AU2017268520B2

AU2017268520B2 - A lock assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2017268520B2
Application number: AU2017268520A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Winston
Original assignee: Azuma Design Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Azuma Design Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-28
Filing date: 2017-11-28
Publication date: 2023-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-28
Also published as: AU2017268520A1

Abstract

A LOCK ASSEMBLY ABSTRACT A lock assembly (10) for installation in a sliding door or window. The lock assembly (10) includes a striker (11) to be fixed to a stationary part of the door or window, with the operating mechanism (12) of the lock assembly (10) being attached to the sliding door or window panel. The lock assembly (10) is operable with a fixed cylinder in which the cam member moves with the barrel (33) or a cylinder in which there is lost motion between the cam member and barrel (33). 1/5 55. Z61 34 L6 5(oA' 357 30 3

Description

1/5

55. Z61 34 L6 5(oA'

357

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A LOCK ASSEMBLY FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to lock assemblies, and more particularly but not exclusively to lock assemblies employed in hinged and sliding doors and windows.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are a variety of lock cylinders employed in locks. The lock cylinders include an outer housing that rotatably receives a barrel. Attached to the end extremity of the barrel is a cam member, that is moved angularly by operation of a key inserted in the barrel. The cam engages various items within the lock to cause operation of the lock.

[0003] In some instances the cam is fixed to the barrel so that there can be no relative movement therebetween. That is, whenever the barrel moves the cam moves with it. In other instances the cam is attached to the barrel to provide lost motion. For example, the barrel may be rotated in one direction to operate the lock, and then in the reverse direction to return to a position at which the key can be removed. However, the cam is maintained in the position to which it was moved. Accordingly, there needs to be lost motion between the cam and barrel to allow the key to be moved to a position at which it can be removed. The barrel is limited in respect of the angle it can move relative to the cylinder housing.

[0004] Lock assemblies for sliding doors and windows include a locking bar (slide) that is moved between a retaining position and a release position in respect of the lock tongue. In some jurisdictions, preference is given to lock cylinders that have the cam fixed to the barrel. In other jurisdictions, preference is given to lock cylinders in which there is lost motion between the barrel and the cam. Lock cylinders that provide lost motion are often referred to as locks having a "floating cam". Typically the cam is movable through 1800 in either direction from a home position. That is the key insertion position.

[0005] Disadvantages of the above discussed lock assemblies include complexity in respect of locks that have a cam fixed to the barrel, while a further disadvantage is that manufactures have to produce two different types of locks that basically perform the same function.

OBJECT

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] There is disclosed herein a lock assembly: a base; a lock slide mounted in the base for movement in a predetermined direction between a retaining position at which the slide can engage the striker to retain the striker fixed to the base, and a release position at which the striker can move away from the base; a pawl mounted on the slide and movable relative to the slide between a first position securing the slide in the retaining position, and a second position allowing movement of the slide between the retaining and the release positions thereof; a lock cylinder mounted on the base and operable to move the slide between the retaining and release positions thereof, and to move the pawl between the first and second positions thereof, the lock cylinder including a barrel moved angularly by a key, and a cam member mounted on the barrel so as to moved thereby, with the cam member engaging the slide and pawl to cause movement thereof; and wherein the lock cylinder is operable irrespective of whether the cam member is fixed to the barrel so that there cannot be relative movement therebetween, or whether the cam member is fixed to the barrel to provide for relative angular movement therebetween.

[0008] Preferably, the base includes a base projection engaged by the pawl to prevent movement of the slide to the release position.

[0009] Preferably, the lock slide moves linearly between the retaining and release positions thereof, and the pawl is angularly movable about an axis fixed with respect to the slide, the axis being transverse relative to said predetermined direction.

[0010] Preferably, said axis is spaced laterally relative to said projection, in a direction transverse of said predetermined direction.

[0011] Preferably, the pawl includes a pawl body, and a pawl projection with the pawl projection positionable to engage the base projection.

[0012] Preferably, the pawl projection passes the base projection along a first path and a second path, when the cylinder is a floating cylinder, while only along the second path when the cylinder is a fixed cylinder.

