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Title:
ELECTRONIC LOCKSET
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/071307
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
This invention relates to an electronic lockset (1) to control movement of a bolt (5) by rotation of either an outer hand operable member (8) or an inner hand operable member (7). The electronic lockset (1) includes an outer coupling (19) and an inner coupling (20) which are each adjustable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition to render each of the inner hand operable member (7) and an outer hand operable member (8) operable or inoperable respectively. The electronic lockset (1) also includes an outer user interface (9) which can receive user credentials to adjust at least a condition of the inner coupling (20) from the engaged condition to the disengaged condition.

Inventors:
SULLIVAN KEVIN (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2018/051095
Publication Date:
April 18, 2019
Filing Date:
October 10, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ASSA ABLOY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (AU)
International Classes:
E05B47/06; E05B13/00; E05B63/16; G07C9/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2006016826A22006-02-16
Foreign References:
EP2386705A12011-11-16
US20140047878A12014-02-20
EP1378621A12004-01-07
US20030084690A12003-05-08
US20170284129A12017-10-05
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK (AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1 . An electronic lockset for installation on a door to control movement of a bolt, the electronic lockset including an outer body for location on an outer side of the door having an outer hand operable member, and an inner body for location on an inner side of the door having an inner hand operable member, each of the outer hand operable member and inner hand operable member are rotatable for moving the bolt from an outer side and inner side of the door respectively, at least an outer user interface configured for receiving user inputs from an outer side of the door, a powered control mechanism in communication with the outer user interface to control operation of the inner hand operable member and the outer hand operable member, the control mechanism includes an outer coupling mechanism within the outer body to interact between the outer hand operable member and the bolt which is adjustable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition to render the outer hand operable member operable or inoperable respectively, and the control mechanism includes an inner coupling mechanism within the inner body to interact between the inner hand operable member and the bolt which is adjustable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition to render the inner hand operable member operable or inoperable respectively, wherein power control mechanism also includes a control circuit adapted to process the user inputs and cause the control mechanism to adopt an access mode whereby at least the outer hand operable member is rendered operable for moving the bolt, or a secure mode whereby the outer hand operable member and the inner hand operable member are each rendered inoperable for moving the bolt.

2. An electronic lockset according to claim 1 wherein control circuit is adapted to process the user inputs and cause the control mechanism to adopt a passage mode whereby the outer hand operable member and the inner hand operable member are rendered operable form moving the bolt.

3. An electronic lockset according to claims 1 or 2 including an inner user interface configured for receiving user inputs from an inner side of the door wherein and the control circuit is adapted to process the user inputs to cause the control mechanism to an escape mode whereby at least the inner hand operable member is rendered operable for moving the bolt.

4. An electronic lockset according to claim 3 wherein the inner user interface includes any one or combination of a keypad, reader or means for receiving an electronic or magnetic signal, biometric signature and forms part of the inner body.

5. An electronic lockset according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the control circuit is adapted to process the user inputs and cause the control mechanism to adopt a privacy mode whereby the outer hand operable member is rendered inoperable and the inner hand operable member is rendered operable.

6. An electronic lockset according to claim 5 wherein the control circuit is adapted to cause the control mechanism to switch to safe mode after a selected period of time of the control mechanism adopting access mode, secure mode, passage mode or escape mode.

7. An electronic lockset according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the user inputs includes any one or more of the following user credentials for identifying the user, user selections for selecting the mode adopted by the control mechanism, temporary user for enabling the user to make user selections for a set period of time based on the user credentials, maintenance for providing the user with information on the performance of the electronic lockset and master for providing the user with authority to program the control mechanism while the electronic lockset is installed.

8. An electronic lockset according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer user interface includes any one or combination of a keypad, reader or means for receiving an electronic or magnetic signal, biometric signature and forms part of the inner body.

9. An electronic lockset according to any one of the preceding claims including an inner spindle and an outer spindle each acting between the bolt and the inner coupling and outer coupling respectively.

10. An electronic lockset according to any one of the preceding claims including an inner powered actuator within the inner body which adjusts the condition of the inner coupling when powered, and an outer powered actuator within the outer body which adjusts the condition of the outer coupling when powered.

