WO2010105374A1

WO2010105374A1 - Latching device

Info

Publication number: WO2010105374A1
Application number: PCT/CH2010/000050
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Burger; Alfred Aschmann
Original assignee: Kaba Ag
Priority date: 2009-03-18
Filing date: 2010-03-02
Publication date: 2010-09-23
Also published as: DE112010001196A5; AT515703A5; AT515703B1; CH700665A2; CH700665B1

Abstract

The latching device for a lock comprises in the known manner an electronic module for receiving data from an identification unit (which can be designed as a card or smart card or in another form and may perform additional functions) and an electric drive – for example, an electric motor – which is controlled by the electronic module and can bring the latching device into a first and a second coupling state. In addition, the device comprises a generator (40), which can charge an energy accumulator (61) for the electronic module. In the first coupling state, the generator can be charged by manually moving the actuating element (7), and in the second coupling state, a driven unit (45) can be moved by moving the actuating element (7), wherein the lock can be locked or unlocked by the movement of the driven unit. The generator (40) is disposed in the actuating element (7) – which must also be actuated when the generator is to charge the energy accumulator – and is driven by a gearbox (34) upon actuation of the actuating element (7). The gearbox is disposed outside of the actuating element (7), for example, so that the torque is transmitted from the actuating element to the gearbox and, after the gear ratio has been changed by said gearbox, is transmitted back into the inside of the actuating element.

Description

LOCKING DEVICE

The invention relates to a locking device for locks, for example. Vorhängeschi össer.

Locking devices with electronically controlled locking elements

- Mechatronic locking devices - are known. The electronically controlled locking is based on a data transmission between a key-side electronic module and a lock-side electronic module. This data transmission can be effected by contact - for example by means of electrical contacts on key and lock - or without contact - for example via radio frequency transmission

- occur. Data can be transmitted in one or both directions.

The key side electronic module may be active or passive. However, at least the lock-side unit of the locking device generally requires a power supply (own battery, contact to key side battery, mains connection), on the one hand for operating the electronic module, on the other hand for actuating the blocking elements. In addition, the energy supply of the key-side electronic module can be made from the lock-side unit, for example in the case of RFID technology. In particular, in locks that can not be easily connected to a power supply, eg. In padlocks, locks on furniture, on isolated boxes mounted in the outdoor area, etc., it is common to provide the lock with a battery compartment. An example of a battery-powered electronic padlock is shown in WO 98/57017.

In many cases, however, such a power supply via a battery is disadvantageous. For example, it often happens that a lock is not operated for a long time - in extreme cases over many months or even a year or more. In such cases, the functionality of the lock is not guaranteed, since a battery may be discharged or even leaked.

From US Patent 5,061,923 a power supply-independent combination combination lock for a safe is disclosed. The disc of the safe is connected to a stepper motor which, as the dial is rotated, generates pulses that are evaluated by the electronics to determine if the user is using the correct combination of numbers. At the same time, the stepper motor is used to charge an electrical capacitor that powers the electronics and the electric drive of the locking bar.

This dual function of the stepping motor is advantageous for a combination lock, but it is not transferable to other applications.

The document WO 2005/088559 proposes a similar approach for double-locking cylinders with inner and outer Schliessknauf. In the inner Schliessknauf are the electronics and an electromechanical transducer, which is so coupled to the outer Schliessknauf that upon actuation of the - J -

the latter electrical energy is obtained. The inner Schliessknauf is firmly coupled to the Schliessbart. In practice, in addition to the energy obtained by operating the Schliessknaufs - this is, for example, used for waking up a circuit - also more energy storage (batteries or the like.) Available because the electrical energy obtained in the configuration shown is not sufficient to the To supply electronics and the coupling means sufficient. The proposed solution is also unsuitable for other applications than lock cylinders and also has the disadvantages of conventional battery powered solutions described above.

It would be desirable to have a locking device that is also suitable for compact arrangements - for example, normalized single cylinders or padlocks or the like - and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved by the invention as defined in the claims.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a locking device which overcomes the disadvantages of locking devices according to the prior art and which is particularly suitable for applications in which only limited space is available (for example. Euro profile, US profile ) and in which a power supply via a power grid is not possible and a power supply by a battery is not advantageous.