[0013] Preferably, the pawl is movable relative to the slide between the first and second positions, and a third position, the third position allowing movement of the slide between the retaining and release positions thereof.

[0014] Preferably, a spring urges the pawl to the second position.

[0015] Preferably, the first position is located angularly between the second and third positions.

[0016] Preferably, the lock assembly further includes a catch preventing movement of the pawl from the first position to the second position.

[0017] Preferably, the lock cylinder provides for the relative angular movement, the relative angular movement is lost motion that is limited.

[0018] There is further disclosed herein a lock assembly to engage a striker, the assembly including: a base; a locking bar mounted on the base and movable relative thereto between a retaining position engaging the striker to secure the striker attached to the base, and a release position allowing movement of the striker away from the base; a pawl mounted on the bar and movable relative thereto between a first position engaging the base to prevent movement of the locking bar from the retaining position to the release position, a second position and a third position allowing movement of the bar between the retaining position and the release position; and wherein the pawl is movable angularly between the first, second and third positions, with the first position being located angularly between the second and third positions.

[0019] Preferably, the base has an abutment engaged by the pawl, when the pawl is in the first position, to prevent movement of the bar to the release position from the retaining position.

[0020] Preferably, the pawl has a body, and pawl projection extending from the pawl body, with the pawl projection being provided to engage the abutment.

[0021] Preferably, the pawl projection is movable along a first path and a second path, the paths being on opposite sides of the abutment, when the bar moves between the retaining and release positions.

[0022] Preferably, a spring urges the pawl to the second position.

[0023] Preferably, the lock assembly further includes a catch mechanism preventing movement of the pawl from the first position to the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic parts exploded isometric view of a lock assembly for a sliding door or window;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic elevation of a portion of the lock of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of the lock of Figure 1 with the lock in an "unlocked" configuration;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic enlarged view of portion of the lock as shown in Figure 3;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation of the lock of Figure 1, with the lock in a "deadlock" configuration;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged view of portion of the lock of Figure 5;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation of the lock of Figure 1 in a "snib" configuration;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic enlarged view of portion of the lock as shown in Figure 7;

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic side elevation of the lock of Figure 1 in an "unlocked" configuration;

[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic enlarged view of portion of the lock as shown in Figure 9;

[0035] Figure 11 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of the lock assembly of Figure 1; and

[0036] Figure 12 is a schematic isometric view of a lock housing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] In the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted a lock assembly 10 for a sliding door or window. The lock assembly 10 includes a striker 11 to be fixed to a stationary part of the door or window frame, with the operating mechanism 12 of the lock assembly 10 being attached to the sliding door or window.

[0038] The lock assembly 10 includes a base (body) 13 that includes a face plate 14 and a lock body housing 15.

[0039] The face plate 14 and housing 15 cooperate to provide a cavity within which there is at least partly located a locking bar (slide) 16.

[0040] The locking bar 16 includes an elongated central portion 17 that abuts a longitudinally extending surface 18 of the face plate 14 so as to be guided in its sliding movement in the linear direction 19. The locking bar 16 and face plate 14 are both longitudinally elongated in the direction 19. The locking bar 16 has an aperture 51 through which the striker 11 may enter.

[0041] The lock bar 16 provides a socket 20 that supports a pawl 21. The pawl 21 is angularly movable about an axis 22. The axis 22 is generally transverse (perpendicular) relative to the direction 19. A spring 23 extends between the pawl 21 and locking bar 16 to urge the pawl 21 to move angularly in the direction 24 about the axis 22.

[0042] The pawl 21 has a projection 25 that can engage a projection (abutment) 26 on the housing 15, when aligned therewith in the direction 19. The axis 22 is spaced laterally relative to said projection 26, in a direction transverse (preferably perpendicular) of the direction 19. The projection extends from the pawl body 60 in a direction parallel to the axis 22.

[0043] The pawl 21 has a recess 27 within which there is located a spring 28 and pin 29. The spring 28 is compressed so that the pin 29 is urged outwardly of the recess 27 in a direction 52. The direction 52 is generally parallel to the axis 22.

