Device for locking equipment and locking equipment including the same

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for a locking device (88a, 88b) comprising an input member (12, 106); a coupling member (26) movable between an uncoupled position (34) and a coupled position (80); an electromechanical actuator (28) comprising an actuating member (42) linearly movable between an uncoupled actuated position (44) and a coupled actuated position (78); and a torsion spring (30) having a first leg (62) and a second leg (64) movable away from each other against deformation of the torsion spring (30), wherein when the coupling member (26) is in the uncoupled position (34) and the actuating member (42) moves from the uncoupled actuated position (44) to the coupled actuated position (78), the actuating member (42) is arranged to engage the first leg (62) and the second leg (64) is arranged to engage the coupling member (26). A locking device (88a, 88b) comprising the apparatus (10) is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for a locking device. In particular, an apparatus for a locking device and a locking device including such an apparatus are provided. Background Art

[0002] Some lock devices include an electromechanical actuator for moving a coupling member back and forth between an uncoupled position and a coupled position. In the uncoupled position, the input member can rotate freely, for example, using a knob, handle, or key, and this rotation is not transmitted to the output member, thereby locking the lock device. In the coupled position, rotation of the input member is transmitted to the output member, thereby unlocking the lock device. The actuator can control the movement of the coupling member from the uncoupled position to the coupled position in response to an authorized request from the user. The authorization request can be input wirelessly, for example.

[0003] EP 2314809 B1 discloses an engagement mechanism for an electromechanical lock cylinder, which includes a slider that can be moved back and forth by a spindle actuated by a motor. The slider supports an engagement pin that engages with an engagement disk when the slider moves forward. A cam is securely connected to the engagement disk, and rotation of the cam actuates the corresponding lock. As the slider moves, it is guided along a rod provided in a corresponding cover of a rotor, in which the assembly including the motor and slider is housed. The coupling pin is associated with a thrust spring that pushes the coupling pin into an emergency engagement position when the pin is located opposite the hole in the disk. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for a locking device, which has low power consumption.

[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for a locking device that has energy-efficient operation.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for a locking device which has a less complex design.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for a locking device comprising a cost-effective design.

[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for locking a device, which has reliable operation.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for a locking device, which has a small size.

[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for a locking device, which solves several or all of the aforementioned objects in combination.

[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking device comprising an apparatus that solves one, several or all of the aforementioned objects.

[0012] According to one aspect, a device for a locking device is provided, which includes: an input member capable of rotating about an input axis; an output member capable of rotating about an output axis; a coupling member capable of moving between a non-coupling position and a coupling position, in which the coupling member does not transmit the rotation of the input member to the rotation of the output member, and in the coupling position, the coupling member transmits the rotation of the input member to the rotation of the output member; an electromechanical actuator including an actuating member capable of linear movement between a non-coupling actuation position and a coupled actuation position; and a torsion spring having a first leg and a second leg capable of moving away from each other against deformation of the torsion spring, wherein, when the coupling member is in the non-coupling position and the actuating member moves from the non-coupling actuation position to the coupled actuation position, the actuating member is arranged to engage the first leg and the second leg is arranged to engage the coupling member.

[0013] The torsion spring, comprising a first leg and a second leg, allows the actuating member to move uninterrupted, regardless of whether the coupling member is able to move from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, for example, regardless of whether the coupling member is blocked. If the coupling member cannot move from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, for example, if the coupling member is not rotationally aligned with the output member, or if the coupling member is otherwise prohibited from moving, movement of the actuating member from the uncoupled actuated position to the coupled actuated position causes the first leg to move away from the second leg, thereby deforming the torsion spring. Thus, the actuating member can push or force the first leg away from the second leg in another manner. The actuating member can then stop in the coupled actuated position, while the deformation of the torsion spring causes the second leg to urge the coupling member from the uncoupled position toward the coupled position. The torsion spring thus exerts a constant force on the coupling member without any power consumption.

[0014] If the coupling member can be moved from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, for example, if the coupling member becomes rotationally aligned with the output member, the movement of the actuating member from the uncoupled drive position to the coupled drive position is transmitted via the torsion spring as movement of the coupling member from the uncoupled position to the coupled position. Deformation of the torsion spring then causes the second leg to force the coupling member from the uncoupled position to the coupled position. When the coupling member adopts the coupled position, a user can manually rotate the input member, for example, using a key or a handle, thereby rotating the output member to unlock the locking device.

