EP1723614B1 - Lock cylinder and locking method - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock cylinder (20) is disclosed, for assembly in a lock, comprising a locking body (28), for operating a locking bolt or similar, an operating body (24; 40), preferably a knob, whereby the operating body (24; 40) is not normally coupled to the locking body (28) and a coupling (34), for connection of the locking body to the operating body (24; 40), after receipt of an identification code from a corresponding transponder (22). An electromechanical converter (44) is provided for the operating body (24; 40), which converts an operation (30) of the operating body (24; 40) into electrical energy which is used for wireless communication (32) to the transponder and/or, on receipt of a valid identification signal, for support of the connection of the coupling (34).

Description

The present invention relates to a lock cylinder for installation in a lock, comprising a closure member for actuating a lock bolt or the like, and an actuator, wherein the actuator is normally decoupled from the closure member, and a coupling for connecting the closure member to the actuator upon receipt an identification code from an associated transponder, and an electromechanical transducer that converts actuation of the actuator into electrical energy used to facilitate wireless communication with the transponder and / or upon receipt of a valid identification signal, to engage the clutch.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for performing a closing operation of a lock, in particular a door.

In the generic lock cylinder is a so-called electronic lock cylinder. The lock cylinder may for example be a profile cylinder.

Conventional lock cylinders have mechanical pin tumblers and can be unlocked by means of a mechanical key to lock or unlock a door lock by means of a lock bit.

Electronic lock cylinders usually have a control device of electronic type. Once an identification code is accepted by the electronic control device, a clutch is actuated to connect the closure member to the actuator so as to allow a User can lock or unlock the lock by means of the actuator.

For driving the clutch can be provided within the lock cylinder, for example, a suitable drive, such as a motor.

In this case, the access authorization can be checked by means of a mobile transponder (identification carrier) in which data relevant for checking the access authorization (identification code or access authorization code) are stored in electronic form.

In some systems it is provided that the lock cylinder is connected to a power supply network. However, this requires a relatively complex cabling. This is especially true when it is intended to replace an existing conventional mechanical lock cylinder with an electronic lock cylinder.

It is therefore also known to equip electronic lock cylinder with its own energy supply (energy storage in the form of a battery or a rechargeable battery). Such electronic lock cylinders are also suitable for retrofitting and are suitable for easy integration into existing locking systems.

In such electromechanical locking devices (electronic lock cylinders) is often to unlock a mechanical closure member (for example, a cam) with an actuator (handle, preferably a knob or the like) coupled. The actual locking or unlocking then takes place by pressing the actuator. This saves energy.

Another measure to minimize the power consumption is to put the electronic part of the electromechanical lock when not in use in an inactive mode (sleep mode). In the inactive mode, the electronics of the lock cylinder is in a state in which the self-sufficient energy supply as little as possible, ideally not at all, is charged.

Nevertheless, a considerable energy is consumed in such electronic locking cylinders at least during the coupling process, so that such lock cylinder can be formed at most low maintenance, but not largely maintenance-free.

The document US Pat. No. 6,370,928 B1 shows an electromechanically operated lock cylinder with a generator for generating electrical energy for operating a circuit.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved lock cylinder and an improved closure method.

This object is achieved with the lock cylinder mentioned above in that the actuator is a knob in which the constructed as an electrical generator electromechanical transducer is arranged, which converts an operation of the knob into electrical energy, which is used to wireless communication with the Transponder and / or on receipt of a valid identification signal to assist the coupling of the clutch.

• Betätigen eines Knaufes eines Schließzylinders des Schlosses, wobei hierbei mechanische Energie übertragen wird und wobei ein als elektrischen Generator ausgebildeter elektromechanischer Wandler in dem Knauf angeordnet ist, der eine Betätigung des Knaufes in elektrische Energie umsetzt;
• Umwandeln der auf den Knauf übertragenen mechanischen Energie in elektrische Energie;
• Versorgen einer Steuereinrichtung mit der elektrischen Energie, wobei die Steuereinrichtung eine drahtlose Kommunikation mit einem Transponder aufbaut;
• Empfangen eines Codes von dem Transponder in der Steuereinrichtung und Überprüfen desselben auf Gültigkeit; und
• Betätigen einer Kupplung zum Verbinden des Knaufes mit einem Schließglied, sofern der empfangene Identifikationscode gültig ist.