[0044] A slide wall 30 of the housing 15 has a recess 31 providing a ramp surface 32 and an abutment surface 33. The pin 29 is engagable in the recess 31, so as to slide along the surface 32, but abut the surface 33 to prevent movement of the pawl 29 in the direction 34 beyond a predetermined position defined by the surface 33.

[0045] The housing 15 provides a socket 34 that supports a "crash" bar 35 for angular movement about an axis 36. A spring 37 extends between the bar 35 and housing 15 to urge the bar 35 in the direction 38.

[0046] The striker 11 includes a striker plate 39 from which there projects a hook tongue 40.

[0047] The face plate 14 has an aperture 41 through which the hook tongue 40 may pass.

[0048] In operation of the above described lock assembly 10, when the locking bar 16 is in the "unlocked" (release) position shown in Figures 3 and 4, and 9 and 10, the hook tongue 40 may enter and leave the operating mechanism 12 by entering and leaving the aperture 41.

[0049] However, when the hook tongue 40 projects through the aperture 41, so that the tongue 40 has its end extremity located within the operating mechanism 12, the striker 11 may be maintained fixed to the base 13 by the locking bar 16 engaging the hook tongue 40 to prevent its withdrawal back through the aperture 41, that is movement in the direction 42.

[0050] The locking bar 16 is moved between the abovementioned release position, and a retaining position by movement in the direction 19 by operation of a lock cylinder 42. The lock cylinder 42 has an outer housing 45, that receives a barrel 43 having a key slot. Fixed to the inner end of the barrel 43 is a cam member 44. The barrel 43 is movable angularly about the longitudinal axis 48 of the lock cylinder 42 by operation of a key.

[0051] The lock assembly 10 is adapted to operate irrespective of whether the cylinder 42 has the cam member 44 fixed (fixed cylinder) to the barrel 43 so that there can be no relative movement therebetween, or whether the cam member 44 (floating cylinder) is fixed to the barrel 43 so as to provide lost motion therebetween, as discussed previously.

[0052] The cylinder 42 is mounted in the socket 49 of the housing 15, with the barrel 43 moving angularly about the axis 48. The axis 48 is generally parallel to the axes 22 and 36 and generally transverse (perpendicular) to the direction 19 and the direction 46.

[0053] Preferably, the housing 15 includes a spring loaded ball 55, located in a recess 59 of the housing 15, that is urged into engagement with a first 56 or a second depression 57 by a spring 58, to act as a locating means when the locking bar 16 is to be located in the release position and the retaining position.

[0054] In operation of the above described lock assembly 10, with a fixed cylinder, the striker 11 (hook tongue 40) enters the aperture 41 so that the hook tongue 40 is located internally of the operating mechanism 12. The striker 11 is maintained fixed to the base 13 if the locking bar 16 is moved in the direction 19 from the release position to the retaining position. In the retaining position portion the locking bar 16 is located between the hook tongue 40 and the face plate 14 preventing movement of the striker 11 in the direction 46. The retaining position is shown in Figures 3 to 8. The release position is shown in Figures 9 and 10. In the release position the aperture 51 is aligned with the aperture 41 so that the hook tongue 40 can move through both apertures 41 and 51. In the retaining position, the apertures 41 and 51 are only partly aligned.

[0055] The pawl 21 is movable angularly about the axis 22 between positions at which the locking bar 16 is retained in the retaining position, or is permitted to move between the retaining and release positions.

[0056] In Figures 5 and 6, the pawl 21 has its projection 25 aligned with the projection 26 preventing movement of the bar 16 to the release position. In Figures 3, 4 and 7 to 10, the projection 25 is not aligned with the projection 26, the bar 16 is free to move. With reference to

Figures 9 and 10, the cam member 44 is moved angularly about the axis 48 until it engages the body 60 of the pawl 21, and causes the pawl 21 to move angularly in a direction opposite the direction 24, further compressing the spring 23. The projection 25 moves beneath the projection 26, with further angular movement of the cam member 44 causing the pawl 21 to move in the direction 48 until the locking bar 16 is located between the hook tongue 40 and the face plate 14. Thereafter, the cam member 44 moves from contact with the pawl 21, releasing the pawl 21 for movement in the direction 24. However, the pin 29 will abut the surface 33 maintaining the projection 25 aligned with the projection 26, that is preventing movement of the locking bar 16. This is the "deadlock" position.