1 1 . An electronic lockset according to claim 10 wherein the inner powered actuator has an inner detent and the outer powered actuator has an outer detent that each are adjustable between an active position and an inactive position in which they render their respective inner coupling and outer coupling disengaged and engaged respectively.

12. An electronic lockset according to any one of claims 9 to 1 1 wherein each of the inner coupling and outer coupling includes a first member and a second member, each first member being associated with the outer hand operable member or inner hand operable member respectively so as to rotate about an axis on operation of the outer hand operable member or inner hand operable member, the second member associated with the first member so as to rotate about the axis with the first member when the coupling mechanism is in the engaged condition, the first member being rotatable relative to the second member when the coupling mechanism is in the disengaged condition, and the second member being associated with the bolt so that rotation of the second member by the first member moves the bolt.

13. An electronic lockset according to claim 12 wherein the inner coupling and outer coupling each includes biasing means for biasing each respective first member in the axial direction towards each respective second member, and a detent moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis to move each respective first member in the axial direction away from each respective second member.

14. An electronic lockset according to claim 13 wherein the control mechanism includes an inner motor and an outer motor for adjusting the inner detent and the outer detent respectively.

15. An electronic lockset according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the control mechanism includes a power supply.

16. An electronic lockset according to claim 15 including a power terminal accessible from an outer side of the door to supply auxiliary power to the power supply while the outer body is installed.

17. An electronic lockset according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the control circuit is further adapted to monitor an electronic condition of the power supply including a power supply condition and a power supply failure condition of power between the power supply the control mechanism.

18. An electronic lockset according to claim17 including a further user input of master setting for providing the user with authority to set a preferred mode for adoption by the control mechanism in the event of the power supply failure condition occurring.

19. An electronic lockset according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bolt is a latchbolt, a deadbolt or swing bolt.

20. An electronic lockset according to claim 19 wherein the bolt forms part of mortice assembly or a tubular assembly for location in a void formed in a side edge of the door.

21 . An electronic lockset according to claim 19 wherein the bolt is housed in the inner body.

22. An electronic lockset according to claim 19 wherein the electronic lockset is a rim electronic lockset.

23. An electronic lockset according to any one of the preceding claims including a visual indicator operable by the control circuit to indicate at least one mode of the control mechanism, and condition of the power supply.

24. An electric lockset according to claim 1 1 or 12 wherein the inner detent and outer detent are movable with their respective first member and second member when in the active position.

Description:
ELECTRONIC LOCKSET

Related Applications

[001 ] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No. 2017904088 filed on 10 October 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[002] The present application is also related to PCT application entitled

"Electronic Lockset Having Mode Selection" in the name of Assa Abloy Australia Pty Ltd having an International filing date of 10 October 2018, and the entire contents of the related PCT application are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[003] This invention relates to an electronic lockset for installation on a door to move a bolt relative to the door, including a powered control mechanism interacting between an inner hand operable member and an outer hand operable member controlling movement of the bolt. The applicant has appreciated the electronic lockset has a particular application in a residential security market, and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with reference to that particular application. It ought to be appreciated however that the electronic lockset may have other applications.

Background of Invention

[004] The residential security market has traditionally been supplied with mechanical locks and locksets. There is a high level of acceptance and understanding of how they can be used, and there is also comfort with the users that they provide adequate functionality and security. Furthermore some users like that they are sufficiently familiar with their residential mechanical locks that they are comfortable in installing them, with rim locks being particularly popular with the DIY users.

[005] The residential users will clearly want the lock to have the ability to prevent access from outside to the inside, and will often also want the ability to selectively prevent egress from the inside to the outside. This selectivity of locking can be referred to as deadlocking, and is generally preferred to select when the house is to be left vacant, for example during the day, to prevent unauthorised removal of items through the door.

[006] The commercial security market is generally supplied with more complex mechanical, electromechanical and electronic locks. The locks are often installed with hard wiring and utilise powered actuators to release an electronic strike, or magnetic lock. These locks are often keyless, controlled without a mechanical key, instead using a keypad, magnetic or electronic access card or fob and more recently biometric scanners to provide a personal digital signature. While egress from the inside to the outside is generally achieved by depressing a release button or the like at the inside of the door, these locks are generally monitored by a security system, often with personal security guards adding an extra layer of security. Accordingly including a deadlatching option is generally not required in the commercial environment, as the security system will be aware of who is in the building and security guards can prevent them from leaving if required.