[0015] When the coupling member adopts the uncoupled position, the output member is disconnected from the input member. When the coupling member adopts the coupled position, the coupling member establishes a connection between the input member and the output member. When the coupling member adopts the coupled position, the coupling member can be directly or indirectly coupled to the output member. Therefore, this device constitutes a coupling device and acts as a clutch. This device provides a very energy-efficient way to convert the movement of the actuating member from the uncoupled actuating position to the coupled actuating position into the movement of the coupling member from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, while also allowing the actuating member to move from the uncoupled actuating position to the coupled actuating position even when the coupling member is prevented from moving from the uncoupled position to the coupled position.

[0016] Since the torsion spring comprises a first leg and a second leg, the torsion spring constitutes a pinch spring. The torsion spring may be a helical torsion spring comprising a helical portion. The helical portion may comprise at least one half turn, such as at least one full turn, such as at least three full turns.

[0017] The torsion spring may provide a substantially constant force. The torsion spring may be configured such that the force exerted by the second leg on the coupling member when the actuation member adopts the coupled actuation position and the coupling member adopts the coupled position is at least 90%, such as at least 95%, of the force exerted by the second leg on the coupling member when the actuation member adopts the coupled actuation position and the coupling member adopts the uncoupled position.

[0018] Each of the input member and the output member may be hollow, and the coupling member may be configured to enter the respective openings of the input member and the output member. Alternatively, the coupling member may be hollow, and each of the input member and the output member may be configured to enter the first opening and the second opening of the coupling member. In the latter case, the first opening and the second opening may be blind holes or may be joined in a common cavity.

[0019] The input member may be an input shaft, the coupling member may be a coupling shaft and / or the output member may be an output shaft. The input axis and the output axis may be coaxial. In this case, the input axis and the output axis may therefore consist of a common axis of rotation.

[0020] The torsion spring is capable of rotating about a spring axis. If the torsion spring includes a helical portion, the helical portion may be centered relative to the spring axis. The device may include a spring pin defining the spring axis. In this case, the torsion spring may be rotationally supported by the spring pin.

[0021] The actuating member is capable of linear movement along an actuating axis. In this case, the actuating axis may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the spring axis. Alternatively, the spring axis may be inclined relative to the actuating axis, such as by 45 degrees. In any case, the coupling member may be disposed along the actuating axis between the input member and the output member. Alternatively, in the uncoupled position, the input member may be disposed between the protruding portion of the coupling member and the output member.

[0022] The actuation member may be arranged to engage the first leg at a first engagement point.In this case, the first engagement point and the actuation axis may lie in a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the spring axis.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the actuation member may be arranged to engage the second leg at a second engagement point. In this case, the second engagement point and the actuation axis may lie in a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the spring axis. In any case, a line between the first engagement point and the second engagement point may be parallel or substantially parallel to the actuation axis.

[0024] The coupling member can be linearly moved between the non-coupling position and the coupling position along the coupling axis.In this case, the coupling axis can be perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the spring axis.

[0025] The actuation member may be located between the spring axis and the coupling member.The shortest distance between the spring axis and the actuation axis may be 30% to 70%, such as 40% to 60%, of the shortest distance between the spring axis and the coupling axis.

[0026] The actuator may comprise a leadscrew. In this case, the actuating member may be a nut engaging the leadscrew. The leadscrew is rotatable about the actuating axis. The use of a leadscrew and a nut engaging the leadscrew enables a first junction between the actuating member and the first leg and / or a second junction between the actuating member and the second leg to be arranged close to the actuating axis. In this way, the "sticky drawer effect", i.e. the tilting torque between the actuating member and the leadscrew, can be reduced, and thereby energy efficiency can be improved.

[0027] The actuator may also include an electric motor. In this case, the electric motor may be arranged to drive the lead screw in a rotational manner. The electric motor may include a rotatable motor shaft.