[0057] To release the striker 11, the barrel 43 is moved angularly in a direction opposite the direction 48, so that the cam member 44 engages the body 60 of the pawl 21, causing it move in a direction opposite the direction 24, that is a direction compressing the spring 23. The projection 25 moves from alignment with the projection 26. Accordingly the locking bar 16 is free for movement. However, the cam member 44 also engages an abutment surface 50 of the locking bar 16 so that continued movement of the cam member 44 moves the locking bar 16 in a direction opposite the direction 48, that is a position at which the locking bar 16 is not located between the hook tongue 40 and the face plate 14. Accordingly, the striker 11 can be moved in the direction 46 through the aligned apertures 41 and 51.

[0058] The key is further operated to move the cam member 44 until it is in the position as shown in Figures 7 and 8. This enables removal of the key. However, the projections 25 and 26 are still not aligned, accordingly the locking bar 16 is free for movement and can be manually manipulated in a "snib" operation by a user, that is moved between the release and retaining positions.

[0059] If the locking bar 16 is free for movement, but is located in the retaining position, the cylinder 42 is operated to move the cam member 44 to engage the pawl 21 to move the pawl 21 to compress the spring 23, with the pin 29 engaging in the recess 31 and abutting the surface 32, so that the locking bar 16 is then maintained in the retaining position, that is the deadlock position. To do so, the cam member 44 is moved in the angular direction 53, until the pin 29 is engaged in the recess 31, and then is returned to the position shown in Figure 7 at which the key may then be removed.

[0060] Where the cylinder 42 (floating cylinder) provides for lost motion between the barrel 43 and the cam member 44. If the lock assembly 10 is in the "deadlock" position as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lock assembly 10 can be operated by moving the cam member 44 in the direction 53 until it engages the body 60 of the pawl 21 and moves the pawl 21 so that the projections 25 and 26 are no longer engaged. The key would then be returned to the position at which the key aperture is as shown in Figure 5. However, due to lost motion between the cam member 44 and the barrel 43, the cam member 44 maintains its engagement with the pawl 21 to maintain the pawl 21 in a position at which the projections 25 and 26 are not aligned. This position is shown in Figure 3. Accordingly, the cam member 44 maintains the pawl 21 in a position at which the locking bar 16 is free for movement between the retaining position and the release position. The cam member 44 maintains its engagement with the pawl 21 by engagement intherecess54ofthepawl21. However, upon further angular movement of the key, and therefore further angular movement of the cam member 44, the cam member 44 will engage the surface 50 and move the locking bar 16 to the release position. The key would then be returned to a position at which the key hole is located as shown in Figure 3. The key could be removed. However, the pawl 21 is still retained in a position, by the cam member 44, maintaining the projections 25 not aligned with the projection 26. This would be the "snib" operating position in that the locking bar 16 is free for movement between its release and retaining positions.

[0061] When the locking bar 16 is in the "snib" mode of operation, and irrespective of whether it is in the release or retaining positions, movement of the cam member 44 in the direction 48, will move the locking bar 16 to the retaining position, if not already located therein, and then release the pawl 21 so that it moves to a position at which the projections 25 and 26 are aligned, that is the lock assembly 10 is in the "deadlocked" configuration. When the locking bar is in the "snib" mode, the striker 11 can be selectively retained and released by movement of the bar 16.

[0062] To "deadlock" the lock assembly 10, the locking bar 16 is returned to the retaining position. Thereafter the key is inserted in the barrel 43 and moved in a direction opposite the direction 53 which will cause movement of the cam member 44 from engagement with the pawl 21. The pawl 21 will then move to a position aligning the projections 25 and 26 under the influence of the spring 23 and engagement of the pin 29 with the surface 33.

[0063] The bar 35 is urged to engage the bar 16, to prevent movement of the bar 16 from the release position to the retaining position unless the hook tongue 40 projects through the aligned apertures 41 and 51 to engage the bar 35 to move it to a position at which it permits movement of the bar 16 from the retaining position to the release position. This operation of the bar 35 prevents engagement of the hook tongue 40 with the bar 16 by preventing location of the bar 16 at a position projecting across the aperture 41. That is a position at which it could engage in an impact with the hook tongue 40.