[007] The applicant has appreciated that residential users are often exposed to these commercial security options whilst at work, and are looking for similar options at home. The ability to utilise a keyless controller is particularly attractive, however they are often not prepared to pay for a security system to monitor the lockset. Furthermore they generally prefer to understand how the locks work, or at least have the same level of comfort that the lock will be dependable in a similar manner to their existing residential security options. Accordingly complex locks, particularly with requirements for hard wiring are generally rejected for the residential security market. Furthermore the ability to select operation of the lock to inhibit unauthorised egress from the inside to the outside would be preferable.

[008] A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was, in Australia, known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Summary of Invention

[009] According to this invention there is provided an electronic lockset for installation on a door to control movement of a bolt, the electronic lockset including an outer body for location on an outer side of the door having an outer hand operable member, and an inner body for location on an inner side of the door, each of the outer hand operable member and inner hand operable member are rotatable for moving the bolt from an outer side and inner side of the door respectively, at least an outer user interface configured for receiving user inputs from an outer side of the door, a powered control mechanism in communication with the outer user interface to control operation of the inner hand operable member and the outer hand operable member, wherein power control mechanism includes a control circuit adapted to process the user inputs and cause the control mechanism to adopt an access mode whereby at least the outer hand operable member is rendered operable for moving the bolt, or a secure mode whereby the outer hand operable member and the inner hand operable member are each rendered inoperable for moving the bolt. The inner hand operable and outer hand operable member may take any suitable form provided they can be engaged by the users hand and rotated about an axis. It is further preferred that the axis of rotation of the inner hand operable member is aligned with the axis of rotation of the outer hand operable member so as to be co-axial, however this is not essential.

[0010] The powered control mechanism is not limited to operating in the modes as referred to above and the control circuit may also be adapted to process the user inputs and cause the control mechanism to adopt a passage mode whereby the outer hand operable member and the inner hand operable member are rendered operable. Furthermore the control circuit may also be adapted to process the user inputs and cause the control mechanism to adopt a privacy mode whereby the outer hand operable member is rendered inoperable and the inner hand operable member is rendered operable. Still furthermore the control circuit may be adapted to cause the control mechanism to switch to safe mode after a selected period of time of the control mechanism adopting access mode, secure mode, passage mode or escape mode. Still furthermore the control circuit may be adapted to process the user inputs to cause the control mechanism to an escape mode whereby at least the inner hand operable member is rendered operable. It is preferred however that the electronic lockset include an inner user interface configured for receiving user inputs from an inner side of the door wherein and the control circuit is adapted to process the user inputs to cause the control mechanism to an escape mode whereby at least the inner hand operable member is rendered operable. The inner user interface may take any suitable form which can include any one or combination of a keypad, reader or means for receiving an electronic or magnetic signal, biometric signature and forms part of the inner body.

[001 1 ] The user inputs may include any one or more of the following user credentials for identifying the user, user selections for selecting the mode adopted by the control mechanism, temporary user for enabling the user to make user selections for a set period of time based on the user credentials, maintenance for providing the user with information on the performance of the electronic lockset and master for providing the user with authority to program the control mechanism while the electronic lockset is installed.

[0012] It is further preferred that the outer user interface includes any one or combination of a keypad, reader or means for receiving an electronic or magnetic signal, or biometric signature and forms part of the inner body.

