US3818239A - Selective switch actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

A selective switch actuator is provided for a lock having an electrical release. Circuitry controlling the electrical release includes several setting switches manually operated to select a combination. The circuitry also includes several actuating switches. Simultaneous firm closure of the actuating switches in the selected combination energizes the electrical release. Closure of the actuating switches in other than the selected combination or other than firmly and simultaneously, even in the selected combination, does not energize the release but gives an alarm. A special duress switch may be provided to give the alarm at any time.

Description

O United States Patent [191 [111 3,818,239 Schlage June 18, 1974 SELECTIVE SWITCH ACTUATOR 75 Inventor: Ernest L. Schlage, Burlingame, 52222 3g fggg ig g f ig Calif Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lothrop & West [73] Assignee: Schlage Lock Company, San

Francisco, Calif. ABSTRACT [22] Filed: June 1973 A selective switch actuator is provided for a lock hav- [21] Appl. No.: 368,743 ing an electrical release. Circuitry controlling the electrical release includes several setting switches manually operated to select a combination. The circuitry 56 also includes several actuating switches. Simultaneous [58] d 340/164 R firm closure of the actuating switches in the selected 0 :8 149 R 6 6 64 61 f combination energizes the electrical release. Closure 317 I13 200/43 5 7O/DIG 30 4 of the actuating switches in other than the selected combination or other than firmly and simultaneously, [56 R f Ct d even in the selected combination, does not energize 1 e erences e the release but gives an alarm. A special duress switch UNITED STATES PATENTS may be provided to give the alarm at any time. 3,538,501 11/1970 Nance 340/164 R 3,609,738 9/1971 Marte 340/164 R 7 Clams, 5 Drawlng Flgures SELECTIVE SWITCH ACTUATOR In the interests of increased security, particularly in dwellings such as apartment houses and the like, it is often preferred to have available some sort of combination control of the electrically operated entrance lock.

The occupant may internally select from time to time whatever combination appeals to him. He, and those with the combination, cangain access to the premises by externally actuating the selected combination. A difficulty might arise if the actuator, usually located exteriorly next to the door, could be actuated by unauthorized individuals trying at random to produce the necessary entering combination. Many apartment houses have electrically actuated releases for the entrance door latch bolt. These are ordinarily installed for re mote control from an interior location only and are in addition to the usual, key actuated lock.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a selective switch actuator for an electrical release for a door lock that will permit a person on the inside arbitrarily to select any of a number of combinations and will afford ingress to the premises when the units of the selectedcombination are firmly and simultaneously impressed on push buttons available on the outside.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the sort indicated in which an alarm is given if the entering combination is not impressed by simultaneous actuation of the selected push buttons.

Another object of the invention is to provide a selective switch actuator that can be constructed of substantially standard, available parts and that can be energized from the customarily available alternating current supply.

' A further object of the invention is to provide a simple, straightforward but highly secure selective switch actuator for a lock with an electrical release.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a device of the sort mentioned having an emergency or duress alarm.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a selective switch actuator of improved characteristics.

Other objects together with the foregoing are attained in the embodiment of the invention described in the accompanying description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation, with portions broken away, showing one form of selective switch actuator as it appears from theexterior of a door affording access to a dwelling or comparabe enclosure;

- invention can be embodied in a number of different ways and can sustain many variations as required by individual installations, it is described as it is installed in connection with a dwelling. This has a wall 3 defining an enclosure and having an interior surface 4 and an exterior surface 6. In the wall is a door panel 7 having a lock 8 of any suitable character, usually key controlled, installed therein. The lock cooperates with a strike 9 installed in the wall 3 and effective to receive the bolt 11 of the lock in the customary way. The strike, however, has a bolt release 12 actuated by an electromagnetic coil. This is a standard unit and releases the bolt 11 from the strike 9 even though the bolt 11 is not retracted by actuation of the lock 8. Those possessing proper keys can always actuate the lock 8 to withdraw the bolt 11 and gain entry to the enclosure. In addition, those without keys can be admitted to the enclosure when the occupant energizes the electrical release 12. During electrical actuation the strike 9 yields and the projected bolt can swing with the door panel 7.

Pursuant to the present invention there is afforded for the occupant, in any convenient location but preferably one alongside the door panel 7, an interior mounting plate 16 carrying an arbitrary number of setting or primary switches 17. Illustrated in FIG. 3 is a set of ten switches 17 having numerals 18 or other identifying indicia over a range of ten. The primary switches 17 are, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 4, single pole, double throw switches having base terminals 19, 19 19 first line terminals 21, 21 21 and second line terminals 22, 22 22 The primary switches 17 are standard toggle switches manually actuated between either of two extreme positions and remaining in whatever position they are set. The effect of actuation is to move the blade of the primary switch to complete a circuit from the base terminal 19 to either the first line terminal 21 or the second line terminal 22.