This object is achieved by a locking device as defined in the claims. - A -

The locking device for a lock has as known per se an electronic module for receiving data from an identification unit (such may be designed as a card, eg chip card or in another form and possibly also perform additional functions) and an electric drive - eg. Electric motor - Which controlled by the electronic module, the locking device can bring in a first and in a second coupling state. In addition, the device has a generator through which an energy storage for the electronic module can be charged. In the first coupling state, the generator can be charged by manually moving the actuating element, and in the second coupling state, a driven device can be moved by moving the actuating element, wherein by moving the driven device, the lock is locked or unlocked. The generator is in the actuator - which is also to operate. When the generator is to charge the energy storage - arranged and is driven by a transmission upon actuation of the actuating element (eg., Rotary handle) The transmission is, for example, outside the actuating element arranged so that the torque from the actuator to the transmission and from this translates back into the interior of the Actuator is transmitted.

The inventive method does not preclude that in addition to the mechatronic action of the electronic module and the drive also other

Handles or precautions are to be made in order to operate the generator in the first coupling state and / or to effect in the second coupling state locking or unlocking. Thus, for example, a purely manual mechanical movement, for example in the axial direction, of the actuating element may additionally be required in order to switch back and forth between the first and second coupling states, or additional mechanical locking means may be present, etc. The procedure according to the invention has the advantage that, despite the compact design, it is possible to operate the locking device without separate energy sources, for example batteries or mains connection, and that the necessary safety can be ensured. As a result of the arrangement of the generator operated by a gear in the rotary handle itself, the procedure according to the invention offers a highly integrated solution with a multiple function of the rotary handle. Due to the fact that the actual locking and unlocking process can be accomplished by actuating the actuating element (eg a rotary handle), the electric drive only has to switch back and forth between the two coupling states by, for example, radially displacing a light coupling element. As a result, he only has to do very little mechanical work, which is crucial to the concept of the autonomous power supply only via the generator.

On the one hand, a compact construction requires that a cylinder section of the locking device fits into a standardized or otherwise cross-section-limited cylinder profile. On the other hand, the arrangement of safety-related components outside the cylinder profile is not appropriate. However, an insight underlying the invention is that geometric factors can play an important role in the arrangement and design of the generator, which will be explained in more detail below:

In generators, the basic principle applies first of all that the voltage U should be as high as possible in order to generate as much power P = U * I as possible. A high voltage is also desirable because the energy storable in a capacitor is W = C * U ² I ² , that is, proportional to the square of the voltage. A high voltage allows the choice of a smaller capacitor, on the one hand less expensive and less prone and on the other hand have a smaller capacitor charging time τ = R * C (R is the ohmic internal resistance of the charging components). The voltage U is defined by the number of turns n and the field change dB / dt (B = magnetic field). If the space is limited, a high number of turns can be bought only by a small wire cross-section. As a result, the internal resistance of the windings increases, and this has a negative influence on the efficiency and, because of the relationship τ = R * C, increases the capacitor charging time τ. The field change is dependent on the speed of the windings relative to the magnetic field and the strength of the magnetic field. The speed v is determined by v = dπω, (d = diameter), wherein the angular velocity ω is limited by the operating speed of the user and the gear ratio. Practice shows that transmissions with ratios of 70: 1 or more become inefficient. Thus one can increase the speed v only by the choice of larger diameters d. Of course, the diameter can not be chosen arbitrarily for geometric reasons.

For the generation of a high voltage at - due to design - low speed so a high magnetic field change is important. First of all, a stepper motor offers itself as a suitable generator because it has many poles (of closely spaced small magnets), which is high

Field changes and thus high voltage spikes brings with it. One

However, stepper motor also has disadvantages, which shows a current consideration: At the start of charge flow each high currents at initially low voltage. Size

Due to the principle of self-induction, however, currents in the windings generate an induced magnetic field which acts against the magnetic field. If, as with a stepper motor, a weak permanent magnet is present, it will be

Magnetic field largely compensated away by the induced magnetic field, so that hardly any current flows. Therefore, it is recommended to use a generator with a large, strong magnet. This can be effected in particular by the generator part accommodating the magnet as large as possible

Diameter has. The inventive approach solves the contradiction between the limited space on the one hand and the desire for the largest possible diameter of the generator and in particular of the generator magnet.