[0013] The control mechanism may take any suitable form to control the interaction between the inner hand operable member and the bolt, and the outer hand operable member and the bolt. In one form it includes an outer coupling mechanism within the outer body to interact between the outer hand operable member and the bolt which is adjustable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition to render the outer hand operable member operable or inoperable respectively, and the control mechanism includes an inner coupling mechanism within the inner body to interact between the inner hand operable member and the bolt which is adjustable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition to render the inner hand operable member operable or inoperable respectively. The manner in which the inner coupling and outer coupling are adjusted may take any suitable form including providing an inner powered actuator within the inner body which adjusts the condition of the inner coupling when powered, and an outer powered actuator within the outer body which adjusts the condition of the outer coupling when powered. In one preferred form the inner powered actuator has an inner detent and the outer powered actuator has an outer detent that each are adjustable between an active position and an inactive position in which they render their respective inner coupling and outer coupling disengaged and engaged respectively. In this preferred form the inner coupling and outer coupling may include a first member and a second member, each first member being associated with the outer hand operable member or inner hand operable member respectively so as to rotate about an axis on operation of the outer hand operable member or inner hand operable member, the second member associated with the first member so as to rotate about the axis with the first member when the coupling mechanism is in the engaged condition, the first member being rotatable relative to the second member when the coupling mechanism is in the disengaged condition, and the second member being associated with the bolt so that rotation of the second member by the first member moves the bolt. Again in this preferred form the inner coupling and outer coupling may each include biasing means for biasing each respective first member in the axial direction towards each respective second member, and a detent moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis to move each respective first member in the axial direction away from each respective second member. The preferred embodiment includes each detent pivoting relative to its respective inner body or outer body about a shaft so the term substantially perpendicular is intended to include arcuate movement towards and away from the axis. However the specific form of the inner powered actuator, inner coupling, outer powered actuator and outer coupling may vary from that described above. One alternate arrangement could include each detent providing a connection between their respective first member and the second member when the respective coupling is in the engaged condition. In this alternate arrangement the detent would be movable relative to the first member and second member when the coupling adjusts between the engaged condition and the disengaged condition, and movable with both the first member and the second member when in the engaged condition.

[0014] It is preferred that the control mechanism includes a power supply, and in particular a standalone power supply as may be provided by a battery supply however clearly other options are possible. It is further preferred that the electronic lockset include a power terminal accessible from an outer side of the door to supply auxiliary power to the power supply while the outer body is installed. This has the advantage of providing auxiliary power, most likely in the form of a stand-alone battery or the like, to the power supply in the event of the power supply failing or running out of power.

[0015] It is further preferred that the control circuit is further adapted to monitor an electronic condition of the power supply including a power supply condition and a power supply failure condition of power between the power supply the control mechanism. It is also preferred to include a further user input of master setting for providing the user with authority to set a preferred mode for adoption by the control mechanism in the event of the power supply failure condition occurring. This has the advantage of allowing the control mechanism to adopt say passage mode when the power failure event occurs which is often referred to as fail safe, or alternatively adopting secure mode when the power failure event occurs often referred to as fail secure. Clearly the control mechanism may also adopt privacy mode for example when the power failure event occurs, which would allow users to exit the property while preventing for example unauthorised users to access the property while the power has failed.

[0016] The control mechanism may include an inner motor and an outer motor for adjusting the inner detent and the outer detent respectively. In the preferred embodiment each of the inner motor and outer motor includes an output shaft, with each detent having a driven member attaching to each output shaft so to be movable there along on rotation of said shaft. However where the detent must be movable with both the first member and the second member when in the engaged condition, the motor will need to interact with the detent without being attached. Alternatively the control mechanism may include a single motor to adjust the inner detent and outer detent.

[0017] An electronic lockset may include a bolt in any suitable form including a latchbolt, a deadbolt or a swing bolt. The bolt may form part of mortice assembly or a tubular assembly for location in a void formed in a side edge of the door. Alternatively the bolt may be housed in the inner body. Where the bolt is housed in the inner body the electronic lockset may be referred to as a rim electronic lockset.

[0018] The electronic lockset preferably including a visual indicator operable by the control circuit to indicate at least one mode of the control mechanism, and condition of the power supply.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an electronic lockset including a tubular latchbolt assembly. [0020] Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of the electronic lockset from Figure 1 .

[0021 ] Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the outer body showing the outer coupling in a disengaged condition.

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through the outer hand operable member and outer coupling from Figure 3 showing the outer coupling in the disengaged condition.

[0023] Figure 5 is a rear elevation view of the outer body showing the outer coupling in an engaged condition.

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through the outer hand operable member and outer coupling from Figure 5 showing the outer coupling in an engaged condition.