The above object is further achieved by a method for performing a closing operation of a lock, in particular a door, with the steps:

• Actuating a knob of a lock cylinder of the lock, in which case mechanical energy is transmitted and wherein an electrical generator designed as an electromechanical transducer is arranged in the knob, which converts an operation of the knob into electrical energy;
• Converting the mechanical energy transferred to the knob into electrical energy;
• Supplying a control device with the electrical energy, wherein the control device establishes a wireless communication with a transponder;
• Receiving a code from the transponder in the controller and checking it for validity; and
• Actuating a coupling for connecting the knob with a closing member, if the received identification code is valid.

In a mechatronic lock cylinder an access control electronics and an electromechanical (actually "mechano-electrical") energy converter are provided. The energy converter is operated by the operation of a handle (actuator) and generates energy. With the generated energy, the electronics, for example, supplied and operated at least supportive. The provision of energy is also the trigger of a communication setup to an ID transmitter (transponder). This is suitably indicated by the signal the lock cylinder electronics activated to communicate with the control electronics of the lock cylinder. If the ID transmitter is authorized, for example, a coupling element is activated, which releases or engages the cam of the cylinder, so that the bolt or the latch of the lock can be actuated.

It is also possible that the electrical energy provided by the energy converter is only used to wake a control device out of a sleep mode so as to provide support by the mechanical actuation. In this case, the control device is fed after awakening by other energy sources (for example battery, mains, etc.).

The electrical energy generated upon rotation of the actuator may be used to establish the radio connection with the transponder. It may be possible for an active, battery-powered transponder to wake this by means of a "burst" signal from a sleep mode, so that this then sends its identification code. The code is received (preferably still supported by the energy generated by the turning of the knob), and also the coupling for connecting the knob to a latch or other locking member is preferably actuated based on the energy generated by the rotation of the knob.

Preferably, the inventive method means to the user that he only rotates the actuator (the knob) until the door is opened. Furthermore, this means: the processes of energy conversion, authentication and closing itself can merge together so that they how a process works and the handling is very simple, as if no authentication took place.

Consequently, it is possible, the lock cylinder ideally completely batteryless, so without own power source to design. The power is supplied solely by turning the knob (or other mechanical movement of a suitable member, for example, pushing down a lever, squeezing two levers, etc.).

Even if an additional energy source (such as a battery or an accumulator) can not be completely dispensed with, this energy source can be either very small or particularly durable, since additional energy is generated by turning the knob.

In particular, it is possible that when using a rechargeable power source, in particular an accumulator and / or a capacitor, it is provided that the rechargeable energy source is charged by actuation of the actuator.

Further, the transponder used in connection with such a lock cylinder may be a passive transponder or an active transponder. Passive transponders are known per se. A passive transponder does not have its own power supply.

The electromechanical transducer is designed as an electric machine (generator), for example as a combination of permanent magnet (s) with one or more induction coils, as a piezo-converter etc. When using a generator, for example, a gear o.ä. be provided to achieve a speed optimization for driving the generator.

In the case of a passive transponder also the passive transponder is preferably at least partially powered by the energy generated by the actuation of the actuator.

Alternatively, the transponder can be an active transponder, that is to say a battery-supported transponder which, however, is preferably in a sleep mode as a rule, so that the battery is only loaded in the event of a lock. Then the battery can last for several years.

In the method according to the invention, it is preferred according to an alternative embodiment, when the electrical energy generated by operating the actuator is used directly for the operation of the control device and / or the clutch.