Preferably, the outer diameter of the part of the generator accommodating the at least one permanent magnet is at least 70%, at least 75% or at least 80% of the outer diameter of the

Actuating element. The part housing the permanent magnet is, for example, the rotating part (outer rotor). This includes configurations in which

Permanent magnet and windings are not in each other, but are arranged at an axial distance from each other. Especially suitable as a generator for the inventive approach is due to the simplicity of its construction

Generator with brushless external rotor.

The inventive approach allows autonomous, independent of external power supply and batteries solution even in confined spaces and if only one actuator is present, eg. In a padlock or a single cylinder. In general, the power supply will be completely autonomous, i. the locking device is free of energy sources required in normal operation such as accumulators, etc.

The actuator is accessible from outside the lock and can be designed as a handle, for example. As a rotary handle. Such a rotary handle may be greater in its outer dimensions than the dimensions of a cylinder profile.

Such a comparatively large extent also has an advantageous effect on the ease of use for the user. The inventive approach comes in rotary handles as actuators so particularly beneficial advantage. In alternative embodiments, however, the actuating element can also have a different shape and be, for example, a door handle-like element or a shaft element coupled to such an element.

As the transmission is suitable, a planetary gear, since all gear elements can be arranged in a plane and the driven to be connected to the shaft of the motor gear can be centrally located. Depending on the configuration, other transmissions, for example spur gears, are also suitable.

The locking and / or coupling function, which can be effected with the transition between the first and the second coupling state, can, as is known per se from closing devices, be based on one of the following principles:

a. Obstructing an element to be moved for unlocking (for example the output device) with respect to another element in the first coupling state and unlocking in the second coupling state;

b. Coupling a user-movable element (eg, the actuating element, e.g., a rotary handle) to a different element (eg, the output device) to be moved for unlocking only when authorized;

c. Combinations of a. and b. and / or multiple applications of a. and b.

In the first coupling state, an output device will be decoupled from the actuating element, while in the second coupling state with the Actuator is coupled; In addition, in the first coupling state, the output device can optionally be blocked with respect to the housing.

For the clutches or locks in the first and second coupling state, at least one coupling element may be present, which is radially displaceable by the drive radially in a common radial opening of the elements to be coupled and depending on the position couples the corresponding elements or not. In a particular embodiment, two coupling elements are located in a common opening (i.e., radially displaceable together), as appropriate

Position the following four elements or a subset thereof can couple or decouple:

a stator or a housing (against which the corresponding other elements can be obstructed).

The actuating element (for example a rotary handle) or a rotationally connected torque transmission,

- An output device (such may be formed by a rotatable output element), and

An input or output of the transmission.

According to a first variant is in the first coupling state

Actuator coupled to the input and output of the transmission and optionally the output device connected to the housing, while in the second Coupling state of said input or output of the transmission is decoupled from the actuating element (it may optionally be locked relative to the housing) and the output device is coupled to the actuating element.

According to the second variant, in the first coupling state, a first output of the transmission - for example the web output of a planetary gear - is blocked relative to the housing, while a second output of the transmission - for example the external gear of the planetary gear - is coupled to the actuating element; this can be a coupling via a freewheel, and / or this coupling can be permanent and independent of the coupling state. The generator is then driven via a third output - for example, according to the sun gear of the planetary gear. In the second clutch state, the first output of the transmission is not fixed relative to the housing, and consequently the transmission as a whole can join together with the generator in a rotational movement of the actuator, i. the generator is then not driven. In this state, an output device is coupled with the actuating element. The coupling of the first output of the transmission with the housing can be done directly or indirectly - for example, via a permanent coupling to the output device, which in turn is blocked in the first coupling state relative to the housing - done.