[0025] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method for operating the electronic lockset according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a further preferred embodiment of the electronic lockset in the form of a rim latch assembly.

[0027] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with greater detail by reference to the attached illustrations. The attached illustrations show a preferred embodiment of the invention. The drawings, and the following detailed description, are merely illustrative of how the invention might be put into effect. The specific form and arrangement of the various features as shown is not to be understood as limiting on the invention.

Detailed Description of Drawings

[0028] Referring firstly to Figure 1 which illustrates the electronic lockset 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic lockset 1 is suitable for installation on a door (not shown) so that an inner body 4 is located on an inner side of the door, and an outer body 3 is located on an outer side of the door. Furthermore, the embodiment of the electronic lockset 1 as illustrated in Figure 1 is shown as including a tubular latchbolt assembly 2, a head of a latchbolt 5 extending out of the latchbolt housing 6. Whilst Figure 1 illustrates a tubular latchbolt assembly 2, quite clearly the electronic lockset could be suitable with other forms of mortice lock assembly including a deadbolt or swing bolt.

[0029] The electronic lockset 1 also includes an outer hand operable member 8 and an inner hand operable member 7 (see Figure 2) which are each illustrated in the form of a lever. The electronic lockset 1 of the invention is not limited for use with levers only, and the inner hand operable member 7 and outer hand operable member

8 may take other forms including a turn knob.

[0030] The electronic lockset 1 also includes an outer user interface 9 and an inner user interface 10 associated with the outer body 3 and inner body 4 respectively. The embodiment of the inner user interface 10 and outer user interface

9 illustrated is a key pad arrangement (seen more clearly in Figure 2), however the electronic lockset 1 may alternatively or additionally include an RFID reader for receiving electronic or magnetic signal from an access card or the like, or a biometric reader. More specifically the electronic lockset 1 of the invention is not limited to including a key pad arrangement as the user interface.

[0031 ] It should also be noted from Figure 1 that the electronic lockset 1 includes an inner spindle 1 1 extending between the inner body 4 and the tubular latchbolt 2. An equivalent outer spindle 12 (see Figure 2), extends between the outer body 3 and the tubular latchbolt assembly 2. Furthermore, Figure 1 illustrates a wiring loom 13 extending between the inner body 4 and outer body 3, which permits electronic communication between the inner body 4 and outer body 3 for reasons that will be explained later in the specification.

[0032] Another alternative as illustrated in Figure 8, is for the bolt assembly to form part of the inner body as may be the case for a rim latch assembly. More specifically, the invention is not limited for use with the tubular latchbolt assembly as illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0033] The electronic lockset 1 as illustrated in Figure 8, includes the equivalent inner body 104, an outer body 103 for location on an inner and outer side of the door (not shown) respectively. The bolt assembly 102 is associated with the inner body 104, and Figure 8, illustrates a head of the latchbolt 105 extending out from the inner body 104. Figure 8, also illustrates the outer hand operable member 108, an inner hand operable member 107 both being in the form of turn knobs. Still furthermore, the outer user interface 109, and the inner user interface 1 10 are in the form of RFID readers.

[0034] Referring now to Figure 2 which illustrates both the inner body 4 and outer body 3 having an inner cover 14 and an outer cover 15 respectively. The inner cover 14 and outer cover 15 each overlie a keypad 37, 38 of the inner user interface 10 and outer user interface 9 respectively. Referring specifically to the outer user interface 9 which illustrates a series of twelve keys 16 which allows the user to make user inputs to adjust the operation of the electronic lockset 1 . The outer user interface illustrated in Figure 2 a light board 17 with twelve LED's 39 thereon, which act as a visual indicator, to visually indicate to the user the function of the electronic lockset 1 . It is to be understood that the inner user interface 10 includes an equivalent key pad 72 with lights 40 that operate in the same manner as the outer user interface 9.

