DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to the sector of electromechanical locks. In particular, this invention relates to a motor-driven lock, that is to say, a lock with a bolt whose movement is motor-driven, equipped with a locking device whose activation is also motor-driven.

In general, motor-driven locks are appropriately used in the context of locking closed doors and the like if a considerable level of security is necessary. More particularly, this invention is intended for motor-driven locks which are applied in the high security sector, for example, in professional safes. In particular, motor-driven locks of this type may be applied as locking devices for opening mechanisms for the sliding bolts of a safe. However, that shall not be understood as limiting for this invention, since it may also be applied in other situations in which a considerable level of security is necessary, for example in the case of safes for domestic use or of security containers.

Prior art motor-driven locks comprise a main body which is configured to house and to protect the internal components, and which has an opening. Generally the main body is a box-shaped body constituted of metal material, in such a way as to form a casing which withstands any attempts to break into it.

Prior art motor-driven locks also comprise a bolt, which is fitted in the main body and which is movable relative to it. The bolt is generally movable between a closing position and an opening position, and moves through the opening defined by the main body.

When the bolt is in the closing position, the bolt projects relative to the main body, through the opening, and the motor-driven lock is closed; in this case, when the motor-driven lock is used as a locking device for the opening mechanism for the sliding bolts of the safe, the bolt in the closing position prevents opening of the opening mechanism. In contrast, when the bolt is in the opening position, the bolt is retracted inside the main body and the motor- driven lock is open; in this case the bolt generally does not project relative to the main body, consequently allowing opening of the opening mechanism.

In general in the locks sector, and consequently also in the motor-driven locks sector, movement of the bolt from the closing position to the opening position is defined as “lock opening”, whilst movement of the bolt from the from the opening position to the closing position is defined as “lock closing”.

Prior art motor-driven locks comprise a motor, which drives the movement of the bolt between the closing position and the opening position, that is to say, the opening and/or the closing of the motor-driven lock, directly or indirectly. In particular, this invention may advantageously be applied in motor-driven locks in which automatic movement of the bolt of the lock is required.

In this type of motor-driven locks, opening occurs by supplying an access key to an electronic control interface, which is electrically connected to the motor- driven lock. For example, the access key may be an access code containing digits and/or numbers; if that access code is recognised as the correct code, the motor is powered by the control interface, and the bolt is moved by the motor from the closing position to the opening position. In other cases, the motor-driven locks have a different type of access key, for example, a fingerprint or facial recognition. In yet other cases the motor is not activated by means of an access key, but by means of a different type of activation. However, application of this invention does not depend on either the type of access key or the type of activation required for the motor.

Prior art motor-driven locks may be classed as motor-driven locks with a motor-driven dead bolt and a motor-driven latch.

As already described, even closing the lock may involve the bolt being moved by the motor, although there are also prior art solutions in which the bolt is moved by a spring.

There are prior art motor-driven locks with different ways of closing. Some motor-driven locks have a bolt which is moved by the motor from the opening position to the closing position when, after opening, external consents are enabled (for example electric contacts on the door) or when a predetermined time has elapsed, decided for example at the design stage or during lock installation. With other motor-driven locks closing may occur as a result of a remote command, received for example from the electronic control interface (which may, for example, be active with the same access key used for opening). In contrast, other motor-driven locks may have further different closing procedures.

Latch versions are specially designed to be able to guarantee automatic locking at the moment when the door is closed again.

However, this invention does not depend on the type of closing procedure adopted by the motor-driven lock.

Motor-driven locks also comprise a locking element which is driven by means of the motor and is configured to lock the bolt, when the bolt is located in the closing position, by acting as a mechanical lock. In fact, if an attempt is made to force the motor-driven lock, the locking element locks the bolt in the closing position, keeping the motor-driven lock closed and preventing the forces applied to the bolt from being able to discharge onto the motor. The presence of that locking element allows a greater level of security to be achieved than would be achievable with just the motor present: in fact, in the latter case the bolt in the closing position would only be locked by the motor, which is capable of mounting less resistance against any forcing The prior art comprises many different solutions regarding locking elements used in motor-driven locks.

Therefore in general, prior art motor-driven locks differ from each other in terms of aspects such as the operating mechanism (during the opening step and/or during the closing step), the number and shape of internal components, the complexity involved in making and assembling them, as well as reliability and security. In particular the latter two aspects, that is to say, reliability and security, are extremely important aspects for selection and use of a motor-driven lock, above all if it is to be used in high security sectors. Many prior art motor-driven locks have a large number of internal components which operate in conjunction with each other. Should the coordination between these internal components fail, the motor-driven lock would not be reliable and therefore it would not be suitable for use either in the high security sector or in the domestic security sector. Moreover, a large number of internal components does not just increase production costs, but may cause an increase in the complexity both as regards motor-driven lock assembly, and concerning substitution of components if any repairs are necessary. Moreover, some of the prior art locks have a level of resistance to any break- in attempts, which does not reflect requirements sufficient for their use in the sectors previously described.

In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide an electronic lock which at least partly overcomes the above- mentioned disadvantages.

In particular the technical purpose of this invention is to provide a motor- driven lock which is an alternative to those of the prior art.

It is also a technical purpose of this invention to provide a motor-driven lock which has a relatively simple structure and operation.

The technical purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a motor-driven lock as described in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are described in the appended dependent claims. Further features and the advantages of this invention will be more apparent in the detailed description of several preferred, non-limiting embodiments of a motor-driven lock illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is an axonometric exploded view of a motor-driven lock according to a first embodiment of this invention;

- Figure 2 is an axonometric exploded view of a motor-driven lock according to a second embodiment of this invention;

- Figure 3 is a front view with some elements removed to better illustrate others of the motor-driven lock of Figure 1 in a closed configuration;

- Figure 4 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 3 with a locking element removed;

- Figure 5 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 3 in an intermediate configuration;

- Figure 6 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 5 with the locking element removed;

- Figure 7 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 5 in an open configuration;

- Figure 8 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 7 with the locking element removed;

- Figure 9 is a front view with some elements removed to better illustrate others of the motor-driven lock of Figure 2 in the closed configuration;

- Figure 10 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 9 with a first locking element removed;

- Figure 11 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 10 with a second locking element removed;

- Figure 12 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 9 in an intermediate configuration;

- Figure 13 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 12 with the first locking element removed;

- Figure 14 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 13 with the second locking element removed;

- Figure 15 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 12 in an open configuration;

- Figure 16 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 15 with the first locking element removed;

- Figure 17 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 16 with the second locking element removed;

- Figure 18 is an axonometric assembled view, with some elements removed, of the motor-driven lock of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 19 is a front view of the locking element which is part of the motor- driven lock of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 20 is a front view of a bolt which is part of the motor-driven lock of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 21 is a front view of the bolt which is part of the motor-driven lock of Figure 2;

- Figure 22 is an enlarged detail of a slider and of the bolt of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 23 is a front view of the first locking element of the motor-driven lock of Figure 2;

- Figure 24 is a front view of the second locking element which is part of the motor-driven lock of Figure 2;

- Figure 25 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 15 in a further intermediate configuration;

- Figure 26 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 25 with the first locking element removed; and

- Figure 27 is a front view of the motor-driven lock of Figure 26 with the second locking element removed.

With reference to the above-mentioned figures, the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a motor-driven lock according to this invention.