On the exterior 6 of the wall 3, preferably alongside the door panel 7, there is provided a housing 26 containing a group of ten secondary switches 27. All of the secondary switches are alike. As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, each of them is a single pole, double throw, push button, spring return switch of a standard nature. The secondary switches 27 include input terminals 28, 28 28 first output terminals 29, 29 29 and second output terminals 31, 31 31 as well as push buttons 32 and return springs 33.

When actuated by depression of the push button 32 against the spring 33, the secondary switch blade, which normally completes a circuit between the input terminal 28 and the first output terminal 29, breaks the stated circuit and completes a circuit between the input terminal 28 and the second output terminal 31. When finger pressure is removed from the button 32 the spring 33 restores the secondary switch from its momentarily displaced position into its original position. Although the number of secondary switches 27 corresponds exactly with the number of primary switches 17, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for simplicity in diagramming but six secondary switches are shown in FIG. 4. Any number of switches can be utilized, although ten of each kind is an effective, practical number.

The electrical arrangement, as shown in FIG. 4, operates with volt alternating current available at the usual mains 36 and 37. A transformer 38 has its secondary 39 joined by the usual conductors through a manual main switch 40 to a first terminal 41 and to a second terminal 42. An actuating voltage is available across the terminals 41 and 42 whenever the main switch 40 is closed. Connecting the terminals 41 and 42 is a circuit loop including a third terminal 43 and a fourth terminal 44. A normally spring opened master switch 45, later referred to, is in series between the terminals 41 and 43 while a relatively high resistance alarm 46 and a diode 47 are in series between the third terminal 43 and the fourth terminal 44. The actuating coil 48 of the electrical release 12 is in series with a second diode 49, both being interposed between the second terminal 42 and the fourth terminal 44. Connected to the second terminal 42 and the fourth terminal 44 is a voltage dropping resistor 51.

Between the terminals 43 and 44, parallel to the alarm 46 and the diode 47, is a relatively low resistance switch network. From the fourth terminal 44 a conductor 52 extends to the base terminal 19 of the first of the primary switches 17. A conductor 53 extends from the base terminal 19 of the last of the primary switches and goes to the third terminal 43. The other base terminals 19 19, of the remaining primary switches are connected in pairs by conductors 54 and 56, for example. The first line terminals 21 21 of the primary switches 17 are connected by condutors 57 57 with respective first output terminals 29 29 of the opposite ones of the secondary switches 27. The second line terminals 22'. 22 of the primary switches 17 17 are connected by conductors 58 58 to the second output terminals 31 31., of the corresponding secondary switches 27. The input terminals 28 28 of the secondary switches 27 are connected in pairs by conductors 59, 61, 62.

Particularly in accordance with the invention, it is desired to arrange the outside, secondary, push button switches 27 so that they will afford no actuation unless all of the push buttons corresponding to the preselected combination are operated firmly and simultaneously. For that reason all of the secondary switches 27 are mounted on a movable, depressible panel 66 within the housing 26. The panel is supported on a frame 67 in turn connected to a supporting base 68 by means of pairs of parallel links 69 and 71 having appropriate pivots 72 connecting them to the base 68 and to the frame .67. A guide post 73 is fast on the panel 66 and telescopes in a tube 74 outstanding from the base 68. A spring 76 is'interposed between the tube 74 and the post 73. The strength of the spring 76 is greater than that of the springs 33 of the push button switches 27. Depression of the push buttons 32 overcomes the springs 33 and closes portions of the circuit. The users fingers then come into abutment with the panel 66 and continued pressure holds the buttons 32 down simultaneously and moves the panel 66 toward the base 68. This compresses the spring 76 and moves the links 69 and 71 until the frame 67 has moved sufficiently so that the spring 76 is materially compressed.

This depression of the panel 66 actuates the master switch 45 through a spring lever 78 engaged in a notch 79 in the frame 67. When the frame 67 is sufficiently depressed by the spring 78 closes the master switch 45. Closure of any of the primary switches 17 and corresponding secondary switches makes a circuit as soon as the master switch 45 is closed.

In the usual operation of the structure, the occupant energizes the main switch 40 and then arbitrarily selects a combination of any two or more of the primary switches 17 by moving them from their upper positions to their lower positions. These can be a combination of but one primary switch but this is subject to arbitrary defeat in a short time. Assume that the arbitrary combination selected is 1-2-3. That means that the first of the primary switches 17 has its blade moved from the terminal 21 to the terminal 22, as do the next two primary switches 17. This establishes or sets the arbitrary combination.