According to a preferred embodiment, the locking device is constructed as a module and - possibly with minor modifications - suitable for different types of locks. It can have a cylindrical shape as a whole. Alternatively, it may also have another, for example, standardized (for example, cock profile (DIN 18252, also called Europrofil) or similar profile.) In such a case, the locking device has a lot with the corresponding profile cylinder cross-section, wherein the actuating element protrudes from this lot and has a larger cross-section.

The locking device can - also due to such a standardized outer profile - be inserted into different closure systems. A locking module comprising the electric motor may also comprise a hermetically sealed housing towards the outside

Preferably, the identification (i.e., the transmission of data from the identification unit to the electronic module and possibly also from the electronic module to the identification unit) takes place without contact, for example with RFID technology. Also possible is the information transmission by means of the capacitive-resistive coupling by the user, as described in the document WO 2007/036 06, the international patent application PCT / CH 2007/000166 or documents cited therein. Other contactless or contact-type information transmission types, for example, via IR, electromagnetic fields of other frequencies, acoustically (ultrasound), etc. are possible.

In the case of a non-contact or in particular a capacitive-resistive information transmission results in a particularly natural motion sequence when operating the locking device. Thus, for example, it may be provided that the identification unit is to be worn only on the body, for example in the trouser pocket. The user then only has to operate the generator by bringing the locking device in the first coupling state and moves the actuator as intended. While the user is doing this or immediately thereafter, information transmission (via electromagnetic waves and / or capacitive / resistive via the user's body) may also be instantaneous done so that the lock can be opened immediately after charging the energy storage device.

However, it is alternatively or additionally also possible to exchange information about electrical and / or optical etc. contacts, identification unit and locking device then having corresponding interfaces.

A first important application of inventive

Locking devices are, as mentioned, padlocks to which more and more security requirements are being made, as well as more complex locking systems. For example, padlocks are often used to protect the infrastructure of mobile operators, etc. in remote locations. Such infrastructure may only be maintained sporadically, and it is therefore important to ensure proper functioning even if the lock has not been operated for a long time.

The device according to the invention can also be used in connection with lock cylinders which are not readily supplied with electricity, for example in connection with lock cylinders (this term also includes 'half cylinders', ie lock cylinders which can only be operated on one side) for furniture / showcases. / Cabinet closures, closures for external cabinets such as electrical boxes, traffic light cabinets, energy distributors, etc., for gates, safes, etc.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. Like reference numerals designate like or analogous elements. In the drawings show: 1 and 2 are views of a locking device according to the invention;

3 is a view of a padlock with the locking device.

4 shows a sectional view of the padlock with the locking device; and

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of components of the padlock with the locking device. FIG.

Figures 1 and 2 show a locking device 1 for padlocks or other objects (eg doors). In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device has an inner portion, which as a whole has a profile cylinder cross section, the example. A standardized profile, e.g. Rooster profile (DIN 18252, also called Europrofil) or a US profile or a similar profile. In an outer part, the locking device has an antenna and capacitor housing 5 and the outside of an actuator in the form of a rotary handle 7. As seen in Fig. 2, has the inner part together with a cylinder housing 6, in which a further described below in detail output member 45 and / or other components are rotatably mounted / are also a blocking module 4, which has the evaluation and the electric drive of the mechatronic locking device.

The communication, evaluation and control means arranged in the blocking module 4 and the antenna and capacitor housing 5 are designed to

Information with an electronic key - for example in the form of a

Access card - exchange information and depending on the authorization of the Key release the locking device or not. The exchange of information can take place in a manner known per se via radio frequency information exchange, and / or via the capacitive-resistive coupling, and / or contact-related via corresponding plug contacts etc. The design of the communication interface can be configured in any known manner or even novel.

In Figure 3, a padlock is drawn with a erfϊndungsgemässen locking device. In addition to the locking device 1 can be seen a padlock housing 2 and a bracket 3. The padlock has in the illustrated embodiment, an optional additional housing 8, which can serve to accommodate certain components, which are not essential to the invention and are not discussed here ,

Instead of a padlock, the locking device can also be installed in another lock. It is suitable for different types of locks, possibly with minor modifications.