Similarly to prior art motor-driven locks, the motor-driven lock 1 according to this invention also comprises a main body 2, which defines a housing and which has an opening 4.

Generally, the main body 2 is configured to house and to protect the internal components of the motor-driven lock 1 and is advantageously a box-shaped body made of metal material with a shape which is roughly that of a rectangular parallelepiped. In the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, the main body 2 comprises a housing portion 5, which is preferably made in once piece and which is shaped in such a way as to define the housing 3 which houses the internal components, and a covering element 6, which closes the housing portion 5 and which is fixed to that housing portion 5, for example using screws 7.

Advantageously, the housing portion 5 comprises a base wall 8, which is usually configured to be fixed to an external object (for example a door or the like), and lateral walls 9; in general, the opening 4 is made in one of the lateral walls 9. In most applications, in use the base wall 8 is fitted in such a way that it extends either mainly vertically or mainly horizontally.

The motor-driven lock 1 also comprises a bolt 10, which is fitted in the main body 2 and is movable relative to the main body 2 between a closing position and an opening position. In the closing position, shown for example in the accompanying Figures 3 and 9, the bolt 10 projects from the main body 2 through the opening 4. In contrast, in the opening position, shown for example in the accompanying Figures 7 and 15, the bolt 10 is retracted inside the space in the main body 2. In the preferred embodiments, the bolt 10 moves between the closing position and the opening position along a first line of movement which is straight.

In general, in the locks sector movement of the bolt from the closing position to the opening position is defined as “lock opening”, whilst movement of the bolt from the from the opening position to the closing position is defined as “lock closing”. Therefore, hereinafter in the description the expressions “lock opening” and “lock closing” will be used with these meanings.

Similarly, hereinafter in the detailed description reference will be made to the “closed lock” when the bolt is in the closing position, and reference will be made to the “open lock” when the bolt is in the opening position.

Generally, the lock is fitted on, or in, an object to be closed and is associated with its opening mechanism for acting as a locking device for the opening mechanism itself. When the bolt 10 is in the closing position, the bolt 10 projects from the main body 2, to prevent movement of the opening mechanism of the object in question, whilst when the bolt 10 is in the opening position, the bolt 10 is retracted in the space in the main body 2 and allows movement of the opening mechanism of the object in question. Those aspects linked to closing and opening of the motor-driven lock 1 , and of locks in general, are in any case known to an expert in the sector and therefore will not be described in further detail.

In general, the bolt 10 comprises a head portion which is configured to project from the main body 2, which may have the shape either of a parallelepiped or of a latch, that is to say, rounded.

Preferably, the bolt 10 has at least one shoulder 11 , which advantageously extends perpendicularly to the first line of movement, which is configured to abut against the main body 2, to lock the bolt 10, preventing the bolt 10 from projecting any further relative to the main body 2 through the opening 4, when the bolt 10 is in the closing position. In the embodiments illustrated, the main body 2 has at least one first protuberance 12, which extends from the base wall 8 towards the covering element 6: when the bolt 10 is in the closing position, the shoulder 11 of the bolt 10 abuts against the first protuberance 12 of the main body 2. Advantageously, the bolt 10 comprises two shoulders 11 , placed on opposite sides of the bolt 10, and the main body 2 comprises two first protuberances 12, as shown in the accompanying figures; one of the two shoulders 11 is configured to abut against one of the two first protuberances 12 and the other of the two shoulders 11 is configured to abut against the other of the two first protuberances 12, when the bolt 10 is in the closing position.

Advantageously, the bolt 10 also has at least one end face 13, which is directed towards the lateral wall 9 opposite that which has the opening 4, and which is configured to abut against the main body 2, when the bolt 10 is in the opening position, to prevent the bolt 10 from excessively re-entering the space in the main body 2. In the embodiments illustrated, the main body 2 comprises at least one second protuberance 14, which also extends from the base wall 8 towards the covering element 6, similarly to the first protuberance 12: when the bolt 10 is in the opening position, the end face 13 abuts against the second protuberance 14. In some embodiments, the bolt 10 has two end faces 13 and the main body 2 comprises two second protuberances 14, as shown in the accompanying figures; one of the two end faces 13 is configured to abut against one of the two second protuberances 14 and the other of the two end faces 13 is configured to abut against the other of the two second protuberances 14. In the embodiments illustrated (for example in Figure 8), moreover, the two end faces 13 are defined by two elongate parts 15 of the bolt 10; that shape of the bolt 10, like the presence of two end faces 13, is due to the creation of a second elongate seat 38, inside the bolt 10, for housing a slider 22 which causes the movement of the bolt 10, an aspect which will be described in detail below.

Advantageously, the bolt 10 has a central axis 20, parallel to which it slides between the closing position and the opening position; that central axis 20 is shown in Figure 20, which shows a possible embodiment of the bolt 10. Moreover, the bolt 10 advantageously has a reduced thickness compared with the other two dimensions (which are length and width, similarly to what is described below for the plate), extending mainly in a plane which is defined by the length and by the width; moreover it is advantageously symmetrical relative to a plane of symmetry which is perpendicular relative to the plane along which the bolt 10 itself extends, and which passes through its central axis 20.

Like the prior art motor-driven locks, the motor-driven lock 1 according to this invention comprises a motor 17, which is positioned in the housing 3 defined by the main body 2. The motor 17 is an electric motor and is powered by means of electric wires from an electronic unit of the motor-driven lock 1 which, in turn, is connected to electric terminals 56 accessible from the outside of the main body 2 and which in use are connectable, in the known way, to an external control unit.

Preferably, as said, the bolt 10 defines the second elongate seat 38, inside which the slider 22 which is driven by the motor 17 moves. The second elongate seat 38 at one end is delimited by a first contact element 39 for the slider 22.

Figure 20 shows a possible embodiment of the bolt 10 which has this second elongate seat 38, adopted in the lock of Figure 1. As already indicated, in this case the bolt 10 comprises the two elongate parts 15, each of which has one of the end faces 13; these two elongate parts 15 define the second elongate seat 38 between them. The first contact element 39 for the slider 22, in this motor-driven lock 1 , is advantageously constituted of two recessed portions 40: each of the two recessed portions 40 is part of one of the two elongate parts 15 of the bolt 10, and extends towards the opposite elongate part 15. Moreover, the second elongate seat 38 is shaped in such a way as to house inside it a worm screw 16 connected to the motor 17, whose rotation causes the shifting of the slider 22: that is evident in particular from Figure 8, in which the motor-driven lock 1 is open, and in which the bolt 10 is retracted inside the housing 3 of the main body 2 and one can see how the worm screw 16 extends along the entire second elongate seat 38.

In this embodiment, in addition to the first contact element 39, the bolt 10 also has a second contact element 41 , against which the slider 22 abuts when the motor-driven lock 1 is closed, as illustrated in Figure 4. The first contact element 39 and the second contact element 41 are also at a distance from each other in such a way that during the shifting between the position in which it abuts against one of them, and that in which it abuts against the other, the slider 22 shifts relative to the bolt 10 without interacting with it.

The motor 17 is configured to move the slider 22, relative to the main body 2, between a locking position and an end of stroke position. That movement of the slider 22 between the locking position and the end of stroke position occurs along a movement trajectory 32.