[0028] The actuator may further comprise a transmission. The transmission may be arranged to transfer the rotation of the motor shaft to the rotation of the lead screw. According to one example, the transmission comprises two or more gears.

[0029] The actuating member may be arranged to engage the first leg at a first engagement point. In this case, the distance between the first engagement point and the lead screw may be less than the diameter of the lead screw. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating member may be arranged to engage the second leg at a second engagement point. In this case, the distance between the second engagement point and the lead screw may be less than the diameter of the lead screw. In these ways, the "sticky drawer effect" between the actuating member and the lead screw may be greatly reduced, and thereby energy efficiency may be greatly improved. The diameter of the lead screw may be the diameter of the main thread of the lead screw.

[0030] However, the actuator according to the present invention may be a linear actuator of a type other than one that uses a lead screw to engage a nut. Examples of such linear actuators include synchronous linear motors, three-phase linear induction motors, piezoelectric motors, hydraulic actuators, and pneumatic actuators.

[0031] The coupling member can be configured to engage the output member through a form-fitting fit when the coupling member adopts the coupled position. To this end, the coupling member can be a splined shaft or can include a polygonal cross-sectional profile. The output member can include a corresponding shape for establishing a form-fit with the coupling member. The coupling member can include a convex profile, and the output member can include a concave profile for receiving the coupling member. Alternatively, the output member can include a convex profile, and the coupling member can include a concave profile for receiving the output member.

[0032] The coupling member can engage with the input member by means of a form fit. The coupling member can engage the input member by means of a form fit in both the uncoupled position and the coupled position. Thus, the coupling member is capable of sliding relative to the input member. The coupling member can include a convex profile, and the input member can include a concave profile for receiving the coupling member. Alternatively, the input member can include a convex profile, and the coupling member can include a concave profile for receiving the input member.

[0033] When the actuation member adopts the uncoupled actuation position and the coupling member adopts the uncoupled position, the first leg and the second leg may be parallel or substantially parallel.

[0034] Each of the first leg and the second leg may be substantially straight, or may be straight. Each of the first leg and the second leg may be straight between the actuation member and the coupling member.

[0035] When the coupling member is in the coupled position and the actuating member moves from the coupled actuation position to the coupled actuation position, the actuating member may be arranged to engage with the second leg and the first leg may be arranged to engage with the coupling member. Movement of the actuating member from the coupled actuation position to the uncoupled actuation position thereby causes the coupling member to move from the coupled position to the uncoupled position.

[0036] The coupling member may comprise a protruding coupling portion. In this case, the protruding coupling portion may be arranged between the first leg and the second leg. The protruding coupling portion may be, for example, a collar or other structure that can be engaged by the first leg and the second leg.

[0037] The actuation member may include a protruding actuation portion. In this case, the protruding actuation portion may be arranged between the first leg and the second leg. The protruding actuation portion may protrude in a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the spring axis and / or in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the actuation axis.

[0038] The protruding actuation portion may be a pin, for example.The width of the protruding actuation portion in a direction parallel to the actuation axis may be substantially the same as (eg differ by less than 5%) the width of the protruding coupling portion in a direction parallel to the coupling axis.

[0039] The apparatus may further include a control system comprising at least one data processing device and at least one memory having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program comprising program code that, when executed by the at least one data processing device, causes the at least one data processing device to perform the following steps: evaluating the authorization request; and, in response to a positive evaluation of the authorization request, commanding the actuator to drive the actuating member from the uncoupled actuation position to the coupled actuation position. The computer program may further include program code that, when executed by the at least one data processing device, causes the at least one data processing device to perform the various steps described herein or to command the execution of these steps.

[0040] The control system may further include a receiving unit, such as an antenna, for receiving the authorization request. The control system may be configured to determine whether authorization should be granted based on the authorization request. If access is granted, for example, upon presentation of a valid credential, the actuator is commanded to actuate the actuating member from the uncoupled actuated position to the coupled actuated position.

[0041] The device may further comprise a printed circuit board, ie, a PCB. The control system may be arranged on the PCB.

[0042] According to another aspect, a locking device is provided comprising an apparatus according to the present disclosure. The locking device may be an electromechanical locking device. The locking device may comprise a DIN lock cylinder or a Scandinavian lock cylinder.