According to FIGS. 4 and 5, a torque transmission 31 is, for example, rotationally fixedly coupled to the rotary handle 7 by means of fixing pins. For manufacturing reasons, the torque transmission from a first torque transmitting member 31.1 and a second torque transmitting member 31.2 is composed.

The torque transmission part is coupled in the first coupling state via a freewheel 33 and a planetary gear 34 with a drive shaft 37 of the generator 40. In Fig. 4 it can be seen that the freewheel 33 is externally rotatably fitted into the second torque transmission part 31.2 and inside a projecting pin of the planetary gear housing (which is also designed as the ring gear of the planetary gear or to which the ring gear is fixedly coupled) in the one direction of rotation rotates. The drive shaft is then correspondingly coupled to the - translated - "sun gear" of the planetary gear, while the web (corresponding to the web output 46 in the figure on the right) is fixed relative to the housing.

The drive shaft 37 rotates the generator rotor 41 while the generator stator 42 is fixed (eg, adhered) to a generator holder 43 opposite to the latch housing (including the antenna and capacitor housing 5, the cylinder housing 6, and the housing the blocking module 4, and any additional housing 8) is rotationally fixed, in the example shown, due to a tab 43.1, which engages in a holding opening 6.1 of the cylinder housing 6 through a circumferential passage 31.1 1 of the first torque transmitting member 31 .1 and so the generator holder 43 against rotation fixed.

The generator stator also has the windings (not shown), from which power lines are routed via a feedthrough 47 of the generator mount into the antenna and capacitor housing 5 and to the capacitor / capacitors 61, possibly via the electronics of the blocking module 4.

In the second coupling state, the torque transmission part 31 is coupled to a driven part 45, which transmits the torque exerted on the rotary handle 7 to a locking mechanism of the padlock or possibly other lock used. For this purpose, the output member 45 has a Drehmomentübertragungsnut 45.1. When the locking device is installed in a padlock, for example, in the Drehmomentübertragungsnut 45.1 engage a corresponding spring of a (not shown) locking part, which in turn prevents or allows the avoidance of two locking pin, so that the bracket 3 depending on the in the locked state is fixed or can be moved axially in the direction away from the housing. Mechanisms for fixing or releasing a strap or - in other locks - eg. A bolt, a pawl or other locking device depending on the position of a driven part are known in the art and are not described in detail here; for the example "padlock" shows the international patent application PCT / CH 2008/000388 a corresponding exemplary mechanism (eg Figures 6-8).

The output part 45 has on the bow side (that is, in FIG. 4 toward the right side) an annular peripheral groove into which projects a hollow cylindrical extension of the second torque transmission part 31.2. Further, a central (with respect to the axis) blind hole for the web output 46 is formed on the output member 45. The output member 45 is like the torque transmitting member 31.2 and the cylinder housing 6 provided with a radial opening for coupling elements. In the first coupling state, an outer coupling element 51 couples the driven part 45 to the cylinder housing 6, while an inner coupling element 52 has no coupling function and rotates with the torque transmission during a rotational movement. The web output 46 is permanently coupled to the output part 45 and thus indirectly in the first coupling state with the cylinder housing. The coupling between the web output 46 and the output part 45 can, for example, via a screw or a permanent fix (guided and / or riveted) coupling pin, etc. take place. The torque transmission part 31.2 and thus also the rotary handle 7 are free relative to the cylinder housing 6 and driven part 45 - limited only by the limitations of the partially, for example, by 270 ° circumferential passage 31.1 1 - rotatable. In the second coupling state, the outer coupling element 51 is pushed so far outwards that it releases the driven part 45 relative to the housing. The inner coupling element 52 then couples the driven part 45 with the torque transmission part 31.2 and thus directly with the rotary handle 7. The web output 46 of the planetary gear is also coupled as mentioned with the output part, which rotates with rotation of the rotary handle 7, the planetary gear 34 as a whole , as is the freewheel 33.