Alternatively, it is also possible to initially store the electrical energy generated by actuating the actuating member at least partially in a rechargeable electrical energy store, such as an accumulator and / or a capacitor.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Situation, bei der eine Person eine Tür entriegelt, in deren Schloss ein Schließzylinder gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung eingebaut ist;

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schließzylinders;

Figur 3

ein schematisches Blockdiagramm einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Schließzylinders;

Figur 4

eine schematisierte Längsschnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Schließzylinders; und

Figur 5

ein Flussdiagramm einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Schließverfahrens.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a situation in which a person unlocks a door in the lock of a lock cylinder is installed according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2

a perspective view of another embodiment of a lock cylinder according to the invention;

FIG. 3

a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the lock cylinder according to the invention;

FIG. 4

a schematic longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the lock cylinder according to the invention; and

FIG. 5

a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the closing method according to the invention.

In FIG. 1 is a locking system generally designated 10.

The locking system 10 is provided for a door 12 which separates an outer side A from an inner side I. The locking system 10 allows persons P to the inside I only have access if they are entitled to do so.

The locking system 10 has a lock cylinder 20, which may be formed for example as a profile cylinder.

The lock cylinder 20 is a so-called electronic lock cylinder. The lock cylinder 20 is independent of a power supply network in the present embodiment. He also has no own energy supply. Alternatively, it is possible that the lock cylinder 20 has a rechargeable power source, such as an accumulator and / or a capacitor. Finally, it is also possible that the lock cylinder 20 has a non-rechargeable battery or the like.

The person P contributes to their identification and to determine whether they are entitled to access to the interior I, a transponder 22nd

On the door 12, an outer knob 24 and an inner knob 26 are further provided, each forming actuators.

The lock cylinder 20 also has a locking member in the form of a locking bit 28 in a conventional configuration. The cam 28 actuates in a manner not shown a locking latch of a lock of the door 12th

In a normal state, the lock bit 28 is decoupled at least from the outer knob 24. As a result, a person P who would turn the outer knob 24 in the normal condition could not lock or unlock the door 12.

The lock cylinder 20 has, on the one hand, means for communicating (for example radio contact) with the transponder 22 of the person P, and furthermore has a coupling, not shown, which is designed to connect the outer knob 24 with the lock bit 28 to couple.

Furthermore, the lock cylinder 20 has a control device, not shown, which controls the coupling and disengagement of the clutch and the communication with the transponder 22 and coordinates.

The power supply for the control device and the clutch for coupling the outer knob 24 and the lock bit 28 are as follows in the present embodiment: the person P who desires entrance to the inner space I exerts an actuating force 30 on the outer knob 24. The thereby exerted on the knob 24 mechanical energy is converted by means of a converter not shown in electrical energy, which feeds the control device and / or the clutch.

Although it appears theoretically possible that the power supply of the lock cylinder 20 is derived solely from the actuation force 30 of the person P, in practice it is usually so that the actuating force 30 only a contribution, preferably a major contribution to the electrical power supply of the lock cylinder 20 contributes. In this case, a battery and / or a rechargeable energy storage (such as an accumulator and / or a capacitor) may be provided to apply the remaining energy required.

It is also possible that the control means of the lock cylinder 20 is in a "sleep mode" and is first awakened by the electrical energy derived from the actuation force 30 to then perform an interrogation procedure for authorized transponders 22.

Such a polling procedure is done as follows. Initially, as indicated schematically at 32, a wireless connection (eg, radio link) 32 to the transponder 22 is established. If the transponder 22 is an active transponder, it is first "awakened" by the interrogation signal, the transponder 22 then sends the stored identification code to the locking cylinder 20. There, a comparison takes place in the control device as to whether the identification code is authorized , If this is the case, the control device initiates the engagement of the clutch for connecting the outer knob 24 and the lock bit 28. The person P can then unlock the door 12 in the engaged state to reach the inner space I.