In the preferred embodiments, which are shown in the accompanying figures and which will be described in detail, the movement trajectory 32 is straight (see for example Figures 4 and 11 ). hereinafter reference will mainly be made to embodiments in which the movement trajectory is straight, since they are preferred embodiments; however, this invention may also be applied if the movement trajectory is not straight.

In the preferred embodiments, both the movement trajectory 32 of the slider 22, and the first line of movement of the bolt 10 are straight and parallel with each other. In some embodiments they coincide.

In the movement trajectory 32 of the slider 22, going from the locking position to the end of stroke position, at least a first stretch and a second stretch, one after another, can be identified. In the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, the movement trajectory 32 is constituted only of the first stretch and of the second stretch, therefore not comprising any further stretch. However, it is possible that in other embodiments the movement trajectory may comprise at least one further stretch, which may be positioned upstream of the first stretch and/or downstream of the second stretch and/or downstream of the first stretch and upstream of the second stretch (that is to say, in a position between the first stretch and the second stretch). It is also possible that there are more than one further stretches present: in this case more than one of the conditions previously described may simultaneously occur.

When the slider 22 is in the locking position, the slider 22 is at a distance from the first contact element 39 of the second elongate seat 38. This is the case shown in Figure 4 (in which in contrast it is in contact with the second contact element 41 ).

When, starting from the locking position, it travels along the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32, the slider 22 moves away from the second contact element 41 until it makes contact with the first contact element 39; in this stretch it does not interact with the bolt 10.

In contrast, when the slider 22 moves further in the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32, towards the end of stroke position, the slider 22 abuts against the first contact element 39, and in this way drags the bolt 10 from the closing position to the opening position. This is the case shown in Figure 6.

Vice versa, when the slider 22 is in the end of stroke position, the slider 22 is at a distance from the second contact element 41 of the second elongate seat 38. This is the case shown in Figure 8 (in which in contrast it is in contact with the first contact element 39).

When, starting from the end of stroke position, it travels along the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32, the slider 22 initially moves away from the first contact element 39 until it makes contact with the second contact element 41 ; in this stretch it does not interact with the bolt 10. Then, the slider 22, moving further in the second stretch towards the locking position and abutting against the second contact element 41 , drags the bolt 10 from the opening position towards the closing position.

When, in contrast, the slider 22 moves in the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32, towards the locking position, the slider 22 still abuts against the second contact element 41 , and in this way drags the bolt 10 into the closing position.

The motor 17 therefore causes opening of the motor-driven lock 1 , that is to say, shifting of the bolt 10 from the closing position to the opening position, by means of the movement of the slider 22, which acts directly on the bolt 10. Flowever, alternative embodiments, not illustrated, are possible, in which the slider 22 does not slide inside the second elongate seat 38: the bolt 10, for example, may comprise a projecting tooth, which projects towards the slider 22, and against which the slider 22 itself can abut to move the bolt 10 between the closing position and the opening position.

The slider 22 can be moved by the worm screw 16 in two different ways: the slider 22 is moved towards the end of stroke position by means of a rotation of the worm screw 16 in a first direction, whilst the slider 22 is moved towards the locking position by means of a rotation in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. Basically, the change in the direction of rotation (from the first direction to the second direction or vice versa) of the worm screw 16 causes the change in the direction of the movement of the slider 22 along the straight movement trajectory 32.

In other embodiments it is possible to adopt alternative elements to the worm screw for movement of the slider.

The slider 22 of the motor-driven lock 1 extends along a line of extension, which is perpendicular to the movement trajectory 32, that is to say, it has one of its main components of extension radial relative to the movement trajectory 32. In particular, in some embodiments in which the movement trajectory 32 lies in a plane, the line of extension of the slider 22 is perpendicular to that plane containing the movement trajectory 32. As will appear clear from the following description, in some embodiments, such as those illustrated in the accompanying figures, the line of extension of the slider 22 is perpendicular to a plane which is parallel both to the movement trajectory 32 of the slider 22, and to a second line of movement 23 along which a locking element 21 which is also part of the motor-driven lock 1 moves (the line of extension is directed upwards and out of the sheet in Figures 3 to 17 and from 25 to 27).

In the embodiments illustrated, as can be seen in particular in the detail of Figure 22, the slider 22 has a central body 42 with two projecting wings 43, which advantageously extend perpendicularly to the line of extension of the slider 22, and the bolt 10 has an inner surface 44 of the second elongate seat 38 which is substantially shaped to match the slider 22. In particular, the central body 42 and the second elongate seat 38 are shaped in such a way that the slider 22 can slide along its movement trajectory 32 without being able to rotate on itself. The central body 42 abuts against the first contact element 39, dragging the bolt 10 during closing, whilst the presence of the projecting wings 43 prevents the slider 22 from moving along its line of extension, towards the covering element 6 (movement in the opposite direction is prevented by the housing portion 5 below and near). In these embodiments, the slider 22 also comprises a raised portion 45, which extends along the line of extension of the slider 22 starting from the central body 42. In the accompanying figures the raised portion 45 is shaped like an element extruded along the line of extension of the slider 22, with an octagonal base (the raised portion 45 therefore has eight lateral faces 46). The slider 22 of these embodiments of the motor-driven lock 1 also comprises a pin 47 which also extends parallel to the line of extension starting from the raised portion 45, and whose technical purpose will be clarified in the following description.

The worm screw 16 housed inside the second elongate seat 38, is connected to the motor 17 and is driven to rotate by the motor 17. The slider 22 has a threaded through hole 48 which is coupled to that worm screw 16. The motor 17 moves the slider 22 through the rotation of the worm screw 16: thanks to the fact that the slider 22 cannot rotated about the axis of rotation of the worm screw 16, the coupling between the worm screw 16 and the threaded through hole 48 allows conversion of the rotary motion, characteristic of the motion of the worm screw 16, into translating motion characteristic of the preferred movement of the slider 22. In particular, the resulting motion of the slider 22 is preferably straight.

In the embodiments in which the slider 22 comprises the central body 42 and the projecting wings 43, the threaded through hole 48 is made in the central body 42.

Moreover, advantageously, to better guide the slider 22 during its movement between the locking position and the end of stroke position, the motor-driven lock 1 comprises a closing element 53 which has a groove 55 inside which the slider 22 slides with minimum play, preferably its pin 47. The closing element 53 is coupled to the main body 2 of the motor-driven lock 1 , and is configured to cover a zone of the main body 2 in which the locking element 21 and the bolt 10 are housed, to constrain them in position (also constraining a plate 51 , described below, and consequently the motor 17). An electronic card fitted on a printed circuit 54 and which has an extent greater than the closing element 53, substantially covers the entire housing 3 below the covering element 6. The electric terminals 56 are fixed on the printed circuit 54 .

Advantageously, the worm screw 16 is coaxial and connected to a rotating shaft 49 of the motor 17 at a head 50 of the worm screw 16. The threaded through hole 48 too, being coaxial to the worm screw 16, is coaxial to the rotating shaft 49 of the motor 17 of the motor-driven lock 1. Moreover, the plate 51 is preferably present, fixed to the motor 17 and preventing the motor 17 from rotating: passing through a hole 52 in the plate 51 , with reduced play, is the rotating shaft 49 of the motor 17, and the plate 51 itself is positioned in such a way as to be fitted inside the space in the main body 2. The rotating shaft 49 of the motor 17 has a circular segment cross-section, preferably with a single base and an overall “D” shape, and is inserted with exact size in a hole with the same shape made in the head 50.