In order to gain access to the enclosure, a person on the outside knowing that combination depresses the push button secondary switches 27 in exactly the same combination; namely 1-2-3 and does so simultaneously. That means that the switch blades of the top three switches 27 in FIG. 4 are moved from contact with the first output terminal 29, 29 and 29 into momentary contact with the second output terminals 31, 31 and 31 The circuit can then be traced from the fourth terminal 44 through the conductor 52 and the base terminal 19 to the terminal 22. The circuit continues through the conductor 58 to the terminal 31 of the top secondary switch 27 and from that terminal to the terminal 28 thereof. The flow is then through the pair conductor 59 into the terminal 28 of the secondary switch, which is also depressed. Flow continues through the terminal 31 of that switch and through its associated conductor 58 to the second line terminal 22 of the secondary primary switch and thence to the terminal 19 The circuit continues through the pair conductor 54 to the terminals 19;, of the third primary switch 17 thence through the conductor 58;, to the second output terminal 31 of the third secondary switch 27. Flow is then to the input terminal 28 of the third switch and from there through the pair conductor 61, say to the input terminal 28 of a later switch 27 which'is not depressed. Flow is then through the conductor 57g to the eight primary switch 17 and through it to the conductor 56 and thence to the unactuated next primary switch and via the conductor 57,, to the unactuated ninth secondary switch. The circuit continues through the pair conductor 62 to the tenth unactuated secondary switch thence back through the conductor 57., to the tenth primary switch and so to the conductor 53 and to the third terminal.

A circuit is then traced from the third terminal 43 through the master switch 45 closed upon actuation of the push button switches because of the mechanical depression of the frame 67 and continues through the main switch 40 to the transformer 38. The other side of the transformer connects to the second terminal 42. The circuit branches, one part going through the electromagnetic coil 48 at the release 12 and through the diode 49 to the fourth terminal 44. The other circuit branch is from the second terminal 42 through the resistor 51 to the fourth terminal 44. Thus, if all of the proper combination exterior buttons 32 are pressed simultaneously and firmly so that the master switch 45 is also closed, the coil 48 of the release 12 is actuated and the door panel 7 can be opened. If, however, any of the push buttons of the secondary switches 27 not in the selected combination are actuated, the switching circuit remains open and the release coil 48 is not energized.

Particularly pursuant to the invention, if an erroneous combination of push buttons is actuated or if the push buttons are not actuated simultaneously, not only is the coil 48 not energized but an alarm is sounded. During one alternation of the current from the transformer secondary 39, flow is to the second terminal 42, through the coil 48 and the diode 49 to the fourth terminal 44 and also through the resistor 51 to the fourth terminal. From the fourth terminal there is no flow through the conductor 52 and the switching circuit since that circuit is open. Also there is no flow through the diode 47 During the other alternation, current flow is to the first terminal 41 and through the master switch 45, which is closed by the depression of the improper secondary switch 27, and to the third terminal 43. Current then flows through the alarm 46 and the diode 47 and through the resistor 51 to the second terminal 42 and back to the transformer 38. The alarm is thus given.

There is a possible disadvantage if all of the primary switches 17 are in their unactuated condition. There is then a circuit between the third terminal 43 and the fourth terminal 44 through the switch network. if then the panel 66 is depressed directly without depression of any of the push buttons 32, a low resistance circuit through the switch network is completed, shunting the high resistance alarm 46 but energizing the coil 48 so that the door latch is released. If this operation is not desired, it is important to have at least one of the primary switches 17 displaced from its unactuated position to its code or combination position. For example, if the primary switch 17 is actuated to set a code 1, then the closed switching circuit, just described, is interrupted. Upon direct manual depression of the panel 66, the shunt path not being available, the coil 48 is not energized but rather the alarm 46 is energized. Thus if even an elementrary combination is introduced into the primary switches 17 and the panel 66 is depressed by itself, an alarm is sounded.

The simultaneous closure of the secondary push button switches 27 in the combination is made mandatory by the function of the panel 66 in actuating the master switch 45. Depression at different times of any one or two or all of the secondary push button switches of the combination does not produce operation of the release 12 since a release actuating circuit is completed only when no less and no more than the secondary switches 27 of the combination and the master switch 45 are closed.

As an additional feature, it is preferred to provide on the mounting plate 16 an additional toggle switch 82 referred to as a duress switch. This is connected directly between one of the main conductors and the third terminal 43 so that when the duress switch 82 is actuated a circuit is established through the alarm 46, the diode 47 and the resistor 51 to the transformer 38. Should the occupant open the door 7 inadvertently and find an unwelcome visitor, actuation of the duress switch 82 then sounds an immediate alarm.