[0043] The lock device may be an energy-harvesting lock device. To this end, the lock device may include an electromagnetic generator, which is arranged to be driven by the rotation of the input member to generate electrical energy. The actuator may be powered by the energy harvested by the generator. Alternatively or additionally, the lock device may include a battery, and the actuator may be powered by the battery. The lock device may be configured to harvest sufficient electrical energy for the actuator to drive the actuating member from the uncoupled actuation position to the coupled actuation position and back again.

[0044] The lock device may also include a manually operable member. In this case, the input member can be rotated by manually rotating the manually operable member. The manually operable member may be fixed to the input member, arranged to drive the input member, or be connectable to the input member. The manually operable member may be, for example, a knob, a lever, or a physical key.

[0045] The lock device may further comprise a locking member. The locking member may be movable from a locked position to an unlocked position by rotation of the output member. The locking member may be fixed to the output member or arranged to be driven by the output member.

[0046] According to another aspect, a method for controlling a lock device is provided, comprising providing a lock device according to the present disclosure; and, in response to a granted authorization request from a user, driving an actuating member from an uncoupled actuated position to a coupled actuated position. If the authorization request is not granted or if no authorization request is received, the actuating member remains in the uncoupled actuated position. The method may further comprise driving the actuating member from the coupled actuated position to the uncoupled actuated position after a time limit, such as five seconds, has expired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Further details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 : schematically shows a perspective side view of an apparatus for locking a device;

[0049] Figure 2 : schematically shows a partial three-dimensional side view of the device;

[0050] Figure 3 : schematically illustrates a partial perspective side view of the device after the actuation member has moved from the uncoupled actuation position to the coupled actuation position;

[0051] Figure 4 : schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the device after the input member and the coupling member are rotated;

[0052] Figure 5: schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the device after the coupling member is moved from the uncoupled position to the coupled position;

[0053] Figure 6 : Schematically shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional front view of the device in FIG.

[0054] Figure 7 : schematically shows a side view of a locking device including the device; and

[0055] Figure 8 : Schematically shows a side view of another example of a locking device including the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, a device for a locking device and a locking device comprising such a device will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

[0057] Figure 1 A perspective side view of a device 10 for a locking device is schematically shown. The device 10 includes an input shaft 12 and an output shaft 14. The device 10 also includes a housing 16. The input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14 protrude from opposite sides of the housing 16. According to the present disclosure, the input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14 are examples of input and output members, respectively.

[0058] The input shaft 12 is rotatable about an input axis 18. The output shaft 14 is rotatable about an output axis 22. In this example, the input shaft 18 and the output shaft 22 are coaxial, i.e., formed by a common axis of rotation. The housing 16 includes a track 20. The track 20 extends parallel to the input axis 18. The input shaft 12 includes an input opening 24.

[0059] Figure 2 Schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the device 10. Figure 2 , the housing 16 is removed to improve visibility. The device 10 also includes a coupling shaft 26, an electromechanical actuator 28, and a torsion spring 30. The coupling shaft 26 is an example of a coupling member according to the present disclosure. The device 10 includes a fixed structure, illustrated here as a plate 32. Figure 2 The board 32 is a circuit board.

[0060] exist Figure 2 , the coupling shaft 26 is in the uncoupled position 34. The coupling shaft 26 is linearly movable along a coupling axis 36. The coupling shaft 26 is disposed between the input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14 along the coupling axis 36. In this example, the coupling axis 36 is coaxial with the input axis 18 and the output axis 22.

[0061] The coupling shaft 26 includes a collar 38. The collar 38 is an example of a protruding coupling portion according to the present disclosure. The collar 38 is circular in a plane perpendicular to the coupling axis 36. In addition to the collar 38, the coupling shaft 26 has a polygonal outer profile, here a hexagonal outer profile, along its length. The input opening 24 of the input shaft 12 has a corresponding inner profile. The polygonal profiles of the input shaft 12 and the coupling shaft 26 form an example of a form fit between the input shaft 12 and the coupling shaft 26. The coupling shaft 26 is received in the input opening 24 of the input shaft 12. The coupling shaft 26 is able to slide relative to the input shaft 12 along the coupling axis 36 while remaining connected to the input shaft 12 by virtue of the form fit. The input shaft 12 and the coupling shaft 26 thus rotate together. In the uncoupled position 34, rotation of the coupling shaft 26 about the coupling axis 36 is not transmitted to the output shaft 14.