The slider 22 also causes coordinated shifting both of the bolt 10, and of at least one locking element 21.

The locking element 21 is fitted in the housing 3 of the main body 2 and is movable, relative to the main body 2, between an active position and an inactive position. When the locking element 21 is located in the active position, the locking element 21 locks the bolt 10 in the closing position. In contrast, when the locking element 21 is located in the inactive position, the locking element 21 allows the bolt 10 to move between the closing position and the opening position. In other words, when the bolt 10 is in the closing position and the locking element 21 is in the active position, the motor-driven lock 1 is closed and is kept closed by the locking element 21 which prevents movement of the bolt 10 by creating a mechanical lock against its shifting, whilst when the bolt 10 is in the closing position and the locking element 21 is in the inactive position, the motor-driven lock 1 can be opened since the locking element 21 allows movement of the bolt 10. When the slider 22 is in the locking position, the bolt 10 is in the closing position and the locking element 21 is in the active position. In this case the motor-driven lock 1 is closed and the bolt 10 is locked in the closing position by the locking element 21 , as previously described. In contrast, when the slider 22 is in the end of stroke position, the bolt 10 is in the opening position and the locking element 21 is in the inactive position. In this case the motor- driven lock 1 is open and the bolt 10 is retracted inside the housing 3 defined by the main body 2.

Figures 1 and from 3 to 8 show in detail an embodiment of the motor-driven lock 1 which comprises a single locking element 21 , illustrated in Figure 19. This embodiment will be described first below. In contrast, an embodiment which comprises two locking elements 21 will then be described.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 19, the locking element 21 preferably comprises a plate made of metal material. The term “plate” refers to an element which has two main dimensions (defined as length and width), which are much greater than a third dimension (defined as thickness); that means that the plate can be considered substantially as a two-dimensional element which extends in a plane defined by its length and by its width. In the embodiment of the locking element 21 in Figure 19, the drawing plane is parallel to the plane in which the plate of the locking element 21 extends (which is perpendicular to the line defined by the thickness).

Advantageously, the locking element 21 is moved, along the second line of movement 23 which is straight and which is shown in particular in Figure 3. Preferably, the second line of movement 23, along which the locking element 21 moves between the active position and the inactive position, is orthogonal to the movement trajectory 32 of the slider 22.

The movement of the locking element 21 between the active position and the inactive position, is preferably guided by the main body 2. In particular, made in the main body 2 there is at least one guiding portion 24 which is shaped in such a way as to allow sliding of the locking element 21 along the second line of movement 23. In the preferred embodiments, in which the locking element 21 comprises a plate, it is possible to identify in the plate a central portion 25 and at least one projection 26, which projects relative to the central portion 25. This projection 26 is advantageously made in one piece with the central portion 25 of the locking element 21 and is slidably coupled to the guiding portion 24 of the main body 2. The projection 26 projects relative to the central portion 25 parallel to the second line of movement 23 of the locking element 21. When the locking element 21 is moved between the active position and the inactive position, the projection 26 of the locking element 21 slides relative to the guiding portion 24 of the main body2. Moreover, the projection 26 is advantageously in contact with the guiding portion 24, to guide the locking element 21 along the second line of movement 23.

In all of the embodiments illustrated, it is possible to identify in the locking element 21 multiple projections 26, in particular four, and multiple guiding portions 24 are made in the main body 2, again in particular four. In these embodiments, each projection 26 is in contact with a different guiding portion 24, in such a way that movement of the locking element 21 is allowed exclusively along the second line of movement 23. As previously described, the locking element 21 is preferably made of metal material, and is thick enough to avoid the risk of deformations during its operation.

In any case, the motor-driven lock 1 according to this invention is not limited by the ways in which the main body 2 guides the locking element 21 in its movement: in fact alternative ways are possible, which are applicable for example if the second line of movement is not straight or if the main body does not have the guiding portions or the projections are not present.

In some embodiments, such as that of Figure 1 , the locking element 21 has a third elongate seat 28, which comprises a third portion 29 and a fourth portion 30. In these embodiments, the bolt 10 comprises at least one projecting element 31 (towards the locking element 21 in the accompanying figures) which is slidably coupled to the third elongate seat 28. When the projecting element 31 is located in the third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28, the bolt 10 is in the closing position and the locking element 21 prevents movement of the bolt 10 from the closing position. When the locking element 21 is moved between the active position and the inactive position, the third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28 slides relative to the projecting element 31 (which remains stationary); that corresponds to a relative motion of the projecting element 31 along the entire third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28, at the end of which the bolt 10 is free to move. Moreover, when the bolt 10 is then moved between the closing position and the opening position, the projecting element 31 slides in the fourth portion 30 of the third elongate seat 28.

In the embodiments illustrated, the third elongate seat 28 of the locking element 21 has a substantially upside-down L shape, with the third portion 29 perpendicular to the fourth portion 30, and the fourth portion 30 is parallel to the straight movement trajectory 32 along which the slider 22 moves, as is described in more detail below. In particular, the third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28 constitutes the foot of the L, whilst the fourth portion 30 of the third elongate seat 28 constitutes the leg of the L.

Advantageously, the locking element 21 defines two third elongate seats 28 which are oriented in the same way, that is to say, the two third portions 29 are oriented parallel to each other, the two fourth portions 30 are oriented parallel to each other and the two third portions 29 extend in the same direction, each starting from the respective fourth portion 30. Moreover, there are also advantageously two projecting elements 31 of the bolt 10: one of the two projecting elements 31 is coupled to one of the two third elongate seats 28, whilst the other of the two projecting elements 31 is coupled to the other of the two third elongate seats 28.

Moreover, the slider 22 is advantageously associated both with the bolt 10 and with the locking element 21 along the line of extension of the slider 22. In particular, in motor-driven locks 1 in which the bolt 10 has the central axis 20, the slider 22 may advantageously be associated with the bolt 10 at that central axis 20 of the bolt 10; moreover, the central axis 20 is parallel to the movement trajectory 32 of the slider 22.

In the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32, when the slider 22 moves from the locking position towards the end of stroke position, the slider 22 itself engages with the locking element 21 , in such a way as to move the locking element 21 from the active position to the inactive position. In the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32, when the slider 22 moves towards the end of stroke position, the slider 22 itself engages with the bolt 10 in such a way as to move the bolt 10 from the closing position to the opening position. Substantially, starting from the condition in which the motor-driven lock 1 is closed, during opening the slider 22 is moved by the motor 17 in such a way that first, travelling along the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32, it moves the locking element 21 from the active position, in which it prevents the bolt 10 from moving, to the inactive position, in which it does not interfere with the movement of the bolt 10, and then, travelling along the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32, it moves the bolt 10, from the closing position to the opening position, thereby causing opening of the motor-driven lock 1 .

The closing movement will be described in more detail below; however, in this case too, shifting of the locking element 21 from the inactive position to the active position occurs when the slider 22 travels along the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32.

In the preferred embodiments, the motor-driven lock 1 also comprises a return spring 35, fitted between the main body 2 and the locking element 21 positioned in such a way as to return the locking element 21 towards the active position (towards the right in Figures 3 to 8).

In some embodiments, the locking element 21 has a first elongate seat, as shown for example in Figure 19. When the slider 22 moves between the locking position and the end of stroke position, the slider 22 itself slides inside this first elongate seat of the locking element 21.