[0035] The preferred embodiment of electronic lockset 1 illustrated in Figure 2 also includes a powered control mechanism, which in summary includes a control circuit 18, an outer coupling 19, an inner coupling 20 and a power supply 21 . Referring specifically to the outer coupling 19, it can be appreciated that it includes a first member 22 and a second member 23. The first member 22 is positioned to interact with the outer handle 8 (see also Figure 4) whilst the second member 23 is positioned to interact with the outer spindle 12. Similarly, in relation to the inner coupling 20 the respective first member 24 is positioned to interact with the inner handle 7, whilst the respective second member 25 is positioned to interact with the inner spindle 1 1 . Furthermore, a detent 26 is positioned between the first member 22 and second member 23 of the outer coupling, whilst a detent 27 is positioned between the first member 24 and second member 25 of the inner coupling 20. The preferred latchbolt assembly 2 interacts with each of the inner spindle 1 1 and outer spindle 12 in such a way that the operation of the outer hand operable member 8 is independent of operation of the inner hand operable member 7. One preferred form of latchbolt assembly 2 is a split hub tubular latchbolt assembly.

[0036] Figure 2 also illustrates an inner motor 28 and an outer motor 29 that are each operable to adjust the position of the detent 27, 26 respectively to achieve a function that will be described later in the specification. It should be noted that for the purposes of this specification the inner motor 28 and inner detent 27 combine to form an inner powered actuator, while the outer motor 29 and outer detent 26 combine to form an outer powered actuator.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 3 which illustrates in summary the outer hand operable member 8, the outer body 3, the outer motor 29, the outer detent 26 and the second member 23 of the outer coupling 19. Figure 3 illustrates the detent 26 in an active position. It can be appreciated from Figure 4 that with the outer detent 26 in the active position the first member 22 is spaced from the second member 23 of the outer coupling 19 so that rotation of the outer hand operable member 8 does not result in rotation of the second member 23. It should also be noted from Figure 4 that a biasing spring 30 is acting between the first member 22 and the outer hand operable member 8 so as to urge the first member 22 towards the second member 23. However, the first member 22 is prevented from engaging the second member 23 as a result of the position of the outer detent 26. The outer coupling 19 is considered to be in a disengaged position in the arrangement illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, which corresponds to the outer detent 26 being in the active position.

[0038] In contrast, Figure 5 illustrates the outer detent 28 in an inactive condition. It should be noted that the outer motor 29 has been energised to rotate its output shaft 31 to move a driven member 34 there along. A free end 32 of the outer detent 26 is captured by the driven member 34, so that movement of the driven member 34 causes the outer detent 26 to pivot about its fixed end 33. As a result of movement of the outer detent 26, it can be appreciated from Figure 6 the first member 22 has moved to engage the second member 23 under the influence of the biasing spring 30. It ought to be appreciated that with the first member 22 now engaging the second member 23, that rotation of the outer hand operable member 8 will result in rotation of the second member 23. Furthermore, when the electronic lockset 1 is assembled the outer spindle 12 locates within the socket 35 (see Figure 6) of the second member 23 so that rotation of the outer hand operable member 8 will result in movement of the bolt 5 relative to the latchbolt housing 6.

[0039] It can also be noted from Figure 3 (and Figure 5) that the lockset 1 include a power terminal 36 located on the outside of the outer body 3, which is connected to the power supply 21 . This enables auxiliary power to be supplied to the power supply in the event the power supply fails. The power terminal may take any form and is not limited to the form of power terminal as illustrated. The power terminal could, for example, take the form of a socket to receive a plug from a cable associated with an auxiliary power supply. This arrangement could include a USB socket which can be connected to the battery of a mobile phone.

[0040] Whilst the powered control mechanism, and in particular the adjustment of the outer coupling 9 has been described with reference to Figures 3 to 6, it ought to be appreciated that powered control mechanism can adjust the inner coupling 20 in the same manner. The powered control mechanism receives user inputs from the inner user interface 10 or the outer user interface 9, to adjust the inner coupling 20 and or outer coupling 19, as the wiring loom 13 connects the powered control mechanism with both the inner powered actuator and the outer powered actuator. This arrangement allows for independent control over the adjustment of the inner coupling 20 and outer coupling 19.

[0041 ] It should also be appreciated that the manner in which the inner coupling 20 and outer coupling 19 adjust between the engaged condition and the disengaged condition may vary from that as illustrated. Taking for example the inner coupling 20, instead of adjustment of the detent 27 causing relative axial movement between the first member 24 and the second member, the adjustment of the detent 27 itself may result in the detent 27 itself creating a connection between the first member 24 and the second member 25.