[0062] The output shaft 14 comprises an output opening 40 . The inner contour of the output opening 40 corresponds to the outer contour of the coupling shaft 26 .

[0063] The actuator 28 includes a nut 42. The nut 42 is an example of an actuating member according to the present disclosure. The actuator 28 may alternatively employ an actuating member other than a nut. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the nut 42 is in the uncoupled actuated position 44 . The nut 42 is capable of linear movement along the drive shaft 46 .

[0064] The nut 42 in this particular example has a cubic shape. The nut 42 engages the track 20 of the housing 16. In this way, the housing 16 prevents the nut 42 from rotating about the actuation axis 46.

[0065] Nut 42 includes an actuation pin 48. Actuation pin 48 is one example of a protruding actuation portion according to the present disclosure. Actuation pin 48 protrudes from nut 42 in a direction perpendicular to actuation axis 46. The width of actuation pin 48 in a direction parallel to actuation axis 46 is the same as the width of collar 38 in a direction parallel to coupling axis 36.

[0066] The actuator 28 in this example also includes a leadscrew 50. The nut 42 threadably engages the leadscrew 50. The leadscrew 50 is rotatable about the actuation axis 46.

[0067] The actuator 28 in this example also includes an electric motor 52. The electric motor 52 includes a rotatable motor shaft 54. The electric motor 52 is fixed to the plate 32.

[0068] The actuator 28 in this example also includes a transmission 56. The transmission 56 includes a first gear 58 and a second gear 60 that meshes with the first gear 58. The first gear 58 is fixed to the motor shaft 54. The second gear 60 is fixed to the lead screw 50. The transmission 56 is thus arranged to transfer the rotation of the motor shaft 54 to the rotation of the lead screw 50. The electric motor 52 is thus arranged to drive the lead screw 50 to rotate about the actuation axis 46.

[0069] The torsion spring 30 includes a first leg 62 and a second leg 64. The first leg 62 and the second leg 64 are capable of moving away from each other against deformation of the torsion spring 30. Figure 2 With the torsion spring 30 in the swiveling position, the torsion spring 30 is deformed such that the first leg 62 and the second leg 64 squeeze each of the actuation pin 48 and the collar 38. The first leg 62 engages the actuation pin 48 at a first engagement point 66. The second leg 64 engages the actuation pin 48 at a second engagement point 68, which is located on the opposite side of the actuation pin 48 relative to the first engagement point 66.

[0070] according to Figure 2 When the nut 42 is in the uncoupled actuated position 44, the first leg 62 and the second leg 64 hold the coupling shaft 26 in the uncoupled position 34. In the uncoupled position 34, the coupling shaft 26 is separated from the output shaft 14 along the coupling axis 36. Rotation of the input shaft 12 is transmitted as rotation of the coupling shaft 26. However, when the coupling shaft 26 is in the uncoupled position 34, rotation of the coupling shaft 26 is not transmitted as rotation of the output shaft 14. When the coupling shaft 26 is in the uncoupled position 34, the output shaft 14 is disconnected from the input shaft 12. The locking device is thus locked.

[0071] Figure 2 The torsion spring 30 in the example shown is a helical torsion spring including a coiled portion. The device 10 also includes a spring pin 70. The coiled portion of the torsion spring 30 is wound around the spring pin 70, in this case, almost five full turns. The spring pin 70 thus supports the torsion spring 30. The spring pin 70 and the coiled portion each define a spring axis 72. The torsion spring 30 is rotatable about the spring axis 72. The nut 42 is located between the spring axis 72 and the coupling shaft 26.

[0072] The device 10 also includes two position sensors 74. Figure 2 In the diagram, only one position sensor 74 is visible. Position sensor 74 is used to determine the position of nut 42. Position sensor 74 in this example is a Hall Effect sensor. Nut 42 is provided with a magnet (not visible). Position sensor 74 senses the proximity of nut 42 by measuring the magnetic field from the magnet.