In the preferred embodiments in which the locking element 21 has the first elongate seat, the first elongate seat is constituted of a slot 27, which comprises a first portion 33 and a second portion 34. Moreover, the movement trajectory 32 is advantageously straight.

The first portion 33 of the slot 27 is engaged with the slider 22 when the slider 22 travels along the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32. The second portion 34 of the slot 27 is engaged with by the slider 22 when the slider 22 travels along the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32. The second portion 34 of the slot 27 extends parallel to the movement trajectory 32 and is shaped and positioned in such a way that its interaction with the slider 22 keeps the locking element 21 in the inactive position. In contrast, the first portion 33 of the slot 27 is shaped and positioned in such a way as to allow the locking element 21 to shift in the inactive position.

In the embodiment of Figure 19, in particular, the first portion 33 is wider than the second portion 34, and has a protrusion, relative to the second portion 34, which extends in the same way in which the third portion 29 extends relative to the fourth portion 30.

Moreover, advantageously, the first portion 33 is shaped in such a way that the slider 22 can have a motion relative to it along a route inclined relative to the extent of the second portion 34 of the slot 27. In this context, the term “inclined” means that the line along which the slider 22 can apparently move relative to the first portion 33 forms an angle which is not null with the line along which the second portion 34 of the slot 27 extends. Moreover, that angle which is not null is an angle less than or equal to a right angle. Advantageously the angle is between 25° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 90°. In the embodiment illustrated it is the raised portion 45 of the slider 22 which is configured to engage with the slot 27 of the locking element 21. As can be seen from the accompanying figures, this raised portion 45 is substantially at least partly shaped to match the slot 27 both when the slider 22 is located in the locking position (Figure 3) and when the slider 22 is located in the end of stroke position (Figure 7). In particular, when the slider 22 is located in the locking position, four of the eight lateral faces 46 of the raised portion 45 are coupled to the first portion 3 of the slot 27, whilst when the slider 22 is located in the end of stroke position five lateral faces 46 of the raised portion 45 are coupled to the second portion 34 of the slot 27. Advantageously, the return spring 35 has a first end 36 fixed to the main body 2 and a second end 37 which is fixed to the locking element 21 , in particular to a projecting portion 60, which is part of the locking element 21 , which extends starting from the locking element towards the covering element 6. During opening of the motor-driven lock 1 , when the slider 22 slides in the first portion 33 of the slot 27, it causes the movement of the locking element 21 relative to the main body 2 from the active position to the inactive position, it causes a deformation of the return spring 35 (lengthening in the accompanying figures): therefore the locking element 21 is subjected to the elastic force of the return spring 35, which makes the return spring 35 tend to return to its not deformed configuration. In contrast, during the movement of the slider 22 in the second portion 34 of the slot 27 the extension of the return spring 35 remains constant, since the locking element 21 does not move relative to the main body 2 and its movement along the second line of movement 23 is prevented by the slider 22 which travels along the second portion 34 of the slot 27. As regards closing of the motor-driven lock 1 , during the movement of the slider 22 in the second portion 34 of the slot 27, the situation is similar to that described for the step of opening the motor-driven lock 1 , with the extension of the return spring 35 remaining constant. Even during the opposite movement of the slider 22 along the first portion 33 of the slot 27, the return spring 35 initially keeps its extension constant due to the fact that the projecting elements 31 are still engaged in the fourth portion 30 of the third elongate seat 28. In contrast, when the slider 22 reaches the locking position, the return spring 35 returns to its not deformed condition and moves the locking element 21 from the inactive position to the active position; in this way the third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28 slides relative to the projecting element 31 . Advantageously, the first portion 33 of the slot 27 of the locking element 21 is shaped in such a way that, when the slider 22 is in the locking position, present between the slot 27 and the slider 22 there is a play which allows sliding of the locking element 21 from the inactive position to the active position.

When the locking element 21 is in the inactive position, the slider 22 abuts against a first zone 57 of the locking element 21 which delimits the slot 27, whilst, when the locking element 21 is in the active position, the slider 22 abuts against a second zone 58 of the locking element 21 which delimits the slot 27.

In the preferred embodiments, in which the locking element 21 has the slot 27 and in which the bolt 10 has the second elongate seat 38, the slider 22 is associated both with the locking element 21 and with the bolt 10 simultaneously engaging with the slot 27 and the second elongate seat 38. Advantageously, during the movement of the slider 22 between the locking position and the end of stroke position, the slot 27 and the second elongate seat 38 are at least locally aligned along the line of extension of the slider 22; moreover, the slider 22 simultaneously passes through the slot 27 and the second elongate seat 38. Therefore, basically, considering a reference plane perpendicular to the line of extension of the slider 22, and projecting onto this reference plane both the slot 27 and the second elongate seat 38, during the movement of the slider 22 between the locking position and the end of stroke position, the projection of the slot 27 and the projection of the second elongate seat 38 are always at least partly superposed; in particular, the projection of the slot 27 and the projection of the second elongate seat 38 are superposed at least at the zones which are simultaneously engaged by the slider 22, since the slider 22 passes through both the slot 27 and the second elongate seat 38. That can be seen in the accompanying figures: in Figure 5, for example, through the slot 27 of the locking element 21 it is possible to look at the underlying second elongate seat 38 of the bolt 10.

Although in the accompanying figures the locking element 21 is positioned over the bolt 10, that is to say, the locking element 21 is interposed between the bolt 10 and the covering element 6, there are also embodiments possible in which the positions of the locking element and the bolt are reversed.

The embodiment described so far is that referred to by Figures 1 and from 3 and 8, in which the motor-driven lock 1 comprises a single locking element 21.

However, embodiments are also possible in which the motor-driven lock comprises two locking elements, such as the embodiment of Figures 2, from 9 to 17 and from 25 to 27.

The embodiments of the motor-driven lock 1 which comprise two locking elements 21 , differ from what has been described relative to the embodiments which use a single locking element 21. One of the differences is the fact that, although both locking elements 21 are associated with the slider 22 in a similar way to that described above, they are advantageously movable relative to the main body 2 and relative to the bolt 10, between the respective active positions and inactive positions, along the same line but in opposite directions, as is visible for example in Figures 9, 12, 15 and 25 for one locking element 21 and in Figures 10, 13, 16 and 26 for the other locking element 21 . Further differences between the two embodiments of the motor-driven lock 1 shown in the accompanying figures relate to the presence, in the motor-driven lock 1 which comprises two locking elements 21 , of at least one closing spring 19, as well as the thickness of the locking elements 21 .

As regards the presence of the closing spring 19, at the end face 13 a cavity 18 is advantageously made, in which the closing spring 19 is inserted. In the embodiments in which two end faces 13 are present, there are preferably two of both the cavities 18, and the closing springs 19, and the closing springs 19 are each associated with one of the cavities 18 made at the end faces 13 (inside the two elongate parts 15). However, embodiments are possible, not illustrated, in which there are multiple closing springs inside the same cavity, as well as embodiments in which the closing springs are present but not the cavities. However, use of the closing springs 19 is not necessary; it is possible to have two locking elements 21 even without closing springs 19 (with operation similar to that described for the first embodiment).