After a certain time, the clutch disengages again and the control device is put back into a "sleep mode".

In practice, the operation of the outer knob 24, the awakening of the control device, the setting up of the wireless connection 32, the checking of the access authorization in the control device and the closing of the clutch can follow one another directly in time, so that for the person P these processes more or less time merge. In other words, in this case, it is possible for the person P to operate (eg, rotate) only the outer knob 24 for the purpose of obtaining an entrance of the inner space I. During this rotation, the mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy and the authorization procedure takes place, and while the user operates the outer knob 24, the clutch is engaged so that further actuation results in unlocking the lock of the door 12. The person P can thus open the door 12 virtually with a handle.

The electromechanical energy converter, which converts the actuating force 30 and the energy expended by the person P into electrical energy, may for example be an electric machine (generator), it may also be a combination of permanent magnet (s) with one or more induction coils, the converter can be designed as a piezo-converter or the like, etc. Furthermore, in order to obtain an optimal energy conversion, a transmission gear can be coupled to the energy converter, in particular the electric generator.

The following embodiments of lock cylinders according to the FIGS. 2 to 4 are all based on the above FIG. 1 described embodiment. The same elements are therefore provided with the same reference numerals. The following will be only the respective differences from the embodiment of the FIG. 1 explained.

In FIG. 2 is shown as a lock cylinder, a profile cylinder 20 with an outer knob 24 and an inner knob 26. Furthermore, in FIG. 2 schematically indicated the coupling 34 for connecting or disconnecting the outer knob 24 and cam 28 as an element in the interior of the cylinder housing.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a lock cylinder according to the invention in a schematic form. The lock cylinder 20 has an actuating member 40 (according to the invention a knob, for example, the outer knob 24), which is connectable via the coupling 34 with the closing member 42.

The actuator 40 is further connected to an electromechanical transducer 44 which converts the actuating force 30 into electrical energy and supplies it to a control device 46. The control device 46 is connected to an antenna 48, via which the wireless connection between the control device 46 and the transponder 22 takes place.

At 50, an actuator is also schematically indicated, which controls the control device 46 to open the clutch 34 and to separate. It is also possible that the clutch 34 is self-opening (for example by means of a mechanical biasing spring), so that the actuator 50 must be formed only one-sided acting.

Instead of a clutch 34 may also be an actuator, which allows or prevents the coupling by its position, can be used.

At 52, an optional power source is shown. Ideally, the actuation force 30 is sufficient to supply the controller 46 with electrical power during communication with the transponder 22 and to actuate the clutch 34. However, it is also possible for an additional electrical energy store, such as a battery, an accumulator and / or a capacitor, to be provided, so that the actuation force 30 only has to provide a part of the necessary electrical power.

In FIG. 4 a schematic construction is shown in which the outer knob 24 extends over a continuous shaft into the interior of the inner knob 26. This wave is in FIG. 4 designated 54 and is formed as a high wave.

Inside the inner knob 26, the control device 46 is arranged. The antenna 48 is disposed inside the outer knob 24 and connected through the hollow shaft 54 by means of an electrical line 56 to the controller 46.

It is further shown that the cam 28 is rotatably supported with respect to the hollow shaft 54. The coupling 34 is shown schematically as an axially displaceable element (arrow in the direction of actuation by means of actuator 50), although of course a radial coupling is possible. The control device 46 is connected to the clutch 34 (or the actuator 50) via an electrical line 58. About the electrical Line 58 controls the controller 46 to the actuator for the clutch 34.

The arranged inside the inner knob 26 electromechanical transducer 44 has a first member which is connected to the hollow shaft 54, and a second member whose electrical output is connected to the control device 46.

As schematically illustrated at 62, the first member may be connected via a freewheel 62 to the hollow shaft 54. In this case, this first member may also be designed as a flywheel (flywheel) in order to maintain the electrical power supply as long as possible.

