembly comprising:

a key cylinder lock comprising a shell and a plug rotationaily coupled with the shell in a locked condition and rotatable within the shell between first and second rotational positions in an unlocked condition upon insertion of an authorized key into a keyway in the plug; an electrically operable locking mechanism comprising a power transfer member rotationaily coupled with the shell, and an electrical driver connected with the power transfer member and electrically operable to rotate the power transfer member in response to receipt of an electrical authorizing signal, for rotation of the shell and plug between the first and second rotational positions when the key cylinder lock is in the locked condition.

2. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrically operable locking mechanism secures the shell against rotation absent the electrical authorizing signal.

3. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrical driver comprises a rotary motor.

4. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrical driver is bi-directional.

5. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the power transfer member comprises a gear, the electrically operable locking mechanism further comprising a gear train connecting the electrical driver to the gear.

6. The lock assembly of claim 5, wherein the gear train is configured to prevent manual rotation of the shell absent transmission of the electrical authorizing signal to the electrical driver.

7. The lock assembly of claim 1, further comprising a driver control circuit in communication with the driver for transmitting the electrical authorizing signal to the driver.

8. The lock assembly of claim 7, further comprising a first limit switch in

communication with the driver control circuit, and a cam rotationaily coupled with the plug, the cam being shaped to activate the first limit switch when the plug is in the first rotational position.

9. The lock assembly of claim 8, wherein the driver control circuit is configured to cease transmission of the electrical actuating signal to the driver in response to activation of the first limit switch, to prevent rotation of the plug beyond the first rotational position.

10. The lock assembly of claim 8, further comprising a second limit switch in

communication with the driver control circuit, the cam being shaped to activate the second limit switch when the plug is in the second rotational position.

11. The lock assembly of claim 1, further comprising an actuator rotationally coupled to the plug, the actuator defining a keyed bore for attachment to a rotatable latch assembly.

12. The lock assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an electronic interface in

communication with the electrical driver and configured to transmit the electrical authorizing signal to the electrical driver in response to identification of an authorization data signal that corresponds to a stored access credential,

13. The lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the electronic interface comprises at least one of an electronic keypad, card reader, wireless receiver, and biometric scanner.

14. The lock assembly of claim 1 , wherein the power transfer member comprises a gear, the electrically operable locking mechanism further comprising a gear train connecting the electrical driver to the gear.

15. A cabinet comprising:

an enclosure;

the lock assembly of claim 1, assembled with the enclosure;

at least one drawer assembled with the enclosure and including a latch;

a locking rod having a first end rotationally coupled with the plug; and a latching mechanism assembled with a second end of the locking rod, the latching mechanism being in latching engagement with the latch of the at least one drawer when the plug is in the first rotational position, the latching mechanism being disengageable from the latch of the at least one drawer when the plug is in the second rotational position.

16. A lock assembly comprising:

a key cylinder lock comprising a shell and a plug rotationally coupled with the shell in a locked condition and rotatable within the shell between first and second rotational positions in an unlocked condition upon insertion of an authorized key into a keyway in the plug;

an electrically operable locking mechanism comprising a blocking member and an electrical driver connected with the blocking member and electrically operable to move the blocking member from a first position blocking rotation of the shell to a second position permitting rotation of the shell in response to receipt of an electrical authorizing signal.

17. The lock assembly of claim 16, further comprising a user graspable portion disposed on the shell for user rotation of the shell when the blocking member is in the second position.

18. The lock assembly of claim 16, wherein the electrically operable locking mechanism secures the shell against rotation absent the electrical authorizing signal.

19. The lock assembly of claim 16, wherein the electrical driver comprises a rotary motor.

20. The lock assembly of claim 6, wherein the electrical driver is bi-directional.