The motor-driven lock 1 illustrated in Figures 9 to 17 and from 25 to 27, which comprises the closing springs 19, preferably has an embodiment of the bolt 10 which is different from what was previously described. In fact, as shown in Figure 21 , this bolt 10 only has the first contact element 39, whilst there is not second contact element present: when the bolt 10 is in the closing position, the slider 22 does not abut against the bolt 10 (see for example Figure 11 ); in fact, as described below the movement of the bolt 10 during closing in this case is guaranteed by the closing springs 19. The two embodiments of the bolt 10 are however alternatives and can be freely combined in each embodiment of the motor-driven lock 1 .

In contrast, as regards the thickness of the locking elements, it is preferably different based on the embodiment: in fact, if the two locking elements 21 are present (second embodiment), the thickness of a single locking element 21 is advantageously less than the thickness of the locking element 21 if there is only one present (first embodiment), and generally is equal to half. In both cases that allows both a similar level of resistance, and similar dimensions inside the space in the main body 2.

The two locking elements 21 are moved from the respective active position to the respective inactive position, when the slider 22 is moved in the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32, starting from the locking position and towards the end of stroke position. When the slider 22 is in the locking position, both locking elements 21 are in the respective active position and, when the slider 22 is in the end of stroke position, both locking elements 21 are in the respective inactive position. Similarly to what was previously described, in this type of motor-driven lock 1, both locking elements 21 advantageously have the respective first elongate seat constituted of a slot 27, and each slot 27 comprises a respective first portion 33 and a respective second portion 34 (which in the embodiment illustrated are, however, different for the two locking elements 21).

As shown in the accompanying figures (in particular, compare the figures illustrating the same configuration of the motor-driven lock 1 , and which show, respectively, each of the two locking elements 21, such as Figures 9-10, 12- 13, 15-16 and 25-26), the slots 27 of the locking elements 21 have shapes which are broadly speaking similar, but partly different and specularly oriented. That means that, considering the specular image of the slot 27 of one of the two locking elements 21 , it has a trend similar to the slot 27 of the other of the two locking elements 21. The differences between the two slots 27 are strictly linked to the preferred operation of this motor-driven lock 1.

Hereinafter, for a clearer explanation, the expression “first locking element 211” will indicate the locking element 21 to which the second end 37 of the return spring 35 is connected (shown in Figure 23), whilst the expression “second locking element 212” will indicate the other locking element 21 (shown in Figure 24).

From Figures 23 and 24 it is evident how the slots 27 of the first locking element 211 and of the second locking element 212 are different from each other. In particular, the slot 27 of the first locking element 211 has a first portion 33 with enough play to allow the movement, during closing, of the first locking element 211 without the slider 22 being moved (thanks to the action of the return spring 35 in a similar way to what was described for the first embodiment). In contrast, the slot 27 of the second locking element 212 has a very reduced play with the slider 22; in fact, the movement of the second locking element 212, during closing, is only due to the movement of the slider 22. The second portion 34 of both slots 27 extends similarly to the second portion 34 of the slot 27 described with reference to the first embodiment. In contrast, both first portions 33 have a shape different from the preceding case.

In any case, the shapes of the slots 27 are not limiting for this invention.

In this embodiment, considering a reference plane perpendicular to the line of extension of the slider 22 (such as the plane of the sheet in Figures 9 to 17), and projecting onto this reference plane the slot 27 of one of the two locking elements 21 , and the slot 27 of the other locking element 21 , and the second elongate seat 38 of the bolt 10, during the movement of the slider 22 between the locking position and the end of stroke position, the projections of the two slots 27 and the projection of the second elongate seat 38 are always at least partly superposed. In particular, the projections of the slots 27 and the projection of the second elongate seat 38 are always superposed at least at the zones which are simultaneously engaged by the slider 22, since the slider 22 passes through both the two slots 27 and the second elongate seat 38.

Moreover, both of the locking elements 21 each define at least one third elongate seat 28 and the bolt 10 comprises at least one projecting element 31. The projecting element 31 simultaneously engages with both the third elongate seat 28 of one of the two locking elements 21 , and the third elongate seat 28 of the other of the two locking elements 21 : in fact, those third elongate seats 28 are superposed. Similarly to what was described for the embodiment with a single locking element 21 , in this case too the third elongate seats 28 are advantageously L-shaped, with the third portion 29 positioned perpendicularly relative to the fourth portion 30. However, in this case the third elongate seats 28 of the two locking elements 21 are oriented in a specular way relative to the plane passing through the movement trajectory 32 and through the line of extension of the slider 22: the two fourth portions 30 are directed in the same way, whilst the two third portions 29 extend, starting from the respective fourth portion 30, along lines which are parallel but which go in opposite directions. That is due to the fact that the locking elements 21 are moved along the same line (the second line of movement 23), but in opposite directions, and the opposite orientation of the third portions 29 allows both third portions 29 to slide, releasing the projecting element 31 (in this case too, that corresponds to a relative motion of the projecting element 31 along the entire third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28), when the slider 22 is moved in the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32.

In the embodiments illustrated, each of the locking elements 21 has two third elongate seats 28 and the bolt 10 comprises two projecting elements 31 : in this case the third elongate seats 28 are partly superposed in pairs (the third elongate seat 28 of one of the locking elements 21 is superposed on the third elongate seat 28 of the other locking element 21 ). However, as already indicated it is possible to have an embodiment in which the bolt 10 comprises a single projecting element 31 and each of the two locking elements 21 defines a single third elongate seat 28 (with the projecting element 31 simultaneously engaging with the two third elongate seats 28 of the two locking elements 21 ) or other alternative embodiments, with a larger number of both projecting elements 31 and of third elongate seats 28.

In Figures 9-11 , the slider 22 is in the locking position and engages with the slots 27 of both locking elements 21 at the respective first portions 33; the first locking element 211 and the second locking element 212 are in the respective active positions. In Figures 15-17, the slider 22 is in the end of stroke position and engages with the slots 27 of both locking elements 21 at the respective second portions 34; the first locking element 211 and the second locking element 212 are therefore in the respective inactive positions. Figures 12-14 show the motor-driven lock 1 when the slider 22 is in the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32, and engages with the slots 27 at the respective second portions 34; the first locking element 211 and the second locking element 212 are located in the respective inactive positions. What has been described so far for each of the two embodiments of the motor-driven lock 1 can in any case be combined at will, thereby obtaining further possible embodiments which are different from those explicitly described, which are also part of the invention.

By way of example, there is an embodiment with a single locking element 21 , in which the single locking element 21 is configured like the locking element 21 furthest from the bolt 10 of the embodiment of Figure 2. Furthermore, there is also an embodiment in which the single locking element 21 has a slot 27 shaped like that of the locking element 21 closest to the bolt 10 of the embodiment of Figure 2 (the return spring 35 must be associated with that locking element 21 in the ways indicated above).

By way of example, an opening and closing cycle of the motor-driven lock 1 will be described, with reference to the embodiment of Figure 1 , that is to say, the motor-driven lock 1 which comprises a single locking element 21 , illustrated in Figure 19, and the bolt 10 shown in Figure 20.

Starting from the closed motor-driven lock 1 condition, the bolt 10 is in the closing position, the locking element 21 is in the active position, the slider 22 is in the locking position, the motor 17 is not powered, and the worm screw 16 is stationary (Figures 3 and 4). Moreover, the shoulders 11 of the bolt 10 abut against the first protuberances 12 of the main body 2, the projecting elements 31 are in the third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28 and the slider 22 abuts against the second contact element 41 .