In this way there has been provided a security system by which any arbitrary combination can be introduced into the system by actuation of any selected one or more of the toggle switches. By appropriate operation of the push buttons the door latch will be released. lmproper operation of the push buttons sounds the alarm and the latch mechanism is not released.

What is claimed is:

l. A selective switch actuator system for use with a lock having an electrical release comprisng a set of primary, single pole, double throw switches; a set of secondary, spring opened, single pole, double throw switches; a source of electrical energy; a circuit connecting in series said source; said sets of primary and secondary switches and said release; a spring opened master switch; means for including said master switch in said circuit in series; and means responsive to closure of at least one of said secondary switches for closing said master switch.

2. A system as in claim 1 in which each of said primary switches is a toggle switch having a base terminal and first and second line terminals, and each of said secondary switches is a push button switch having an input terminal and first and second output terminals, one side of said circuit is connected to one of said base terminals, the other side of said circuit is connected to another of said base terminals, the remaining ones of said base terminals are connected in pairs, each of said first line terminals is connectd to a respective one of said first output terminals, each of said second line terminals is connected to a respective one of said second output terminals, and said input terminals are connected in pairs.

3. A system as in claim 1 in which said responsive means includes a movable panel having said set of secondary switches mounted thereon, and movement of said panel closes said master switch.

4. A selective switch actuator system for use with a lock having an electrical release comprising a source of alternating current having a first terminal and a second terminal; a circuit loop connected across said first and second terminals; third and fourth terminals in said circuit loop; a master switch in series in said circuit loop between said first and said third terminals; an alarm and a first diode in series in said circuit loop between said third and said fourth terminals; a second diode; means for connecting said second diode and said electrical release in series between said second and said fourth terminals; a resistor connected to said second and said fourth terminals; a primary single pole, double throw switch having a base terminal and first and second line terminals; means for connecting said base terminal to said fourth terminal; a secondary spring opened, single pole; double throw switch having an input terminal and first and second output terminals; means for connecting said input terminal and said third terminal; means for connecting said first line terminal with said first output terminal; and means for connecting said second line terminal with said second output terminal.

5. A system as in claim 4 including a main switch in series in said circuit loop.

6. A system as in claim 4 including a duress switch, means for connecting one side of said duress switch to said first terminal, and means for connecting the other side of said duress switch to said third terminal.

7. A system as in claim 4 in which the resistance of said primary switch and said secondary switch and the means connecting them to each other and to said third and said fourth terminals is less than the resistance of said first diode, said alarm and the means connecting them to said third and said fourth terminals.

Claims (7)

1. A selective switch actuator system for use with a lock having an electrical release comprisng a set of primary, single pole, double throw switches; a set of secondary, spring opened, single pole, double throw switches; a source of electrical energy; a circuit connecting in series said source, said sets of primary and secondary switches and said release; a spring opened master switch; means for including said master switch in said circuit in series; and means responsive to closure of at least one of said secondary switches for closing said master switch.

2. A system as in claim 1 in which each of said primary switches is a toggle switch having a base terminal and first and second line terminals, and each of said secondary switches is a push button switch having an input terminal and first and second output terminals, one side of said circuit is connected to one of said base terminals, the other side of said circuit is connected to another of said base terminals, the remaining ones of said base terminals are connected in pairs, each of said first line terminals is connectd to a respective one of said first output terminals, each of said second line terminals is connected to a respective one of said second output terminals, and said input terminals are connected in pairs.

3. A system as in claim 1 in which said responsive means includes a movable panel having said set of secondary switches mounted thereon, and movement of said panel closes said master switch.

4. A selective switch actuator system for use with a lock having an electrical release comprising a source of alternating current having a first terminal and a second terminal; a circuit loop connected across said first and second terminals; third and fourth terminals in said circuit loop; a master switch in series in said circuit loop between said first and said third terminals; an alarm and a first diode in series in said circuit loop between said third and said fourth terminals; a second diode; means for connecting said second diode and said electrical release in series between said second and said fourth terminals; a resistor connected to said second and said fourth terminals; a primary single pole, double throw switch having a base terminal and first and second line terminals; means for connecting said base terminal to said fourth terminal; a secondary spring opened, single pole, double throw switch having an input terminal and first and second output terminals; means for connecting said input terminal and said third terminal; means for connecting said first line terminal with said first output terminal; and means for connecting said second line terminal with said second output terminal.

5. A system as in claim 4 including a main switch in series in said circuit loop.

6. A system as in claim 4 including a duress switch, means for connecting one side of said duress switch to said first terminal, and means for connecting the other side of said duress switch to said third terminal.

7. A system as in claim 4 in which the resistance of said primary switch and said secondary switch and the means connecting them to each other and to said third and said fourth terminals is less than the resistance of said first diode, said alarm and the means connecting them to said third and said fourth terminals.

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