[0073] Each of the actuation axis 46 and the coupling axis 36 is perpendicular to the spring axis 72. Figure 2 As shown, the first joint 66, the second joint 68, and the actuation axis 46 lie in a plane parallel to the spring axis 72. Furthermore, the first joint 66 and the second joint 68 are located close to the actuation axis 46. This helps avoid a "sticky drawer effect" of the nut 42. The line between the first joint 66 and the second joint 68 is parallel to the actuation axis 46. The actuation pin 48 projects in a direction parallel to the spring axis 72.

[0074] Each of the first leg 62 and the second leg 64 is straight between the nut 42 and the coupling shaft 26. In this example, the first leg 62 includes a curved portion 76. Except for the curved portion 76, the first leg 62 is straight between the helical portion and the coupling shaft 26. Therefore, the first leg 62 is substantially straight. The second leg 64 in this example is straight between the helical portion and the coupling shaft 26. Figure 2 As shown, in the uncoupled actuated position 44 of the nut 42 and the uncoupled position 34 of the coupling shaft 26 , the first leg 62 and the second leg 64 are parallel.

[0075] To couple the input shaft 12 to the output shaft 14, the electric motor 52 is driven to rotate the screw 50, for example, in response to an approved evaluation of the authorization request. Rotation of the screw 50 causes the nut 42 to rotate along the actuation axis 46 (at Figure 2 The actuator 42 moves linearly from the uncoupled actuated position 44 to the coupled actuated position (center to the right).

[0076] Figure 3 Schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the device 10 after the nut 42 has been moved from the non-coupled actuation position 44 to the coupled actuation position 78. This movement of the nut 42 can be achieved with very low power consumption. Figure 3 , a valid credential has been presented and the actuator 28 has thereby driven the nut 42 to the coupled actuated position 78 .

[0077] In the nut 42 from Figure 2 The non-coupled actuation position 44 in the Figure 3 During the process of moving the coupling actuation position 78 in the coupling actuation position, the actuation pin 48 pushes the first leg 62 away from the second leg 64. The torsion spring 30 is thereby further deformed. Due to the deformation of the torsion spring 30, the second leg 64 pushes on the collar 38, thereby on the coupling shaft 26 (at Figure 3 Once the nut 42 has moved to the coupled actuation position 78, the electric motor 52 stops. Figure 3 When in the state of , it is no longer necessary to supply power to the device 10.

[0078] because Figure 3The coupling shaft 26 in the embodiment is not rotationally aligned with the output shaft 14, and therefore the coupling shaft 26 cannot enter the output opening 40 to engage the output shaft 14. However, the nut 42 can be moved from the uncoupled actuated position 44 to the coupled actuated position 78 regardless of whether the coupling shaft 26 is rotationally aligned with the output shaft 14.

[0079] Figure 4 Schematically shows a partial perspective side view of the device 10. Figure 4 , the input shaft 12 is rotated about the input axis 18, causing the coupling shaft 26 to also rotate to align with the output shaft 14. Rotation of the input shaft 12 may be accomplished by manual rotation of a manually operable member, such as a knob, lever, or physical key (not shown). Figure 4 Once the coupling shaft 26 is aligned with the output shaft 14, in this example, when the polygonal outer contour of the coupling shaft 26 is aligned with the polygonal inner contour of the output opening 40 of the output shaft 14, the second leg 64 pushes the coupling shaft 26 into the output shaft 14. The coupling shaft 26 is thereby moved from the uncoupled position 34 to the coupled position.

[0080] Figure 5 Schematically, a partial perspective side view of the device 10 is shown after the coupling shaft 26 has moved from the uncoupled position 34 to the coupled position 80. The movement of the nut 42 from the uncoupled actuated position 44 to the coupled actuated position 78 is transmitted by the torsion spring 30 as a movement of the coupling shaft 26 from the uncoupled position 34 to the coupled position 80.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, when the nut 42 adopts the coupled actuated position 78 and the coupling shaft 26 adopts the coupled position 80, the first leg 62 and the second leg 64 are parallel between the actuating pin 48 and the collar 38. The first leg 62 and the second leg 64 thus pinch each of the actuating pin 48 and the collar 38. Figure 5 The force exerted by the second leg 64 on the collar 38 (with the nut 42 in the coupled actuated position 78 and the coupling shaft 26 in the coupled position 80) is Figure 4 At least 90% of the force exerted by the second leg 64 on the collar 38 in the coupling actuation position 78 (the nut 42 is in the coupling actuation position 78 and the coupling shaft 26 is in the uncoupled position 34). The torsion spring 30 thus provides a substantially constant force.