As a result of an opening command (generated for example by entering the correct code in a suitable control interface), the motor 17 is powered in such a way as to drive the rotation of the rotating shaft 49 of the motor 17 and the worm screw 16 in the one of the two possible directions of rotation which corresponds to screwing of the worm screw 16 into the threaded through hole 48.

Therefore the slider 22 is moved along the first stretch of the straight movement trajectory 32. During this shifting, the slider 22 interacts with the first portion 33 of the slot 27 of the locking element 21 . The shape of the latter, and the constraints imposed by the guiding portions 24 of the main body 2 by which it is guided, cause the locking element 21 to be moved perpendicularly to the movement trajectory 32 from the active position to the inactive position along the second line of movement 23; in particular, one of the eight lateral faces 46 of the raised portion 45 slides along the inclined edge of the first portion 33. In this way a relative movement of the projecting elements 31 in the third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28 is obtained. In contrast, the bolt 10 remains in the closing position, and the slider 22 slides in the second elongate seat 38 and shifts from the second contact element 41 , moving towards the first contact element 39.

Upon reaching the end of the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32, a position hereinafter referred to as an intermediate position, the locking element 21 is in the inactive position, and the slider 22 abuts against the first contact element 39. Moreover, in the intermediate position, the slider 22 is aligned with the second portion 34 of the slot 27.

Then, the slider 22 is moved from the intermediate position along the second stretch of the straight movement trajectory 32, travelling along the second portion 34 of the slot 27 of the locking element 21. The bolt 10 is simultaneously dragged by the slider 22 and is moved parallel to the movement trajectory 32, from the closing position to the opening position (Figures 5 and 6), whilst the locking element 21 remains in the inactive position. Moreover the projecting elements 31 of the bolt 10 slide in the fourth portion 30 of the third elongate seat 28.

When the slider 22 reaches the end of the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32, the bolt 10 reaches the opening position (the end faces 13 abut against the second protuberances 14 of the main body 2), and the motor- driven lock 1 is open (Figures 7 and 8); this finishes opening of the motor- driven lock 1 .

It should be emphasised that the movement of the slider 22 is advantageously continuous: in fact, the slider 22 continues its movement along the movement trajectory 32, without stopping, from the configuration in which the motor- driven lock 1 is closed to the configuration in which the motor-driven lock 1 is open.

As regards motor-driven lock 1 closing, by making the rotating shaft 49 of the motor 17 rotate in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation adopted during opening, the slider 22 is first moved by the worm screw 16 along the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32. Initially, the bolt 10 is stationary in the opening position and the slider 22 moves away from the first contact element 39 moving towards the second contact element 41. The slider 22 continues to be moved by the motor 17 and, after abutting against the second contact element 41 , it begins to push the bolt 10 from the opening position towards the closing position. The movement of the bolt 10 from the opening position towards the closing position, causes sliding of the projecting elements 31 in the fourth portion 30 of the third elongate seat 28. In this step, the slider 22 slides in the second portion 34 of the slot 27 and the locking element 21 remains in the inactive position.

When the slider again reaches the intermediate position, the relative position of the slider 22 and locking element 21 is the same as the two had during the opening step, whilst the relative position of the slider 22 and bolt 10 is different, since in this case the slider 22 is in contact with the second contact element 41 . That means that, in this case, the projecting elements 31 are still inside the fourth portion 30 of the third elongate seat 28 and are not aligned with the third portion 29.

Continuing its shifting along the first stretch of the movement trajectory 32, the slider 22 continues pushing the bolt 10 from the opening position towards the closing position. At the same time the locking element 21 remains stationary and the slider 22 slides inside the first portion 33 remaining aligned with the second portion 34.

When the slider 22 reaches the locking position, the bolt 10 reaches the closing position (the shoulders 11 abut against the first protuberances 12). At that point the locking element 21 is free to move from the inactive position to the active position, since the projecting elements 31 can slide in the third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28 (in this case too, the motion of the projecting elements 31 is relative, since the locking element 21 moves): the return spring 35, returning to its not deformed shape, moves the locking element 21 from the inactive position to the active position. Therefore, at the end, the locking element 21 is again in the active position, the slider 22 is in the locking position and the bolt 10 is in the closing position; the motor-driven lock 1 is closed.

In this embodiment, in the second portion 34 of the slot 27, the slider 22 moves, both during opening and during closing, parallel to the movement trajectory 32. In contrast, in the first portion 33 of the slot 27 the slider 22 moves differently during opening and during closing. During opening the slider 22 moves, relatively, in the slot 27 in a way inclined relative to the movement trajectory 32 (in contact with the second zone 58) along a line which forms an angle preferably of between 25° and 45°, advantageously between 30° and 40° (so as to have an interaction with inclined plane), whilst during closing the slider 22 initially moves parallel to the movement trajectory 32 (substantially in contact with the first zone 57), therefore continuing to move as in the second portion 34. Only when it reaches the locking position, the slider 22 moves orthogonally relative to the movement trajectory 32 (inclination of 90°). The relative trajectory described by the slider 22 inside the first portion 33 of the slot 27 is therefore, in this embodiment, a right- angled triangle, with a cathetus parallel to the movement trajectory of the slider 22.

Similarly to what was emphasised for motor-driven lock 1 opening, also during closing the movement of the slider 22 is advantageously continuous: in fact, the slider 22 continues its movement along the movement trajectory 32, without stopping, from the configuration in which the motor-driven lock 1 is open to the configuration in which the motor-driven lock 1 is closed.

Below is a description of the opening and closing cycle of the motor-driven lock 1 , with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, that is to say, the motor-driven lock 1 which comprises two locking elements 21 , shown in Figure 23 and 24, and the bolt 10 shown in Figure 21 . In particular the focus will be on the differences compared with the operating cycle previously described.

Regarding motor-driven lock 1 opening, a first difference compared with the case previously described, is linked to the presence of the closing springs 19. In fact, during opening, the closing springs 19 are compressed, reducing their extension compared with the not deformed extension, and thereby storing elastic energy which will be released during motor-driven lock 1 closing.

A second difference relates to the movement of the two locking elements 21 . The slider 22 is moved by the motor 17 from the locking position towards the end of stroke position. Initially the slider 22 is at a distance from the first contact element 39 of the bolt 10 and slides inside the slot 27 of the first locking element 211 and inside the slot 27 of the second locking element 212. Thanks to the different shape of the two first portions 33, in the embodiment illustrated the movement of the two locking elements 21 is not simultaneous. First, the slider 22 moves the second locking element 212 from the respective active position to the respective inactive position, interacting with the relative first portion 33; only when the second locking element 212 is in the respective inactive position, the slider 22 interacts with the first portion 33 of the first locking element 211 and moves it from the respective active position to the respective inactive position. When the first locking element 211 reaches the inactive position, the slider 22 abuts against the first contact element 39.

The first portion 33 of the first slot 27 and the first portion 33 of the second slot 27 are configured in such a way as to allow this movement during motor- driven lock 1 opening: the first portion 33 of the slot 27 of the first locking element 211 is shaped in such a way as to allow the movement of the slider 22 initially without the slider 22 causing shifting of the first locking element 211 , whilst the first portion 33 of the slot 27 of the second locking element 212 is inclined relative to the movement trajectory 32 and that allows an initial movement only of the second locking element 212, whilst the first locking element 211 is only moved when the slider 22 reaches the inclined zone of the first slot 27 (during this step the slider 22 is located at the second portion 34 of the slot 27 of the second locking element 212, parallel to the movement trajectory 32).