At 60 is further indicated schematically that the inner knob 26 may be rigidly coupled to the lock bit 28, so that persons from the inside I from the door 12 can lock or unlock without proof of entitlement.

In FIG. 5 a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown.

The general procedure for performing a closing operation of a lock starts in step S2 (starting step).

In a subsequent step S6, after an actuation of the actuating member 24, 40, an energy conversion of the actuating force 30 into electrical energy and thus an electrical power supply of the control device 46 takes place.

In step S8, the controller 46 establishes a wireless communication link to the transponder 22.

In step S10 it is queried whether the received signal from the transponder 22 contains a valid identification code. If so (J in step S10), the controller 46 in step S12 drives the actuator 50 to close the clutch 34.

The person P who has actuated the actuator 24, 40 can thus actuate the cam 28 by continuing the operation and consequently lock or unlock the door 12.

In step S14 after a certain period of time a disengagement of the clutch 34, for example by the actuation of the actuator 50 is terminated and the clutch 34 by means of an energy storage (for example spring) automatically returns to the disengaged position.

In step S16, the embodiment of the method according to the invention is ended or the method restarts before step S4.

The above description applies to a lockable on one side lock cylinder. In a lockable on both sides lock cylinder, the actuator may be the outer knob 24 or the inner knob 26.

Claims (11)

1. A locking cylinder (20) for installation in a lock, comprising a locking element (28) for actuating a lock bolt or the like, and an actuating element (24; 40) normally disengaged from the locking element (28), and with a coupling (34) for connecting the locking element to the actuating element (24; 40) after receiving an identification code from an associated transponder (22), and comprising an electromechanical converter (44) which converts an actuation (30) of the actuating element (24; 40) into electrical energy which is used to support the engaging of the coupling when a valid identification signal is received, characterized in that
   the actuating element is a knob (24; 40), wherein the electromechanical converter (44) is arranged as an electrical generator and is positioned in the knob (24; 40), which electromechanical converter (44) converts an actuation (30) of the knob (24; 40) into electrical energy which is used to support the wireless communication (32) with the transponder (22) and/or the engaging of the coupling (34) when a valid identification signal is received.
2. The locking cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking cylinder (20) does not have an own energy source.
3. The locking cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking cylinder (20) has a rechargeable energy source, in particular an accumulator and/or a condensator, which is charged upon actuation (30) of the actuating element (24; 40).
4. The locking cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking cylinder has a battery (52) as the energy source.
5. The locking cylinder according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transponder is an active transponder (22).
6. The locking cylinder according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transponder is a passive transponder.
7. The locking cylinder according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the knob (24; 40) is coupled via a reduction gear to the electrical generator.
8. The locking cylinder according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electromechanical converter has a flywheel for decoupling the duration of actuation (30) of the knob (24; 40) from the communication and/or coupling process.
9. A method for carrying out a locking operation for a lock, particularly that of a door, with the following steps:

   - actuating (54) a knob (24; 40) of a locking cylinder (20) of the lock, wherein mechanical energy is transmitted thereby, and wherein an electromechanical converter (44) arranged as an electric generator is positioned in the knob (24; 40) which electromechanical converter (44) converts an actuation of the knob (24; 40) into electrical energy,

   - converting (56) the mechanical energy transmitted to the knob (24; 40) into electrical energy;

   - supplying (58) a control device (46) with the electrical energy, wherein the control device (46) establishes wireless communication (32) with a transponder (22);

   - receiving (S10) in the control device a code from the transponder (22) and checking the same for validity; and

   - actuating (S12) a coupling (34) for connecting the knob (24; 40) to a locking element (42) if the identification code received is valid.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the energy for operating the control device (46) and/or the coupling (34) is generated directly by converting the mechanical energy transmitted to the knob (24; 40) into electrical energy.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the energy for operating the control device (46) and/or the coupling (34) is derived at least partially from a rechargeable electrical energy storage (52), which is chargeable by means of the mechanical energy transmitted to the knob (24; 40).

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