[0064] When using a fixed cylinder 42, the projection 24 moves along the paths 61 and 62 (Figure 8) when passing the projection 26, while when using a floating cam cylinder 42, the cam member 44 moves the pawl 21 in a direction opposite the direction 24 so that the projection 24 moves only along the path 62 when passing the projection 26. The paths 61 and 62 are located on opposite sides of the projection 26 and extend in the direction 19.

[0065] The projection 25 is movable angularly relative to the slide 16, about the axis 22, between a first position aligned with the projection 26 to prevent movement of the slide 16, and two release positions (second and third positions) along which the projection moves along one of the paths 61 or 62 (for the fixed cam cylinder), or just the path 62 (for the floating cam cylinder).

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lock assembly: a base; a lock slide mounted in the base for movement in a predetermined direction between a retaining position at which the slide can engage the striker to retain the striker fixed to the base, and a release position at which the striker can move away from the base; a pawl mounted on the slide and movable relative to the slide between a first position securing the slide in the retaining position, and a second position allowing movement of the slide between the retaining and the release positions thereof; a lock cylinder mounted on the base and operable to move the slide between the retaining and release positions thereof, and to move the pawl between the first and second positions thereof, the lock cylinder including a barrel moved angularly by a key, and a cam member mounted on the barrel so as to moved thereby, with the cam member engaging the slide and pawl to cause movement thereof; and wherein the lock cylinder is operable irrespective of whether the cam member is fixed to the barrel so that there cannot be relative movement therebetween, or whether the cam member is fixed to the barrel to provide for relative angular movement therebetween.

2. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the base includes abase projection engaged by the pawl to prevent movement of the slide to the release position.

3. The lock assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock slide moves linearly between the retaining and release positions thereof, and the pawl is angularly movable about an axis fixed with respect to the slide, the axis being transverse relative to said predetermined direction.

4. The lock assembly of claim 3, wherein said axis is spaced laterally relative to said projection, in a direction transverse of said predetermined direction.

5. The lock assembly of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pawl includes a pawl body, and a pawl projection with the pawl projection positionable to engage the base projection.

6. The lock assembly of claim 5, wherein the pawl projection passes the base projection along a first path and a second path, when the cylinder is a floating cylinder, while only along the second path when the cylinder is a fixed cylinder.

7. The lock assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pawl is movable relative to the slide between the first and second positions, and a third position, the third position allowing movement of the slide between the retaining and release positions thereof.

8. The lock assembly of claim 7, wherein a spring urges the pawl to the second position.

9. The lock assembly of claim 7 or 8 wherein, the first position is located angularly between the second and third positions.

10. The lock assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lock assembly further includes a catch preventing movement of the pawl from the first position to the second position.

11. The lock assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lock cylinder provides for the relative angular movement, the relative angular movement is lost motion that is limited.

12. A lock assembly to engage a striker, the assembly including: a base; a locking bar mounted on the base and movable relative thereto between a retaining position engaging the striker to secure the striker attached to the base, and a release position allowing movement of the striker away from the base; a pawl mounted on the bar and movable relative thereto between a first position engaging the base to prevent movement of the locking bar from the retaining position to the release position, a second position and a third position allowing movement of the bar between the retaining position and the release position; and wherein the pawl is movable angularly between the first, second and third positions, with the first position being located angularly between the second and third positions.

13. The lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the base has an abutment engaged by the pawl, when the pawl is in the first position, to prevent movement of the bar to the release position from the retaining position.

14. The lock assembly of claim 13, wherein the pawl has a body, and pawl projection extending from the pawl body, with the pawl projection being provided to engage the abutment.

15. The lock assembly of claim 13 or 14, wherein the pawl projection is movable along a first path and a second path, the paths being on opposite sides of the abutment, when the bar moves between the retaining and release positions.

16. The lock assembly of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein a spring urges the pawl to the second position.

17. The lock assembly of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the lock assembly further includes a catch mechanism preventing movement of the pawl from the first position to the second position.

Azuma Design Pty Limited Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON&FERGUSON