In contrast, regarding closing, the preferred operation of this embodiment is substantially different, partly due to the different shape of the bolt 10 shown in Figure 21 and the presence of the closing springs 19, compared with that of the embodiment with a single locking element 21 .

Starting with the motor-driven lock 1 open (Figures 15 to 17), the motor 17 first moves the slider 22 from the end of stroke position towards the locking position along the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32.

During this movement, since the opening springs 19 are compressed, if the bolt 10 is free of external impediments which lock its shifting (the opposite case will be described below), the opening springs 19 push the bolt 10, from the opening position towards the closing position, moving the bolt 10 simultaneously with moving of the slider 22 by the motor 17. In fact, in this case, thanks to the action of the closing springs 19, the first contact element 39 of the bolt 10 remains abutting against the slider 22 until the bolt 10 reaches the closing position (with the shoulders 11 abutting against the first protuberances 12). When the bolt 10 reaches the closing position, the slider 22 is located in a first intermediate temporary position between the end of stroke position and the locking position. In the first temporary position the slider 22 is also located at the end of the second portion 34 of the slot 27 of the first locking element 211 (and therefore at the start of the relative first portion 33). The slider 22 then continues its movement, driven by the motor 17, until it reaches the stop position (shown in Figures 25 to 27), in which the slider 22 itself is at a distance from the first contact element 39.

During the movement of the slider 22 between the first temporary position and the stop position, since the bolt 10 is in the closing position, the projecting elements 31 are aligned with the third portions 29 of the third elongate seats 28. Consequently, as the slider 22 gradually moves forward, the return spring 35 moves the first locking element 211 from the respective inactive position to the respective active position: in fact, the movement of the slider 22 in the first portion 33 allows the gradual movement of the first locking element 211 due to the return spring 35.

When the slider 22 reaches the stop position, the first locking element 211 is in the respective active position (and the projecting elements 31 engage with the third portion 29 of the third elongate seat 28), the bolt 10 is in the closing position.

The movement of the first locking element 211 , described above, activates a sensor 59 (or a microswitch - not directly visible in the accompanying figures), which sends a signal to the electronic card to continue powering the motor 17. In contrast, in the absence of that signal the electronic card is configured to cease powering the motor 17, as described in more detail below. More generally, the sensor 59 may be associated with a locking element 21 or respectively with the bolt 10 and may be connected to the electronic card for indicating to it when, respectively, the locking element 21 is in the active position or the bolt 10 is in the closing position. The electronic card may in turn be programmed to power the motor 17 in order to move the slider 22 from the stop position to the locking position only when the sensor 59 indicates to the electronic card that the locking element 21 is in the active position or, respectively, that the bolt 10 is in the closing position.

Therefore the motor 17 continues to move the slider 22 from the stop position to the locking position. In particular, the sensor 59 detects the shifting of the projecting portion 60 of the first locking element 211. During the last part of the movement of the slider 22, the slider 22 itself moves the second locking element 212 from the respective inactive position to the respective active position.

When the slider 22 reaches the locking position, the bolt 10 is in the closing position and the two locking elements 21 are in the respective active positions. Therefore, the motor-driven lock 1 is closed.

In this case, the relative trajectory of the slider 22 inside the slot 27 of the first locking element 211 extends along three segments: the first segment inside the second portion 34 is parallel to the movement trajectory 32, the second segment inside the first portion 33 is inclined relative to the first segment and the third segment, also inside the first portion 33, is parallel to the first segment.

As already indicated above, in many applications of this type of motor-driven lock 1 (for example if the motor-driven lock 1 is part of the locking device for the opening mechanism for the safe sliding bolts), at the moment when the motor 17 is activated to return the slider 22 towards the locking position, the bolt 10 may be locked, that is to say, kept in the opening position by an external impediment element. Therefore, the closing springs 19 cannot move the bolt 10 towards the closing position when the slider 22 starts moving. Consequently, while it travels along the second stretch of the movement trajectory 32, the slider 22 moves away from the first contact element 39. Advantageously, the first portion 33 of the slot 27 of the first locking element 211 defines an axial continuation of the second portion 34 shaped in such a way that the slider 22 can reach the stop position without requiring the first locking element 211 to be moved into the active position. In this case, when it is located in the stop position, the slider 22 abuts against a third zone 61 of the first locking element 211 which delimits the slot 27.

In the absence of movement of the first locking element 211, the sensor 59 does not activate and does not send any signal to the electronic card to continue powering the motor 17. Therefore, the electronic card is configured to cease powering the motor 17, stopping the slider 22 in the stop position. When the external impediment element is removed, the closing springs 19 lengthen and push the bolt 10 from the opening position to the closing position, while the slider 22 remains in the stop position. When the bolt 10 reaches the closing position, the projecting elements 31 can slide in the third stretch 29 of the third elongate seat 28 of the first locking element 211 : the return spring 35 can therefore move the first locking element 211 from the respective inactive position to the respective active position. At the same time the first portion 33 of the slot 27 of the first locking element 211 allows the shifting of the latter relative to the slider 22 which is stationary in the stop position.

As soon as the first locking element 211 shifts, the sensor 59 activates and sends the signal to the electronic card to continue powering the motor 17. Therefore, the electronic card is configured to start powering the motor 17 again, making the slider 22 move from the stop position towards the locking position.

Therefore the subsequent movement occurs in a similar way to what was described for the case in which the bolt 10 is free.

In this case too, the relative trajectory of the slider 22 inside the slot 27 of the first locking element 211 extends along three segments: a fourth segment which is parallel to the movement trajectory 32, a fifth segment which is perpendicular to the fourth segment and a sixth segment which is parallel to the fourth segment.

The fourth segment corresponds to the first segment with the addition of a stretch inside the first portion 33. In contrast, the sixth segment corresponds to a final part of the above-mentioned third segment.

In a different way from that described relative to closing for the embodiment of the motor-driven lock 1 with a single locking element 21 , in this embodiment during closing the movement of the slider 22 may not be continuous: in fact, the slider 22 is moved from the stop position only if the bolt 10 is already in the closing position. The embodiment which comprises the presence of at least one closing spring 19 advantageously allows automatic movement of the slider 22 towards the locking position, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after opening (which can be decided for example at the design or installation stage).

It should be emphasised that the descriptions of operations of the motor- driven locks 1 are supplied by way of example. In fact, what is described for operations of the two embodiments of the motor-driven lock 1 shall not be understood as limiting for this invention. In fact, those described are preferred operations, which do not rule out the possibility that the motor-driven lock 1 may be based on a type of operation different from what was described above. For example, embodiments are possible which comprise a single locking element 21 , but whose movement is similar to that described for one of the two locking elements 21 of the second embodiment (if necessary with modifications/adjustments to the control logic).

This invention brings important advantages.

In fact, thanks to this invention it has been possible to provide a motor-driven lock which is an alternative to those of the prior art, which has a relatively simple structure and operation. Finally, it should be noticed that this invention is relatively easy to produce and that even the cost linked to implementing the invention is not very high. The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

All details may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may vary according to requirements.