The movement of the outer and inner coupling element between the first and the second coupling state is electronically controlled by an electric drive, for example, can exert a radial stroke on the outer coupling element 51 and thus can move both coupling elements from the second to the first coupling state. The electric drives is arranged in the blocking module 4. The withdrawal from the second to the first coupling state takes place, for example, with the aid of a magnetic coupling and / or a spring force - the inner coupling element 52 can be provided for this purpose similar to a counter-locking a mechanical closing cylinder with a spring. With regard to the drive, it is possible, for example, to use a similar system as disclosed in EP 1 576 246, the contents of which are expressly referred to here.

The power supply of the drive and the connection to the (not shown, arranged in the antenna and capacitor housing 5) antenna via cables, which are guided through the cable opening 6.2.

According to one aspect of the invention, the generator is arranged as mentioned in the rotary handle, with which it is also driven. The arrangement is moreover such that the generator part having the permanent magnet (s) - here as preferred Generator rotor 41 - has the largest possible extent, so that the / the magnet (s) possible large dimensions and can be strong. For this purpose, the outer diameter of the magnet housing accommodating the generator part is preferably only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the rotary handle 7. For example, the outer diameter of the magnet housing the generator part is at least 80% of the inner diameter of the rotary handle, more preferably even at least 88%. Especially suitable as a generator for the inventive approach is a generator with brushless external rotor.

The skilled person will be able to realize further embodiments with knowledge of the invention. For example, for the motorized by the locking mechanism or clutch mechanism, there are innumerable possibilities, with or without combination with purely mechanical security elements.

In addition to what is described here, means for receiving electrical energy may also be present from an active medium not belonging to the lock and not permanently connected to it, whereby operation is possible even in the event of a failure of the energy storage means (eg capacitors) and / or of the generator ,

Many other variants are conceivable, including variants in which the actuating element is different from a rotary handle.

Claims

A locking device for a lock, comprising a housing (5, 6), an electronic module for receiving data from an identification unit, an output device (45), by the rotational movement of the lock is locked and unlocked, and an electrically operated drive through which in

Dependence of data received from the electronic module, the locking device can be brought into a first and in a second coupling state, and relative to the housing (5, 6) manually movable actuating element (7) and a generator (40) for converting a movement of the actuating element into electrical energy characterized in that the generator (40) is arranged in the actuating element such that in the first coupling state a movement of the actuating element can be transmitted to a transmission (34) and translated further to the generator arranged in the actuating element, so that the generator energy storage means (61) charges for the electronic module and the drive, and that in the second coupling state, the actuating element (7) with the output device (45) coupled or coupled and the output device is rotatable by rotational movement of the actuating element.

2. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission (34) outside the actuating element (7) is arranged.

3. Locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission (34) or a part of the transmission is designed as a planetary gear.

4. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (7) is a rotary handle.

5. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic module comprises means for contactless receiving and / or transmitting signals, for example via radio frequency transmission, and / or means for receiving and / or transmitting signals by means of the capacitive-resistive coupling.

6. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has apart from a head part with the actuating element a normalized Schliesszylinder profile, eg. The profile DINl 8252, corresponding outer cross-section.

7. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a at least one permanent magnet exhibiting part of the generator has an outer diameter of at least 70% of the outer diameter of the actuating element.

8. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generator (40) has a brushless outer rotor.

9. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one coupling element (51, 52) which radially by the drive in a common radial opening with the Rotary handle rotatably connected torque transmission part (31) and the output device (45) is displaceable.

10. Locking device according to claim 9, characterized in that two coupling elements (51, 52) are present, which are mutually displaceable in the radial opening displaceable.

1 1. A locking device according to claim 10, characterized in that in the first coupling state, an input or output (46) of the transmission and, for example, the output device (45) is coupled to a housing part (6), wherein the torque transmission part (31) with a second input or output of the transmission (34) is coupled and in the second

Clutch state, the torque transmission part (31) is coupled to the output device (45).

12. Lock, comprising a locking device according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Lock according to claim 12, characterized gekennzeichet that it is a padlock and a padlock housing (2) and a bracket (3), which is locked by the locking device of the bracket relative to the padlock housing.