[0082] When the coupling shaft 26 adopts the coupled position 80, it enters the output opening 40 and thereby engages the output shaft 14 by means of a positive fit. When the coupling shaft 26 moves between the uncoupled position 34 and the coupled position 80, the coupling shaft 26 moves relative to the input shaft 12, but the positive fit between the coupling shaft 26 and the input shaft 12 is maintained. When the coupling shaft 26 adopts the coupled position 80, the coupling shaft 26 thereby establishes a coupling between the input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14. A rotation of the input shaft 12 about the input axis 18 is now transmitted by the coupling shaft 26 as a rotation of the output shaft 14 about the output axis 22. When the coupling shaft 26 is in the coupled position 80, a user can rotate the output shaft 14, for example by rotating the input shaft 12, using a manually operable member, to unlock the locking device.

[0083] The electric motor 52 can be automatically commanded to drive the screw 50 in the opposite direction after a certain time limit is reached, for example, five seconds. The rotation of the screw 50 thus causes the nut 42 to move along the actuation axis 46 (at Figure 5 The actuator moves linearly from the coupled actuated position 78 back to the uncoupled actuated position 44 (center left).

[0084] When the nut 42 moves from the coupled actuated position 78 back to the uncoupled deactuated position 44, the actuation pin 48 pushes the second leg 64 (at the second joint 68) against the second leg 64. Figure 5 Since the coupling shaft 26 is not prevented from moving from the coupled position 80 back to the uncoupled position 34, the movement of the second leg 64 causes the first leg 62 to push the collar 38, thereby moving the coupling shaft 26 from the coupled position 80 back to the uncoupled position 34. The locking device is thereby locked again.

[0085] Figure 6 Schematically shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional elevation view of the device 10 is shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the shortest distance between the spring axis 72 and the actuation axis 46 is approximately 50% of the shortest distance between the spring axis 72 and the coupling axis 36 .

[0086] Figure 6 It is also shown that the distance 82 between the first engagement point 66 and the screw 50 is approximately 50% of the diameter 84 of the main thread of the screw 50. Figure 6 4, but the same applies to the second joint 68. In this way, the friction losses between the torsion spring 30, the nut 42 and the lead screw 50 can be reduced, and the overall energy efficiency of the device 10 can be improved. The positioning of the first and second joints 66, 68 close to the actuation axis 46 also contributes to the compact design of the device 10.

[0087] Figure 6Also shown is a magnet 86 disposed on the nut 42. By sensing the magnetic field of the magnet 86 with the position sensor 74, it can be determined whether the nut 42 is in the uncoupled actuated position 44 or the coupled actuated position 78.

[0088] Figure 7 A side view of an example of a locking device 88a including the apparatus 10 is schematically shown. The apparatus 10 also includes a control system 90. In this example, the control system 90 includes a data processing device 92, a memory 94, and an antenna 96. The memory 94 has a computer program stored therein. The computer program includes program code that, when executed by the data processing device 92, causes the data processing device 92 to evaluate an authorization request received by the antenna 96 and, in response to an approved evaluation request, instructs the data processing device 92 to command the electric motor 52 to drive the nut 42 from the uncoupled actuated position 44 to the coupled actuated position 78. The authorization request can be received by the antenna 96, for example, via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The components of the control system 90 can be arranged on a common PCB, for example, fixed to the board 32.

[0089] The lock device 88a includes a knob 98. The knob 98 is an example of a manually operable member according to the present disclosure. In this example, the knob 98 is fixed to the input shaft 12.