[0042] The user inputs will generally include user credentials for identifying the user. Where the user interface is in the form of a keypad, this may include a selected combination of numbers or letters that have been predefined to identify the user. Alternatively the where user interface is a magnetic or electronic access card the signal is supplied to the user interface magnetically or electronically to identify the user. Where the user interface includes a biometric reader, the user can use a fingerprint or the like to provide predefined user credentials. Clearly other forms of supplying user credentials, without using a mechanical key, are possible.

[0043] The user inputs also preferably include user selections for selecting the mode adopted by the control mechanism. The control mechanism can operate in an access mode whereby at least the outer hand operable member is rendered operable for moving the bolt. The control mechanism can also operate in a secure mode whereby the outer hand operable member and the inner hand operable member are each rendered inoperable for moving the bolt. The secure mode effectively "deadlocks" the lockset and it can be selected at either the inner user interface or the outer user interface. The control mechanism can also operate in a passage mode whereby the outer hand operable member and the inner hand operable member are rendered operable to move the bolt. The control mechanism can also operate in an escape mode whereby at least the inner hand operable member is rendered operable to move the bolt. The control mechanism can also operate in a privacy mode whereby the outer hand operable member is rendered inoperable and the inner hand operable member is rendered operable for moving the bolt. The privacy mode may be selected from the inner user interface and render the outer user interface inoperable, thereby providing the user in the inside with "privacy". The control mechanism can also operate in a safety mode whereby after a period of time the outer hand operable member is rendered inoperable, the inner hand operable member is rendered operable for moving the bolt.

[0044] These user selections may be limited depending upon the user credentials received by the user interface. Furthermore the user credentials may identify a user authorised to perform maintenance on the lockset, and so once identified the user selection can include a maintenance user input so as to collect information on the performance of the electronic lockset from the control circuit. Still Furthermore the user credentials may identify a user as a master controller authorised to have master control over the lockset, and so once identified the user selection can include a master user input so as to override existing programing for the lockset and reprogram the lockset or more particularly the control circuit. The master user for example can set the mode for adoption by the control mechanism in the event of the power supply failure condition occurring. Alternatively, the user credentials may identify a user as a temporary user, and in which case the user has a limited time, and limited modes for operation of the control mechanism. A temporary user may for example be a tradesperson that requires temporary access to the building to perform some agreed function. The maintenance and master user inputs can be made while the lockset is installed. It is preferred that the visual indicator provide a unique indication of the user input selected. It is further preferred that the visual indicator provide an indication whether the user credentials have been accepted or rejected, particularly for the mode of operation selected by the user. The LED's 39, 40 can illuminate in a range of colours to indicate whether the user credentials are accepted or rejected, and may flash in a unique sequence to indicate the mode adopted by the control mechanism. Clearly, other configurations for the visual indicator are possible.

[0045] Figure 7 illustrates follow charts how the electronic lockset may be operated. In order the unlock 50 the lockset, user credentials 51 are provided to the inner user interface or the outer user interface to identify the user. If the user is authorised, the user can supply user inputs, to for example have the control mechanism to adjust the inner powered actuator or outer powered actuator, to adopt for example passage mode 53. Clearly other option for the mode of operation is access mode. In order to lock 60 the lockset, having entered the user credentials, the user inputs may include the escape mode 61 whereby the outer coupling is disengaged and the inner coupling is engaged 62. Alternatively the user inputs may be to adopt the secure mode 63 whereby both the inner coupling and outer coupling are disengaged 64.

[0046] It should also be appreciated that the control circuit can control the mode of operation so as to adopt a preselected mode after a period of time, so that for example after the user inputs has caused passage mode, the lockset can return to escape or passage mode. This preselection should be limited to adjustment by a master user only.

[0047] It ought to be appreciated from the foregoing that the electronic lockset as herein before described, provides a relatively simple option for providing a deadlatching solution in an electronic lockset. The ability to effectively deadlock to the lockset from the outer user interface is particularly unique.

[0048] Various alterations and/or additions may be introduced into the electronic lockset as hereinbefore described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined by the claims.




 
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