[0090] The locking device 88a further comprises a locking member 100. The locking member 100 in this example is fixed to the output shaft 14. When the coupling shaft 26 adopts the coupled position 80, a rotation of the knob 98 is transmitted to a rotation of the locking member 100 to unlock the locking device 88a.

[0091] Figure 8 A side view of another example of a locking device 88b comprising the apparatus 10 is schematically shown. Figure 7 The difference is the locking device 88a in.

[0092] Figure 8 The lock device 88b in the example shown is a key cylinder lock. The lock device 88b includes a key 102, an outer housing 104, and a plug 106 rotatably arranged in the outer housing 104. The plug 106 is another example of an input member according to the present disclosure. Similar to the input shaft 12, the plug 106 is connected to the coupling shaft 26 through a form fit. By inserting the correct key 102 into the plug 106 and presenting valid credentials to the control system 90, the coupling shaft 26 is moved from the uncoupled position 34 to the coupled position 80. The rotation of the key 102 is transmitted to the rotation of the locking member 100, thereby unlocking the lock device 88b.

[0093] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it should be understood that the dimensions of the components may be varied as needed. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention may be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for locking a device (88a, 88b), the apparatus (10) comprising: - an input member (12, 106) rotatable about an input axis (18); an output member (14) rotatable about an output axis (22); a coupling member (26) movable between a non-coupling position (34) in which the coupling member (26) does not transmit a rotation of the input member (12, 106) to a rotation of the output member (14) and a coupling position (80) in which the coupling member (26) transmits a rotation of the input member (12, 106) to a rotation of the output member (14); - an electromechanical actuator (28) comprising an actuating member (42) linearly movable between a non-coupled actuated position (44) and a coupled actuated position (78); and - a torsion spring (30) having a first leg (62) and a second leg (64) movable away from each other against deformation of the torsion spring (30), wherein when the coupling member (26) is in the uncoupled position (34) and the actuating member (42) moves from the uncoupled actuating position (44) to the coupled actuating position (78), the actuating member (42) is arranged to engage the first leg (62) and the second leg (64) is arranged to engage the coupling member (26), and wherein when the coupling member (26) is in the coupled position (80) and the actuating member (42) moves from the coupled actuating position (78) to the uncoupled actuating position (44), the actuating member (42) is arranged to engage the second leg (64) and the first leg (62) is arranged to engage the coupling member (26).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein The torsion spring (30) is rotatable about a spring axis (72).

3. The device (10) according to claim 2, wherein The actuation member (42) is linearly movable along an actuation axis (46), and wherein the actuation axis (46) is substantially perpendicular to the spring axis (72).

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, wherein The actuation member (42) is arranged to engage the first leg (62) at a first engagement point (66), and wherein the first engagement point (66) and the actuation axis (46) lie in a plane substantially parallel to the spring axis (72).

5. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The coupling member (26) is linearly movable along a coupling axis (36) between the uncoupled position (34) and the coupled position (80), and wherein the coupling axis (36) is substantially perpendicular to the spring axis (72).

6. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The actuating member (42) is positioned between the spring axis (72) and the coupling member (26).

7. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The actuator (28) includes a leadscrew (50), and wherein the actuating member (42) is a nut engaged with the leadscrew (50).

8. The device (10) according to claim 7, wherein The actuating member (42) is arranged to engage the first leg (62) at a first engagement point (66), and wherein a distance (82) between the first engagement point (66) and the leadscrew (50) is less than a diameter (84) of the leadscrew (50).

9. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The coupling member (26) is configured to engage the output member (14) by means of a form fit when the coupling member (26) adopts the coupled position (80).

10. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein When the actuation member (42) adopts the uncoupled actuation position (44) and the coupling member (26) adopts the uncoupled position (34), the first leg (62) and the second leg (64) are substantially parallel.

11. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Each of the first leg (62) and the second leg (64) is substantially straight.

12. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first leg (62) includes a curved portion (76).

13. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The coupling member (26) includes a protruding coupling portion (38), and wherein the protruding coupling portion (38) is disposed between the first leg (62) and the second leg (64).

14. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The actuation member (42) includes a protruding actuation portion (48), and wherein the protruding actuation portion (48) is disposed between the first leg (62) and the second leg (64).

15. A locking device (88a, 88b) comprising the apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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